D-Calcium Pantothenate is an organic form of Vitamin B5, or panthothenic acid. Pantothenic acid is a water-soluble vitamin essential in animal metabolism for releasing energy from carbohydrates, fats and protein. It also aids in the utilization of other vitamins and helps support the body's resistance to stress.

The dried, whole cells of marine algae from the genus Schizochytrium. Our Dried Algae is grown domestically in large tanks, harvested, dried, and mixed with a natural antioxidant. It is a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids, especially the long chain docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). DHA is classified as a conditionally essential fatty acid – levels above 0.10% have been shown through research to support optimal brain nourishment in growing puppies for a smarter, more trainable puppy. Using DHA from algae is sustainable and eco-friendly.

DL-Methionine is an essential amino acid, which is one of two sulfur-containing amino acids (cysteine being the other) that helps to build proteins. It is essential for all animals and also helps to naturally acidify foods. Nature’s Variety uses DL-Methionine to promote optimal pH in our feline diets.

The dried, whole cells of marine algae from the genus Schizochytrium. Our Dried Algae is grown domestically in large tanks, harvested, dried, and mixed with a natural antioxidant. It is a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids, especially the long chain docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). DHA is classified as a conditionally essential fatty acid – levels above 0.10% have been shown through research to support optimal brain nourishment in growing puppies for a smarter, more trainable puppy. Using DHA from algae is sustainable and eco-friendly.

This is a direct-fed microorganism (probiotic) that enhances digestive health. This particular species has gained widespread use in human food applications due to its unique ability to survive high temperatures and stomach acid. Studies conducted by the supplier of this probiotic have shown that this organism can populate the canine gut in high numbers, which is a key trademark of high quality beneficial bacteria.

Enterococcus faecium is a species of prokaryotic microorganisms (bacteria) in the order Lactobacillae. It is a commensal (non-pathogenic) bacteria that inhabits the intestines of mammals where it ferments fiber into beneficial end-products such as lactic acid. It is a beneficial bacteria that may help protect against the entrance and proliferation of "bad" organisms that can cause disease. Probiotics are defined as live prokaryotic or eukaryotic microorganisms, including Lactobacillus species, Bifidobacterium species and yeasts, which may improve the balance of the intestinal microflora in the host’s intestinal tract following ingestion. The intestinal microflora is important for maturation of the immune system, the development of normal intestinal morphology and in order to maintain a chronic and immunologically balanced inflammatory response. Probiotics also generate food for the cells lining the large intestine. Nature’s Variety adds probiotics only after the product has been cooked and cooled in order to retain viability; microorganisms are destroyed by heat.

Green tea is the unfermented, dried leaf of the Camellia sinensis plant which has been carefully harvested, dried, and ground. Green tea is prized throughout the world for its nutritive and healthpromoting phytonutrients, some with powerful antioxidant ability. A diet rich in antioxidants has been shown to protect the body from damages caused by free-radicals – cell damaging chemicals found in the environment and also found as natural by-products of metabolic events. These antioxidants, collectively known as polyphenols, include specific types called flavenoids and catechins. Instinct Limited Ingredient Diets (LID) are estimated to contain approximately 1000 ppm of pure green tea (~300 ppm polyphenols) and may help protect your pet’s cells from the harmful, disease-causing effects of free-radicals.

Lactobacillus acidophilus is the most commonly used species of probiotic, or "friendly" bacteria. Such beneficial bacteria protect against the entrance and proliferation of "bad" organisms that can cause disease. Probiotics are defined as live prokaryotic or eukaryotic microorganisms, including Lactobacillus species, Bifidobacterium species and yeasts, which may improve the balance of the intestinal microflora in the host’s intestinal tract following ingestion. The intestinal microflora is important for maturation of the immune system, the development of normal intestinal morphology and in order to maintain a chronic and immunologically balanced inflammatory response. Probiotics also generate food for the cells lining the large intestine. Nature’s Variety adds probiotics only after the product has been cooked and cooled in order to retain viability; microorganisms are destroyed by heat.

Duck is the clean combination of flesh and skin (with or without accompanying bone), that comes from the parts or whole carcasses of ducks. Duck is an alternative meat protein that helps to nourish your pet’s muscles and build strong bones. This unique protein can be a healthy solution for pets with allergies to more common proteins.

Often known as one of the best complete foods, duck eggs provide a complete amino acid profile including other essential nutrients necessary to ensure optimal health. Nature’s Variety includes a wide variety of eggs (in some cases including the shells) in our diets for natural calcium and to ensure a better and more complete nutrient profile.

Duck meal is the clean combination of the flesh and skin of duck with the moisture removed. Our high-quality duck meal is an excellent source of highly digestible protein and essential amino acids, which never contains added antibiotics or growth hormones. This unique protein can be a healthy solution for pets with allergies to common proteins. High quality, protein specific meals are simply a dried and more concentrated form of the meat, poultry or fish protein. It is important to make sure the meal is protein specific (Beef Meal, Lamb Meal), and not generic like Meat Meal or By-Product Meal which by definition can contain any species of animal. While duck is technically “poultry,” it is not the same species as chicken and should not trigger a true food allergy because each animal species has a unique genetic code and protein signature.