Ingredient Glossary
BETTER INGREDIENTS. BETTER FOOD. BETTER HEALTH.Click an ingredient name to learn more about it. Or, expand all ingredient descriptions on this page.
Sage
Sage is a culinary herb and a member of the genus Salvia. Sage is known for its pleasant aroma.
Salmon
Salmon is the common name for several species of fish of the family Salmonidae. Salmon is high in amino acids, easy to digest, and is a good option for pets with food sensitivities. Salmon contains an abundance of fatty acids to help nourish healthy skin and coat.
Salmon Broth
Salmon broth comes from cooking Salmon bones and/or muscles tissue with water. Salmon broth adds natural flavors and beneficial moisture.
Salmon Meal
Salmon meal is the clean, dried, ground tissue of undecomposed whole salmon or salmon cuttings. Salmon is easy to digest and contains an abundance of amino acids and fatty acids to help nourish healthy skin and coat.
Salmon Oil
Salmon oil is an excellent source of fatty acids for a healthy skin and coat. The source of the salmon from which this oil is derived is the pristine, unpolluted waters off the North Sea Coast of Norway.
Salt
Salt is a mineral complex of sodium and chloride. It is obtained by naturally mining salt deposits in the Earth’s crust. Sodium is essential to maintaining proper acid-base balance, cell function, and hydration. AAFCO has minimum sodium requirements for pet food to be compete and balanced. Nature’s Variety does not use salt as a preservative in our diets; we include it at optimized levels to meet proper nutrient standards.
Sea Salt
Sea salt in a natural mineral complex; it is source of sodium, chloride, and many other beneficial trace minerals. It is obtained by evaporating seawater. Sodium is essential to maintaining proper acid-base balance, cell function, and hydration. AAFCO has minimum sodium requirements for pet food to be compete and balanced. Nature’s Variety does not use salt as a preservative in our diets; we include it at optimized levels to meet proper nutrient standards.
Sodium Phosphate
Phosphorus is a component of DNA and RNA and an essential element for all living cells. Phosphorus can exist in combination with sodium or potassium in a salt form called “phosphate.”
Sodium Selenite
Sodium Selenite is an essential trace mineral and a major antioxidant nutrient. It provides dietary selenium which is involved with cellular reactions, pancreatic and thymic function, DNA repair, immunity and the detoxification of heavy metals. In combination with vitamins C and E, selenium is optimally absorbed and helps support the immune system. Corn is very high in selenium followed by fishmeal. Since Nature’s Variety does not use corn, sodium selenite serves as the dietary source.
Spinach
Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) is an annual flowering plant in the family of Amaranthaceae. Spinach is a rich source of a plethora of nutrients including calcium, iron, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, magnesium, folic acid, and several vital antioxidants.
Streptococcus thermophilus
Streptococcus thermophilus is a beneficial bacteria is used to ferment milk into yogurt. This species of bacteria ferments or breaks down lactose (milk sugar), causing yogurt to have a slightly tangy taste. Live yogurt cultures may have positive actions in the gut where they function as a probiotic. Nature’s Variety uses only US sourced, human edible yogurt cultures.
Sweet Potatoes
The sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) is a native plant whose large, starchy, sweet tasting tuberous roots are a nutrient rich root vegetable. In some parts of the US, sweet potatoes are often referred to as yams; botanically, however, they are not true yams (which are native to Africa) nor are they a true potato. Sweet potatoes are most closely related to the magnolias and morning glories. Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of antioxidants such as beta carotene, vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin E, as well as potassium, calcium, iron and other vitamins and minerals. Sweet potatoes are a good source of natural dietary fiber, and add a healthy, sweet taste to the food. Sweet potatoes are considered the most nutritious vegetable due to their high vitamin A and beta carotene content.


