Ingredient  Explanations

Potato – used as an alternative to grain, potatoes provide our animals with a great source of energy and are metabolized easily.  The potato’s used in FirstMate’s formulations are sourced from Idaho.  These are the same potatoes that are used for human consumption.

Herring Meal – Derived from the entire fish, FirstMate’s herring meal is over 92% digestible.  It is a great source of calcium, Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids.  Herring helps to promote a healthy heart, immune system, skin and coat.  Herring is an alternative protein source to chicken and can help in the prevention of allergies.  Herring is a middle swimming fish that gets eaten rather than eats on the food chain, thus it is free of harmful toxins such as mercury and can be eaten regularly.  FirstMate uses Wild Pacific Herring from sustainable fisheries.

Chicken Meal – from BC Canada it is a healthy digestible protein source.

Lamb Meal – this is the only major protein source used by FM that doesn’t come from Northern America.  It is derived from Australian Lamb, the safest and healthiest lamb in the world as recognized by governing bodies.

Whole Blueberries - are proven to improve eyesight and memory.  They are a great source of dietary fiber and antioxidants.  Antioxidants help create a healthy immune system.  Blueberries help to lower the pH of (or acidify) an animals urine. Blueberries also aid in the prevention of urinary tract infections as the blueberries contain substances which help to prevent bacteria from attaching to the lining of the urinary tract.

Chicken Fat – all diets need a source of fat to be complete.  FirstMate uses protein free chicken fat as it provides our animals with a safe and healthy fat source.  Food allergies are caused by a reaction with protein, this chicken fat will not exacerbate a chicken allergy.

Tomato Pomace - the residual left from the tomato after the processing of tomatoes for juice, soup, or ketchup. Tomato Pomace is a rich source of vitamin A and B and offers a nutritional source of dietary fiber to produce firm stools.

Beet Pulp – Beet pulp provides a source of fibre to the diet and aids in digestion. Beet pulp included in FirstMate diets has had the sugar removed.

Fish Oil – Fish oil is a rich source of unsaturated fatty acids, particularly Omega 3 type that are vital for the proper function of the immune system. Fish oil provides a glossy shine to the dog’s coat and aids in the prevention of eczema. The fish oil FirstMate uses is derived from the herring and Mackerel families of fishes.  This type of fish oil is higher in Omega 3 and 6 than salmon oil and is added after the cooking and drying process, at room temperature to maintain its beneficial qualities. Fish oil promotes a healthy heart, skin, and coat and can help to repair dry, flakey skin or damaged coat

Whole Chicken – Whole chicken is an excellent, highly digestible protein source rich in essential amino acids and energy required for muscle growth and tissue building.

Whole Brown Rice – is a good carbohydrate source, high in B vitamins.

Organic Spelt – is one of the oldest cultivated grains. Good source of carbohydrates.

Bee Pollen - provides essential amino acids.

Sardine oil - Cold-water fish, such as sardines, contain the highest amounts of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

Whole raw apples - low in Saturated Fat, Cholesterol and Sodium. It is also a good source of Dietary Fibre and Vitamin C

Whole steamed carrots - It is also a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Folate, Pantothenic Acid, Iron, Potassium and Copper, and a very good source of Dietary Fiber. They also provide a good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin K and Manganese.

Alfalfa sprouts - Are also a good source of Protein, Vitamin A, Niacin and Calcium, and a very good source of Dietary Fiber, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Folate, Pantothenic Acid, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Zinc, Copper and Manganese.

Dried kelp - Dried vegetables contain most of the essential vitamins and minerals as fresh vegetables.  Kelp is known for being rich in protein, calcium, iodine, magnesium, iron and folate. 

Whole cranberries - have been used as an aid for the prevention and treatment of urinary tract infections or Helicobacter pylori infections that can lead to stomach ulcers, or to prevent dental plaque. Cranberry has also been reported to have antioxidant and anticancer activity.  Cranberry may also help the prevention of UTI (urinary tract infection) by preventing bacteria from sticking to cells that line the bladder.

Organic flax – is high in omega-3 fatty acids, lignan, and soluble fiber.   Flax can help normalize cholesterol levels, aid digestion, and help prevent some cancers.

Avocado oil – is a rich source for the essential oils that promote a healthy skin and coat. The avocado has the highest vitamin E content of any fruit. It also contains lutein, which is a carotenoid. Lutein acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells against the damaging effects of free radicals. It benefits eyesight and reduces the risk of cancer and heart disease.

Rosemary –is an herb that is extremely high in iron, calcium, and Vitamin B6.   A study performed by the Burnham Institute for Medical Research shows that canosic acid, found in rosemary, shields the brain from free radicals, lowering the risk of strokes and neurodegenerative diseases.

Spirulina algae - is rich in raw protein and seven major vitamins: A1, B1, B2, B6, B12 (one of the best natural sources for B12), C and E. It naturally contains beta-carotene, color enhancing pigments, and whole range of minerals. In addition, Spirulina has a 62% amino acid content and contains all essential fatty acids and eight amino acids required for complete nutrition.

Pearled barley - Pearl barley refers to covered barley that has been processed to remove the tough inedible outer hull and then pearled or polished. 

Brewer's yeast - is a rich source of minerals (particularly chromium), protein, and the B-complex vitamins.  Chromium is an essential trace mineral that helps the body maintain normal blood sugar levels.

Dicalcium Phosphate – is a supplement, formulated to provide supplemental Calcium and Phosphorus .

Dl – Methionine - is an essential amino acid which must be supplied to the body through protein intake.  Helps to acidify urine.

Choline Chloride – is necessary for brain function, the synthesis of neurotransmitters, and for the building and maintenance of acetylcholine.  Is required for the transfer of fat from the liver.

Sorbic Acid – is a natural organic compound used as a food preservative. 

Vitamin C – Vitamin C promotes healthy teeth and gums and the helps in the absorption of iron and the maintenance of connective tissue and wound healing. It may also block the formation of cancer causing nitrosamines. Lack of vitamin C causes scurry, bleeding gums, degenerating muscles, wounds that won’t heal, loose teeth, brown, dry, and rough skin, loss of appetite, irritability and weight loss

Yucca Plant Extract – Helps to reduce stool odor.

Vitamin A – Vitamin A assists in the formation and maintenance of healthy skin, hair, vision, bone growth, teeth development and reproduction and mucous membranes. The absence of this vitamin can lead to night blindness and dryness of eyes; rough skin and infection of mucous membranes, impaired bone growth and tooth enamel.

Vitamin D - Vitamin D is essential for the growth and maintenance of teeth and bones and the absorption of calcium and phosphorus.

Vitamin E – Vitamin E helps in the formation of red blood cells, muscles and other tissues. It protects vitamin A and essential fatty acids and is an antioxidant.

Thiamin – is a water-soluble B vitamin, previously known as vitamin B1.  Thiamine plays an important role in helping the body metabolize carbohydrates and fat to produce energy. It is essential for normal growth and development and helps to maintain proper functioning of the heart and the nervous and digestive systems.

Riboflavin – also known as vitamin B2, is an easily absorbed micronutrient with a key role in maintaining health in animals.  Like the other B vitamins, it plays a key role in energy metabolism, and is required for the metabolism of fats, ketones, carbohydrates, and proteins.

Niacin – is a water-soluble vitamin, which is also known as nicotinic acid or vitamin B3.  Niacin helps to reduce the amount of cholesterol and certain fatty substances in your blood.

Pyridoxine – Also known as vitamin B6, it assists in the balancing of sodium and potassium as well as promoting red blood cell production. It is linked to cardiovascular health by decreasing the formation of homocysteine.

Vitamin B12 – Like the other B vitamins, it is important for metabolism and helps with red blood cell formation and maintenance of the central nervous system. Lack of B12 causes pernicious anemia, pale skin and mucous membranes, numbness and tingling in the fingers and toes, loss of balance and weakness and pain in arms and legs.

D-pantothenic Acid – It is also made by intestinal bacteria. It is essential for the metabolism of food and the synthesis of hormones and cholesterol. Lack of pantothenic acid can cause severe abdominal cramping, vomiting and fatigue.

Folic Acid – Folacin acts with B12 in the formation of hemoglobin of red blood cells. It is necessary for the synthesis of DNA and tissue and bone growth in cell production. Lack of folacin may cause megaloblastic anemia, enlarged blood cells, smooth tongue, and diarrhea.

D-biotin – It is also made by microorganisms in the intestinal tract. It is essential for the metabolism of proteins and carbohydrates and the synthesis of hormones and cholesterol.

Iron – Iron helps with the formation of hemoglobin in the blood and myoglobin in muscles, which supplies oxygen to cells and parts of several enzymes and proteins. Lack of iron causes anemia, fatigue, weakness, pallor, and shortness of breath.

Zinc – Zinc is a constituent of about 100 enzymes. Lack of zinc causes delayed wound healing, diminished taste sensation, loss of appetite.

Manganese – Manganese helps normal bone structure, reproduction, part of enzymes and the function of the nervous system

Copper – Copper also helps with the formation of red blood cells. Lack of copper can lead to violent vomiting and diarrhea.

Iodine – Iodine helps the thyroid to function and is essential in normal reproduction.

Cobalt – Has a central action in vitamin B 12 function.

Selenium – A trace mineral important in the manufacturing of an enzyme that protects the red blood cells and cell membranes. Also assists in supporting a healthy immune system function and neutralizes free radicals.

Glucanase –  are enzymes that break down glucans, which are important structural compounds found in the walls of plants and yeast.  It is added to FirstMate diets to aid with digestion.

Protease – is the digestive enzyme needed to digest protein.  During the digestion of proteins, hydrochloric acid and proteolytic enzymes break down the intact protein molecule into amino acids which are then absorbed through the intestinal wall. If proteins are not properly broken down before they are absorbed, various health consequences may occur.

Amylase – is the digestive enzyme needed to digest carbohydrates.  Carbohydrates in food are an important and immediate source of energy for the body.

Cellulase – is the digestive enzyme needed to breakdown cellulose.

Glucosamine – Glucosamine, a building block of cartilage tissue, can help maintain cartilage for healthy joints and mobility.