The Flint River Ranch Difference
All formulas are made from the highest quality ingredients and do not contain meat or grain by-products, color additives or chemical preservatives (BHA, Ethoxyquin, or BHT). The food is naturally preserved with mixed Tocopherols and Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin E and C0. Some authorities indicate that Vitamin C is not required; however, we feel it is very important in supporting vitamin balance and to help handle daily stress and environmental pollution.
There are no breakfast food by-products, cottonseed, corn cobs, peanut hulls, wood fibers, citrus pulp, soy beans, fillers or other foreign materials such as weeds, straw or chaff in Flint River Ranch foods. Flint River Ranch foods have maintained the same consistent quality since first
formulated.
All questions about Flint River Ranch products, ingredients, assay analysis or Distributor policy and procedure must be in writing - mailed or faxed. We will respond to your questions as quickly as possible. We do not provide medical advice; this is left to your veterinarian who knows your animal.
A Note About Pet Food Labeling
Consumers are starting to question pronouncements from the "experts" and "testing labs" on pet food labeling. They have concerns that animal meat by-products may not actually provide a nourishing and balanced diet for pets. Such by-products can include diseased and contaminated slaughterhouse meats, feathers, intestines, hair, animal road kills, euthanized companion animals and dehydrated garbage, all rendered together and used in some pet foods. There are additional concerns about the harmful effects in the use of chemical additives.
The use of low quality by-products and chemical reservatives may be associated with dry skin, allergic reactions, dental disease, poor health and degenerative organ dysfunction.
Regardless of professional advice, it is up to each pet owner to read and understand pet food labels. Much of the widely advertised pet food contains by-products and the remains from the human garbage chain with harmful chemical additives.
Flint River Ranch Ingredients
Rice
A combination of brown and white rice. The white rice for digestibility and the brown for its added nutritional value. A Diet product that is 100% brown rice can be somewhat hard for some animals to digest.
Wheat
Wheat flour is a fine-ground whole wheat grain. A course ground whole wheat is also added for texture, along with a quality wheat berry.
Corn
Corn is an excellent gain; however, it is more difficult to digest - either by humans or dogs. Therefore, corn is not used as an ingredient in our dog food. The feline digestive system better utilizes corn and supplies important diet benefits to cats and kittens. Corn is included in the feline
formulas.
Organic Chicken
It is possible to put one organic chicken in 50 tons of food and legally say we use organic, range fed chicken. Some manufacturers take this option. While we purchase as much organic chicken as possible, we prefer to more correctly say we use human quality chicken that is hormone free. Like all of our ingredients, we pay a premium price of the very best available. Chicken meat provides essential amino and fatty
acids.
Lamb
The lamb in our pet food is range fed.
Lecithin
Lecithin protects cells from damage caused by oxidation. Lecithin is largely composed of the B vitamin choline - with linoleic acid and inositol.
Fish
Menhaden fish - a herring-like fish found along the North Atlantic coast of the United States - the flesh is an excellent source of menhaden oil for coat and skin. Fish is a prime source of a complete protein. It includes all the essential amino acids. It is rich in unsaturated fats Omega 3 fatty acids), Vitamins A, K and K, and also ontains iodine, calcium, phosphorus, iron, potassium copper and fluoride.
Source of Grains
We purchase grains from major commercial suppliers like General Mills, fully tested and retested when received. This testing insures the very best quality and reduces the possibility of toxic molds. (Grain is cheaper when purchased direct from the farm, however, the risk of toxic mold is greater.)
Minerals
Minerals are chelated (bonded with protein) which makes them easier to absorb into the animals' systems.
Meal
"Meal" means "reduced in size." The flesh is cooked, some water removed and reduced in size (ground) in order for a uniform mix of the meat, ground grains, vitamins and chelated minerals. There are no rendered by-products, feet, head, intestines, or other meat products not fit for human
consumption in Flint River Ranch products.
Copper and Iron
A deficiency of iron causes nutritional anemia. A small amount of copper will improve utilization of iron.
Proteins
Proteins are organic chemical compounds and a major component of the structure of all living organisms. Protein functions to build and repair body structure. A good pet food should contain highly digestible protein sources that provide the essential amino acids in adequate amounts. Digestible food protein from several sources is more desirable than protein from only one source.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates serve primarily as an energy source while giving bulk to the diet. Plant material is made up of a high
percentage of carbohydrates.
Fats
Fats are complex molecules that are broken down by the digestive system into smaller molecules known as fatty acids. Fat is a concentrated source of energy and works toward making hormones, skin and coat oils, membranes and parts of body cells.
Essential Fatty Acids
Linolenic Acid (Omega 3) and Linoleic Acid (Omega 6)
Cat Food
The Flint River Ranch cat food is extruded with the addition of a slight "baking" process to give it the crusty texture. Cat food is higher in price because there is more pure meat protein in cat food. Taurine level is not less than 0.1% - pH is below 6.4 - Magnesium is less than 0.095% - ash is less than 5.5% - all important to help prevent Feline urological Syndrome. We feel that providing distilled water or pure water in the cat's water dish is a must if you have a concern for your kitty.
Taurine
Taurine is an essential amino acid necessary for the proper development and ongoing health of the heart and eyes.
Cat Treats
While they provide important vitamins and chelated minerals, the feline treats are not formulated to be a complete and balanced meal. They include an organic compound of Iodine - Ethylane Diamine Dihydriodid. The thyroid gland stores and uses iodine for the pet's growth and development.
