With very few exceptions for veterinary reasons, all products are grain-free. Grains such as wheat, rice, or corn are dietary fibers that our dogs and cats can barely, if at all, digest. This is because their gastrointestinal tract is based on the ancestors of our four-legged companions, whose diet consisted mainly of animal proteins and the stomach contents of their prey. These stomach contents primarily contained fruits, vegetables, and herbs.

Grains can also trigger intolerances or allergies. For these reasons, we generally avoid using wheat, barley, and similar grains, and instead rely on a high proportion of fresh meat, combined with fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Rice flour is only used in a few Vetcare varieties.

We consistently avoid unnatural additives. Our high-quality food is produced without preservatives, flavorings, or artificial colors.

We refrain from using any animal bones and pay close attention to the quality and origin of our raw materials. Furthermore, all raw materials we use are food-grade and approved for human consumption.

No, neither soy nor soy oil is used in the production of our products.

No phosphorus is added to our feed. The phosphorus it contains is completely natural and comes exclusively from the raw materials used. For the animal to absorb calcium and phosphorus, the calcium content of the feed must be higher than the phosphorus content. To ensure this, we add calcium to our feed varieties. This guarantees that the calcium content in our feed is always higher than the phosphorus content.

Due to the natural phosphorus content in our food, the ratios and values ​​can vary. The values ​​of our wet food are within the following range:
Phosphorus: 0.15%–0.19%
Calcium: 0.20%–0.26%
Average ratio: approx. 1.14:1

The term "crude fiber" encompasses a larger group of diverse plant components, often also referred to as "dietary fiber." These fibrous plant components are generally difficult to digest and play important regulatory roles in the intestines of dogs and cats.

Fiber is classified as either soluble or insoluble. Soluble fiber acts primarily as a prebiotic, supporting the stability of the gut flora by serving as food for beneficial bacteria in the intestinal tract. It can be found in foods such as carrots, chicory, and peas.

Insoluble fiber is excreted undigested and binds water, thus contributing to softer stool consistency. It therefore counteracts constipation and stimulates bowel movements. Examples of foods containing this type of fiber include beet pulp and potatoes.

A higher crude fiber content in food ensures a longer feeling of satiety. This is particularly important for overweight dogs and cats.

The percentage of "crude ash" is listed on almost all dog and cat food packaging. This does not mean that the food contains ash or waste products. Instead, this percentage indicates the total amount of nutrients and minerals contained in the respective variety.

Crude ash is what remains after heating dog or cat food to several hundred degrees. The organic components, such as fat, protein, and carbohydrates, are burned, leaving only non-combustible substances. These include minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium, as well as trace elements such as iron, copper, and zinc.

Why is the crude ash content important?

1. Mineral supply: Crude ash indicates that the food contains minerals that are essential for dogs and cats. These minerals support, for example, metabolic processes and the development and maintenance of the skeleton.
2. Quality indicator: An excessively high crude ash content could indicate the use of inferior ingredients such as bone meal or low-quality animal by-products.
3. Balance: Dogs and cats need minerals in specific amounts. Too much or too little can lead to health problems (e.g., with the kidneys or bones). If you would like to determine your dog's or cat's exact mineral requirements, you can consult your veterinarian.

“Crude protein” refers to the proportion of total protein from animal and plant sources contained in dog or cat food. The word “crude” here means that the value takes no account of the digestibility or quality of the protein – it is a purely chemical measurement.

The crude protein content is calculated based on the nitrogen content of the feed. Since protein contains nitrogen, the total protein content can be derived from this nitrogen level.

Why is crude protein important?
1. Energy and building block supplier: Proteins are essential for building and repairing muscles, tissue, skin, and fur. They also provide energy.
2. Amino acids: Proteins consist of amino acids, some of which (such as lysine, methionine, and tryptophan) are essential. Dogs and cats cannot produce these themselves and must therefore obtain them through their diet.
3. Quality vs. quantity: A high crude protein content sounds good, but not all proteins are equally digestible. High-quality animal proteins (such as meat or fish) are much more easily digestible for dogs and cats than lower-quality protein sources such as feathers or plant proteins (e.g., soy).

Your pet's protein requirements depend on its age, size, and activity level.

Antioxidants are substances that help extend the shelf life of pet food and preserve the freshness of the fats and oils it contains. They prevent these fats from becoming rancid through oxidation, which not only affects the taste and smell of the food but could also be harmful to your dog or cat's health.

They are therefore an important component and protect sensitive vitamins and nutrients from premature degradation. At the same time, they prevent harmful substances from being formed through oxidation.

Purines are organic compounds found in many cells and foods. They are, for example, responsible for the formation of new cells and are found primarily in organ meats. They are components of proteins that are broken down into uric acid during metabolism.

If a dog's body is unable to properly process or eliminate excess purines, high purine levels can develop in the blood. This can lead to various health problems, including the formation of urinary stones, the development of gout, rheumatism, and heart or metabolic issues. You can find more information here .

Taurine is an essential amino acid and particularly important for cats, as it maintains vital bodily functions and cannot be produced by the cat itself. Taurine promotes the absorption of valuable fats from food, helps regulate body temperature, and supports the immune system.

FOS (fructo-oligosaccharides) and MOS (mannan-oligosaccharides) are prebiotic dietary fibers that support your pet's intestinal health and immune system.

FOS promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, improve digestion, and support a healthy gut flora. They can also reduce bloating and diarrhea.

MOS bind harmful bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella, allowing them to be excreted. They also stimulate the immune system, reduce the risk of infections, and promote a healthy gut flora.

Together, FOS and MOS help to strengthen your pet's digestion and immune system, which can be particularly beneficial for sensitive or susceptible animals.

The green-lipped mussel is a sea mussel with a greenish, shimmering edge on its shell (hence the name). It contains a variety of natural nutrients, including glycosamine and chondroitin. These two components play a key role in the health of joints and cartilage.

Glucosamine supports the formation of new cartilage tissue and promotes the production of synovial fluid.
Chondroitin protects existing cartilage, keeps it elastic, and has an anti-inflammatory effect.

These substances help to relieve joint pain, improve mobility, and slow down joint wear and tear – especially in older animals, large breeds, active animals, or those with joint diseases such as osteoarthritis. Preventive administration can also be beneficial for young animals.

Green-lipped mussel is therefore a natural support for joints and mobility, both preventively and in the case of existing problems – in dogs and cats alike.