The GA provides product information to regulators who review each label for compliance with nutrient requirements and voluntary label claims. It also provides information to consumers to help them find the levels of at least four nutrients: protein, fat, fiber and moisture. Additional nutrients must be included if a product label makes a claim that mentions a specific nutrient.

At Holistic Select we’re proud to have one of the longest and most completed Guaranteed Analyses in the industry. It clearly shows the high levels of healthy protein & carbohydrates, probiotics, enzymes, and healthy nutrients we guarantee to ensure your pet lives their best life.

It’s important to ensure the nutrients found in the ingredient list are on the Guaranteed Analysis because this ensure these essential nutrients can be found at the specified levels in finished pet food and survived the cooking process. If the nutrient is not on the guaranteed analysis the company cannot guarantee your pet is receiving the benefits of that high quality ingredient.

The foundation of a "rotational" feeding plan (switching proteins monthly) is to have the carbohydrate and fat levels be similar across all diets being fed. Therefore, the adult dog recipes would qualify for rotational feeding.

The most important aspect of protein inclusion is to ensure the amino acid profile is correct and at the correct levels. Holistic Select uses meat meals from high quality protein sources with high digestibility which offers the correct amino acid profile in the correct proportions.

The best way to transition onto a new food is to gradually introduce the food by mixing it with the old diet. This is particularly important when the new food is much tastier than the old, as is the case with Holistic Select. Mixing the food will allow the dog to acclimate to the new taste and not "gorge" or over–indulge on the new food because of its great taste. 

When food transition is not an option, there are 2 other ways to ensure a good transition:

• Feed multiple, smaller volume meals. This will decrease the likelihood of over–consumption and provide for a more consistent, firm stool. This is an especially good option for puppies and senior dogs.
• Add clean warm water to the food to help soften it.

In general, using multiple protein sources can provide an animal with multiple amino acid profiles found in each protein source. These various amino acids help build lean muscle mass and support many other essential functions. However, some animals may have allergies to certain proteins or have sensitive systems. In this case, we would recommend a single protein source as the basis of their diet. In Holistic Select we have both multiple protein recipes and single protein recipes – fulfilling various needs within our one line.

Holistic Select dry recipes have an expiration of 18 months from date of manufacture. Holistic Select canned recipes have an expiration of 3 years from date of manufacture. The longer date on cans is achieved because of the hermetic sealing process (a.k.a. air-tight vacuum packing).

Holistic Select believes in portion-controlled feeding using our recommended amounts on the back of each bag. However, we completely understand that some families prefer to "free feed" their dog based on their busy schedules or the dog's ability to pace themselves and not indulge. Ultimately, we support families that support animals! Although we see dogs get very excited over the flavor, there are some that may tend to be more cautious. We suggest adding a little warm water to the kibble. This helps to release the aroma of the food.

We chose to use only natural preservatives that come with benefits beyond preservation. Our combination of mixed tocopherols, Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid on our panels per AAFCO) and Vitamin E preserve the food but also provide additional antioxidants that scavenge free radicals and prevent cell damage.

Although we see dogs get very excited over the flavor, there are some that may tend to be more cautious. We suggest adding a little warm water to the kibble. This helps to release the aroma of the food.

For puppies specifically:

• Definitely add warm water to soften and release the aroma. When puppies are teething they may be shying away from their food.
• A puppy's tastes preference is sometimes determined by the diet fed to the mother. For example, if the mother was fed a lamb diet…the puppy may be inclined to prefer a lamb puppy food.

All of our products in the Holistic Select line are natural. We use no artificial colors or dyes of any kind. Colors and dyes are used to mask the natural colors and give a consistent color. As with many things in nature, there are subtle changes in ingredients based upon geography and seasonality. We try to maintain as much consistency as possible without the use of unnatural colorants.

We use only high quality sources of protein and fat which are inherently more digestible. Additionally, our optimized cooking process is converting more carbohydrates to bio-available energy. Thus, less unutilized solids are being passed to the colon as waste.

If the canned food is well covered or sealed from the surrounding environment, the food should last up to 3-4 days. It is advised to consume before this time. The storage conditions and general hygiene of the refrigerator, as well as how long the food has sit out exposed will have determining effects on the safe storage of the canned diets.

No, the lining of our cans is made of a food grade emulsion coating approved by the USDA and it serves as absolutely no health hazard. Feel free to store the remaining meal in the opened cans but please do cover it and refrigerate it.

Minimum and maximum claims for each nutrient are established by AAFCO. The only necessary claims a pet food must make are for: Crude (Protein, Fat, Fiber, and Moisture). While these are the only nutrients mandated by AAFCO to carry a min/max claims, ash may voluntarily be listed, but must be listed as a maximum guarantee. Any vitamins, minerals or live microorganisms (probiotics) may be labeled with a minimum guarantee.

• Protein is always a minimum claim
• Fat is always a minimum claim
• Fiber is always a maximum claim
• Moisture is always a maximum claims

Dogs are very capable of digesting well-cooked carbohydrates. The carbohydrates may be stored as fats if the diet is consumed beyond the dog's caloric needs. This is why it is very important to either strictly manage your dog's diet, or choose a diet that delivers a moderate calorie content (kcal/kg).

High levels of Calcium and Phosphorus interfere with the absorption of trace minerals like Zinc and Iron. Over time, this can lead to deficiencies and result in poor growth rates, skin lesions and many other health conditions.

With our full rainbow of fruits and vegetables we believe we have found the best blend of naturally delivered antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Consuming foods of many natural colors provides a wide range of natural antioxidant protection, as each color brings a unique antioxidant. This rainbow represents the most fruits and vegetables of any brand on the market.

We do use dried tomato pomace, specifically because it meets stringent microbiological specifications to be sure of its purity. As a result, it is one of the most expensive fibers available. It is worth it because it is not just an "empty fiber" and has a lot of nutritional benefits. Tomato pomace is rich in powerful antioxidants such as lycopene, and it has a high level of soluble fiber (which helps create excellent stools, gut health and a strong immune system).

No. The red in the tears is a result of porphyrin (a by-product of hemoglobin metabolism) being exposed to sunlight.

DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) is a natural Omega-3 fatty acid essential in the development of the brain, vision and nervous system of young mammals. Healthy brains are about 60 percent structural fat, and DHA is the most abundant fatty acid in the brain. Dietary DHA is critical for optimal neural development in puppies because DHA synthesis in the body is limited. Prior to weaning, puppies get DHA from their mothers. Mothers, both human and canine, transfer DHA from their body tissues to their offspring during pregnancy and lactation. After weaning, puppies can obtain DHA for continuing neural development through the diet in cold water fatty fish and fish meals.