The steam extrusion process takes a mixture of pre-cooked ingredients and presses this mixture through a die. At the same time, this mixture is expanded with steam and air. This gives the pet food a porous and crunchy texture. However, this extraction method causes the lipids (fats) to bind to the starch. This makes the lipid (fat) extraction difficult. Because of this, the steam extraction method also uses an acid hydrolysis pretreatment which is then followed by a solvent extraction.

Poultry by-products- Can consist of chicken carcesses including feet, necks, skin, intestines, undeveloped eggs and feathers (Feathers can be made edible by steam pressure cooking with sulfuric acid).

Meat by-products- Can consist of brains, lungs, bone, stomach, intestines or any part of any mammal including horses.

Fish by-products- Can include eyes, fins, intestines and head.

Grain by-products- Can include corn cobs, peanut hulls, straw, cottonseed, and soybeans.

The following chemical preservatives may be associated with dry skin, allergic reactions, dental disease, degenerative organ dysfunction and overall poor health:

BHA (Butylated hydroxytoluene)- Enhanced stomach and urinary carcinogenesis. Known to cause liver and kidney dysfunction. Has been linked to the depression of white blood cells and to the inhibition of the immune system.

BHT (Butylated hydroxyanisole)- Promoted urinary bladder carcinogenesis and possibly a promoter of thyroid carcinogenesis. Known to cause liver and kidney dysfunction. Has been linked to the depression of white blood cells and to the inhibition of the immune system.

Ethoxyquin (E)- A pesticide and poison. Can cause cancer. If mixed in the rendering facility without the pet food manufacturer knowing then it isn’t required to be listed. This chemical is listed and identified as hazardous with a rating of ‘3’ (on a scale of 1-6 with 6 being super toxic) by OSHA. This ‘E’ is not to be confused with ‘vitamin E’.

Propylene glycol- (closely related to anti-freeze) Causes the destruction of red blood cells.

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Flint River Ranch Independent Distributor #120643