4Health Special Care Formula Review

Other Ingredients

The next ingredient in this formula is turkey. Per the AAFCO, turkey is defined as “the clean combination of flesh and skin with or without accompanying bone, derived from the parts or whole carcasses.” It is naturally rich in protein, riboflavin, essential amino acids, and phosphorus.

Salmon is another excellent source of protein and Omega-3 fatty acids for dogs. Plus, most dogs love the taste of salmon.

Next, we have pea fiber. Although very high in fiber, pea fiber is primarily insoluble fiber. If used in large amounts, pea fiber can have an adverse effect on digestion. This ingredient is considered to be a filler and thus has little to modest nutritional value to dogs.

Beet pulp is another controversial ingredient in this formula. Some consider this high-fiber by-product of sugar beet processing as a filler, while others say it is a great source of fermentable fiber that helps with digestion and colon health.

The 10th ingredient in this formula is pea protein, another ingredient widely considered to be a filler. It is high in protein, which must be taken into account when analyzing the protein content of this food.

There is an important issue to be considered here: ingredient splitting. This is the practice of manipulating ingredient weights so that it would appear as if real meat is the primary ingredient — when it might not be so.

If we were to combine all the pea ingredients together and report them as one, this combination would likely move up on the ingredient list in this formula.

Peas and other legumes have also become the primary suspects in a recent FDA investigation after several dogs eating grain-free diets developed canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).(2)

The 11th ingredient on this list is flaxseed. It is one of the best plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids, lignans, and fiber. Flaxseed is a popular dog food ingredient because its nutrient-rich profile can benefit dogs’ skin and coat.

There is some concern that flaxseed is not good for reproduction, but no dog-specific studies have been done.

Next is natural flavor, which is a natural flavoring additive. It can come from various plant or animal sources but does not contribute to nutrition.

Carrageenan is a common ingredient sourced from seaweed and used as a thickener in many canned/moist pet foods. Although carrageenan has been used as an additive in the food industry for many years, a 2013 report from the Cornucopia Institute provided evidence that it may be linked to serious illnesses.(3)

Pumpkin is a highly nutritious ingredient that can benefit your dog’s urinary health, digestive health, and weight management. In addition to its high fiber and anti-inflammatory properties, pumpkin also contains high amounts of cucurbitacin. This compound is toxic to intestinal parasites like worms.

The next ingredient is inulin, a dietary fiber that is characterized as a prebiotic. Prebiotic is the food source of probiotic, which helps maintain healthy gut microflora.

Potassium chloride is a naturally-occurring mineral that is often added to canned pet foods to increase gelling strength. It is also a source of potassium, which can help with pH balance and muscle functions.

Choline chloride is a source of the essential B vitamin choline. It is essential for liver function, proper brain development, nerve function, muscle movement, and other processes in your dog’s body.

Salt is a common additive in dog food as it is a necessary mineral for all animals.

This food also contains Yucca Schidigera extract, which can help reduce your dog’s stool odor. Yucca also has anti-inflammatory properties.

From here on, the list includes a number of other items, mainly additional vitamins and minerals.

Listed ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Potatoes, Chicken Liver, Fish, Turkey, Salmon, Pea Fiber, Beet Pulp, Pea Protein, Ground Flaxseed, Natural Flavor, Carrageenan, Pumpkin, Inulin, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Salt, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Zinc Proteinate, Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source of Ascorbic Acid), Iron Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Cobalt Proteinate, Niacin Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Potassium Iodide, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid.