Safe Quality Food (SQF) is a fully integrated food safety and quality management system designed specifically for the food sector. It includes safety and quality requirements for raw materials and ingredients as well as processed and prepared foods and beverages. It has been a culmination of over 14 years of development and is designed specifically for the food industry with application at all levels of the food supply chain.
As a maker of pet food, it is our way of saying that the product you are purchasing has been developed and manufactured under the most extensive conditions available, through full traceability and accountability.
It enables us to say that our food products have been produced, prepared and handled according to the highest possible standards.
The SQF certification provides an independent and external validation that a product, process or service complies with international, regulatory and other specified standard(s). It is aligned with HACCP, Codex Alimentarius, ISO 9000, and the National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods. It is also recognized by NSF International, and owned by the Food Marketing Institute (FMI).
The SQF program is all inclusive. An SQF Technical Council – made up of representatives from retail, wholesale, fresh food suppliers, manufacturing, training and auditing – monitors the program and provides feedback on changes and improvements.
Today’s consumers and retailers want to know that the food they buy is safe, no matter where it was grown, raised or processed. Numerous factors have amplified the need and desire for a consistent, credible, internationally accepted food and safety quality management system. We have an obligation to our customers and our brands. We will not use suppliers who may compromise the long developed trust our customers have in us.
We realized that the job of assuring food safety is very challenging, and the food industry must accept responsibility for safe food. SQF provides independent verification that product specifications and regulatory requirements have been met. It is a voluntary global standard that crosses country boundaries.
ProSeries Ingredients
High quality ingredients are key to a quality product. At ProSeries, we recognize the value of a quality product, as well as the need for superior inventory and ordering practices.Biotin: Also named Vitamin B7 or sometimes Vitamin H. This vitamin is vital to fatty acid formation. It is also plays a role in glycogenesis, which is the process that breaks down glycogen molecules to provide energy. It is one of 8 B Vitamins.
Brewers Rice: Brewers rice is the small or broken grains of whole rice that were separated from the grains destined for commercial sale. These rice grains are ½ to ¼ normal length and are usually used for brewing purposes, which is why they are given the name. This form of rice is not sold to consumers due to its small or broken appearance, not its quality.
Calcium Carbonate: Of all the minerals the body requires, calcium is needed the most abundantly. Calcium is a very important mineral and is one of the chief components of cardiac, skeletal and smooth muscle contraction. More notable is the role calcium plays in building strong bones and teeth. Calcium is also very important in blood clotting.
Calcium Iodate: A source of Iodine and is used by the thyroid gland. The main responsibility of the thyroid is to regulate metabolism and produce important hormones.
Calcium Pantothenate: A source of Pantothenic Acid, also known as Vitamin B5. It is an essential nutrient responsible for the synthesis and metabolism of protein, carbohydrates and fat. It is one of 8 B Vitamins.
Calcium Propionate: A natural preservative commonly used in food destined for human consumption. It is particularly effective against various species of mold.
Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols): Chicken fat has the highest linoleic acid content of all animal sourced oils and is regarded as being of a very high quality. Linoleic acid is an important Omega-6 fatty acid which improves skin and coat health. Chicken fat is naturally preserved with the various Vitamin E compounds named tocopherols.
Chicken Liver: The liver is almost like a storehouse for vitamins and minerals. It is the most nutritious organ meat in the animal body.
Chicken Meal: Chicken meal is the ground up muscle meat and skin of fresh chicken. There are no bones, organs, beaks, feet etc. included in chicken meal. Chicken has very high digestibility, contains high protein levels and is the source of many vitamins and minerals.
Choline Chloride: Choline is a building block for the neurotransmitters acetylcholine and dopamine in the brain. Choline also aids in the absorption on carnitine, which is a crucial amino acid in providing energy to the body.
Chondroitin Sulfate: Chondroitin works in combination with Glucosamine to provide the building blocks necessary to maintain healthy cartilage levels in the joints. Cartilage is highly compression resistant and provides cushioning in the joints on animals.
Cobalt Sulfate: Cobalt is an important part of Vitamin B12. It is responsible for governing the metabolism of all cells in the body, synthesizing DNA and producing energy. Vitamin B12 can also be used to produce folate (Vitamin B9).
Copper Lysine: A source of both copper and lysine (see l-Lysine Hydrochloride). Copper is required by all animals and plants. It has many functions in the bodies of pets. Copper is responsible for the connective tissue in joints, the creation of collagen, absorption of iron, creation of pigment in hair and production and maintenance of red blood cells (See Copper Sulfate).
Copper Sulfate: Copper is an essential mineral in all animals and plants. It is used in red blood cells to produce and repair hemoglobin. Hemoglobin carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. It is also a component of melanin, a pigment which colours the skin and coat of dogs and cats and also constructs connective tissues in the joints.
D-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate: Also known as Vitamin E Acetate, it is a natural form of vitamin E. See Vitamin E Supplements.
DiCalcium Phosphate: A source for both Calcium (see Calcium Carbonate) and Phosphorus. Phosphorous is used to build DNA and RNA molecules and also is a main part of a molecule called ATP, which is the fuel that all the cells in the body run on.
dl-Methionine: Methionine is one of the many essential amino acids needed by cats and dogs. It is the most limiting amino acid in dogs and second most limiting in cats. It is an intermediate step in the production of taurine, carnitine and many important complexes in cats and dogs. Methionine helps acidify urine and prevent urinary tract infection.
Dried Beet Pulp (sugar removed): Dried sugar beets are a source of insoluble fibre in petfood. This fibre pushes material through the digestive system, and is a prebiotic that feeds the micro flora (bacteria) in the digestive system.
Dried Blueberries: Blueberries provide many micronutrients including vitamin C, manganese, vitamin B6, fibre and vitamin K. Research has shown that compounds found in blueberries can stop cell growth of some forms of cancer.
Dried Brewers Yeast: This type of yeast is given its name because it is commonly cultivated for use in breweries. However, it is also frequently grown for supplementary purposes due to its high level of minerals, B vitamins and protein.
Dried Cranberries: Other than their antioxidant qualities, cranberries have been proven to lower the occurrence of urinary tract infections. It is said they also have anti-adhesion properties that stop some harmful bacteria from attaching and infecting the body. They are high in manganese and have respectable amounts of many other micronutrients.
Dried Fennel: Besides its nutritional benefits, fennel is known for its carminative characteristics. What this means is that fennel helps prevent the formation of gas in the intestinal tract, and there lowers the occurance of flatulance.
Dried Green Peas: The green pea is high is potassium, vitamin A and also contains protein. Pea is a great source of low-carbohydrate pea fibre which has proven to help maintain a healthy blood sugar level as well as protect against heart disease. This fibre helps push hair through a cats system, lowering the occurrence of hairballs in cats
Dried Rosemary: Rosemary has been associated with improving memory for hundreds of years. However, it is included in our petfood for its unique anti-oxidant content; carnosic and rosmarinic acid.
Dried Whole Eggs: Egg protein has the highest digestibility of all animal proteins. It contains all the essential amino acids required by dogs to survive and also contains over a dozen vitamins and minerals.
Dried Yeast: Yeast is high in B vitamins and enzymes. It is also thought to be a prebiotic, and provides nutrients for the bacteria of the gut.
Ferrous Sulfate: A valuable source of iron. Iron is the foundational molecule of the oxygen carrying pigment hemoglobin in red blood cells. Copper aids iron in the formation of this molecule. Lack of iron can lead to iron deficiency anemia.
Fish Meal (Herring & Anchovy): The two species of fish which provide the protein in our fish meal are herring and anchovy. These coldwater fish provide an excellent protein source as well as providing a completely natural source of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. All ProSeries products contain a substantial amount of fish, as well as chicken proteins.
Fish Oil (Herring): Atlantic herring is a small schooling fish found throughout the
Flaxseed: Ground flaxseed has many health benefits. It is the richest source of plant based omega-3 fatty acids. Fatty acids promote healthy skin and coat and have anti-inflammatory characteristics. Flax also provides many essential nutrients and minerals such as fibre, protein, vitamin E, folic acid, niacin, potassium, phosphorous and many more.
Folic acid: Also known as folate. It is an important source of Vitamin B9. Folate is used to repair and create cells in the body and also to synthesize DNA. It is an especially important vitamin during pregnancy and in the early years of an animal’s life. During these periods, cells reproduce very quickly and consume a large amount of vitamin B9. It is one of 8 B Vitamins.
Glucosamine Hydrochloride: Glucosamine works in combination with Chondroitin to provide the building blocks necessary to maintain healthy cartilage levels in the joints. Glucosamine derivatives are very important in the animal kingdom. They are used by many different animals to support and protect their body parts.
Ground Ginger: Ginger root is used as a traditional medication and a cooking spice around the world. The plant is believed to alleviate arthritis symptoms, aid in digestion and boost the immune system.
Ground Sage: Sage has been used as a holistic medicine for thousands of years. Its essential oils have been proven to be a mild antibiotic, antifungal agent and astringent. It is also used as a spice to add flavor to food.
Ground Whole Wheat: Whole wheat is a grain which is high in B vitamins, dietary fibre, vitamin E, magnesium and iron. Whole wheat is considered a “Health Food” because of its nutrient quality and carbohydrate level. For more information on grains and whole wheat.
Ground Yellow Corn: Ground yellow corn contains omega-6 fatty acids and provides a source of dietary fibre. Corn also contains protein and complex carbohydrates. For more information on corn and other grains.
Inactivated Yeast: The yeast used in petfood is not the same as the yeast used in baking. Yeast is added to provide B vitamins, protein and prebiotics in a pet’s diet.
Kelp Meal: Kelp is a large brown seaweed which contains many important nutrients. It is a great antioxidant, but is mostly added to pet foods as a source of iodine. Iodine is a chief component of thyroid health and hormone creation.
l-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate: A source of ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C. Healthy dogs and cats can produce sufficient Vitamin C in their bodies to meet daily requirements and it is not a required additive in pet foods. However, stressful situations consume more vitamin C than everyday activities. The addition of vitamin C to pet foods is a precautionary measure to address deficiencies that may occur in a stressed animal. It also has antioxidant properties.
l-Lysine Hydrochloride: l-Lysine is an amino acid which is an important part of proteins in the body. Proteins are much more than just the building blocks of muscle. Proteins are the messengers which give orders to all the cells in the body.
Malted Barley Flour: Malting is the term given to the process of submerging grains in water, allowing them to sprout, and then drying them rapidly. It is commonly used in the brewing industry. The reason for malting is to allow the growth of certain enzymes which helps in the digestion of grain starch’s into sugars.
Manganese Methionine: A source of both manganese (See manganese sulfate) and methionine.
Manganese Sulfate: Manganese allows the body to properly use proteins and carbohydrates. Many enzymes use manganese to help produce energy and fatty acids.
Mint Leaves: The oils extracted from mint leaves helps fight bad breath in both animals and humans.
Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex: Commonly known as Vitamin K. This vitamin controls blood coagulation and bone synthesis in the body. For more information on Menadione compounds.
Methionine: Methionine is an essential amino acid which is an intermediate in the formation of other important amino acids like taurine and carnitine.
Niacin Supplement: Niacin is also named Vitamin B3. It plays many important roles in the body. Lower cholesterol and the health of skin and nerves are associated with this vitamin. Like many other important B vitamins, it regulates the metabolism of fat, carbohydrates and protein on the cellular level. It is one of 8 B Vitamins.
Potassium Chloride: Potassium is important in regulating brain activity, muscle contraction and other neural activities. It also helps maintain the correct salt and water balance inside cells.
Pyridoxine Hydrochloride: It is a source of Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6). It helps form healthy red blood cells and balances calcium and phosphorous in the nervous system. It is one of 8 B Vitamins.
Riboflavin: Also referred to as Vitamin B2. It stimulates the metabolism of fats and proteins. It is one of 8 B Vitamins.
Safflower Oil: The Safflower is one of the first ever to plants be cultivated by humans. The oil is very high in monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid; oleic acid. This fatty acid is also found in other sources like olive oil and sunflower oil.
Salt: Salt is one of 4 important cationic electrolytes responsible for keeping the body properly hydrated. Excess and shortage of salt can be equally harmful. Salt is added to our pet food to maintain daily requirements, not for palatability.
Selenium Selenite: A source of selenium. See sodium selenite.
Sodium Selenite: Provides the micronutrient Selenium in an animal’s diet. It works in conjunction with Vitamin E to enhance its antioxidant capabilities. In addition, it plays a role in nerve, muscle and reproductive fitness.
Taurine: Is a non-essential amino acid produced in the livers of dogs, humans and other animals. Taurine is an essential amino in cats and must be supplied in their diet since it cannot be produced internally. Its’ roles include everything ranging from the prevention of certain diseases, to neural transmission. Taurine is also an antioxidant.
Thiamine Mononitrate: Also known as Vitamin B1. It is responsible for carbohydrate metabolism and neural function. It is one of 8 B Vitamins.
Tomato Pomace: Is the skin of tomatoes after they have been thoroughly washed. There are many benefits in using this ingredient. Tomato pomace is used in ProSeries catfood as a source of fibre, and a way to regulate urine pH to protect against urinary track problems. Lycopene is a top quality antioxidant and is also found in large quantities in tomato skin. Along with pea fibre, these two ingredients help your pet cat’s digestive system effectively deal with hairballs.
Vitamin A Supplement: Vitamin A is responsible for a wide variety of tasks throughout the body. Bone metabolism, vision, reproductive fitness, skin health, immune function and many more.
Vitamin B-12 Supplement: Vitamin B12 is the most structurally complex vitamin and is involved in the cellular metabolism of all cells, particularly fatty acid regulation and production. It also plays a role in the brain, the nervous system and the blood. It is one of 8 B Vitamins.
Vitamin D-3 Supplement: Vitamin D can be acquired through dietary means but is also produced by the body when exposed to sunlight. It is required in the intestines to absorb important minerals like calcium and phosphorous.
Vitamin E supplements: Vitamin E is a term given to 8 related tocopherols and tocotrienols. These molecules have strong antioxidant and preservative properties.
Whole Brown Rice: During processing, the tough husk around the rice grain is removed. In white rice, the endosperm surrounding the germ is also removed making the rice white. Rice which is not separated from the endosperm is referred to as Brown Rice and has a higher nutritional content. Brown rice retains all the vitamins and minerals white rice loses during processing. Brown rice is high in magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin B6, niacin and thiamin.
Whole Oats: Oats have the highest level of soluble fibre of all grains. They are an excellent carbohydrate source and also lower concentrations of LDL cholesterol. There are many studies which say oats protect the body from heart disease, as well as diabetes and cancer.
Yucca Schidigera Extract: Yucca Schidigera is a large plant native to the
Zinc Methionine: A source of both zinc (see Zinc Sulfate) and methionine. Methionine is an essential amino acid and is an intermediate step in the production of taurine, carnitine and many important complexes in cats and dogs.
Zinc Sulfate: A source of Zinc. It is an essential trace element which plays an important role in reproductive health, especially in males. Zinc is also used as a transmitter in the nervous system.