Animal Proteins
Low Ash Chicken Meal
Chicken meal is chicken meat with some accompanying bone that has been ground and concentrated after removing fat and water. The result is a highly concentrated, digestible source of protein, amino acids, essential fatty acids, calcium, and phosphorus.
Why we use it:
A concentrated animal protein source that provides essential amino acids and nutrients.
Salmon Meal
Our wild-caught salmon meal is a concentrated source of protein, essential fatty acids, and minerals. Salmon also provides omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and naturally occurring antioxidants such as astaxanthin.
Why we use it:
For concentrated animal protein and beneficial marine-derived fatty acids.
Menhaden Fish Meal
Menhaden is an ocean fish that provides concentrated protein, fat, essential fatty acids, and minerals.
Why we use it:
To provide highly digestible animal protein and marine-sourced omega fatty acids.
Alaskan Pollock
Our wild-caught Alaskan Pollock provides protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. It is sourced from a sustainably managed fishery and processed immediately after harvest to help preserve freshness and nutrients.
Why we use it:
For highly digestible fish protein and marine-derived nutrients.
Low Ash Herring Meal
Herring meal is a concentrated source of animal protein, fat, essential amino acids, and omega fatty acids. It also provides naturally occurring antioxidants.
Why we use it:
To provide concentrated fish protein and a unique fatty acid profile.
Catfish Meal
Catfish meal is a concentrated source of protein, fat, amino acids, minerals, and fatty acids.
Why we use it:
To contribute highly digestible animal protein and a complementary fatty acid profile.
Pork Meal
Pork meal is concentrated pork protein made by removing water and fat before grinding. It provides protein, amino acids, essential fatty acids, calcium, and phosphorus.
Why we use it:
As an alternative animal protein source and a concentrated source of essential amino acids.
Pork Blood Meal
Pork blood meal provides concentrated protein along with iron and other essential minerals.
Why we use it:
To supplement the overall protein and mineral profile of a formula.
Pork Protein Concentrate
A concentrated source of pork protein.
Why we use it:
To increase the contribution of animal-derived protein in the diet.
Dried Whole Eggs
Dried whole eggs provide highly digestible protein and essential fatty acids.
Why we use it:
For quality protein and nutrients that support healthy skin and coat.
Chicken Liver Meal / Hydrolyzed Chicken Liver
Chicken liver meal is used to enhance flavor. Hydrolyzing breaks the liver proteins down into smaller components, making amino acids more readily available.
Why we use it:
For palatability and concentrated, readily available amino acids.
Healthy Fats & Omega Fatty Acids
Chicken Fat
Chicken fat is used as a primary fat source because of its palatability and fatty acid profile. It is preserved with mixed tocopherols, naturally occurring forms of vitamin E.
Why we use it:
For concentrated energy, palatability, and its fatty acid profile.
Salmon Oil
Salmon oil provides essential omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and naturally occurring antioxidants such as astaxanthin.
Why we use it:
To provide beneficial marine-derived fatty acids that support healthy skin and coat.
Menhaden Fish Oil
Menhaden oil is naturally rich in EPA and DHA, two important omega-3 fatty acids.
Why we use it:
To provide concentrated marine-derived EPA and DHA.
Flaxseed Meal
Flaxseed meal provides fiber and a source of omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids.
Why we use it:
For fiber and plant-derived fatty acids that complement the overall fatty acid profile.
Algae Powder
Algae powder provides the omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA. It also offers a sustainable source of marine-derived omega-3s.
Why we use it:
To provide DHA and EPA, including support for cognitive health throughout life.
Digestive Health & Fiber
Psyllium Seed Husks
Psyllium is a fiber made from the outer husk of psyllium seeds. It absorbs water and helps add bulk to stool.
Why we use it:
To support healthy gastrointestinal function and regularity.
Beet Pulp
Beet pulp is a moderately fermentable source of soluble and insoluble fiber and also acts as a prebiotic.
Why we use it:
To support healthy digestion, the intestinal microbiome, and good stool quality.
Dried Chicory Root (Inulin)
Chicory root contains inulin, a prebiotic fiber that passes through the small intestine and can be utilized by beneficial bacteria in the large intestine.
Why we use it:
To provide prebiotic fiber that supports beneficial gut bacteria.
Rice Bran
Rice bran contains soluble and insoluble fiber along with vitamins and antioxidants.
Why we use it:
To support healthy gastrointestinal function and consistent stools.
Vegetable Pomace
Our vegetable blend is made from dehydrated solids from carrots, celery, beets, parsley, lettuce, watercress, and spinach.
Why we use it:
To provide naturally occurring vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Cellulose
Cellulose provides soluble and insoluble fiber.
Why we use it:
To contribute fiber and support healthy stool quality and gastrointestinal function.
Brewer’s Yeast
Brewer’s yeast contributes naturally occurring microorganisms and B-complex vitamins.
Why we use it:
To complement digestive support and provide B vitamins involved in normal cellular metabolism.
Porcine Plasma
Porcine plasma provides functional proteins, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. Research in dogs has associated dietary plasma with improved digestion and decreased fecal output.
Why we use it:
To support digestive health and the intestinal environment.
Probiotics
Probiotics provide beneficial microorganisms that support gastrointestinal health and digestion.
Why we use them:
To support a healthy balance of microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract.
Carbohydrates & Grains
Whole Oat Groats
Whole oat groats are whole, minimally processed oats with the inedible hull removed. They provide carbohydrates, fiber, and other nutrients.
Why we use them:
As a highly digestible carbohydrate source and for their contribution to fiber and nutritional balance.
Brown Rice
Brown rice provides digestible carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Why we use it:
As a digestible source of energy and nutritional balance.
Pearled Barley
Pearled barley is a highly digestible source of starch and carbohydrates.
Why we use it:
To provide digestible carbohydrates and the starch needed to produce kibble.
Wheat Germ
Wheat germ is the nutrient-rich part of the wheat kernel that would develop into the plant. It provides protein, fat, vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids.
Why we use it:
For its nutritional contribution, including vitamin E, folate, zinc, and other nutrients.
Field Peas
Field peas provide carbohydrates, protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Why we use them:
As a nutrient-dense carbohydrate and plant protein source.
White Potatoes
Dried potatoes provide carbohydrates along with nutrients including vitamin B6, copper, and vitamin C.
Why we use them:
As a carbohydrate source in grain-free formulas.
Tapioca
Tapioca starch is derived from cassava and has strong binding properties.
Why we use it:
To provide starch that helps create high-quality kibble, particularly in grain-free formulas with high levels of animal-derived protein.
Chickpeas
Chickpeas provide carbohydrates, protein, fiber, folate, iron, and phosphorus.
Why we use them:
As a nutrient-dense source of carbohydrates, protein, and fiber.
Vitamins & Minerals
OVN™ Vitamin Premix
Our formulas incorporate DSM Nutritional Products' OVN™ vitamin premix, specifically formulated for Dr. Tim’s.
It includes vitamins A, D3, E, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, niacin, pantothenic acid, folic acid, and biotin.
Why we use it:
To provide essential vitamins and support systems including skin, coat, and paw pad health.
Trace Minerals
Trace minerals include zinc, iron, manganese, copper, and selenium.
Why we use them:
To ensure important minerals are consistently available at appropriate levels in the finished diet.
Proteinated / Chelated Trace Minerals
Chelated minerals are bound to amino acids, helping protect them through the digestive process so they can reach the small intestine for absorption.
Why we use them:
To support the availability and absorption of important minerals such as zinc, copper, and manganese.
Dicalcium Phosphate
Dicalcium phosphate provides calcium and phosphorus.
Why we use it:
To support bones, teeth, muscles, and other normal physiological functions.
Calcium Carbonate
Calcium carbonate is a source of calcium.
Why we use it:
To provide calcium needed for bones, muscles, nerve signaling, blood clotting, and other normal functions.
Potassium Chloride
Potassium chloride provides potassium, an essential mineral involved in normal cellular, nervous system, and pH functions.
Why we use it:
To help maintain appropriate potassium levels in the finished diet.
Salt
Salt provides sodium and chloride, which are essential for normal cellular function and nerve signaling.
Why we use it:
To provide essential electrolytes.
Vitamin E / Mixed Tocopherols
Vitamin E functions as an antioxidant. Mixed tocopherols are also used to help preserve fats and prevent spoilage.
Why we use them:
For antioxidant support and natural preservation of fats.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C functions as an antioxidant and is involved in collagen synthesis and normal immune function.
Why we use it:
To provide antioxidant support and a stable source of vitamin C.
Functional Nutrients
Taurine
Taurine is an essential amino acid for cats and is important for normal nervous system, tissue, and digestive functions.
Why we use it:
To ensure appropriate taurine levels, particularly in feline diets.
L-Carnitine
L-carnitine is a naturally occurring amino acid involved in the metabolism of fat.
Why we use it:
To support normal fat metabolism.
Lysine
Lysine is an essential amino acid that must be supplied through the diet.
Why we use it:
To help provide the amino acids needed for normal tissue and muscle development.
DL-Methionine
DL-methionine is an amino acid supplement used to complement the amino acid profile of a diet.
Why we use it:
To support nutritional balance and functions including skin and coat health.
Choline Chloride
Choline is an essential nutrient involved in maintaining cell structure and normal cellular function.
Why we use it:
To help provide adequate choline in the finished diet.
Biotin
Biotin is a B vitamin involved in the metabolism of fatty acids and amino acids.
Why we use it:
To support normal nutrient metabolism and healthy skin and coat.
Dried Organic Kelp Meal
Kelp is a sea vegetable that provides minerals, amino acids, and vitamin K.
Why we use it:
To contribute marine-derived minerals and nutrients.
Yucca Schidigera Extract
Yucca is a plant ingredient containing vitamins, minerals, and other naturally occurring compounds.
Why we use it:
To support digestion and stool quality.
Dr. Tim's knowledge center
Food Chemistry 101
PROTEIN
There are four primary sources of protein in our foods: chicken, fish, pork and egg, as well as a secondary source, whole oat groats. Dr. Tim's Premium All Natural Pet Foods supply a quality mix of diverse proteins from air, sea and land sources.
What is protein? First, a little chemistry - think of protein as a compound and not a "food", like cheese or meat, at this point. Proteins are made when amino acids join together, like building blocks. All amino acids are naturally occurring, but some must be supplied by diet; amino acids supplied by diet are called essential amino acids. Whew! There are many different proteins in dogs' and cats' bodies and each have their own job, such as generating hair, cartilage and tendons, transporting oxygen in the blood, moving muscles, regulating metabolism (energy use), storing nutrients, and even producing hormones, to name a few. As you can see, proteins have a big job and in order for the correct proteins to be built, you have to supply the correct amino acids.
In comes chicken. It's a protein source that naturally provides each of the amino acid building blocks that are essential in this nutritional construction project. Low ash chicken meal is highly digestible and a proud addition to our food.
Why include fish? Fish offers an amino acid profile that balances out the other proteins. It is a great source of high quality protein and fatty acids.
Pork, pork meal, porcine plasma, pork protein concentrate, and pork blood meal? Yes, lots of pork. Pork is another protein source that helps balance out the overall amino acid building block profile in some of the diets we have.
I know what eggs are, but why include them? Eggs are the most balanced source of protein available, hands down. They are the benchmark against which all other protein sources are measured; they are the best source of high quality protein.
Whole oat groats are protein? Whole oat groats are a source of vegetable protein, which rounds out the protein profile in Dr. Tim's Premium All Natural Pet Foods.
FATS
The fats used in Dr. Tim's Premium All Natural Pet Foods are derived from low ash chicken meal, salmon meal and oil, menhaden meal and oil, herring meal, dried whole eggs, chicken liver and flaxseed meal.
Why so much fat in our formulas?
More chemistry: calories are energy, and energy comes from three sources: fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. Working, active dogs use a lot of energy.
Fat has a whopping nine calories per gram compared to protein and carbohydrates' tidy four calories per gram. Simply put, fat has more energy bang for its buck.
In a very elementary way, energy derived from fats leads to increased oxidation in muscle, which leads to a decrease in carbon dioxide in the muscle. Carbon dioxide makes a muscle feel fatigued; oxidation will aid in stamina.
It's better for the endurance athlete to burn fat because it's a concentrated energy source, and because our foods are very calorie-dense/high fat foods, your dog doesn't need to eat as much to ingest the proper amount of calories.
This decreases the chance of diarrhea from volume overload and decreases your need to buy a lot of dog food; the food is economical, and there's less to clean up in the dog yard!
What are Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids?
Remember essential amino acids? Some fats are 'essentials', too (recall that essential means it must be supplied by the diet); Omega 6 fatty acid, or Linoleic acid, is the essential fatty acid for canines.
Proper ratios of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids provide tremendous benefits such as reduced inflammatory injuries and your pet's skin, coat and kidneys rely on them as well.
Dr. Tim's uses low ash chicken meal, salmon meal and oil, menhaden meal and oil, herring meal, dried whole eggs, chicken liver and flax seed meal (the ground seed of the flax plant) to deliver all the balanced fatty acids.
Good tasting fat equals palatability, too, and that's why we've included a variety of fat sources.
Fats also aid in the transportation of certain vitamins; vitamins A, D, E and K hitch a ride on fat.
Why do we list eggs under fats, too?
Eggs are an excellent source of essential fatty acids.
CARBOHYDRATES
Dr. Tim's uses whole oat groats and rice as our primary carbohydrate sources in our grain-inclusive diets. In our grain-free diets, our primary carbohydrate sources are potatoes, tapioca, garbonzo beans and peas.
Why include carbohydrates in the diet if fat is the important energy source?
Although fats are a very concentrated energy source, carbohydrates are an important energy source, too.
Rice is a highly digestible, easily available energy source and whole oat groats are used because of their impact on regulating blood glucose.
Blood glucose is the primary energy source for many bodily functions, and there are less blood glucose fluctuations after a meal containing whole oat groats than with other carbohydrate sources.
Steady blood glucose levels are what we want, hence the whole oat groats and rice.
FIBER
Sources of fiber in Dr. Tim's Premium All Natural Pet Foods include dried beet pulp, dried chicory root, psyllium, flaxseed meal, whole oat groats, rice bran and rice.
What is fiber? Why is fiber good?
There are several ways to classify fiber. One way to distinguish fibers are by their soluble and insoluble properties. Soluble fiber dissolves, whereas insoluble fiber does not.
Because soluble fiber takes longer to make its way through the intestine, it permits water absorption and aids in controlling diarrhea. Insoluble fiber absorbs water also and makes for an easier to pass stool if constipation is an issue.
Fiber can also be classified as either non-fermentable or fermentable. As it's broken down in the intestine, fermentable fiber energizes the cells that line the intestine; non-fermentable fiber holds its shape and as a result helps move wastes along.
By the way - fermented fiber turns to carbon dioxide, volatile fatty acids and combustible gases. That's why we ride with the windows rolled down if there are dogs in the car.
Fiber keeps dogs regular and is essential for the prevention and control of diarrhea during stressful situations.
What is beet pulp?
Beet pulp is a moderately fermentable fiber and comes from sugar beets. After the sugar has been extracted from the sugar beet, the remaining material is beet pulp.
Beet pulp is an excellent source of fiber. It is also a prebiotic.
What is psyllium? How do psyllium husks work?
Psyllium is a plant, and its seeds are so tiny they are sometimes called "flea seeds". Surrounding these tiny seeds are the psyllium husks.
When the psyllium husk comes in contact with liquid in the intestinal tract, it swells up, absorbing waste material and water. As these psyllium sponges work their way south, they're picking up toxins, too.
The end result (no pun intended) is an easily passed stool. Psyllium, as it breaks down, feeds the good bacteria in your dog's colon, too! Hooray! It is also a prebiotic.
Flaxseed meal?
We include flaxseed meal primarily for the fatty acid contribution, but it's also a source of fiber.
Whole oat groats and rice are fiber, too?
They wear many hats. Whole oat groats and rice are also carbohydrates, and whole oat groats contribute protein, too.
What is Chicory Root Extract (Inulin)?
Chicory root extract is a fiber, but it also has prebiotic qualities that drive out bacterial pathogens, like E coli. It also aids in the reduction of gas, which is important to large-breed dogs.
PREBIOTICS AND PROBIOTICS
What are they? How do they work?
Prebiotics and probiotics are included in our food to maintain and/or restore a healthy digestive system in your pet.
Prebiotics, although carbohydrates, are not the starchy or sugary type of carbohydrates we typically think of; prebiotic carbohydrates occur naturally in many plants.
Although these carbs dodge digestion, the by-product (chemistry: short-chain fatty acids) from their partial fermentation provides vigor for cells lining the colon and favorable bacteria, and aside from aiding probiotic activity, they also help prevent the increase of undesirable bacteria and help do away with unwelcome pathogens.
Prebiotics are essential in situations where stress diarrhea is an issue. Dr. Tim's uses all natural chicory root, psyllium and beet pulp as proven prebiotics.
Bacteria, good and bad, live in the digestive tract, and a variety of circumstances can upset that balance of bacteria, such as antibiotic use, illness or stress.
If, when this happens, you are able to re-introduce good bacteria to the digestive tract, your dog is quickly on the way to feeling better, but where can we find good bacteria?
Shake hands with probiotics; probiotics are live cultures akin to what you'd find in yogurt. Good bacteria.
And to ensure the probiotics are well fed and excited, enter prebiotics; the job of the prebiotic is to nourish and stimulate the hustle and bustle of good bacteria in the colon.
Probiotics are cultures of live microorganisms (microbials) that flourish in the intestine and restore colonic health that may have been compromised due to antibiotic use or stress diarrhea.
Dried microbial fermentation products (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Enterococcus faicium and Bifidobacterium thermophilum) are the food's probiotic source.
Probiotics and prebiotics are a wonderful daily addition to your pet's diet as a protective measure.
WHAT ARE THOSE OTHER INGREDIENTS IN THE FOOD?
I can't even pronounce some of them; why would I feed them to my pets?
You mean the vitamins, minerals, chelated minerals, kelp, carnitine, antioxidants, and preservatives?
Brace yourself for a little more chemistry and a nice surprise about our preservatives.
Please keep in mind that although chemical names sound ominous, there's a reason: prefixes, suffixes, numerals and letters attached to a word or string of words all indicate at a glance how much, in what order and how a substance is "made".
And we're all familiar with some scary sounding chemicals, too, like chlorine - a green, poisonous gas.
But did you know that chlorine, when combined with a particular soft metal, would be something you'd eat every day?
Sure! It's table salt; NaCl. Sodium chloride. Go figure.
VITAMINS, MINERALS AND PRESERVATIVES
Bodies need vitamins and minerals to facilitate chemical reactions and absorb fats and carbohydrates.
VITAMINS
Vitamins are either water-soluble or fat-soluble; fat-soluble vitamins are stored in fatty tissue and excess water-soluble vitamins are excreted.
Fat-soluble vitamins include vitamins A, D, E and K. Your dog's tissue, eye, cell, blood and bone health and immune system will benefit from these vitamins, and even help ward off rickets!
Water-soluble vitamins are riboflavin, B12, B6 (pyridoxine) and B1 (thiamine).
The vitamins used in Dr. Tim's pet foods are supplied by the DSM Company as a pre-mixed ingredient called "OVN"; OVN (Optimal Vitamin Nutrition) is designed to support and maintain optimal skin, coat and paw pad health via high quality vitamins that are safe, bioavailable and stable through food manufacturing and storage.
OVN is a trademark of DSM Nutritional Products.
Here's a rundown of OVN's benefits:
Energy supply:
- Vitamin B1 is vital for releasing energy from starchy foods
- Vitamin B2, B6 and niacin help release energy from proteins and fat
- Vitamin B12 and folic acid are involved in the formation of red blood cells and therefore key to high performance
Build and repair:
- Vitamin C supports the metabolism in building and maintaining body structures like bones, tissues and blood cells
- Vitamin D, K and Biotin strengthen bone and skin structures
Defense and protection:
- Vitamin A, C and E are powerful antioxidants protecting organs and tissue from damage by free radicals
- Vitamin C is essential for a strong immune system
Regulation of activity:
- B-group vitamins and choline are of major importance for high metabolic activity (like running a marathon) and the synthesis of neurotransmitters
- A balanced vitamin nutrition contributes to weight control, high performance and physiological strength
PRESERVATIVES
Preservatives are required to prevent rancidity. Dr. Tim's Premium All Natural Pet Foods are extremely high-fat diets requiring a combination of preservatives to maintain freshness.
The preservative system in our foods is a special blend and application of mixed natural tocophorals and vitamins. There are no artificial preservatives used in our foods.
WHAT ARE TOCOPHORALS?
Tocophorals are antioxidants extracted from vegetable oils. There are four major types of tocophorals, and one common type is alpha tocophoral, generally referred to as vitamin E.
A unique mixture of tocophorals protects against rancidity in the food.
MINERALS
Dr. Tim's Premium All Natural Pet Foods include iron sulfate, zinc oxide, zinc amino acid chelate, manganous oxide, manganese amino acid chelate, copper amino acid chelate, copper sulfate, cobalt carbonate, ethylenediamine dihydriodide and sodium selenite.
By the way: zinc deficiency is a known problem in northern breed dogs; we use two sources of zinc (zinc oxide and zinc amino acid chelate) to combat this.
CHELATED MINERALS
Chelated means "of, relating to, or having a ring structure that usually contains a metal ion held by coordinating bonds". Huh? Minerals are not readily absorbed, if at all, in their natural state, so...remember amino acids back in the protein section?
When amino acids get together with minerals, they help reorganize the structure of the mineral and cloak it in an amino acid covering so it can be absorbed by the body. So now you know what chelated means, sort of, in case anybody asks you.
KELP MEAL
Kelp, a sea vegetable, keeps your dog's coat healthy and is loaded with amino acids, vitamins and minerals. We include kelp as a natural source of vitamin K.
YUCCA SCHIDIGERA
This is a flavor enhancer and may exhibit some anti-inflammatory effects within a dog. Plus, your dogs' feces will smell better.
CARNITINE
Found only in animal-based sources of protein, carnitine (a vitamin, of sorts) exploits fat to make energy rather than glycogen, which is an energy back-up stored in muscles.
Ninety-five percent of carnitine in dogs is squirreled away in muscles - most notably, cardiac muscles; serious exercise may decrease the carnitine supply normally stockpiled.
When this happens, glycogen is called to action, and glycogen use leads to lactic acid build-up and that leads to muscle fatigue and cramping. That's why we've included carnitine.
ANTIOXIDANTS
The chemical changes necessary in cells to provide energy also produce oxygen by-products, or free radicals. Free radicals are the natural by-products of cell change; smoke, radiation and other environmental factors can trigger cell change and the resulting free radicals, too.
What does this have to do with antioxidants? Well, free radicals have an unpaired electron, and if there's one thing an unpaired electron wants it's another electron.
Sometimes (worst case scenario) when free radicals find electron love the result can be rapid cell division; free radicals can also harass healthy cells, leading to damaged or dying cells. Not good.
Antioxidants round up or stabilize free radicals before they become home-wreckers. A better immune system, less allergies and decreased risk of infection have all been attributed to antioxidant use.
Vitamins A, C (ascorbic acid), B 12 and E are used as antioxidants in our food.
TRANSITION GUIDE
Starting Dr. Tim's Pet Food
Start slowly. Don't suddenly switch from your previous kibble to Dr. Tim's; use the method suggested in the feeding recommendations. Dr. Tim's formulas are very energy dense; consequently, when you've made the switch to 100% Dr. Tim's kibble you will be feeding up to 25% less kibble than you were with your old kibble.
Your dogs will definitely digest the food better if given in smaller quantities in several feedings. Less food equals better digestion with these higher fat foods!
Begin with 25% Dr. Tim's and 75% of your previous kibble.
Increase Dr. Tim's to 50% and reduce to 50% of your previous kibble.
Increase Dr. Tim's to 75% and reduce to 25% of your previous kibble.
Switch to 100% Dr. Tim's Dog Food!
