Natural flavors are flavor ingredients that do not contain synthetic or artificial components.

In the Natura products that include "natural flavor" in the formula, the exact composition is proprietary. However, it is always made from high quality all natural ingredients, consistent with Natura's nutritional philosophy.

Sea salt is used in Natura's food to provide the essential nutrients sodium and chloride.

A source of sodium like sea salt is vitally essential to heart and kidney health. Chloride is very important for the nervous system to function properly. Alternative sources for sodium were explored by Natura nutritionists, but were rejected since a natural source like sea salt was preferred. In addition, other good sources of sodium like raw kelp were not used as they were found to have comparatively low levels of sodium compared to sea salt. Natura never used excessive levels of sodium to increase our food's palatability, but relies on the inherent wholesomeness of our ingredients to make foods dogs and cats love to eat.

A highly fermentable fiber, Inulin has not only become widely recognized as a superior soluble fiber source, it has also been clinically proven to increase calcium absorption. Derived from chicory roots, Inulin becomes a specific foodstuff for the bacteria found in the intestinal tract.

A tasteless white polysaccharide found especially dissolved in the sap of the roots and rhizomes of composite plants.

Green Tea Extract is approved for use in pet foods as a flavoring agent

Ascorbic acid is a white, crystalline, water-soluble vitamin, occurring naturally in citrus fruits, green vegetables, etc.

Ascorbic acid is a form of vitamin C, which is an antioxidant good for normal metabolism. Natura also uses the sodium ascorbate form of vitamin C for a preservative.

Taurine is an essential amino acid required by cats.

Meat and poultry are naturally high in taurine, so Natura foods contain high levels of this important nutrient. Taurine is also added to our cat foods to ensure cats get enough of this essential amino acid. Cats vs Dogs: While dogs can synthesize taurine in their systems, cats cannot and must have additional amounts added to their diet for proper health. Recent university research has suggested, however, that like cats, some breeds of dogs may benefit from Taurine in the diet. While California Natural has always contained ample Taurine from natural sources such as lamb meal, we have decided to supplement Taurine to ensure that all puppies receive full nutritional benefit from our products.

Beta Carotene is a carotenoid derived from plants that can serve as a precursor to vitamin A in the dog but not the cat. Beta Carotene also has antioxidant properties that can be beneficial to both dogs and cats.

Although several different carotenoids are capable of providing vitamin A, Beta Carotene is the most plentiful in foods and has the highest biological activity. Meat and poultry do not contain carotenoids but can provide active vitamin A when included in the diet. Milk, liver, egg yolk, and carrots contain high amounts of Beta Carotene. Both dogs and cats readily absorb Beta Carotene, and studies have shown this carotenoid may have a function in cell-mediated and body immune responses in these species.