Here is more information on the product, in case it is useful to Dharlee (Deborah) and others:
In this 16.9% protein/14.5% fat/4.2% fiber 313 cal/Cup food . . . .
*The official AAFCO definition of “hydrolyzed poultry byproducts aggregate” includes “such parts as heads, feet, undeveloped eggs, intestines, feathers, and blood.” These may be “fermented” in manufacturing.
*Royal Canin uses exclusively hydrolyzed bird feathers for “hydrolyzed poultry byproducts.”
*The feathers RC uses are exclusively from chickens (as I noted above).
*Compliant with the AAFCO defintion or the term “hydrolyzed poultry byproducts aggregate,” Royal Canin sources from slaughtered birds, “clean and undecomposed.”
*Royal Canin does not source from any 4 D animals (dead, dying, diseased, disabled).
*The #1 ingredient is corn starch. Royal Canin does not discriminate in sourcing whether corn is GMO Round Up Ready. As corn is now over 92% GMO (U.S.) if it is not labelled non-GMO (such as Non-GMO Project Verified) or organic certified, it is most likely GMO Round Up Ready sourced.
*Coconut oil used is refined (for allergy purposes).
*The #4 ingredient is soybean oil. Royal Canin does not discriminate in sourcing whether the soybean oil is from GMO Round Up Ready soybeans. As more than 94% of soybeans are now GMO if not labelled non-GMO (such as Non-GMO Project Verified) or organic certified, it is most likely GMO Round Up Ready sourced. The soybean oil is refined (for allergy purposes)
*The fish oil (#13 ingredient) used is exclusively from wild caught anchovies.
*Royal Canin uses veterinary nutritionists, who are all located in France.
Source: phone call to Royal Canin
****At the time I called, information was not available how the oils were processed (i.e. via hexane solvent bath vs expeller extracted), how they were refined, and whether they were chemically deodorized or heat treated. I did not ask what RC uses for its “natural flavors” (#5 ingredient). I did not ask in this call further processing information, i.e. what temperature the food is cooked at or for how long, etc.
