At pawTree, we choose our ingredients very carefully based on their nutritional value. We choose to use real named-meat proteins (like lamb, salmon, duck, turkey, etc.) as opposed to plant-based proteins (like soy or wheat). Soy and wheat are often used in the pet industry as inexpensive alternatives to real-meat protein, and to add bulk to pet foods. Unfortunately, soy is also known to wreak havoc with the endocrine system causing issues with thyroid function as well as contributing to serious gastric distress. Soy and wheat are also known to be common food allergens for pets.
We choose not to use corn, because it is an inexpensive, starchy carb that is not easily digestible. It's not as nutritious as the other ingredients we use, and it has a higher glycemic index. It is also reported to be a common food allergen, most likely due to the undetected contaminants within the grain (such as storage mites, droppings and carcasses).
Instead, we look for ingredients with certain attributes, for example, higher fiber, because fiber helps to support good digestive health, as well as provides our pets with long-lasting energy. That's why we use ingredients like brown rice, oats and barley.