Understanding Inclusions & Exclusions

Open declaration
What we state is in the composition, is in the bag. No hidden nasties.

Protein
Proteins are the building blocks of life and are made up of amino acids, in predefined chains that determine their roles within the body. Amino acids, which are produced by the breakdown of dietary proteins in the digestive tract, play a role in synthesis of proteins needed to build and repair organs and tissues, transport molecules, send messages from one organ to another (hormones) and help combat disease (antibodies). Good sources of proteins are from animal products (meat & fish) and some vegetable products. Some physiological conditions require more protein than others; for example growth, gestation, lactation or physical activity are demanding in terms of protein utilisation. Did you know that dogs use 30-35% of dietary protein to maintain skin and coat health?

Chicken, Lamb or Fish Meal
Chicken, lamb and fish meal is heat-dried, which means most of the moisture and some of the fat have been removed, leaving a concentrated source of valuable protein that is bacteriologically safe.

Joint Support
Within the grain-free recipes, there is a  joint care package, which provides nutrients to support joint health and mobility.

Herbs
Each bag of Autarky includes an herbal blend to enhance aroma, palatability and natural antioxidants.

Maize
Maize is a useful ingredient and certainly no filler! Contrary to popular belief, maize is very rarely associated with allergies in dogs. Maize is a good source of linoleic acid, vitamin E, Manganese, Vitamins B3, B5 and B6 Beta Carotene, along with many essential amino acids. It is a highly digestible source of carbohydrates.​

Natural Antioxidants
In the process of hard-work and training, an active dog’s metabolism creates excess free radicals, through the process of oxidation. Therefore, a blend of additional antioxidants is there to help ‘mop-up’ those free radicals and provide further support to your dog’s own physiological systems.

No Artificial Colours, Flavours or Preservatives
We protect all our recipes with a natural antioxidant package, which helps ensure that each bowl is as fresh as the day it was packed.

Carob Pod Meal
Carob Pod Meal contains many healthy nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium and protein. It provides dietary fibre, which helps the friendly bacteria in the gut along with polyphenols which are an antioxidant.​

Grain Free
It is important to understand that dogs are carnivorous-omnivores not true carnivores, so it is no surprise cereal grains can form a valuable proportion of a dog’s diet. However, for those dogs who have a sensitivity to grains, a grain free diet may be more appropriate.

Hypoallergenic
When the term is used it is with the intention of indication that the ingredients used with that dog food are thought to be less likely to cause a dietary reaction. It does not mean that the food is universally useful with all dogs with sensitivities, intolerances & allergies. It will depend upon what they have an issue with.

Wheat-gluten and soya free
All Autarky diets have been formulated to exclude wheat-gluten and soya. These two ingredients are perceived by some and reported by others to be one of the more common causes of allergies in dogs.