Flesh contains a high amount of protein, minerals and vitamins
– nutrients in their natural form, which best benefit the animals and, which they also like the most. At
Fitmin, we use beef, pork or chicken cuts. These are high-quality pieces of meat that are left over when large pieces are cut. We use the very same meat in our own kitchens to make goulash or soup.
Are you interested in
what’s in the bag?
Let’s look at what your pet’s dry food contains.
Fresh meat is not enough. How do you choose the right pet food?
Recently, grain-free pet food with a high content of fresh meat has been trending. But only meat is not everything. Above all, a ration of pet food must be nutritionally balanced. With quality pet food, each
ingredient has its own purpose. This is also the case for
plant-based ingredients, which are a source of fibre or carbohydrates – an instant energy source for the body. That is why, we, at Fitmin create our
recipes to cover all the needs of active and happy animals.
Fresh meat certainly belongs in a quality pet food. However, when choosing the correct pet food, it’s important to think about variety and balance as well. In return you will have healthy and satisfied pet.
Ing. Denisa Kopecká
Pet food nutritionist
What ingredients are in the bags?
Fresh meat
Pet food containing fresh meat is a modern trend in nutrition. At the same time, it is shrouded in many myths and ambiguities. We consider meat to be fresh only if it has not been processed by any production method.
So how does the meat make it into our dry food?
We grind raw pieces of meat and mix them with other ingredients. The resulting mixture is then extruded, creating tasty, easily digestible dry pet
food with a high content of nutrients.
Meat
Offal
Compared to flesh, the viscera have a different nutrient ratio. For example, liver contains high amounts of iron, which is important for immunity and growth, as well as vitamin A,
which acts as an antioxidant and is important for good eyesight. That is why the viscera are a vital part of our recipes. They make it into the dry food you see in stores
– whole, refrigerated and fresh.
Fish
Fish are not only tasty, but also full of quality proteins, vitamins A, B and D, and, especially, omega 3 fatty acids, which the animal cannot create on its own. They are vital for heart health and good blood pressure, as well as brain and heart function. It also contains iodine, which affects function of the thyroid gland.
At Fitmin, we use whole herrings and minced salmon to make our pet food. To keep their quality, the fish are frozen for the transport
Extrusion
Thanks to extrusion, we can use fresh meat that has not undergone any previous heat treatment. All pet food ingredients are minced first, so they mix well. Then comes the extrusion, when at a high pressure and temperatures of around 130°C, the dry food, which you already know from the bags, is formed. The whole process takes only a few tens of seconds and bacteria and microorganisms are removed from the raw ingredients, while still preventing a loss of nutrients and beneficial substances. At the same time, high pressure disrupts the structure of the plant cells, making the pet food more digestible.
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Other animal ingredients
Animal components play an irreplaceable role in cat and dog food. In addition to fresh meat, we also use other animal products in our production, which contain quality proteins, fats, minerals and vitamins. A sufficient balance of these is essential for the quality of the pet food. The right ratio of animal ingredients will ensure that your four-legged friends get everything their body needs for a happy and active life.
Dried meat
Dried meat (also known as dehydrated meat or meat meal) is meat with its water content extracted and minced so it can be easily added to the end product. It is an important source of proteins, phospholipids, vitamins A, D and
B, calcium, phosphorus, iron and other minerals. The nutrient content of the meat meal can be up to 4 times higher than in fresh meat. However, meat meal is always only as good as the raw ingredient it
is made from. Quality dried meat always lists the specific type of used meat – for example lamb, chicken or beef. It is also important to monitor the amount of minerals within the content of analytical components, which can be
found listed as ash. These should not exceed
9% – a higher content percentage might be a sign of a lower-quality meat meal.
At Fitmin, we only use single-type meat meals from verified sources. In addition, the quality of the meat meal is always checked in our lab.
Hydrolysed meat
Hydrolysed proteins are extremely valuable ingredients created by hydrolysis – a process during which complex proteins are broken down into smaller molecules that the organism can use more efficiently. Hydrolysed meat is very tasty and aromatic, which is why it is frequently used as an ingredient. It is used in the recipe as a rich source of animal proteins. It is one of the most valuable and expensive ingredients of the recipe.
Like dried meat, the hydrolysates we use at Fitmin only come from verified sources.
Eggs
Eggs are an extremely valuable ingredient because they are rich in proteins, fats, minerals and vitamins. Egg whites are a frequently discussed topic, as they should not be given to dogs in their raw form.
If you use dry food, you have one less thing to worry about
– during extrusion, eggs undergo heat treatment.
We use dried eggs, which ensures easy handling and accurate dosing of the ingredient.
Salmon oil
Salmon oil is a source of quality essential omega 3 fatty acids, necessary for the animal’s healthy growth and development. These acids have anti-inflammatory effects, strengthen the vascular system and brain activity, have a positive effect on reproduction and support immunity. The administration of salmon oil improves the quality of the coat and increases the focus and performance of the animal. In addition, it is also a fat that works as a source of energy in the pet food.
To further support the quality of the coat, you can also serve salmon oil in the form of a nutritional supplement.
Poultry fat
Poultry fat is an essential component of any pet food
– among other things, its importance is also due to its palatability. That’s why animals usually like light pet food with
reduced fat content less than pet food with more energy. Like humans, the food content for animals must also be balanced. Recipes for younger, active animals usually contain more fat than pet food for older animals.
In addition to quantity, the origin of the animal fats is also important – just stating “animal fat” is not enough. Producers of quality pet food usually state the type of the animal fat used, such as poultry or pork.
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Plant ingredients
In addition to fresh meat and other animal products, the base ingredients also include plant products. The plant products are included because various crops and herbs are part of the animals’ natural diet. That is why our pet food contains carefully selected plant products, which supplement the recipe with valuable nutrients. Thanks to extrusion, which disrupts the cell sheath with high temperatures and pressures, the plant ingredients in our dry food are easily digestible. Therefore, animals can use the maximum amount of nutrients contained in the dry food.
Grain-free pet food
The grain-free recipes contain other plant ingredients instead of grains. At Fitmin, we use peas and potatoes in our products.
Grain-free recipes are suitable for dogs suffering from food allergies or intolerances and, therefore, have issues with grains.
Due to the pea content, these pet foods usually have a lower glycaemic index, which helps prevent increasingly common obesity problems.
Peas
Peas are legumes that represent one of the two basic plant ingredients in Fitmin Purity grain-free pet food. They contain a large amount of fibre, which helps in regulating the intestinal microflora and regulates digestion. They are rich in minerals, vitamins and proteins. Due to the poorer digestibility of plant proteins, it is necessary to control the amount of peas in the product.
In Fitmin pet food, animal proteins are always predominant. You can easily verify that yourself – the composition of our products always includes information on the percentage of both animal and plant proteins.
Potatoes
Potatoes are a source of fibre, minerals and vitamins. At the same time, they also contain carbohydrates, a particularly good source of energy. The use of potatoes in our recipes has only been made possible due to technological progress – thanks to the extrusion we use to produce our dry food Fitmin, potatoes can be used effectively by the body and are easily digestible.
We use potatoes in the form of flakes in our recipes.
Pet food with grain
Despite the modern trend of grain-free recipes, classic food types are still important and supported by many. For dogs suffering from food allergies, a grain-free diet is necessary. On the other hand, for healthy dogs, the right proportion of grains are a great source of carbohydrates. Of course, meat remains an integral part of the dog’s diet, as well as an integral part of the Fitmin brand.
Unlike dogs, cats are strictly carnivores. Therefore, meat plays a major role in their food
– supplemented by
grain-free ingredients, such as peas or
potatoes, or highly digestible grains, and especially, rice.
Wheat
Wheat is used by Fitmin in its For Life premium line of products. In addition to its high palatability, it is also a source of minerals
– especially phosphorus. It contains vitamin E,
B-complex and unsaturated fatty acids. It is a source of the essential amino acids thiamine and niacin, which are not contained in meat. Wheat gluten protects the cells from free radicals. Above all,
however, wheat is also a ready source of energy.
We use sources of high-quality wheat exclusively for our pet food production. Prior to stocking, the ingredient is subject to strict quality standards and analyses.
Maize
Like wheat, maize is also a quality source of simple carbohydrates. You can find it in the Fitmin Nutrition Programme super-premium line of dog food. It contains linoleic and linolenic acids and it is a source of antioxidants, fibre and vitamins. Thanks to grinding and extrusion during the production process, the maize contained in our pet food is easily digestible.
Rice
Rice is usually the first choice for breeders whose animals suffer from digestive issues. It is easily digestible for both dogs and cats. You can find it in almost all product lines of Fitmin pet food, except for the Fitmin Cat Purity line. It contains B vitamins, vitamin E and D and minerals, such as calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, selenium and more. It is also a source of essential amino acids. In addition, whole grain rice is also an excellent source of fibre, which supports the intestinal microflora, regulates the digestion of carbohydrates and ensures the proper stool consistency. It helps prevent the formation of kidney stones.
The energy from rice is not as readily available, which makes rice a perfect complement to maize and wheat.
At Fitmin, we use both white rice and whole grain, paddy rice.
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Herbs and vitamins
In addition to basic animal and plant products, our recipes also contain fruits, vegetables and herbs, which variegate the recipe and, at the same time, supply the animals with substances that promote proper development and functioning.
Fruit & Veges
Fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of carbohydrates, fibre, vitamins and minerals. In addition, some fruits are rich in natural antioxidants, such as vitamin E.
We choose specific types of fruits and vegetables separately for each recipe – so they complement the overall recipe and the nutritional value of the food suitably. You can find the exact combination listed in the composition of each product.
Herbs
Selected Fitmin pet food contains the Herbs Vitality Complex, a harmoniously balanced mixture of herbs that supports digestion and detoxification of the body. It contains commonly available herbs
– nettle, dandelion, chamomile, linden, lemon balm and more. It also contains alfalfa, which is seen as a “superfood” due to its high vitamin and mineral content.
We use most of the herbs in dried form, similarly to herbal tea. Rosemary extract is an exception. It is a natural antioxidant in liquid form, which helps the body to fight free radicals and strengthens it.
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Functional ingredients
The lifestyle of today’s dogs and cats is quite different from their original one. We play sports with them, take part in exhibitions or they even help us at work – for example, as police, rescue or therapy dogs. This transformation goes hand in hand with different food requirements, as the food must provide not only comprehensive and well-balanced nutrition, but also prevention against the most common issues a cat or dog may suffer from. That is why our pet food also contains functional ingredients.
Joint nutrition
The Fitmin dog dry food also contain a joint nutritional supplement with glucosamine and chondroitin. You will find these ingredients, in particular, in dog food for large and giant dogs, as they often suffer from musculoskeletal issues. The supplement is added in a moderate dose and has a preventive effect. If your dog seems to have issues with movement, we recommend using a joint health supplement.
Prebiotics
Prebiotics serve to support the proper intestinal microflora. You will mostly find fructooligosaccharides in our pet food
– complex carbohydrates that serve as a source of energy for probiotic bacteria that
take care of intestinal processes. At the same time, the correct microflora also prevents the growth of unwanted bacteria, thus, preventing issues with diarrhoea and inflammation.
Probiotics are important for the quality of intestinal tissue and the body’s resistance to infections.
Psyllium
Psyllium is a traditional ingredient of Ayurvedic medicine. It is made from Indian plantain ground seeds. It contains the amount of fibre necessary for the digestive tract to properly function. Psyllium has a positive effect on regulating blood sugar levels, maintains the body’s equilibrium and helps prevent obesity.
We use dried psyllium.
Chlorella
We add chlorella to our pet food to strengthen the defences of the body. These freshwater algae have antioxidant properties for which they have been widely used to detoxify the body in both animals and humans. Chlorella supports digestive tract and liver function.
Chlorella cells are strong and difficult to digest without previous treatment. Therefore, we use the algae in ground and dried form
– with their effects enhanced further by
a
high-pressure extrusion.
Shiitake mushroom
We add shiitake mushroom to our pet food for its
anti-cancerous and detoxifying properties. It is an ideal ingredient for strengthening the activity of the immune system and for protecting the liver.
This exotic mushroom suppresses allergies symptoms and represents a rich source of vitamin D, iron and selenium.
We use dried shiitake mushrooms.
Brewer’s yeast
Brewer’s yeast is one of the best sources of B vitamins. These vitamins affect a plethora of areas – the skin, coat, mucous membranes, liver, or digestive and nervous system.
We use dried brewer’s yeast to produce our pet food.
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Fresh pet food from the foothills of the Eagle Mountains
We have
a common goal
The Fitmin brand was born out of our love for animals and our respect for nature. Although much has changed in the more than 20 years of the company’s existence, these values remain firmly rooted in every single one of us.
Work brings you joy when the customer and brand share a common goal: to provide our
four-legged friends with everything they need for a healthy and happy life. We are glad that we can contribute the most
important thing for pets – a quality and balanced pet food, which helps our pets enjoy every moment spent with us.
The large family of Fitmin
We produce our premium pet food on a farm in the village of Helvíkovice in the foothills of the Eagle Mountains. We remain in close contact with nature since we are surrounded by the animals that Fitmin breeds. Animals
represent an integral part of our large family. The healthy and strong puppies from the Fitmin breeding facility, the growing flock of sheep or the global success of our friends and partners from the ranks of top athletes
prove to us that our work fulfils its purpose. Still, the main motivation for us are the thousands of happy pets and their owners
– the customers and diners of Fitmin foods.
Now you know what’s in the bag.
All you have to do now is pick the right one.
Product lines of dry food for dogs
Product lines of dry food for cats
