FAQ

Nutrition Questions:

  • Do your diets contain antioxidants?

    Yes! Antioxidants are a vital component to your dog's daily nutrition to fight off continual damage caused by free radicals. These free radicals are sources of stress, poor diet, pollution, UV light, pesticides, illness, and medications. Our super-antioxidant blend is a combination of hand-picked wild berries (wild blueberries and wild bilberries), Vitamins A, C (wild rosehips) & E¸ copper, manganese, and zinc. We utilize a Refractance Window Concentration and Dehydration Technology to ensure our antioxidants maintain their optimum levels.

  • What are prebiotics?

    Prebiotics are foods made of primary sugars that are not digested, but act to stimulate the growth of probiotic bacteria in the digestive tract. Chicory root is a form of prebiotic used in our diets and is also a source of special carbohydrates known as Fructo-oligo-saccharides (FOS.) FOS also aids in inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria and improve digestion and nutrient absorption.

  • What are probiotics?

    Probiotics are natural, live micro-flora enzymes and beneficial bacteria that aid in the digestion process, restore and create balance of normal gut functions, and allow for better absorption of nutrients. In our foods we use a combination of Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum, Enterococcus Faecium, Lactobacillus Casei, and Lactobacillus Acidophilus which is applied to the kibble as a final process due to its heat sensitivities. For our treats we use Bacillus Coagulans GBI-30 6086 as a probiotic as it is not heat sensitive. Brewer's yeast is an additional form of probiotic found in our diets and is also a source of a special carbohydrate known as Mannan-oligo-saccharides (MOS). MOS' prevent the development of harmful bacteria and work towards enhancing the body's immune system.

  • How are probiotics added to your diets?

    For our foods we use Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum, Enterococcus Faecium, Lactobacillus Casei, Lactobacillus Acidophilus as our probiotics. In production the kibble is extruded, dried and cooled, then is sprayed with a specialized fat (chicken fat for our poultry formula and salmon oil for the fish formula). Once the kibble is at room temperature the active probiotic ingredients are applied as a final process. The active ingredients are heat sensitive and must be applied at the very end so not to be destroyed in the production process. We add enough probiotics for 1 billion colony forming units (cfu) per 100g serving with a 20% built in buffer for loss.

    For our treats we use Bacillus Coagulans GBI-30 6086 as our probiotic. This type of probiotic is a spore-forming probiotic bacterium. The spore protects the genetic material within the cell from the heat and process of manufacturing, increases the shelf life, and is bile acid tolerant. Once in the intestinal tract the spores are able to germinate and produce new cells to help improve the immune system and support digestive health. The benefits of this probiotic strain include; providing benefits to both the small and large intestines, producing L+ lactic acid to replace non-beneficial bacteria, is non GMO, and is proven safe and effective through AAFCO approval.

  • How do I switch my dog's food?

    It is ideal for all ages of dogs to be switched over to a new food gradually, usually over a week, to slowly introduce the new food and prevent any intestinal upset. Doing an immediate switch to a new food can create food refusals, excess gas, vomiting and diarrhoea. If your dog has had previous sensitive stomach problems, is a finicky eater, or has allergies please extend the switch to your new food to a minimum of 14 days.

    • Use the following conversion chart with your recommended amounts to feed:

    • Day 1 - 3: Feed ¾ of the old food with ¼ new food.
    • Day 4 - 5: Feed ½ of the old food with ½ of the new food.
    • Day 5 - 6: Feed ¼ of the old food with ¾ of the new food.
    • By day 7 you should be 100% switched onto the new food.

  • What is a Kcal?

    A Kcal (kilocalorie), scientifically is a unit of heat equal to 1000 calories. In pet food nutrition and pet food labels the larger unit kcal is used interchangeably with calories.

  • How much food should I feed my dog?

    General feeding guidelines can be found on almost all bags of dog food, however these are just a guideline not the rule and are based upon a dogs daily energy requirements. Adjustments to the guidelines will need to be made depending on your dogs activity level, the current life stage (adolescent, adult, senior), current weight, breed, sex, and whether they have been spayed or neutered.

    The BCS, or body condition scoring system, is one of the best tools to determine your pet's weight. A healthy dog will be a BCS of 3, the ribs will be easily felt but not seen, the tail base will have a smooth contour with slight fat cover, when looking at a side view of your dog you will see an abdominal tuck, and when looking overhead there will be a well proportioned waist line.

  • What human foods are dangerous to my dog?

    There are a lot of human foods that dogs think smell and taste amazing, however they can cause serious sometimes even fatal consequences. If your pet has ingested any of the following items please contact your veterinarian right away.

    Foods that are toxic include: chocolate, onions, grapes/raisins, garlic, alcohol, tea or coffee, fruit pits, macadamia nuts, raw dough, mushrooms, and nutmeg.

    Foods that should be constantly monitored in the house due to causing potential blockage include: fruit/vegetable that contains pits or stones (peaches, plums, avocados, apricots, cherries ect.), chewing gum, and bones (they do not digest).

  • Is it ok for my dog and cat to eat the same food?

    No, dogs and cats are actually quite differently genetically. Dogs are semi-carnivorous where they can live happily and healthy on a full vegetarian diet with non meat protein sources. Cats are pure carnivores and survive with meat. Cats also require an additional essential amino acid to survive; taurine, that dogs do not need.

Feeding Guidelines Questions:

Weight of dog [LB (KG)] and daily ration of Zero G [CUPS]

  • How much Zero/G should I feed my dog?

    Use the table below to determine the amount of food your dogs needs per day based on body weight an activity level.

      Active Less Active Puppy
    10 (4.5) 1 2/3 1
    20 (9.1) 1 ½ 1 1 ½
    40 (18.2) 2 ¼ 1 ¾ 2 ¾
    60 (27.2) 3 1/3 2 ½ 3 ¾
    80 (36.3) 4 3 ¼ 4 ¾
    100 (45.4) 4 ½ 3 ¾ 5 ¾
    120 (54.5) 5 ½ 4 1/3 6 ¾
  • How do I transition my dog to Zero/G food?

    It is important to slowly transition your dog from his/her current diet. Gradually mix in the new food over a 7 day period, increasing the amount of Zero/G each day so that you are feeding 100% Zero/G by day 7.

Manufacturing Questions:

  • Where are your products manufactured?

    Darford has production and packaging facilities across North America.

    • - Darford corporate offices and our Naturals family of treats are baked in our production facility in Vernon, British Columbia, Canada.
    • - Our Mega Bones are produced in our facility in Blaine, Washington, USA.
    • -Our Holistic and Zero/G treats are baked in Edon, Ohio, USA.
    • - Zero/G Food For Dogs is produced in Minnesota, USA.
    • - All of our products are shipped from 3 distribution centers: Vernon, BC for Canada and X, for New Jersey and Minnesota, for California.

  • Why is there a color variation with the kibble from one bag to the next?

    All Darford products are natural and contain no added chemical preservatives or artificial colorings. Color variations happen from time to time based on the color of the natural raw ingredients (meats, fruits, and vegetables). Although we monitor incoming ingredients against acceptable color parameters, seasonal differences will affect the finished product.

  • How are your foods preserved?

    All of our foods and treats are preserved naturally and contain zero chemical additives like BTA, BHA, or ethoxyquin. We even go the added step of securing raw ingredients (including the fish we use) that have been naturally preserved. We use a natural form of preservative, mixed tocopherols, or Vitamin E.

Ingredients Questions:

  • Are your ingredients organic?

    We use certified organic fruits and vegetables in our diets. Our production facility is also certified organic so we are allowed to handle and produce organic ingredients and products.

  • What does "meal" mean in the ingredients?

    Meal simply refers to a protein source that has been fully cooked and all the water content, bacteria, and toxins have been removed leaving you with the purest protein source.

  • Do you have any ingredients purchased from China?

    No! We have ensured the safety in all of our ingredients. All our ingredient sourcing including; proteins, vitamins and minerals are done throughout Canada, the United States, and Europe.

  • What by-products do you use in your formulations?

    We do not use any by-products in any of our formulations. We use only whole muscle meat tissue in our treats and foods.

  • Do your diets contain peanut/nut ingredients?

    A few of our treats, namely our Naturals P'nut Butter and Assorted, specifically contain peanut butter as an ingredient.

    As a leading private label manufacturer for a number of the top North American brands, our treats are made on equipment that processes peanut/tree nut ingredients. If you or a family member have an allergy to nuts, please handle our Darford brand treats with care.

  • Why use buckwheat vs. potatoes in your food?

    Good grain-free recipes contain more meat-based proteins as well as easy-to-digest animal fats, and usually fewer carbohydrates too. Not only are grains like corn & wheat a frequent cause of canine allergies, they can also be more difficult for a dog to digest.

    Buckwheat is an easily digestible, low glycemic fruit seed - an excellent alternative to rice and gluten, and a fantastic source of insoluble fiber, which helps reduce the risk of obesity, cholesterol and diabetes. It is a great source of protein, has a high concentration of essential amino acids, and is rich in iron and magnesium, and full of antioxidants.

    While potatoes are an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, fiber and antioxidants, they are also among the top foods that dogs are allergic to. Buckwheat is a low allergenic alternative to potatoes, which removes the problem of allergies, yet still provides all the essential excellent nutrients your dog requires.

  • Why do you use brewer's yeast in your diets?

    Brewers yeast is a type of probiotic, is a good source of thiamine which is required for nervous system functions. It is also a mannan-oligo-saccharide (MOS), which helps to strengthen the immune system and prevent intestinal upset from harmful bacteria.

  • Why do you use kelp in your diets?

    Kelp is one of the most nutritious vitamin and mineral rich vegetables found in the sea. It has a large impact on helping to regulate and balance thyroid functions due to its iodine contents. Also, kelp aids in the digestion of food, increases energy levels, assists in controlling appetite and helps to produce a shiny, healthy coat.

  • Why do you use chicory root in your diets?

    Chicory root is a type of prebiotic and a source of Fructo-oligo-saccarides (FOS) or special carbohydrate. It acts to stimulate the growth of probiotic bacteria (good bacteria) in the digestive tract, inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria, and improves digestion and nutrient absorption.

  • Which pet food ingredients should I avoid when choosing a pet food?

    When looking at a product's ingredient label it is best to look for natural products. Things to avoid would include chemical preservatives (BHA, BHT, Ethoxyquin), added colors or flavourings, by-products (bones, beaks, feathers, organs), and added fats with no benefits (pork fat, and rich vegetable oils).

    Also, avoid foods that have a high crude fat rating or high calories as those foods can add on additional pounds quickly which can lead to potential problems including obesity, diabetes, breathing difficulties, and osteoarthritis.

    Best ingredients to look for are meat meals (chicken meal and/or salmon meal), whole grains, fruits and vegetables, quality fats (chicken fat and/or canola oil), natural preservatives (mixed tocopherols/Vitamin E), and a source of antioxidants (Vitamins A, C, E, berries, copper, manganese, zinc).

Darford Questions:

  • Where can I find more information on Darford?

    For more information on our company, products, or services please visit our website at www.darford.com

    We also invite you to join us on facebook to share your experiences, feedback or any further questions or concerns you have regarding pet food nutrition or Darford products.

    You can also join the Plus One Movement at www.ilovealldogs.org or facebook, and follow us as we try and make a difference for a dog in need.

  • What is the Plus One Movement?

    What if you could provide a meal to a dog in need with every purchase? Kinda' like, Buy for One, Care for Two.

    Here's how it works: buy any Darford packaged food or treats and we will donate a meal to a dog in need on your behalf. Visit the Redeem & Donate page and you can send a free meal to a dog rescue in your area. Join the Plus One Movement and together we can do this, one meal at a time.

  • Where can I purchase Darford products?

    Darford products can be found in many specialty retailers across Canada and the USA. A full directory can be found on our Retail Locator.

  • Is your product available in the US and overseas?

    Our products are currently available throughout North America and will be available throughout Europe in the near future. For a list of current retailers please visit our website at www.darford.com and click the Retail Locator link.

  • What if my pet doesn't like your food?

    At Darford we stand behind our products with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If for any reason you are dissatisfied with our product it can be returned to the point of purchase no questions asked. Depending on the stores return policies you may receive full credit back, a store credit or an exchange for an alternative product.

  • Why are your diets so expensive?

    At Darford we strive to use the highest quality human grade ingredients for all of our foods. These quality ingredients are what comes together to keep your dog happy and healthy, but most of all keep them loving their dinner and treats throughout the years.

    Another way to look at the immediate price is to break it down a little more by weight; it's surprising how a large breed dog can be fed for less than your favourite coffee each day!

    If an 11.5 kg box of Zero/G Chicken costs $69.99:

    • 1. A 15 lb terrier eats 1 cup of food a day = Cost $0.67 to feed per day and the box will last 112 days
    • 2. A 40 lb collie eats 2 cups of food a day = Cost $1.34 to feed per day and the box will last 56 days
    • 3. A 60 lb lab eats 3 cups of food a day = Cost $2.00 to feed per day and the box will last 37 days
    • 4. A 100 lb husky eats 4 cups of food a day = Cost $2.50 to feed per day and the box will last 28 days

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Your Pet's Health

Healthy checkups start with the right nutrition. At Darford, we provide only the best ingredients to support great lifelong health and deliciousness.

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Our dog K9 Lakota was hurt in an accident back on Oct. 3, 2012 answering a home invasion call. Him and my husband are a lucky to be alive. K9 Lakota s...
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Enter the redemption code found on the back of any Darford dog food or treats package and you can choose where to send a free meal to a dog rescue.

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Did you know that 4 million dogs are euthanized in North America each year simply due to lack of room or food? Find out how Plus One is helping our rescue partners to feed homeless dogs.

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