FAQ

Nutrition Questions:

  • Do your treats 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. 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 treats?

    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.

  • What is a Kcal?

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

  • 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).

Manufacturing Questions:

  • Where are your products manufactured?
  • Darford has production and packaging facilities across North America.
  • - Darford corporate offices and our three treat lines - Zero/G, Holistics and Naturals, are baked in our production facility in Vernon, British Columbia, Canada.
  • - Our Mega Bones are produced in our facility in Blaine, Washington, USA.
  • - All of our products are shipped from three distribution centers: Vernon, BC for Canada and California and New Jersey for the US.


  • How are your treats preserved?

  • All of our 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 treats. 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. 

  • Do your treats 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 do you use brewer's yeast in your treats?

  • Brewer's 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 treats?

    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 treats?

    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.

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.

  • 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.

  • What if my pet doesn't like your treats?
  • 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.

 

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