Features
- Featuring alligator as the first ingredient and only animal protein, for a truly novel protein source
- ELISA and PCR performed on base ingredients and final diet to assure no cross-contamination
- Elevated omega-3 fatty acids from alligator, fish oil, and flax seeds
- Mixed fiber sources to support GI conditions
- Complete and balanced for all life stages (dry formula)
ST-O-ne GUARD formulated to manage urolithiasis1
Recommended For
Dermatologic
- Chronic Otitis Externa
- Cutaneous Adverse Food Reactions (CAFR)
- Eosinophilic Granulomatous Disease
- Chronic Non-Seasonal Pruritic Dermatitis
- Atopic Dermatitis
- Pruritic Dermatitis
- Diet-Responsive Chronic Enteropathy
- Intestinal Dysbiosis
Gastrointestinal
- Colitis
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- PROBLEM
Disease State Education
Food hypersensitivity (food allergy) is the term used to describe the clinical disease induced by food ingestion in which there is an immunological response.1
When a foreign antigen triggers an allergic reaction, the response is typically due to IgE-mediated type I hypersensitivity.2 An allergic reaction to food suggests a defect in tolerance and may involve components of the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), the mucosal barrier, and the systemic immune response. Food antigens, commonly proteins that survive cooking temperatures, stomach acid and digestive enzymes, are the components responsible for eliciting an allergic food reaction in hypersensitive pets. At initial exposure, the protein antigens are absorbed via specialized M cells or enterocytes. These antigens pass through the GALT to stimulate lymphocytes to produce antibodies that are specific for the allergen which migrate by way of the intestinal lymphatics to mesenteric lymph nodes, ultimately reaching the systemic circulation. These antibodies are released and attach to the surface of mast cells in different tissues throughout the body. Subsequent ingestion of the food antigen will bind to mast cell-bound IgE antibodies and directly provoke mast cell degranulation (Figure 1), releasing histamine and other chemical mediators.2, 3 Dogs and cats can experience a variety of dermatologic and gastrointestinal responses to food allergens depending on the tissue or organ in which these chemical mediators are released.4, 5
Common presenting complaints and clinical findings include pruritus, especially of the face and head, eosinophilic granuloma complex, miliary dermatitis, GI disease such as vomiting, diarrhea, and more subtle signs. Uncommonly, a food allergic patient may experience anaphylaxis, asthma, conjunctivitis, hypersalivation, and nasal discharge. Due to persistent exposure to the offending antigen, clinical signs are typically nonseasonal, but may be exasperated by concurrent atopic dermatitis.
Novel Proteins
Novel protein diets utilize intact proteins from sources to which the patient has not been previously exposed. Multiple clinical studies have demonstrated that feeding a novel intact protein source is a very effective approach for managing dietary hypersensitivities in both dogs and cats. In a 2001 study, 95% of dogs with confirmed dietary sensitivity were managed successfully with at least 1 of 3 commercially available selected limited-ingredient protein-source diets.1 A 2007 study showed that dogs with food-responsive IBD responded to an elimination diet of intact protein6 and in a 2010 retrospective study of cats, 100% responded to dietary change using a different intact protein with or without additional pharmacologic therapy.7
Although any molecule in the diet has the ability to induce a hypersensitivity reaction, proteins are more likely to cause such reactions than are other nutrients. All proteins contained in food are foreign to the body and, therefore, potentially allergenic. However, for non-food allergic animals, the ingestion of foreign antigens leads to a state of specific and active unresponsiveness referred to as oral tolerance8 (Figure 1). Patients with adverse food reactions must be carefully managed to minimize the potential for allergen exposure and triggering of immune responses. The most common food allergens are proteins with a molecular weight between 10 kDa and 70 kDa.9, 10 Smaller proteins are normally too little to elicit an immune reaction, while larger proteins cannot normally access the body across the GI mucosa. The most commonly identified food allergens in cats are listed below. Reactions to carbohydrate sources, such as corn, rice and potato, have been reported but appear to be much less common.11
Most Commonly Identified Food Allergens in Cats6
Beef
Dairy
Chicken
Wheat
Lamb
Corn
Pork
Fish
By utilizing alligator as a protein source, BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet™ NP Novel Protein–Alligator provides an ideal novel protein approach for nutritionally managing pets with adverse reactions to food. In addition to being a novel protein source, alligator is also high in protein, low in fat and an excellent source of linoleic acid and omega-3 fatty acids. Table 2 shows how alligator compares with other protein sources on a variety of key nutritional factors. BLUE NP is routinely ELISA and PCR tested to detect the presence of common protein contaminants, such as poultry, beef, egg, and soy.
| Key Nutritional Factor | Alligator (100 g) | Beef (100 g) | Duck (100 g) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protein (g) | 46 | 20 | 19 |
| Total Fat (g) | 4 | 12.7 | 28 |
| Saturated Fat (g) | 0 | 5.2 | 9.7 |
| Cholesterol (mg) | 0 | 75 | 84 |
| Meat, bone removed | Top Sirloin, raw | Duck breast with skin, bone |
Enhanced Digestibility
The use of highly digestible proteins has long been recommended for managing food allergies. Hydrolysis of a protein enhances digestive efficiency and studies show that BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet™ NP Novel Protein-Alligator is highly digestible and results in ideal stool quality.
Digestive Health
Although fiber can impact digestibility, the dry BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet™ NP Novel Protein–Alligator formulation is rich in fermentable fiber ingredients such as dried chicory root, pumpkin, and pea fiber. Individually and combined, these natural ingredients provide important and beneficial effects on the digestive system. Chicory root is a source of inulin, a prebiotic that helps promote digestive health by stimulating the normal, beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract. In addition to being great sources of fiber, pumpkin and pea fiber are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, that actively facilitate digestive health. Promoting digestive health along with the highly digestible formulation make BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet™ NP Novel Protein–Alligator a great choice for pets with dietary hypersensitivity.
- EVIDENCE
BLUE Clinical Data
- EVIDENCE
BLUE Clinical Data
- 1. Finished Product ELISA-TEK™ and PCR Antigen Testing
- 2. Nutrient Analysis And Digestibility
- 3. Determining Stool Quality
- 4. Urine Relative Supersaturation (RSS) Evaluation
- 5. AAFCO Feeding Trials16
Finished Product ELISA-TEK™ and PCR Antigen Testing
Purpose
Ensure that BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet™ NP Novel Protein-Alligator finishes product does not contain other common protein sources that might elicit an immune response.
Study Design
Samples of BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet™ NP Novel Protein–Alligator finished product from every production run are subjected to protein contaminant testing by commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, ELISA-TEKTM.15 This highly sensitive testing is designed to detect the presence of common food protein sources including beef, poultry, egg and soy. Test samples are also collected throughout the production run to verify each run prior to release and to validate the effectiveness of steps taken in the manufacturing process, such as equipment cleanout and burnout (a high-heat process to sterilize the equipment), before and after each manufacturing run.
PCR testing is performed in addition to ELISA to validate that NVD NP Alligator products are free of poultry contamination. ELISA testing may not be sensitive to detect molecular differences in poultry and alligator proteins. PCR, on the contrary, is capable of detecting and amplifying even microscopic pieces of poultry DNA.
Results12
Results confirm that BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet™ NP Novel Protein–Alligator meets our strict standards for evidence of contaminating proteins prior to release of the finished product and validates our cleanout procedures.
Nutrient Analysis And Digestibility
| Digestibility Values | Mean Protein | Mean Fat | Mean Caloric |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dog | 90.1 | 94.9 | 91.6 |
| Cat | 87.4 | 92.2 | 89.8 |
Purpose
Demonstrate that BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet™ NP Novel Protein–Alligator for Food Intolerance is highly digestible.
Study Design
Two groups of adult dogs (n=6 each for Canine Digestibility Studies 1 and 2) and 2 groups of adult cats (n=7 each for Feline Digestibility Studies 1 and 2) from a commercial research facility were enrolled in the studies. All animals selected were clinically healthy. Animals were individually fed the species-appropriate BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet™ NP Novel Protein–Alligator dry diet once daily as their sole source of nutrition for 10 days. Animals were maintained individually in standard, species-appropriate housing and managed consistently during the study, including providing access to activity/exercise. Food consumption was monitored daily and body weights were recorded on days 1 through 6 and on day 10. On the last day of the study, a fecal sample from each animal as well as a sample of BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet NP Novel Protein–Alligator diet was sent to a commercial laboratory for nutrient analysis. The results of these analyses were used to calculate digestibility values, including dry matter digestibility. Digestibility analysis was performed according to the recommended protocol for use in the determination of metabolizable energy of pet food as defined by AAFCO.17
Results18
Mean results from two studies in each species showed that BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet™ NP Novel Protein–Alligator dry is highly digestible.
Determining Stool Quality
Purpose
Multiple studies were conducted to show that feeding BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet™ NP Novel Protein–Alligator can result in ideal stool quality (fecal consistency) in healthy dogs and cats.
Study Design
Two groups of adult dogs and 2 groups of adult cats (n=10 each for Canine Stool Quality Studies 1 and 2 and for Feline Stool Quality Studies 1 and 2) were enrolled in the studies. All animals selected were clinically healthy. Animals were individually fed the species-appropriate BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet™ NP Novel Protein–Alligator diet once daily as their sole source of nutrition for 7 days. For cats, the diet was made available over a 4-hour period. Animals were maintained individually in standard, species-appropriate housing and managed consistently during the study, including providing access to activity/exercise. Food consumption was monitored daily and body weights were recorded prior to study initiation and on study days 1, 3 and 5. Stool quality observations were made at least twice daily and scores were recorded. The scoring scale ranged from 1 for diarrhea to 5 for hard, dry crumbly feces and was aided by photographs of examples. A stool score between 3 and 4 is considered to represent ideal fecal consistency for dogs and cats.
Results19
Overall, feeding BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet™ NP Novel Protein–Alligator dry and wet formulas in both dog and cat studies resulted primarily between moist, formed (score of 3) and well-formed, sticky (score of 3.5) stools, which are considered ideal fecal scores.
Urine Relative Supersaturation (RSS) Evaluation
Purpose
To show that feeding BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet™ NP Novel Protein Alligator food can result in clinically significant urine RSS values for struvite and calcium oxalate to limit the formation of struvite and calcium oxalate uroliths.
Study Design
Two RSS studies were conducted for each species (cats and dogs), with n=10 clinically health animals for each study. Animals were maintained in standard, species-appropriate housing and managed consistently during the study, including providing access to activity/exercise. The study protocols were reviewed and approved by the research facility’s institutional animal care and use committee. Animals were fed the species-appropriate BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet™ NP food for 23 days. An amount of food calculated to maintain body weight was offered once daily and available for 1 hour for dogs and for 20 hours for cats. On day 22, a 24-hour urine sample was collected from each animal, using a metabolism cage with a urine collection system for dogs and a specialized litter box for cats. From that sample, urine pH was measured via pH meter and 2 aliquots were frozen and shipped to the University of Tennessee for RSS analysis.21 Those aliquots included a 1-ml sample that was diluted with 1.5 ml 1N HCl, and a 10- to 15-ml sample placed in a sterile container. For the RSS analysis, urine sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, citrate, oxalate, ammonia, pH, creatinine, and uric acid were measured.
Results22
Feeding BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet™ NP dry dog food and dry and canned cat foods resulted in urine RSS values <1 for struvite and <10 for calcium oxalate. Feeding NP dog canned food resulted in urine RSS values <10 for calcium oxalate. These RSS values have been shown to dissolve and limit the formation of struvite and limit the formation of calcium oxalate uroliths.
AAFCO Feeding Trials16
Animal feeding tests using AAFCO procedures substantiate BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet™ NP Novel Protein-Alligator dry formulas provide complete and balanced nutrition for growth and maintenance in both dogs and cats, including growth of large breed puppies.
Nutritional Information
Animal feeding tests using AAFCO procedures substantiate BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet™ NP Novel Protein–Alligator kibble formula for cats provides complete and balanced nutrition for all life stages.
Nutritional Analysis
| Nutrient | As-Fed (Average) |
Dry Matter Basis (Average) |
Per 100 kcals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protein | 31.57% | 33.95% | 8.53 g |
| Crude Fat | 16.57% | 17.82% | 4.47 g |
| Carbohydrate (NFE) | 34.05% | 36.61% | 9.20 g |
| Crude Fiber | 2.04% | 2.19% | 0.55 g |
| Total Dietary Fiber | 4.34% | 4.67% | 1.17 g |
| Insoluble Fiber | 4.88% | 5.25% | 1.32 g |
| Soluble Fiber | 1.03% | 1.11% | 0.28 g |
| Ash | 8.19% | 8.81% | 2.21 g |
| Calcium | 1.61% | 1.73% | 0.43 g |
| Phosphorus | 1.01% | 1.09% | 0.27 g |
| Sodium | 0.37% | 0.40% | 0.10 g |
| Chloride | 0.92% | 0.99% | 0.25 g |
| Potassium | 0.69% | 0.74% | 0.19 g |
| Magnesium | 0.10% | 0.11% | 0.03 g |
| Iron | 318.62 mg/kg | 342.60 mg/kg | 8.60 mg |
| Copper | 21.23 mg/kg | 22.83 mg/kg | 0.57 mg |
| Manganese | 22.66 mg/kg | 24.37 mg/kg | 0.61 mg |
| Zinc | 127.85 mg/kg | 137.47 mg/kg | 3.45 mg |
| Iodine | 1.99 mg/kg | 2.14 mg/kg | 0.05 mg |
| Selenium | 0.46 mg/kg | 0.49 mg/kg | 0.01 mg |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 2.09% | 2.25% | 0.56 g |
| DHA | 0.34% | 0.37% | 0.09 g |
| EPA | 0.33% | 0.35% | 0.09 g |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids | 2.69% | 2.89% | 0.73 g |
| Linoleic Acid | 2.62% | 2.82% | 0.71 g |
| Arachidonic Acid | 0.05% | 0.05% | 0.01 g |
| Taurine | 0.40% | 0.43% | 0.11 g |
| Vitamin C | 200.32 mg/kg | 215.40 mg/kg | 5.41 mg |
| Vitamin E | 600.96 IU/kg | 646.19 IU/kg | 16.23 IU |
| Vitamin A | 24974.02 IU/kg | 26853.78 IU/kg | 674.43 IU |
| Vitamin D3 | 2410.47 IU/kg | 2591.90 IU/kg | 65.10 IU |
| Glucosamine | 166.77 mg/kg | 179.32 mg/kg | 4.50 mg |
| Chondroitin | 52.62 mg/kg | 56.58 mg/kg | 1.42 mg |
Metabolizable Energy
| kcal/cup | 414 |
| Grams/cup | 112 |
| kcal/kg (ME Calculated) | 3,703 |
| % ME from Protein | 30 |
| % ME from Fat | 38 |
| % ME from Carbohydrates | 32 |
Recommended Daily Feeding Chart for Kittens
| CUPS PER DAY* | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| WEIGHT IN LBS. | 5 to 19 weeks | 5 to 9 mos. | 9 to 12 mos. |
| 1 to 3 lbs. | ¼ - ½ | ⅛ - ½ | ⅛ - ¼ |
| 4 to 6 lbs. | ½ - 1 | ½ - ¾ | ¼ - ½ |
| 7 to 10 lbs. | 1 - 1 ¼ | ¾ - 1 | ½ - ¾ |
| Over 10 lbs. | + ¼ cup for each 2 lbs. over 10 lbs. of body weight. | ||
*Use standard 8-oz. measuring cup.
Recommended Daily Feeding Chart for Adults
| 5 to 9 lbs. | ¼ - ½ cup* |
| 10 to 14 lbs. | ½ - 1 cup* |
| Gestation & Lactation | Feed up to three times the adult daily feeding recommendations. |
*Use standard 8-oz. measuring cup.
Ingredients
Deboned Alligator, Alligator Meal, Pea Protein, Pea Starch, Peas, Tapioca Starch, Canola Oil (source of Omega 6 Fatty Acids), Flaxseed (source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids), Natural Flavor, Pea Fiber, Fish Oil (source of DHA–Docosahexaenoic Acid), DL-Methionine, Choline Chloride, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Potassium Sulfate, L-Threonine, Taurine, Pumpkin, Dried Kelp, Dried Chicory Root, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Calcium Sulfate, Calcium Carbonate, Vitamin E Supplement, preserved with Mixed Tocopherols, L-Tryptophan, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Niacin (Vitamin B3), Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Biotin (Vitamin B7), Vitamin A Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid (Vitamin B9), Dried Yeast, Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, Dried Aspergillus niger fermentation extract, Dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract, Dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation extract, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite, Oil of Rosemary.
BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet™ NP Novel Protein–Alligator canned formula for cats is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for adult maintenance.
Nutritional Analysis
| Nutrient | As-Fed (Average) |
Dry Matter Basis (Average) |
Per 100 kcals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protein | 9.90% | 38.52% | 7.56 g |
| Crude Fat | 10.30% | 40.08% | 7.86 g |
| Carbohydrate (NFE) | 2.50% | 9.73% | 1.91 g |
| Crude Fiber | 0.25% | 0.97% | 0.19 g |
| Total Dietary Fiber | 0.64% | 2.49% | 0.49 g |
| Insoluble Fiber | 0.60% | 2.33% | 0.46 g |
| Soluble Fiber | 0.04% | 0.14% | 0.03 g |
| Ash | 2.78% | 10.82% | 2.12 g |
| Calcium | 0.55% | 2.14% | 0.42 g |
| Phosphorus | 0.37% | 1.44% | 0.28 g |
| Sodium | 0.14% | 0.54% | 0.11 g |
| Chloride | 0.30% | 1.17% | 0.23 g |
| Potassium | 0.24% | 0.93% | 0.18 g |
| Magnesium | 0.02% | 0.09% | 0.02 g |
| Iron | 53.00 mg/kg | 206.23 mg/kg | 4.05 mg |
| Copper | 6.00 mg/kg | 23.35 mg/kg | 0.46 mg |
| Manganese | 10.40 mg/kg | 40.47 mg/kg | 0.79 mg |
| Zinc | 43.80 mg/kg | 170.43 mg/kg | 3.34 mg |
| Iodine | 1.03 mg/kg | 4.01 mg/kg | 0.08 mg |
| Selenium | 0.16 mg/kg | 0.62 mg/kg | 0.01 mg |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 0.32% | 1.25% | 0.24 g |
| DHA | 0.09% | 0.35% | 0.07 g |
| EPA | 0.08% | 0.31% | 0.06 g |
| EPA + DHA | 0.17% | 0.66% | 0.13 g |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids | 1.65% | 6.42% | 1.26 g |
| Linoleic Acid | 1.56% | 6.07% | 1.19 g |
| Arachidonic Acid | 0.06% | 0.23% | 0.04 g |
| Taurine | 0.15% | 0.58% | 0.11 g |
| Vitamin C | 35.00 mg/kg | 136.19 mg/kg | 2.67 mg |
| Vitamin E | 89.40 IU/kg | 347.86 IU/kg | 6.82 IU |
| Vitamin A | 3343.00 IU/kg | 13007.78 IU/kg | 255.19 IU |
| Vitamin D3 | 3282.00 IU/kg | 12770.43 IU/kg | 250.53 IU |
| Glucosamine | 554.00 mg/kg | 2155.64 mg/kg | 42.29 mg |
| Chondroitin | 1555.00 mg/kg | 603.11 mg/kg | 11.83 mg |
Metabolizable Energy
| kcal/5.5 oz. can | 204 |
| Grams/5.5 oz. can | 156 |
| kcal/kg (ME Calculated) | 1,310 |
| % ME from Protein | 26 |
| % ME from Fat | 67 |
| % ME from Carbohydrates | 7 |
Feeding Guidelines
| Feed ¾ - 1 can | For every 6 to 8 lbs. of body weight per day |
Refrigerate unused portion.
Ingredients
Alligator, Water, Potato Protein, Potatoes, Pea Protein, Natural Flavor, Pea Flour, Tricalcium Phosphate, Agar-Agar, Guar Gum, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Flaxseed (source of Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids), Magnesium Sulfate, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Vitamin E Supplement, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Sodium Selenite, Niacin Supplement (Vitamin B3), Menadione Sodium Bisulfate Complex (source of Vitamin K), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin (Vitamin B7), Potassium Iodide, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid (Vitamin B9).
References
- Leistra MHG, Markwell PJ, Wilemse T. Evaluation of selected-protein source diets for management of dogs with adverse reactions to foods. JAVMA, 2919(10):1411-1414, 2001.
- Scott, D.W., Miller, W.H., Griffin, C.E. Skin immune
- Walker WA. Pathophysiology of intestinal uptake and absorption of antigens in food allergy. Annals of Allergy 1987; 59: 7-16.
- Roudebush P, Guilford WG, Jackson HA. Adverse reactions to food. In Hand MS, Thatcher CD, Remillard RL, et al. (eds): Small Animal Clinical Nutrition, 5th ed, Topeka, Kan, 2010, Mark Morris Institute, p 609-635.
- Kennis RA. Use of atopic dogs to investigate adverse reactions to food. JAVMA 221(5):638-640, 2002.
- Allenspach, K. et al. Chronic enteropathies in dogs: Evaluation of risk factors for negative outcome. J Vet Intern Med 2007; 21: pp 700-208.
- Jergens, AE, et al. A clinical index for disease activity in cats with chronic enteropathy. J Vet Intern Med., 2010 Sep-Oct;24(5):1027-33.
- Janeway CA Jr, Travers P, Walport M, et al. Immunobiology: The Immune System in Health and Disease. 5th edition. New York: Garland Science; 2001. The mucosal immune system. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK27169/
- Mueller RS et al. Critically appraised topic on adverse food reactions of companion animals (2): common food allergen sources in dogs and cats. BMC Vet Res (2016) 12:9.
- Bryan J, Frank L. Food allergy in the cat: a diagnosis by elimination. J Fel Med Surg, 12:861-866, 2010.
- Gaschen FP, Merchant SR. Adverse food reactions in dogs and cats. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 41:361-379, 2011.
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. http://www.freshfromflorida.com/Consumer-Resources/Buy-Fresh-From-Florida/Florida-Alligator-Meat-Skins-and-Hides/About-Alligator accessed November 20, 2017.
- United States Department of Agriculture. https://ndb. nal.usda.gov/ndb/foods/show/4081 accessed November 20, 2017.
- United States Department of Agriculture. https://ndb. nal.usda.gov/ndb/foods/show/963 accessed November 20, 2017.
- ELISA-TEKTM Sigma-Aldrich® Elisa Technologies, Inc. Gainesville, FL, 2017.
- Blue Buffalo Co., Ltd., ELISA testing, data on file, 2017.
- AAFCO (2015) Official Publication of the Association of American Feed Control Officials Inc., Champaign, IL.
- Blue Buffalo Co., Ltd., Digestibility testing, data on file, 2017.
- Blue Buffalo Co., Ltd., Stool Quality testing, data on file, 2017-2018.
- Blue Buffalo Co., Ltd., Palatability testing, data on file, 2017.
- University of Tennessee Pharmacology Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine
- Blue Buffalo Co., Ltd., data on file, 2017-2020
