Frequently Asked Questions

We are proud to produce all of our Nature’s Select dry kibble foods in our Texas-based manufacturing facility. All Nature’s Select products are MADE IN THE USA and have USA sourced ingredients with the exception of our lamb and green mussels which are sourced from New Zealand. All of our formulas exceed AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) standards.

"USA Made" refers to our product being made here in the United States. "USA Safe" refers to the USA approval of processing for our New Zealand Lamb recipe which has lamb that is sourced from New Zealand. All Nature's Select Recipes are made in the great state of Texas! 

Our internal Nutrition Team works diligently with third-party nutritionists to formulate the diets, design new products, handle product registrations and ensure compliance with regulations. 

Nature’s Select was started by Paul and Diana Cavanaugh in Orange County, CA in 1994. They began with a simple idea… to deliver all-natural pet food to your door, using the freshest and finest ingredients at prices that fit your budget. What started as a small, family-owned business has grown to evolve over time to reach more pet lovers across the country and allow us to help as many pets as possible through quality pet food and personalized service! In 2012 Alan & Leslie Schrager started the Natures Select of Dayton and Southwestern Ohio distributorship. They have been serving Northern Ky, Cincinnati, Dayton area, up to and including the  Toledo area here in Western Ohio Since then.

Yes, we do. Our Vice President of Nutrition and Procurement is one of 12 nutritionists currently holding a Professional Animal Scientist certification in Companion Animal from the American Registry of Professional Animal Sciences (ARPAS). We also work with third-party nutritionists to validate our work, consult with us on research, and engage in open discussions about how to make sure our products continue to meet our high standards. We are highly rooted in science and continue to use the most proven, trusted ingredients available.

Read the label! High quality ingredients are essential for a healthy food. The first ingredient should always be a meat or fish protein. Whole meats, whole grains, and natural preservatives are key components of the healthiest pet food. Pay attention to the protein ratio. A pet food with 20-30% protein is ideal. The bag should also be dated for freshness. Every bag of Nature's Select pet food has a "best buy" date stamped onto the back of the bag. It is recommended that the bag is used before that date; however, the food is perfectly safe to feed to your pets after that date, it just loses some potency after that date. It's important to remember that a "best buy" date is not the same as an "expiration date".

All Nature's Select formulas are free from corn, wheat, soy, gluten, and any other processed grain by-products. We have NEVER been challenged on nutrition! At Nature's Select, we have kept our formulas current with the latest nutritional advancements to maintain a high level of nutrition. All Nature's Select formulas are formulated to meet or exceed the nutritional levels established by AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles.

Always read the label. Avoid inexpensive, less nutritional ingredients and fillers. Corn, wheat, soy, and animal by-products are fillers that lack the nutrition your pets need.

Meat by-products consist of organs and parts not desired for consumption. They can include bones, blood, intestines, lungs, heads, feet, and feathers. We think it’s important to use specific ingredients such as chicken meal or brown rice. That way, you always know exactly what you are getting. When brands use ingredients such as poultry by-products, the ingredients can change from bag to bag. You may get chicken in one bag and turkey in the next.

Changing ingredients suddenly can cause digestive upset. Most fillers can be linked to excessive waste, poor nutritional absorption, and skin problems like excessive scratching and hair loss.

Also make sure there are no chemical preservatives such as BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole), BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene), or ethoxyquin. These preservatives are potentially cancer-causing agents. The long-term buildups of these chemicals in your pet’s body have not been thoroughly studied and may ultimately be harmful.

When switching your pet to Nature’s Select food or from one Nature’s Select formula to another, we always recommend a gradual transition. Normal bacteria in the intestine help your pet digest food. A sudden change in diet can result in changes to the number and type of bacteria and their ability to digest food, which can lead to intestinal upset. Therefore, a gradual transition helps your pet’s digestive system adjust to a new food without causing loose stool or an upset tummy.

We recommend a transition over a period of 7-10 days. Start with a mixture of 25% new food and 75% old food for 2-3 days. Then switch to a 50/50 blend for another 2-3 days. If the transition is going well, move to 75% new food and 25% old food for another 2-3 days until you are 100% on the new food.

If at any time your dog starts to vomit, has loose stool, or appears constipated, slow the rate at which you are switching food.

In general, puppies need to have more scheduled feeding times per day than an adult dog. This is because a puppy’s body is in growth mode, and needs a constant supply of nutrients in order to be healthy. Most puppies will benefit from a diet that has their daily food portion divided into three feedings per day. New puppies, in general, do not eat a lot during their first few days in a new home. This is normal. Once they settle in they will start to eat again.

We have always been direct to consumer since we started our business in 2010 . You will not find our products in big box retailers, grocery stores, or big pet store chains. Why? Because our pet food is not made with harsh chemical preservatives, additives, or fillers, and in turn is not meant to sit on a shelf for months and months or in a warehouse for long periods of time. Our goal is to get our pet food from our manufacturer in Texas - where it is made fresh bi-monthly - to your door and in your pet's food bowl as fresh as possible! We have partnered with local, small mom & pop pet stores, pet groomers, doggie daycares, and pet hotels.

Answer to question

Answer to question

Although it is a quality ingredient, chicken is about 80% water. After cooking, most of that moisture is lost, reducing the meat content to just a fraction of its original weight. Ingredients on a pet food label are listed in descending order by weight. When you see chicken as the first ingredient in pet food, this is before it’s cooked. Once cooked, the percentage of chicken in the formula is much lower due to the loss of moisture. Chicken meal is considered a meat concentrate and contains nearly 300% more protein than fresh chicken. Chicken meal does not contain by-products such as beaks, feathers, or feet.

You can find our feeding instructions in two places. Our feeding instructions are located on the back of every bag of kibble as well as on our website where feeding guidelines for each of our formulas are listed. A feeding guideline is found on the back of all of our dog food bags. An example is shown below for reference.

Dog Weight & Active Dog Recommended Serving:

10lbs+ = 1/2 - 1 1/2 Cups
25lbs+ = 1 1/2 - 2 1/4 Cups
50lbs+ = 2 1/2 - 3 1/2 Cups
100lbs+ = 3 1/4 - 4 1/2 Cups
125lbs+ = 5 - 7 Cups

Let's keep in mind that this is the suggested feeding amount for an active adult dog. The serving size may increase or decrease a bit depending on your dog's physical activity and age. If you are looking to promote weight loss, go with the lesser recommended amount according to weight. If you are looking to increase weight, go with the greater recommended amount.

We are proud to produce all of our Nature’s Select dry kibble foods in our Texas-based manufacturing facility. All Nature’s Select products are MADE IN THE USA and have USA sourced ingredients with the exception of our lamb and green mussels which are sourced from New Zealand. All of our formulas exceed AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) standards. "USA Made" refers to our product being made here in the United States. "USA Safe" refers to the USA approval of processing for our New Zealand Lamb recipe which has lamb that is sourced from New Zealand. All Nature's Select Recipes are made in the great state of Texas!

Our internal Nutrition Team works diligently with third-party nutritionists to formulate the diets, design new products, handle product registrations and ensure compliance with

regulations.

Nature’s Select was started by Paul and Diana Cavanaugh in Orange County, CA in 1994. They began with a simple idea… to deliver all-natural pet food to your door, using the freshest and finest ingredients at prices that fit your budget. What started as a small, family-owned business has grown to evolve over time to reach more pet lovers across the country and allow us to help as many pets as possible through quality pet food and personalized service!

Our Nature's Select poly-bags are BPA Free and #7 classification for recycling; Most neighborhood areas are starting to accept these but it is dependent on where you live. Otherwise, these need to be recycled through a commercial composting facility. Our bag company is currently working on a new resin that will soon make our bags completely recyclable across the board. Most major shopping stores have recycle bins available for our poly-bags and are a certified drop-off area.

Food safety is our priority. Our ingredients are tested both internally and externally to ensure they meet our high standards of quality. We also extensively test our finished products to ensure the health and safety of the pets eating our products. We are proud to say that our Texas-based pet food manufacturer has earned the SQF Code for Manufacturing 8.0, the SQF Quality Code 8.0, and the FSC 36 Safe Feed/Safe Food in 2018. In addition, all our recipes are formulated to

meet AAFCO regulations. We constantly analyze both raw materials and finished diets to validate AAFCO standards.

Since our product is made fresh bi-monthly, we ensure a fresh bag upon every delivery. Our pet food has a shelf life of up to 1 year when kept in an air tight container or bag not exposed to direct moisture or heat. Our food never sits on our shelves for long. We get our shipments in appx.every 5 weeks. We use only natural preservatives which is why our shelf life is about 11-12 months based on delivery. Store bought food usually lasts up to 2 years because it contains chemical preservatives. We do not have any chemical preservatives in our Nature's Select Pet Food.

Yes. Our VP of Regulatory Affairs and Quality for Nature’s Select Pet Food is one of the leading food safety experts in the United States. He, along with everyone in our company, works hard to ensure the safety of our products every day.

Our Texas-based Manufacturer has earned the SQF Code for Manufacturing 8.0, the SQF Quality Code 8.0, and the FSC 36 Safe Feed/Safe Food in 2018. In addition, all our recipes are formulated to meet AAFCO regulations. We constantly analyze both raw materials and finished diets to validate AAFCO standards.

Nature's Select offers a wide range of dog
wellness products in Dayton, including our holistic dog food,
all-natural supplements for energy boost, joint support, and skin and coat
health, as well as probiotics and CBD products for digestive and anxiety
issues.

Yes, our dog supplements in Newportare available for delivery. We offer convenient delivery services to dog
homes in Dayton (Ohio), Florence, Villa Hills, Newport, and northern Kentucky.

We recommend our specialized dog
supplements for skin and coat health, our dog foods
that use high quality ingredients to achieve and relieve skin, coat and
digestive issues. Our supplements are crafted with all-natural ingredients to
help alleviate skin issues and promote a shiny, healthy coat.

Nature's Select dry pet food in Dayton
is beloved by working dogs, service dogs, police K-9s, and household pets alike
for over 30 years. Our dry pet food is made with high-quality, meat rich natural
ingredients that are delicious and convenient for busy dog parents. The long
shelf-life ensures freshness and reduces the need for frequent store trips.

Yes, Nature's Select offers a variety of high
protein dry dog food and healthy dry dog food options in Ohio.
We provide tailored recipes for puppies, adult dogs, and senior dogs, ensuring
each stage of life receives the essential nutrients needed. Our commitment to
quality guarantees your pet gets the best nutrition available, whether you shop
in-store or online.

Nature's Select provides a variety of canned
senior dog food in Ohio, specifically formulated to meet
the nutritional needs of older dogs. Our recipes are designed to support their
health, promote vitality, and ensure they stay comfortable in their golden
years and are viable solutions for all dogs also.

Nature's Select offers a range of canned
pet food in Dayton, including delicious flavors such as chicken,
beef, and lamb. These flavors add variety to your dog's diet and are crafted to
increase their protein intake, supporting their growth and overall health.

Adding Nature's Select healthy canned pet food
to your dog's diet in Dayton provides a delightful treat with real, meaty
textures and flavors that dogs love. Our canned food pairs well with our dry
dog food, offering a balanced and nutritious meal that supports your dog's
overall well-being.

Yes, Nature's Select offers edibites soft chews
made with all-natural ingredients. These tasty treats are perfect for behavior issues,
calming anxious dogs, and can complement your pup's diet, providing balanced
nutrition along with our quality dry food.

Nature's Select provides a wide selection of dog
chews in Fort Wright. Our treats are made with high-quality,
all-natural ingredients, ensuring your dog gets the best care and nutrition.
Browse our collection to find the perfect treat for your furry friend.

Absolutely! Nature's Select offers an extensive range
of dog chews in Newport.
Whether you're looking for something to keep your dog occupied or a quick,
delicious reward, our selection has something to satisfy every need. All our
treats are crafted with care to meet the highest standards of quality and nutrition.

Earth Rated Poop Bags
are extra thick and tough, making them ideal for pet owners. We offer an
unscented refill pack that includes 8 rolls of 15 bags each. These bags can be
used on their own or with our cute green dispenser, which features a convenient
carabiner for easy attachment.

Pet Releaf CBD-infused
Skin & Paw Releaf is
a natural topical balm containing hemp extract and calendula. It soothes
various skin issues such as bug bites, hotspots, skin allergies, dryness,
itchiness, and inflammation. This plant-based balm is safe for use on your
pet's skin, coat, pads, and nose.

Our bone-shaped poop bag holder comes with a convenient
carabiner for easy attachment to leashes, bags, or belts. It's designed to hold
Earth Rated Poop Bags, ensuring you always
have them handy during walks with your pet.

Pet Releaf Edibites Soft
Chews are specially formulated dog treats made with organic and
other natural ingredients. They are designed to alleviate stress, restlessness,
and anxiety in dogs, promoting calmness and relaxation. Additionally, these
chews support your dog's overall wellness, enhancing their immune system,
cardiovascular health, and nervous system.

Hemp oil for dogs in Pet Releaf Edibites Soft
Chews is generally safe and well-tolerated. However, as with any
new supplement, it's important to monitor your dog for any changes or adverse
reactions. Some dogs may experience mild digestive upset when first introduced
to hemp oil. If you have any concerns or if your dog has a pre-existing
condition, it's best to consult with your veterinarian before adding hemp oil to
their diet.