Our Ingredients Explained

What if your dog’s bowl wasn’t just food, but a carefully composed recipe for a longer, healthier, happier life?

At Nala Health, our recipes are developed in close collaboration with experienced, forward-thinking animal nutritionists to support long-term health and well-being. Every ingredient earns its place for its proven nutritional value, and every recipe is designed to deliver real health benefits. Just like an orchestra, a beautiful symphony is not about one star performer. It is the collaboration that creates the whole. And a healthy diet is about how proteins, fats, carbohydrates, fibres, vitamins, minerals and functional nutrients work together in harmony to support your dog’s body.

Our food is made in Mossel Bay using mostly locally sourced ingredients. We gently steam-cook and bake our recipes at 116°C, and only add sensitive ingredients such as oils and probiotics after cooling, to preserve their nutritional value.

Below is a transparent breakdown of what goes into your dog’s food and why each ingredient is there.

High-Quality Proteins on the Ingredients List

Protein is not just about muscles. It is essential in a dog’s diet, because it is the building block of every cell, enzyme, hormone and tissue in your dog’s body. The right protein supports digestion, immunity, skin and coat health, organ function and long-term vitality. At the same time, certain protein sources are among the most common triggers of food sensitivities and inflammation in dogs.

That is why we use easy digestible sources to provide dogs with all 10 essential amino acids needed for a complete protein.

Insect Protein (Black Soldier Fly Larvae)

Our insect meal, made from black soldier fly larvae, is a highly digestible, hypoallergenic protein source that contains all 10 essential amino acids, as well as healthy fats, calcium, magnesium, zinc, fibre (chitin) and small amounts of glucosamine. This makes it an excellent option for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities.

Our larvae are sustainably sourced from an EU-certified farm and raised without hormones or antibiotics on a clean, plant-based diet of spent grains and surplus baked goods. This process upcycles food waste into a premium, nutrient-rich protein and supports a circular economy.

Pea Protein

Peas are a sustainable and good plant-based protein source for dogs when they are included as part of a well-balanced, high-quality diet. Alongside their protein content, peas also provide fibre and beneficial nutrients that support digestion and overall health, making them a valuable complementary ingredient rather than a primary protein source.

They are rich in vitamins A, B1, B6, C and K, as well as iron, zinc, potassium and magnesium. They support muscle development, bone health and digestion.

Smart Carbohydrates Add Clean, Steady Energy

Carbohydrates provide a steady source of energy, allowing protein to be used for muscle maintenance and repair rather than being burned as fuel. Complex carbohydrates take it a step further and provide stable energy, support gut health and help regulate blood sugar levels without spikes or crashes.

We use carefully selected, low-glycaemic, gluten-free ancient grains that nourish the body and support long-term metabolic health.

Sorghum

This ancient, gluten-free grain is rich in antioxidants, B vitamins, iron, zinc, ALA omega-3, omega-6, fibre, and protein. Its low to moderate glycaemic index helps maintain stable blood sugar levels throughout the day.

Sorghum is also a sustainable crop, requiring significantly less water than many other grains and thriving in dry climates.

Oats

Oats are included in our Senior and Weight Management formula, and are rich in beta-glucan, a soluble fibre that feeds beneficial gut bacteria. This helps strengthen the gut lining, supports stable digestion and helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Oats also provide B vitamins, iron and zinc, supporting skin and coat health.

Legumes For Satiety, Digestion and Metabolic Balance

Legumes and plant-based nutrients play an important role due to their content of fibre, plant protein, and polyphenols like flavonoids, phenolic acids, and tannins. Legumes can be beneficial for blood sugar regulation and appetite control, and help dogs feel full for longer, support healthy gut bacteria and keep the digestive system working smoothly.

Prepared correctly and used in balanced amounts, legumes are a valuable nutritional ingredient.

Lentils

Lentils can be a valuable addition to dog food. They are low in fat and provide plant-based protein, fibre, iron and folate, all of which contribute to healthy muscle maintenance, a well-functioning digestive system and steady energy levels. Lentils also serve as a wholesome, low-glycaemic alternative to traditional carbohydrate sources.

Chickpeas

Chickpeas provide high-quality plant protein, fibre, potassium, magnesium, folate and vitamins A and B. They support muscle, joint, skin and coat health. While rare, some dogs may be sensitive to chickpeas, so any new food should always be introduced gradually.

Vegetables, Superfoods and Functional Plants

Vegetables and plant-based superfoods provide antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients that support immunity, cellular health and natural resilience.

Rooibos

Rooibos is a South African superfood rich in quercetin, a natural antihistamine, and luteolin, known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Baobab Fruit

Known as the African “Tree of Life”, baobab fruit contains six times more vitamin C than oranges and significantly more calcium than spinach, as well as vitamin B6, niacin, iron and potassium. We use organic baobab harvested in Limpopo, South Africa.

Sweet Potato

Sweet potatoes are rich in fibre, vitamins A, B6 and C, as well as iron, calcium and selenium. They act as a natural prebiotic, supporting gut bacteria, and provide slow, steady energy thanks to their low glycaemic index.

Carrot

Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, an antioxidant that the body converts into vitamin A. This is important for maintaining normal vision, as well as healthy skin and mucous membranes. Carrots are also low in calories.

Healthy Fats and Oils

Fats are essential to life. They play a vital role in brain function, hormone production, skin and coat health and energy metabolism. The goal is not to minimise fat, but to use a combination of different types of fats and oils in the right balance.

That is why we use stable, functional fats and oils and add them to our food after cooking, once it has cooled, to preserve their nutritional value.

Cold-Pressed Canola Oil (Non-GMO)

We use cold-pressed, certified non-GMO canola oil. It is a rich source of vitamin K, vitamin E and polyunsaturated fatty acids such as ALA omega-3 and omega-6. In Scandinavia, canola oil is often referred to as the “Nordic olive oil”.

Nutrition to Support Gut, Immune System and Cognitive Health

A healthy gut is about far more than simply digesting food. The gut microbiome is a complex ecosystem of microorganisms that produce essential vitamins such as B12 and K2, and break down dietary fibre into short-chain fatty acids like butyrate, which provide energy to the cells in the gut lining.

Around 70–80% of the body’s immune cells are located in the gut, where they act as the first line of defence against harmful invaders. These microorganisms also play a key role in the gut-brain axis, influencing mood and the ability to cope with stress.

That is why gut health is one of the pillars of every Nala Health recipe.

Chicory Root

Chicory root is rich in inulin fibre, which feeds beneficial gut bacteria and helps reduce harmful bacteria, improve mineral absorption, support a balanced inflammatory response and improve stool quality.

Brewers Yeast and Yeast Extract

Brewers yeast is a natural source of B vitamins, chromium, selenium, zinc and magnesium. It supports digestion, immune function and energy levels. Yeast extract provides natural umami flavour that dogs love, as well as additional B vitamins and minerals, and also supports healthy gut microflora.

Probiotics

The digestive tract contains trillions of beneficial microorganisms that make up your dog’s microbiome. Probiotics help maintain a healthy balance of these bacteria and support immune function, digestion and tolerance to different foods.

Probiotics are added together with the oils after the food has cooled to protect their activity.

Calcium Butyrate

Butyrate is a short-chain fatty acid that is naturally produced in the gut when bacteria break down dietary fibre. We include calcium butyrate because it helps support and maintain the gut lining, strengthens the gut barrier and supports nutrient absorption. It also serves as an important energy source for beneficial gut bacteria.

Alfalfa

Alfalfa is a nutrient-rich plant that provides vitamins A, B12, C, D, E and K, as well as essential minerals, chlorophyll and antioxidants. It also contains natural fibre that supports digestion and contributes to a healthy gut environment, making it a valuable ingredient for overall health and digestive resilience.

Ingredients for Heart, Brain and Metabolism

Choline

Choline is an important nutrient that helps keep your dog’s body and brain working properly. One of its key roles is helping the body produce acetylcholine, a substance that allows nerves and muscles to communicate and helps control things like heart rate and muscle movement.

Choline also supports healthy cells, normal liver and gallbladder function, fat and cholesterol metabolism, hormone production and proper nerve function. In short, choline supports brain function, nerve health, metabolism and organ function.

Taurine

Taurine is an important amino acid that plays a key role in keeping your dog’s heart healthy. It helps the heart beat in a steady rhythm and supports the strength of the heart muscle. Taurine is also essential for healthy vision, especially for the retina.

Low taurine levels have been linked to a serious heart condition called dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), where the heart becomes enlarged and weakened and struggles to pump blood effectively. Most dogs can produce taurine themselves, but some breeds, health conditions, poor diet or increasing age can lead to lower levels. That is why taurine is an important part of a well-balanced diet that supports long-term heart health.

L-Carnitine

L-carnitine is an important amino acid that helps your dog’s body turn fat into energy, making it important for energy levels, weight management and healthy muscles. L-carnitine often works together with taurine to support heart function, which is why they are commonly included in the same recipes. Most healthy dogs can produce L-carnitine on their own, but some dogs may benefit from extra support, especially dogs with heart conditions, weight issues, high-active dogs/athletes and old dogs to support mobility and muscle strength.

Vitamins and Minerals in Nala Health

Vitamins and minerals ensure your dog’s diet is not just good, but complete, safe and nutritionally balanced at every life stage. Our recipes follow strict EU nutritional guidelines based on current scientific knowledge to ensure all essential nutrients are present in the correct amounts and proportions.

Approved Vitamins and Minerals

Our food contains vitamins A, B, C, D3, E and K, as well as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, iron, iodine, manganese, zinc, selenium and DHA omega-3.

Nala Health uses Natural Preservatives

Good food deserves to stay fresh without harsh chemicals. We use a multi-layer natural preservation system based on plant antioxidants and antimicrobial compounds to protect freshness, safety and nutritional quality.

Our preservation system includes rosemary extract, chestnut, oregano, capsicum, cinnamon and tocopherols (vitamin E). We also use organic acids as natural preservatives to prevent spoilage and bacterial growth.

In Summary

Food is not just fuel. And good nutrition does not follow trends or gimmicks. What we feed our dogs is one of the most powerful tools we have to protect their health.

Every ingredient in Nala Health is chosen for a reason, and every recipe is built to support the systems that matter most, including digestion, immunity, brain function, heart health, skin, coat and long-term vitality. Nothing is added by accident, and nothing is there just for marketing or shortcuts.