Pet food language can get complicated. This plain-English guide explains ingredients, feeding terms, and label details you may see while exploring Shinto’s Pet Food and Pet Food Culture.
Every pet is an individual. Check the label of the product you are feeding, follow your feeding plan, and speak with your veterinarian about medical conditions or prescribed diets.
A
AAFCO
The Association of American Feed Control Officials develops model pet food rules and nutrient profiles used by regulators and the industry. AAFCO does not approve individual pet foods. Look for the nutritional adequacy statement on a product’s label to see the species and life stage it is intended for.
Absorption
The movement of digested nutrients from the intestine into the body.
Acidifier
An ingredient intended to change acidity; the target and amount matter.
Activity level
How much energy a pet uses through movement, work, and play. Activity is one of several factors that can change a feeding amount; age, body condition, and the recipe matter too.
Acute
Beginning suddenly or lasting a relatively short time; sudden illness calls for appropriate veterinary assessment.
Additive
An ingredient included for a specific purpose, such as supplying a nutrient, preserving quality, or affecting texture.
Adipocyte
A cell that stores fat and participates in hormonal signaling.
Adipose tissue
Body tissue that stores fat and participates in metabolism.
Adrenal glands
Glands that produce hormones involved in stress response and other body functions.
Adult maintenance
The life stage used on a food label for a nongrowing adult pet that is not pregnant or nursing.
Aerobic
Describing a process that uses oxygen, including parts of energy metabolism.
Albumin
A protein found in blood. Interpreting a low or high laboratory result belongs with a veterinarian.
Algae
A broad group of aquatic organisms; nutrient content depends on the species and product.
Allergen
A substance that triggers an immune reaction in a susceptible animal. A suspected food allergy needs proper veterinary assessment.
Allergy
An immune response to a substance. It is different from every instance of an upset stomach after eating.
Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
A plant omega-3 fatty acid. It is not the same molecule as the EPA and DHA found in marine oils.
Amino acid
A building block of protein. Dogs need adequate amounts of several essential amino acids from the diet.
Amylase
An enzyme that helps break starch into smaller carbohydrates.
Anasazi beans
A type of bean included in our Wild Bison & Beets formula. Anyone avoiding legumes should check the full ingredient list of each recipe.
Anatomy
The structure of a body and its parts. Anatomy terms in a feeding discussion describe organs, not diet quality.
Anemia
A reduction in red blood cells or their oxygen-carrying capacity; it is a clinical finding with many possible causes.
Animal by-product
A broad regulatory ingredient category for animal materials other than the named primary meat. The exact material depends on the ingredient definition.
Animal protein
Protein supplied by animal ingredients, including meat, fish, eggs, and organs.
Antinutrient
A compound that can affect nutrient availability; preparation and the full diet determine its practical effect.
Antioxidant
A substance that can slow oxidation in a food or take part in normal protective processes in the body; its role depends on context.
Appetite
A pet’s interest in eating. A sustained or sudden change can be a sign to contact a veterinarian.
As-fed basis
Nutrient values expressed for the food as it is served, including its water content.
Ascorbic acid
Vitamin C, which dogs can normally make in their bodies; added amounts should be evaluated in a full formula.
Ash
The mineral residue measured after a food sample is burned in laboratory testing. It is not ash added to the recipe.
ATP
A molecule cells use to transfer energy for normal work such as movement and metabolism.
B
Balance
The second phase of Shinto’s Rotational Feeding Program. Its four recipes are Wild Bison & Beets, Turkey & Quinoa, Chicken & Greens, and Salmon & Greens. Balance follows Foundation and leads into Renewal.
Bile
A digestive fluid made by the liver and stored in the gallbladder that helps handle dietary fat.
Bioavailability
The share of a nutrient that the body can absorb and use, which may differ from the amount listed in an ingredient.
Biological value
A measure related to how effectively a protein’s absorbed amino acids can be used, not a complete score of a food.
Biotin
A B vitamin involved in normal metabolism. Adequacy is assessed in the context of the whole diet.
Blood glucose
The concentration of sugar in the blood. A single value needs clinical context.
Body condition
A way to assess a pet’s shape and fat cover alongside body weight. Two dogs at the same weight may need different portions if their body conditions differ.
Body condition score (BCS)
A hands-on scale for estimating a pet’s fat cover and shape alongside weight.
Body weight
The number on a scale; use it with body condition and weight trends when adjusting portions.
Bone marrow stock
A Shinto’s stock offered alongside select Starter Kits. It can help introduce a new meal’s flavor and texture. It is an addition to the feeding plan, not a substitute for a complete daily diet.
Bone meal
Ground bone used as a mineral ingredient in some foods. Shinto’s cooked formulas should be described by their actual labels; do not infer that they contain bone meal.
Botanical
An ingredient derived from a plant. “Botanical” does not automatically mean safe or effective for every pet.
Butyrate
A short-chain fatty acid made when certain gut microbes ferment fiber.
C
Calcium
A mineral needed for bones and other body functions. Its amount must be considered together with phosphorus and the rest of the diet, particularly for growing dogs.
Calcium carbonate
A mineral ingredient that supplies calcium. The amount used must be considered within the entire formula, not judged by its presence alone.
Calcium-to-phosphorus ratio (Ca:P)
A comparison of the amounts of calcium and phosphorus in a food or total diet. The ratio alone does not show whether either mineral is present in an appropriate amount. A reliable assessment needs the actual nutrient amounts, calories, intended life stage, and the complete recipe or analysis.
Calorie balance
The relationship between energy eaten and energy used over time; it contributes to weight change.
Calorie content statement
The label section reporting a food’s energy value, commonly in kcal per kilogram and a familiar unit.
Calories (kcal)
A measure of the energy food provides. Portion size should consider calories, body condition, life stage, and activity rather than container weight alone.
Carbohydrate
A nutrient class that includes starches, sugars, and fiber. Ingredients and cooking change how a pet digests them.
Carnivore
An animal that eats animal foods. The word alone does not tell you the nutrient profile of an appropriate commercial diet.
Carotenoid
A group of plant pigments, some of which can contribute to vitamin A activity in certain species.
Catabolism
The breaking down of molecules to release energy or supply smaller building blocks.
Cellulose
A plant fiber ingredient used for texture or fiber content.
Chelated mineral
A mineral attached to another molecule, often an amino acid, to create a particular ingredient form.
Chia seed
A seed that supplies fiber and plant omega-3 fat. Its nutrients contribute to, but do not establish, the balance of a full recipe.
Cholesterol
A fat-like substance used in cell membranes and hormone production. Its meaning in a blood test differs from its amount in food.
Choline
A nutrient involved in cell membranes and normal metabolism. It must be considered in a complete nutrient assessment.
Chondroitin
A component of cartilage included in some products; evaluate the particular product and intended use.
Chronic
Continuing over time or recurring. Ongoing symptoms deserve veterinary attention rather than repeated food changes alone.
Citric acid
An acid used in some foods for flavor or product stability.
Collagen
A structural protein found in connective tissue; it is not a nutritionally complete protein source on its own.
Colostrum
The first milk produced after birth. Products sold with this name vary, so check their species source and directions.
Complete and balanced
A nutritional adequacy claim for a particular species and life stage that must be supported by an accepted method. Check the exact statement on each product label; a topper, stock, treat, or individual mixer should not be assumed to be a complete meal.
Condition-specific diet
A diet selected to meet particular nutritional constraints for a diagnosed condition, usually with veterinary guidance.
Contamination
The unwanted presence of microorganisms, chemicals, or foreign material in food. Safe sourcing, preparation, and handling matter.
Copper
A trace mineral with several roles in normal metabolism; amounts must be assessed within the total diet.
Core temperature
The internal temperature of a food during preparation, relevant to validated cooking and safety procedures.
Cross-contact
Unintended transfer of an ingredient from one food or surface to another; important for pets on strict ingredient trials.
Crude fat
A laboratory estimate of total fat shown as a minimum in the standard guaranteed analysis.
Crude fiber
A laboratory measure of certain fibers shown as a maximum on many pet food labels; it is not the same as total dietary fiber.
Crude protein
A laboratory estimate calculated from nitrogen content. It does not describe protein quality or amino acid balance on its own.
D
Daily energy requirement
An estimate of calories a pet needs in a day. It is a starting point that changes with body condition and real-world response.
Deficiency
Too little of a nutrient for the animal’s needs over time. It is assessed through diet, symptoms, and sometimes testing.
Dehydrated food
Food with much of its water removed. Follow the product’s storage and serving directions.
Dehydration
A loss of body water. A pet with suspected dehydration or illness needs veterinary care.
Dental chew
A chew designed for oral use. Its calories and ingredient list still count within a pet’s feeding plan.
DHA
Docosahexaenoic acid, a long-chain omega-3 fat commonly supplied by marine ingredients.
Diet history
A record of foods, treats, supplements, quantities, and timing that helps interpret a pet’s response.
Dietary fat
Fat supplied by a food, providing energy and fatty acids. The total matters for pets on fat-restricted plans.
Dietary intolerance
An adverse response to a food that is not necessarily an immune allergy. Similar symptoms can have many causes.
Dietary mineral
A mineral supplied by a food or supplement, including major and trace minerals.
Digestibility
How much of a food’s nutrients can be broken down and absorbed. Ingredients, preparation, and the individual pet all affect the feeding experience.
Digestive enzyme
A substance that helps break food into smaller parts during digestion; supplements should be used for an identified reason.
Digestive tract
The organs that move and process food from mouth to intestine and beyond.
Disaccharide
A sugar made of two linked simple sugars; digestion depends on the particular sugar and enzyme.
Dog food nutrient profile
A set of nutrient concentrations used to substantiate a food’s adequacy for a specified canine life stage.
Dry matter basis
A way to compare nutrient levels after removing water from the calculation. It helps compare foods with very different moisture contents, such as fresh food and kibble.
Dysbiosis
A change in a microbial community associated with a disturbed state; the term alone does not identify the cause of symptoms.
E
Elimination diet
A carefully controlled feeding trial used with veterinary guidance to investigate a suspected food reaction. During a trial, rotating proteins or adding treats can interfere with the result.
Energy density
Calories in a given amount of food, often expressed as kcal per kilogram or per container. Equal weights of two recipes may provide different calories.
Enzyme
A molecule that speeds a biochemical reaction, including those used in digestion.
EPA
Eicosapentaenoic acid, a long-chain omega-3 fat commonly supplied by fish and other marine sources.
Epidemiology
The study of health and disease patterns in groups; an association alone does not prove cause.
Essential amino acid
An amino acid that the body cannot make in sufficient amounts and must obtain from food.
Essential fatty acid
A fat the body needs from the diet for normal function.
Essential nutrient
A nutrient that must be provided in the diet in sufficient amounts under the animal’s circumstances.
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI)
A condition in which the pancreas does not supply enough digestive enzymes. Diagnosis and enzyme treatment require veterinary care.
F
Fasting
Going without food for a period. Do not impose a fast on a sick, growing, or vulnerable pet without veterinary direction.
Fat
A source of energy and essential fatty acids. Fat levels differ between foods; a pet with a condition requiring fat control needs an individualized feeding plan.
Fat-soluble vitamin
A vitamin absorbed with fat, including A, D, E, and K. Extra supplementation can create excesses.
Fatty acid
A component of fat. Different fatty acids have different nutritional roles.
Fecal score
A consistent scale for recording stool texture so changes can be followed over time.
Feeding guide
The label’s starting directions for how much to offer. It is adjusted to the individual pet’s response.
Feeding trial
A structured test in which animals eat a food under an established protocol; in labeling, it can support a nutritional adequacy claim.
Fermentation
A process in which microorganisms transform ingredients. A fermented product’s characteristics depend on its organisms and processing.
Fiber
Components of plant foods that affect stool and digestion. Different fibers behave differently, and a change in fiber may change stool even when the protein stays the same.
Fiber Mixer
A Shinto’s food component used in Mix & Match alongside an appropriate Protein Mixer. Check the label and feeding directions; a single mixer should not be treated as a complete daily meal.
Fish oil
An oil that can provide EPA and DHA. Check the product’s amount, freshness, and directions rather than assuming all oils are equivalent.
Folate
Vitamin B9, used in normal cell processes; its status is interpreted within the full diet and medical context.
Food sensitivity
An everyday term for an unwanted response to food. It does not establish whether the cause is allergy, intolerance, or something else.
Foodborne illness
Illness caused by harmful agents in food. Safe handling protects pets and people.
Fortification
Adding nutrients to help a food reach a specified nutrient target.
Foundation
The first phase of Shinto’s Rotational Feeding Program. It introduces Chicken & Brown Rice, Turkey & Brown Rice, Angus Beef & Brown Rice, and Catfish, Beef Liver & Brown Rice before moving to Balance.
Free radical
A reactive molecule that can participate in normal biology and in unwanted oxidation.
Freeze-dried
Food preserved by freezing and removing water under low pressure. Storage and serving directions depend on the product.
Fresh food
Food prepared with ingredients that retain recognizable texture. “Fresh” describes a style of preparation and presentation; it does not by itself establish nutritional adequacy or a particular storage life. Follow the product’s label for handling and storage.
Functional ingredient
An ingredient selected for a particular role in a formula. Its presence is not proof of a clinical outcome.
G
Gastrointestinal tract
The stomach and intestines involved in digestion and absorption.
Gelatin
A protein derived from collagen, often used for texture. It may matter when checking animal sources.
Gently cooked
Food prepared with heat while retaining a fresh-food texture. Cooking style does not replace checking the label for ingredients, handling, and nutritional adequacy.
Gestation
Pregnancy. A pregnant dog’s nutritional needs differ from those of an adult at maintenance.
Glandular
A product or ingredient derived from animal glands. Its composition and intended use depend on the exact product.
Glucosamine
A compound present in cartilage and sold as an ingredient in some supplements. Products differ in source and dose.
Gluten
A group of proteins in certain grains. A grain-free label does not automatically indicate that a food is appropriate for a particular pet.
Glycemic response
A change in blood glucose after eating. It depends on the full meal and the individual animal.
Glycerol
A component of triglycerides and an ingredient used in some foods for moisture and texture.
Glycogen
A stored form of glucose in liver and muscle.
Grain-free
A label description indicating no grain ingredients in the stated formula. It does not mean carbohydrate-free or nutritionally superior.
Gram
A unit of mass used in nutrient analysis and recipe formulation.
Guaranteed analysis
The label’s required guarantees for certain nutrients, commonly minimum crude protein and fat and maximum crude fiber and moisture. It is not a full nutrient profile and does not, by itself, establish a calcium-to-phosphorus ratio.
Gut microbiome
The community of microorganisms living in the digestive tract. Its composition can vary with diet and other factors.
Gut motility
The movements that carry food and waste through the digestive tract.
H
HACCP
A food-safety system that identifies hazards and control points in production; it does not describe a recipe’s nutrient adequacy.
Histamine
A molecule involved in immune responses and other body processes.
Hydration
The body’s water status. Food moisture contributes to intake, but drinking water should remain available.
Hydrolyzed protein
Protein broken into smaller pieces for specific veterinary diets. An ordinary limited-ingredient recipe is not the same thing.
Hypercalcemia
Higher than normal blood calcium; it requires a veterinarian to determine its cause and significance.
Hyperphosphatemia
Higher than normal blood phosphorus; interpretation depends on age, kidney function, and other findings.
I
Immune system
The body’s network for recognizing and responding to threats. A food ingredient should not be described as treating immune disease without evidence.
Inflammation
A biological response to injury or other triggers. Its presence does not identify a single dietary cause.
Ingredient list
The ingredients declared on the package, generally listed in descending order by weight before processing. Check the whole list, including secondary proteins, organ meats, stocks, and supplements, when screening for a sensitivity.
Ingredient panel
The package section listing ingredients. Read it together with the adequacy statement, calorie content, and feeding directions.
Insoluble fiber
Fiber that generally does not dissolve in water and can contribute bulk to stool.
Insulin
A hormone that helps regulate blood glucose. A pet with diabetes needs a coordinated veterinary feeding plan.
Intestinal villi
Tiny projections in the intestine that increase surface area for nutrient absorption.
Iodine
A trace mineral needed for thyroid hormones. Seaweed ingredients can contribute variable amounts.
Iron
A mineral involved in oxygen transport. Both deficiency and excess matter in a full diet.
Isolate
An ingredient processed to concentrate a particular component, such as a protein isolate.
K
Kcal per cup
A calorie measure used on some labels. For food sold by weight, use the product’s stated kcal per unit or package.
Kefir
A fermented food or drink. Products vary in ingredients and live cultures; check whether a particular product is suitable for pets.
Kelp
Seaweed used in some foods and supplements. Its iodine contribution can vary and belongs in a full nutrient calculation.
Ketone
A compound the body can produce while using fat for energy; clinical meaning depends on the situation.
Ketosis
A metabolic state in which the body uses ketones for some energy. It is not a general goal for feeding dogs.
Kidney
An organ that filters blood and helps regulate fluid and minerals. Kidney disease can change a pet’s dietary requirements.
Kilocalorie
The unit meant by a food “calorie” in nutrition labeling, abbreviated kcal.
L
Lactation
Milk production after giving birth. Nursing animals have elevated energy and nutrient needs.
Large intestine
The later part of the gut, where water is absorbed and microbes ferment some fibers.
Large-breed puppy
A growing dog expected to reach a large adult size; mineral and energy control during growth deserves particular care.
Lean body mass
Body mass other than stored fat, including muscle and organs. Weight alone cannot show how it changes.
Legume
A plant family that includes beans, lentils, and peas. Check each formula’s actual ingredients if avoiding them.
Life stage
A pet’s phase of life or reproductive status, such as growth, adult maintenance, pregnancy, or lactation. A product’s nutritional adequacy statement identifies the life stage for which its claim is made.
Limited ingredient
A general description of a recipe with a shorter or more focused ingredient list. It does not guarantee that a food contains only one animal protein or that it is suitable for an elimination diet.
Linoleic acid
An essential omega-6 fatty acid that must be supplied in an appropriate amount in the diet.
Lipase
An enzyme that helps digest fat.
Lipid
A broad group of fat-like substances, including triglycerides.
Liver
An organ ingredient that supplies nutrients including vitamin A and minerals. Its amount belongs in the whole-recipe assessment.
Low-fat diet
A diet designed around a defined fat target. “Lean” sounding ingredients do not establish the finished food’s fat content.
Lymphatic system
A body network involved in fluid transport and immune activity, including absorption of some dietary fats.
M
Macronutrient
A nutrient needed in relatively large amounts, such as protein or fat.
Magnesium
A mineral involved in many normal body processes. Its level is assessed with the rest of the nutrient profile.
Maintenance
A life stage for a nonpregnant adult pet that is not growing or nursing.
Malabsorption
Reduced uptake of nutrients from the intestine; persistent symptoms need veterinary evaluation.
Manganese
A trace mineral involved in normal metabolism and skeletal development.
Marine phytoplankton
Microscopic aquatic organisms used as an ingredient or supplement. Their nutrient contribution depends on the specific product and amount.
Metabolism
The body’s processes for using and transforming energy and nutrients.
Metabolizable energy (ME)
An estimate of calories available to the animal after accounting for energy lost in waste.
Microbiome
The microorganisms living in a particular environment, such as the gut.
Micronutrient
A vitamin or mineral needed in relatively small amounts.
Microorganism
A microscopic life form, such as a bacterium or yeast; some are useful and others can cause illness.
Mineral
An inorganic nutrient such as calcium, phosphorus, zinc, or iodine. A complete assessment considers levels and interactions.
Mineral balance
The amounts and relationships of minerals in a diet, assessed against the pet’s needs and life stage.
Mix & Match
Shinto’s option for choosing a Protein Mixer and an appropriate Fiber Mixer outside the standard rotational subscription. Review the combined feeding plan and each component’s label before using them as a pet’s principal diet.
Moisture
The water content of a food. Moisture changes how nutrient percentages look on a label, which is why a dry matter comparison can be helpful.
Monounsaturated fat
Fat with one double bond in its fatty acid chain; it is one category within dietary fats.
Mucosa
The moist lining of body passages, including parts of the digestive tract.
N
NRC
The National Research Council, which publishes scientific reference material on animal nutrient requirements.
Nutrient
A substance in food the body uses for energy, structure, or normal function.
Nutrient density
The amount of particular nutrients relative to a quantity of food or calories.
Nutrient excess
More of a nutrient than appropriate for a diet or animal.
Nutrient interaction
The way one nutrient affects the use or requirement of another.
Nutrient profile
A measured or calculated picture of a food’s nutrient content. It may include far more than the guaranteed analysis.
Nutrient requirement
An amount needed to support a defined function or life stage; it is not identical for every pet.
Nutrition consultation
A conversation about a pet’s feeding history, goals, and options. It does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a veterinarian.
Nutritional adequacy
Whether a diet supplies nutrients appropriate for its stated species and life stage when fed as directed.
Nutritional adequacy statement
The label statement identifying whether a food is intended as a complete diet for a stated species and life stage or for intermittent or supplemental feeding. This is the place to check what a product is intended to provide.
Nutritional yeast
A yeast ingredient used for flavor and nutrients. It is distinct from active baking yeast; consult the individual recipe’s ingredient list for its presence.
O
Obesity
Excess body fat that can affect health. Body condition and a veterinary assessment are more informative than weight alone.
Omega-3 fatty acids
A group of fats that includes EPA and DHA. An omega-3 product is a supplement to a feeding plan; follow its product directions and account for other supplements already being given.
Omega-6 fatty acids
A family of fats that includes linoleic acid. They are essential in appropriate amounts and should be assessed within the whole diet.
Organ meats
Nutrient-rich animal tissues such as liver, kidney, and spleen. Their presence matters when checking a recipe for protein sensitivities: a recipe named for one meat may contain organs from another animal.
Organ system
A set of body parts working together, such as the digestive or urinary system.
Oxalate
A compound in some foods and formed in the body; urinary concerns need individual guidance.
Oxidation
A chemical reaction that can change fats and other food components over time. Packaging and storage affect freshness.
P
Palatability
How appealing a food is to an animal, judged by willingness to eat it; preference alone does not establish nutritional adequacy.
Pancreas
An organ that produces digestive enzymes and hormones, including insulin.
Pancreatitis
Inflammation of the pancreas. A dog with suspected or diagnosed pancreatitis needs veterinary guidance about food and fat levels.
Parasite
An organism living on or in another organism; digestive symptoms can have causes unrelated to diet.
Pasteurization
A controlled heat process used to reduce certain microorganisms. It differs from making a product sterile.
Pathogen
A microorganism capable of causing disease. Food handling controls aim to reduce pathogen exposure.
Peptide
A short chain of amino acids produced in protein digestion or processing.
Phosphorus
A mineral involved in bones and many normal body functions. Its total amount and its relationship with calcium are especially relevant when assessing a complete diet; a pet on a prescribed mineral restriction needs veterinary guidance.
Phytochemical
A compound made by plants; its presence in an ingredient does not prove a treatment effect.
Portion
The amount fed at a meal or across a day. Start with the product’s feeding guidance and adjust using weight trends, body condition, activity, and veterinary advice when needed.
Potassium
A mineral involved in fluid balance and nerve and muscle function. Its dietary target can change with medical conditions.
Prebiotic
A substrate used by microorganisms in a way that can provide a health benefit; specific ingredients and effects vary.
Prebiotic fiber
Fiber used by microorganisms in a manner that provides a benefit; not every fiber qualifies.
Preservative
An ingredient or process used to slow spoilage or protect quality. It does not replace proper storage.
Probiotic
Live microorganisms that may provide a benefit when supplied in adequate amounts; effects are strain and product specific.
Processing
The steps used to turn ingredients into a food, including cooking, drying, grinding, or packaging.
Protein
A nutrient made from amino acids and used for body structure and function. Amount and amino acid balance both matter.
Protein Mixer
A Shinto’s protein-focused food component offered for Mix & Match or as an addition to an existing diet. A mixer on its own should not be assumed to meet all daily nutrient needs.
Protein quality
How well a protein supplies usable essential amino acids for the animal’s needs.
Protein rotation
Changing among suitable animal protein sources as part of a feeding plan while screening all ingredients for sensitivities.
Provenance
Where an ingredient comes from and how it moves through the supply chain.
Proximate analysis
A set of broad food measurements, commonly moisture, protein, fat, fiber, and ash.
Puppy growth
The life stage when a dog is developing toward adult size; it calls for an appropriate nutrient and calorie profile.
Purine
A compound found in many foods and cells; certain medical conditions call for a veterinarian-directed purine plan.
Q
Quality control
Checks used during production to verify that a food meets defined safety and product specifications.
Quinoa
A seed cooked like a grain and included in Shinto’s Turkey & Quinoa formula.
R
Rancidity
Unwanted deterioration of fats, often associated with oxidation and off odors or flavors. Follow storage directions and discard spoiled food.
Ratio
A comparison of two quantities; it does not establish that either absolute amount is adequate.
Raw food
Food that has not undergone a cooking step. Raw and gently cooked fresh foods are different categories; follow each product’s handling and storage directions.
Raw handling
The preparation, separation, cleaning, and storage practices used to reduce contamination risks with uncooked animal food.
Recall
A company or regulator action to remove a product from sale because of an identified concern.
Refrigeration
Cold storage that slows food spoilage. Follow each product’s label for temperature and use-by guidance.
Rehydration
Adding water to a dried food according to directions or restoring body fluids under medical care; the meanings differ by context.
Renal
Relating to the kidneys. A “renal diet” has a specific medical purpose.
Renewal
The third phase of Shinto’s Rotational Feeding Program. Duck & Sweet Potato, Lamb & Sweet Potato, Salmon & Sweet Potato, and Pork & Sweet Potato complete the cycle before it returns to Foundation.
Resting energy requirement (RER)
A calculated estimate of energy needed for basic body functions at rest. Actual daily needs generally differ.
Retinol
One form of vitamin A, supplied by animal ingredients. Excess vitamin A can be harmful.
Riboflavin
Vitamin B2, one of the B vitamins involved in normal energy metabolism.
Rotational feeding
Shinto’s approach to introducing purposeful variety across recipes and ingredients while observing how a dog responds. The guided sequence moves through Foundation → Balance → Renewal, then begins again with suitable formulas. Avoid any recipe containing a known problem ingredient, and pause or adapt the rotation when a veterinary feeding plan calls for consistency.
S
Salmonella
A bacterium that can cause foodborne illness in animals and people.
Selenium
A trace mineral used in normal protective and metabolic processes. Excess can be harmful.
Sensitive digestion
A broad description of digestive symptoms or food responses, not a diagnosis. If symptoms persist, worsen, or accompany illness, contact your veterinarian before continuing changes.
Shelf life
The period a product is expected to retain its stated quality and safety under specified storage conditions.
Shelf-stable
Able to remain unopened at room temperature under stated conditions; it does not describe storage after opening.
Single-protein recipe
A recipe whose animal-derived ingredients come from one source. A recipe’s name alone cannot establish this: check every meat, organ, stock, and other animal ingredient. Wild Bison & Beets, for example, also contains beef liver and turkey thigh.
Small intestinal absorption
The uptake of many digested nutrients through the wall of the small intestine.
Small intestine
The digestive organ where much nutrient digestion and absorption occur.
Sodium
A mineral involved in fluid balance and nerve function. Restrictions should be based on a pet’s medical plan.
Soluble fiber
Fiber that dissolves or disperses in water and can be fermented by gut microorganisms.
Spleen
An organ meat used in certain recipes; check its animal source when screening sensitivities.
Starch
A carbohydrate made of linked glucose units. Cooking can affect how readily it is digested.
Starter Kit
A one-time introduction to a phase of Shinto’s food, with selected recipes and accompanying items as listed on that kit’s product page. A Starter Kit is not a subscription.
Sterilization
A process intended to eliminate viable microorganisms; routine cooking or pasteurization should not be called sterilization.
Stool frequency
How often a pet passes stool; changes have many possible causes.
Stool quality
A practical observation of firmness, frequency, and ease of passing stool while assessing how a food is going.
Storage directions
Instructions on temperature, sealing, and time limits that help keep a product in good condition.
Supplement
A product added to a diet to supply a particular ingredient or nutrient. More is not always helpful.
Supplemental feeding
Feeding an item as an addition to another diet rather than relying on that item to provide the whole day’s nutrition. Check the individual label and the balance of the full feeding plan.
Synergy
An interaction in which combined effects differ from separate effects; it needs evidence in context.
T
Taurine
An amino sulfonic acid important in animal nutrition. Cats require dietary taurine; a dog’s needs depend on the full diet and context.
Texture
How food feels and holds together. A pet’s preference for a texture is separate from its nutritional suitability.
Therapeutic diet
A diet formulated for a diagnosed health condition and used as part of veterinary care.
Thiamine
Vitamin B1, needed for normal metabolism. Appropriate amounts depend on the full diet and processing.
Thyroid
A gland that produces hormones affecting metabolism; concerns about thyroid disease require veterinary testing.
Tolerability
How comfortably an individual pet eats and digests a food over time.
Topper
A small addition to a pet’s regular meal for flavor or variety. A topper is not automatically a complete diet; its calories and nutrients count toward the day’s total.
Trace mineral
A mineral needed in small quantities, such as copper, manganese, selenium, or zinc.
Transit time
The time material takes to pass through the digestive tract; it varies among pets and circumstances.
Transition
The process of introducing a new food while watching appetite, stool, comfort, and overall response. The pace should fit the pet; a dog with a diagnosed condition may need veterinary direction.
Treat
Food given in addition to the main diet. Treat calories and ingredients matter, especially during a strict feeding trial.
Triglyceride
A common form of fat in foods and in the body, made from fatty acids attached to glycerol.
Tryptophan
An essential amino acid supplied by dietary protein.
U
Unsaturated fat
A category of fat defined by its chemical bonds; particular fatty acids within it have different roles.
Urinary pH
A measure of urine acidity. A value must be interpreted with clinical findings rather than used alone to choose a diet.
Urine specific gravity
A measure of urine concentration used alongside other clinical information.
V
Vitamin A
A fat-soluble vitamin involved in vision and other normal functions. More is not always better.
Vitamin B complex
A group of water-soluble vitamins with distinct roles in metabolism.
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin)
A B vitamin involved in normal cell function. Low blood levels can have several medical causes.
Vitamin C
Ascorbic acid, which dogs normally synthesize.
Vitamin D
A fat-soluble vitamin involved in calcium and phosphorus regulation. Both inadequate and excessive amounts can be harmful.
Vitamin E
A fat-soluble antioxidant nutrient. The appropriate amount depends on the whole food’s fat and nutrient profile.
Vitamin K
A vitamin involved in normal blood clotting; dietary context and medical care matter when problems are suspected.
W
Water activity
A measure of water available for microbial growth in a food; it differs from total moisture percentage.
Water-soluble vitamin
A vitamin that dissolves in water, including vitamin C and the B vitamins. Each has its own nutritional role.
Weight management
Adjusting calorie intake and monitoring body condition to reach or maintain a suitable weight, often with veterinary input.
Whole Food Supplement
Shinto’s named supplement blend used in select products. Review the specific product label for its ingredients and directions; the name alone does not establish that a meal is nutritionally complete.
Whole-food ingredients
Recognizable foods such as meats, grains, vegetables, and fruits used in a recipe. Whether a finished food is complete and balanced depends on its full nutrient formulation and substantiation, not simply the use of whole foods.
Y
Yeast
A type of fungus. Nutritional yeast in food differs from active baking yeast.
Z
Zinc
A trace mineral involved in normal skin and other body functions. Its adequacy depends on total amount and availability.
Zoonotic pathogen
A microorganism that can pass between animals and people; hygiene matters when handling pet food.
