Select and sustainably raised ingredients, minimally processed and patiently cooked, come together to make exceptional foods. What they are, what they do and where they come from is something you should know.

traceability & transparency

Every package from Horizon has a unique lot code which allows us to trace back the processing records, supply chain dating and ingredient origin.

INGREDIENTORIGIN
ChickenCanada, SK, AB, BC
Chicken MealUnited States, TX, MO
PorkCanada, SK
Pork MealCanada, SK
TurkeyCanada, AB, BC
Turkey MealUnited States, MO, MN
LambNew Zealand, Australia
Lamb MealNew Zealand, Australia
SalmonCanada, US (Pacific Ocean)
Salmon MealCanada, BC
Whole Grain BarleyCanada, SK
Whole Grain RyeCanada, SK
Whole Grain OatsCanada, SK
Red LentilsCanada, SK
Garbanzo BeansCanada, SK
PeasCanada, SK
FlaxseedCanada, SK
AlfalfaCanada, SK
EggsCanada, SK
Canola Oil (GMO Free)Canada, AB
Chicken FatCanada, SK
ColostrumCanada, SK
Salmon OilCanada, BC
Bok ChoyCanada, United States
CabbageCanada, United States
CarrotsCanada, United States
ApplesCanada, United States
BroccoliCanada, United States
BlueberriesCanada, United States
PineappleUnited States, HI
ProbioticsUnited States
Vitamins/MineralsEurope, Australia, NZ, Canada

ingredients with a purpose

Building a functional diet relies on simple, natural raw ingredients combined to reflect ancestral ways of eating but with modern supplementation to re-inforce strong immunity and lasting digestive health. 

Chicken is a highly digestible, highly palatable and lean protein source. It has an abundance of selenium and phosphorous that aids in bone and teeth health as well as metabolic function. Chicken also offers niacin, vitamin B6, and riboflavin.

Chicken meal is composed of the clean, dried, ground meat and skin of the chicken (excluding bone). The ‘as fed’ protein content is much higher than regular chicken because most of the water has been removed and it will therefore retain its weight through the cooking process.

The wild salmon we use are ocean caught medium-sized fish with pinkish-colored flesh. They are a highly digestible and very palatable source of protein and fatty acids. This fish provides an excellent source of amino acids and omega-3 fatty acids that can help to improve skin and hair coat, digestion, the immune system, bone health, and metabolic function.

Salmon meal is the clean, dried, ground tissue of the medium-sized Salmon fish. This meal provides an excellent source of amino acids and fatty acids that can help to improve skin and hair coat, digestion, the immune system, bone health, and metabolic function. It is also rich in protein and potassium on a comparable per pound basis. The ‘as fed’ protein content is much higher than regular salmon because most of the water has been removed and it will therefore retain its weight through the cooking process.

Turkey is a large mainly domesticated game bird native to North America. All the turkey used by Horizon is farm raised. It is rich in protein, loaded with vitamin B and a great source of selenium, zinc and phosphorous.

Turkey meal is the clean, dried, ground tissue of turkeys. This meal provides an excellent source of amino acids, selenium and phosphorous that can help to improve muscle and bone health as well as metabolic function. The ‘as fed’ protein content is much higher than regular turkey because most of the water has been removed and it will therefore retain its weight through the cooking process.

Lamb is an highly digestible red meat protein that contains less saturated fat than other meat sources. Lamb is a rich source of many vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, iron, and zinc. The amino acids the protein provides are required for maintaining muscle, tissue repair, hormone synthesis, and other daily metabolic processes.

Lamb meal is the clean, dried, ground tissue of lambs. This red meat meal provides an excellent source of amino acids as well as reduced saturated fats that can help to improve muscle and heart health as well as metabolic function. The ‘as fed’ protein content is much higher than regular lamb because most of the water has been removed and it will therefore retain its weight through the cooking process.

Pork is the name for the meat of a domestic pig. It is the most commonly consumed red meat worldwide. Pork packs more protein per pound than any other meat. Pork contains a number of bioactive meat compounds, such as creatine, taurine, and glutathione, that may benefit health in various ways.

Pork meal is the clean, dried, ground tissue of domestic pigs. This red meat meal provides an excellent source of all nine amino acids as well as thiamine, selenium and zinc all of which can help to maintain muscle health as well as metabolic function. The ‘as fed’ protein content is much higher than regular pork because most of the water has been removed and it will therefore retain its weight through the cooking process.

Whitefish meal is the clean, dried, ground tissue of deep water edible fish. This meal provides an excellent source of amino acids and fatty acids that can help to improve skin and hair coat, digestion, the immune system, bone health, and metabolic function.

Barley is a seasonal grain crop readily available in our region. Whole barley consists of the hull, germ, bran, and endosperm. They provide fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is also an excellent carbohydrate for moderating blood sugar levels (low glycemic index) leading to better heart and digestive health.

Rye is a seasonal grain crop readily available in our region. Whole rye consists of the hull, germ, bran, and endosperm. It is lower in gluten and higher in fiber (as well as B vitamins) than wheat. It is also an excellent carbohydrate for moderating blood sugar levels (low glycemic index) leading to better heart and digestive health.

Oat is a seasonal crop readily available in our region. Whole oats consist of the hull, germ, bran, and endosperm. Oats are rich in carbs and fiber, but also higher in protein and fat than most other grains.  Whole oats are high in antioxidants and beneficial plant compounds called polyphenols. It is also an excellent carbohydrate for moderating blood sugar levels (low glycemic index) leading to better heart and digestive health.

Red lentils are an edible and highly digestible legume. They are high in iron, potassium, manganese, vitamin B and folate while low in fat and calories.  They’re also a great source of plant-based protein and fiber.

This green legume is loaded with A, B-1, B-6, and C. The unique phytonutrients in green peas also provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Starch is the most abundant carbohydrate in peas (22 percent to 45 percent) providing caloric energy and assisting in kibble integrity.

This seed is known for its rich source of vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, antioxidants, and fiber. The soluble and insoluble fiber it contributes gets fermented by the bacteria in the bowel, bulks up stools and results in more firm and regular bowel movements.

Alfalfa is a plant that is a legume but often considered an herb. It contains vitamin K, C, folate, copper, manganese, thiamin, riboflavin, magnesium and iron. Alfalfa can improve metabolic health and be an effective anti-oxidant.

This edible seed is rich in protein, folate, fiber, iron, phosphorous and fatty acids and an excellent source of carbohydrates. Garbanzo beans can help in weight control, moderating blood sugar and aid in digestion.

Egg product contains the egg yolk and egg white in select ratios. Egg yolks and whites contain essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals, promoting strong and healthy skin, coat, bones and brain function.

Bok choy is a type of cabbage. It is packed with vitamins A and C and helps in bone and heart health, boosting immunity and minimizing inflammation.

Carrot is a root vegetable. They are a good source of several vitamins and minerals, especially biotin, potassium, and vitamins A, K1, and B6. Carrots can help support digestion, the immune system, and metabolic function

Apples are a fleshy fruit. They are a good source of fiber and vitamin C. They also contain polyphenols – a good source of anti-oxidants. Apples are also great for gut health, reducing inflammation and maintaining bone density.

Broccoli is a green vegetable. It is absolutely packed with vitamins, minerals and bioactive compounds like vitamins C, A, K, B9 (folate), potassium, phosphorous and selenium. Broccoli can reduce inflammation, boost immunity, moderate blood sugar and contribute to healthy digestion.

Cabbage is a leafy green vegetable. It offers an impressive range of nutrients like vitamins K, C, B6, K9 (folate), Manganese, calcium, potassium, magnesium. Cabbage assists in reducing inflammation, strengthening the immune system, improving digestion and maintaining heart health.

Blueberries are a fruit grown as a flowering shrub. They are a nutrient dense ingredient offering impressive levels of vitamin C, K and manganese. Blueberries might be considered the king of anti-oxidants aiding in a strong immune system and reducing inflammation.

Pineapple is a root tropical fruit. The list of nutrients is extensive but includes vitamins C, B6, manganese, copper, thiamine, folate, potassium, magnesium, niacin, pantothenic acid, riboflavin and iron. Assists in boosting the immune system and reducing inflammation (especially around joints).

Salt is a great source for sodium and chloride. They are essential nutrients and must be supplemented to maintain minimum levels. At healthy levels, salt helps maintain cellular functions like fluid balance, acid-base balance and nerve signal transmission.

Colostrum is the milk produced during the first few days after birth and contains high levels of immunoglobulins, antimicrobial peptides, and growth factors. Colostrum fortifies your pets immune system and provides concentrated nutrition.

Glucosamine is a naturally occurring compound that will assist in well functioning cartilage and flexible joints. This organic supplements works by minimizing cartilage damage and swelling, increasing joint lubrication, helping to rebuild the cartilage that cushions and protects joints, and enhancing new cartilage production.

Chondroitin is a naturally occurring compound that inhibits destruction and promotes production of cartilage components. It is well known for easing the symptoms of osteoarthritis. It acts as a natural anti-inflammatory and also blocks the enzymes that attack the joints during osteoarthritis

Yucca Schidigera is a herbaceous plant of the lily family that is native to the US southwest. Yucca has high numbers of saponins and polyphenolics which may help reduce joint inflammation.

Choline is an organic, water-soluble compound and essential nutrient. It is a required micronutrient which supports normal liver function, brain development, muscle movement, nerve function, and fat metabolism.

Hydrolyzed yeast is a mixture of flavonoids, sugars, vitamins, and amino acids. It contains a high concentration of antioxidants and is beneficial for skin and coat.

Taurine is a water soluble amino acid that has very important metabolic properties which are vital for normal heart, kidney, and blood function. It also plays a role as a precursor to the synthesis of complex fats and support to the barrier function of the skin.

Methionine is an essential amino acid that is supplemented into our foods to ensure the requirement for the amino acid profile is satisfied. Methionine is important in supporting skin, coat, eye and heart health and is required for normal growth and repair of body tissues.

Probiotics are living microorganisms of bacteria that blend together and complement one another to help aid in digestion and improve gut health. We use a blend of enterococcus faecium, lactobacillus casei, lactobacillus acidophilus, bifidobacterium bifidum and lactobacillus plantarium in our formulas.

Fructooligosaccharides are an added prebiotic supplement and dietary fiber. It travels intact through the intestinal tract, where it supports the growth of healthy bacteria in the overall digestive tract. 

functional ingredients as a super booster

Using purpose driven ingredients that have high absorption will boost caloric energy and supercharge nutrition. That means feeding less to maintain daily nutritional needs while elevating health. Feeding less means spending less. We call it ‘Total Cost of Feeding’.

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manufacture with care

We opened our manufacturing facility in 2006. We expanded with a second plant on the same land in 2016. It has been a lot of growth. But through it all has been a growing tradition of doing it ourselves – every step of the way. A passion for raising the bar on nutrition and being obsessive about quality control is simply our culture. Being accountable to you and the faith you put in our products is unwavering. We are all pet guardians ourselves and making foods we are proud of and believe in is represented in every bag leaving our facility.

Our approach of knowing our suppliers directly ensures that ingredients have been vetted for quality standards and that ongoing compliance with handling protocols are maintained until they are received at our plants. The ingredients are sampled and unloaded only when we verify the safety and integrity of the received load. Testing is continuous during the cooking and packaging process to assure our formulations comply with the guaranteed analysis as stated on our packaging.

Our finished and packaged foods are sampled not only by our on-site lab but also tested by a third party lab for any contaminants or pathogens that would pose a health risk. The product is held and cannot be released until lab results are obtained, the food has been cleared and the product is approved for shipment. This level of care and diligence provides a measure of safety and compliance that not only we can depend on, but you as well.

Beyond our own internal standards of compliance, we prioritize compliance to all federal and regional regulations. Our facilities are subject to periodic inspections from regulatory agencies such as the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). We have implemented a Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) food management system to elevate food safety.

FAQ's

We are three pet guardians that had a passion for making pet foods of a higher standard. We have grown a lot since we began in 2006, but we are just getting started and completely enjoy seeing how our small company is having such a positive impact in our community and for the people on the Horizon team.

We are situated in Rosthern, Saskatchewan, Canada. Its a wonderful community built around agriculture. Its roughly 300 miles north of the Canada/US border (eastern side on Montana). Crop lands for as far as you can. Saskatchewan calls their home the ‘land of the living skies’.

All sourcing, cooking and packaging is done by us in facilities we own and operate. Its a degree of accountability, ownership and community building that we think elevates the standard of care and sets our foods apart.

It means if we can buy ingredients from growers that are situated close to our facilities, we will. The closer the better. We can’t for some of the ingredients as they are not indigenous to our area or they simply may not be available at certain times of the year. Our objective is regional first, but at a minimum, we need to know the growers and their sustainability standards.

We source the vast majority of our ingredients in North America. No ingredients come from China.

We cook our foods at roughly 210 degrees F. Cooking hotter means cooking faster and that might drive efficiency, but there is a certainly a negative trade off in nutrient retention.

Horizon has never had a recall.

No. We do not add it during our cooking process nor do any of our delivered ingredients contain ethoxyquin as a preservative. We use natural antioxidants, such as mixed tocopherols (vitamin E).

No, our poultry and meat are raised without the use of antibiotics and growth hormones.

Conventional pet kibble is a cooked product. When ingredients are listed on the packaging, it is prior to the cooking process. Meat in its raw form contains a high amount of water. This will evaporate off during the cook process. It means that even though you see fresh meat listed as the first ingredient on the bag, it doesn’t mean its the first ingredient after cooking. A meal generally retains its weight through cooking leaving significantly more animal protein in the finished food.

No. Meals that are referred to as ‘poultry’ meal or ‘meat’ meal obscure what’s actually being dehydrated. You want it to be specific. Like ‘chicken’ meal or ‘salmon’ meal or ‘lamb’ meal. All our meals exclude any by-product.

All our grain free foods are gluten free. Our whole grain foods do contain gluten in the barley and rye. Oatmeal is gluten free.

Within a Horizon brand, we encourage rotation. It provides variety and may mitigate the emergence of a particular protein allergy. It is safe to rotate our foods and not experience any digestive upset.

The color of our foods is a function of the inherent color of the ingredients we use. There are no artificial colors or dyes in our products so depending on factors such as the time of year or the ambient temperature in our facilities, the color of a particular formula may vary from time to time. This difference does not diminish or influence the quality or nutritional value of the product.

Whole grains have higher amounts of vitamins, minerals, fiber, essential fatty acids and phytochemicals (anti-oxidants) than a refined grain. Moreover, whole grains have some valuable antioxidants not found infruits and vegetables, as well as B vitamins, vitamin E, magnesium, iron
and fiber. Also, whole grains are absorbed by as much as 20% more than refined grains providing more efficient carbohydrate energy.

All our diets, whether grain free or whole grain are low glycemic diets. Carbohydrates with a low GI value are more slowly digested, absorbed and metabolised and cause a lower and slower rise in blood sugar levels.

We recommend storing dry food in a cool, dry environment. Prolonged exposure to warmer temperatures increases oxidation and will reduce shelf life as labeled on the bag. It is fine to keep the food in its original packaging, but sealed. It isn’t recommended to pour the food into an alternate storage container as it may not have the same preservation qualities or it may risk exposure to contaminants.

Changes in temperature and atmospheric pressure may sometimes cause a change to the air balance in the bag. When this happens, the bag will take on a vacuum-packed appearance. There is no impact on the food in the bag, and it is completely safe to consume. The goal with our packaging is to keep the product completely sealed before you open it at home and vacuum packed is an indication no atmosphere has comprised the bag.

Yes you can. We supply all our stores with complimentary sample bags for you to take home and try.

Hey – thanks for asking! We have a complete retailer listing on our website. Check out our retailer locator page.

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