[PrincessDiana]

Nature's Variety is a GREAT company and while I prefer to feed only grain free, Prairie would definitely be on my list if we didn't. We are planning on switching to Instinct, soon. All of the ingredients listed are fine, actually wonderful, ingredients. Here is a better explanation of each one, from their website:

Chicken Meal
Chicken meal is the clean combination of the flesh and skin of chicken with the moisture removed. Our high-quality chicken meal is an excellent source of highly digestible, lean meat protein, which never contains added growth hormones. High quality, protein specific meals are simply a dried and more concentrated form of the meat, poultry or fish protein. It is important to make sure the meal is protein specific (Beef Meal, Lamb Meal), and not generic like Meat Meal or By-Product Meal which by definition can contain any species of animal.

Brown Rice
Whole brown rice is unmilled – or partly milled – rice. Brown Rice is a nutritionally intact whole grain, and is rich in fiber, dietary minerals (including manganese, phosphorus), and vitamins (including niacin, vitamin B6, and vitamin E).

Barley
Barley is a hearty cereal grain, and is a member of the grass family Poaceae. Whole barley is a nutritionally intact whole grain, and is rich in dietary fiber, antioxidants, dietary minerals (including magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and selenium), and vitamins (including niacin, vitamin B6, and vitamin E).

Alfalfa Meal
Alfalfa is a member of the legume (bean) family. Alfalfa meal is the above ground portion of the alfalfa plant, which has been cut and dried naturally in the sun. It is then finely ground into a meal. Alfalfa is known for its excellent source of phytochemicals and phytoestrogens and their antioxidant effect stimulates the immune system. Alfalfa is also a good source of vitamin C, folate, vitamin A, vitamin K, niacin and pantothenic acid, calcium and iron. Alfalfa contains beneficial saponins that may have cardio-protective and immune-enhancing properties.

Flaxseed
Flaxseed is the whole seed of the flax plant (genus Linum). Flaxseed is an outstanding source of both soluble and insoluble fiber. Together these fibers aid in digestion and help to prevent constipation. Flaxseed is also an excellent source of amino acids, Omega-6, and more importantly Omega-3 essential fatty acids. When in the proper ratio with Omega-6 fatty acids, Omega-3 fatty acids regulate and control inflammatory reactions. The richest source of alpha-linoleic acid (ALA) is found in flaxseed. Nature’s Variety selects only the highest quality whole flaxseed grown in cool Canadian climates.