Our Ingredients: Where We Source & Why Every Ingredient Matters

Our Sourcing Philosophy

McDuffy's ingredient sourcing is guided by three principles: nutritional value, safety, and locality. We source locally from the Philippines wherever possible, which serves multiple purposes. Local sourcing means shorter supply chains, fresher ingredients, reduced transportation time, and support for Filipino farmers and fishers. When a locally available ingredient meets our nutritional and safety standards, we choose it over an imported alternative every time.

All of our ingredients are sourced from suppliers approved for human food production. This is not a marketing detail — it is a fundamental quality standard. Ingredients that enter our human-grade production facility must meet the same safety and traceability requirements as ingredients destined for human consumption. We maintain documentation on every supplier and conduct regular quality evaluations to ensure ongoing compliance.

Our veterinary advisory board reviews and approves every ingredient in our recipes. No ingredient is added for marketing appeal or cost savings. If it is in a bag of McDuffy, it is there because our board-certified veterinary nutritionist determined it contributes meaningfully to the recipe's nutritional profile.

Proteins: The Foundation of Every Recipe

Dogs are facultative carnivores, meaning animal protein should form the nutritional foundation of their diet. Protein provides the essential amino acids that dogs need for muscle maintenance, immune function, enzyme production, and cellular repair. McDuffy uses whole cuts and fillets of real meat and fish — never rendered meat meals, by-products, or protein concentrates.

Beef

Found in: Surf & Turf

Beef is one of the most nutrient-dense proteins available for dogs. It provides a complete amino acid profile with particularly high levels of essential amino acids like lysine, methionine, and tryptophan. Beyond protein, beef is an excellent source of highly bioavailable iron (heme iron), zinc, B-vitamins (especially B12 and niacin), and selenium. The iron in beef is absorbed far more efficiently by dogs than the non-heme iron found in plant sources, making it especially valuable for maintaining healthy red blood cell production. We use lean beef cuts to keep the fat content balanced while maximizing protein density.

Pork

Found in: Farmyard Feast

Pork is a highly palatable protein that many dogs find irresistible, which makes it particularly valuable for picky eaters. Nutritionally, pork is rich in thiamine (vitamin B1), which plays a critical role in energy metabolism and nervous system function. It also provides phosphorus for bone health, zinc for immune function, and a strong amino acid profile. Pork is a slightly fattier protein than chicken, which contributes to the energy density of our Farmyard Feast recipe and helps maintain healthy skin and coat condition.

Chicken

Found in: Farmyard Feast

Chicken is a lean, easily digestible protein that serves as an excellent foundation for balanced nutrition. It is particularly high in niacin (vitamin B3) and vitamin B6, both essential for energy metabolism and cellular function. Chicken also provides selenium, an important antioxidant mineral that supports immune health and thyroid function. Its high digestibility means dogs absorb a greater proportion of the nutrients it contains, making it an efficient protein source. We use chicken breast and thigh meat, not frames or by-products.

Sardine

Found in: Surf & Turf, Farmyard Feast, Coastal Blend

Sardines are a nutritional powerhouse and appear in all three McDuffy recipes for good reason. They are one of the richest natural sources of omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, which have been extensively studied for their anti-inflammatory properties, cardiovascular benefits, and role in supporting brain and eye health in dogs. Sardines also provide calcium and phosphorus from their small, edible bones, vitamin D (which is difficult to obtain from most food sources), and high-quality protein. Because sardines are small, short-lived fish, they accumulate significantly less mercury and other heavy metals than larger predatory fish, making them one of the safest fish choices for regular feeding. Philippine waters are abundant with sardines, making them an ideal locally sourced ingredient.

Tilapia

Found in: Coastal Blend

Tilapia is one of the most widely farmed fish in the Philippines, making it an accessible, sustainable, and fresh protein source. It provides a lean protein profile with a mild flavor that most dogs readily accept. Tilapia is rich in phosphorus, niacin, selenium, and vitamin B12. While it contains less omega-3 than oily fish like sardines, its lean profile helps us control the fat content of our Coastal Blend recipe. Tilapia is also highly digestible, making it a good choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs. We source tilapia from Philippine farms that meet our human-grade supply chain standards.

Catfish

Found in: Coastal Blend

Catfish (locally known as hito) is another Philippine staple that brings unique nutritional value to our Coastal Blend recipe. It is a good source of protein, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids. Catfish has a slightly higher fat content than tilapia, which contributes essential fatty acids and improves the palatability and mouthfeel of the recipe. Its inclusion alongside sardine and tilapia creates a multi-fish protein blend that provides a broader spectrum of nutrients than any single fish source could offer alone.

Vegetables: Fiber, Vitamins, and Phytonutrients

Vegetables in McDuffy recipes serve multiple purposes: they provide dietary fiber for digestive health, essential vitamins and minerals, antioxidant phytonutrients, and natural moisture. Each vegetable was selected by our veterinary nutritionists to complement the protein sources and contribute specific nutrients that whole foods deliver more effectively than synthetic supplements.

Squash (Kalabasa)

Squash is a staple Filipino ingredient and a nutritional standout for dogs. It is exceptionally rich in beta-carotene, which dogs convert to vitamin A — essential for vision, immune function, and skin health. Squash also provides vitamin C, potassium, and soluble fiber that supports healthy digestion. Its natural sweetness makes it highly palatable, and its soft texture after cooking is easy for dogs of all sizes and ages to eat. Locally grown kalabasa is available year-round in the Philippines, ensuring consistent sourcing.

Moringa (Malunggay)

Moringa is one of the Philippines' most celebrated superfoods, and its inclusion in McDuffy reflects our commitment to leveraging local nutritional resources. Gram for gram, moringa leaves contain impressive concentrations of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, potassium, and iron. Moringa also provides plant-based protein and contains all nine essential amino acids, making it one of the few plants with a complete amino acid profile. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties have been documented in numerous studies. For Filipino dog parents, there is something fitting about feeding their dogs the same malunggay that has nourished Filipino families for generations.

Okra

Okra is a rich source of soluble fiber, which forms a gel-like substance during digestion that supports healthy gut motility and feeds beneficial gut bacteria. It also provides vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and magnesium. The mucilaginous (gel-like) quality of okra that some people find off-putting in human cooking is actually beneficial for dogs, as it can soothe the digestive tract and support nutrient absorption. Okra is widely grown in the Philippines and available fresh throughout much of the year.

Water Spinach (Kangkong)

Kangkong is another quintessentially Filipino vegetable that earns its place in our recipes on nutritional merit. It is an excellent source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium. Water spinach also provides dietary fiber and has a high water content that contributes to the overall moisture of our recipes, which supports hydration — particularly important for dogs in the Philippines' tropical climate. Kangkong is one of the most affordable and abundantly available vegetables in the country, and its inclusion reflects our goal of building world-class nutrition from local ingredients.

Carrots

Carrots are one of the most well-established vegetables in canine nutrition. They are rich in beta-carotene (provitamin A), biotin, vitamin K1, potassium, and fiber. The beta-carotene in carrots supports eye health, immune function, and skin integrity. Carrots also provide a satisfying texture and natural sweetness that enhances palatability. Their fiber content is a mix of soluble and insoluble types, supporting both digestive regularity and gut microbiome health.

Broccoli

Broccoli is nutrient-dense relative to its caloric content, providing vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, potassium, and sulforaphane — a compound that has been studied for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In the amounts used in our recipes (carefully calibrated by our veterinary nutritionists), broccoli contributes valuable micronutrients without the digestive issues that can occur if dogs consume excessive quantities. It is a source of both soluble and insoluble fiber, supporting overall gastrointestinal health.

Sweet Potato (Kamote)

Sweet potato is a complex carbohydrate that provides sustained energy along with an impressive nutrient profile. It is one of the best whole-food sources of beta-carotene and also provides vitamin C, manganese, vitamin B6, and potassium. Sweet potato's dietary fiber supports digestive health and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels compared to simple carbohydrate sources. Kamote is deeply embedded in Filipino food culture and agriculture, making it a natural choice for a dog food brand rooted in the Philippines. Its natural sweetness is highly palatable for dogs, and its starchy consistency helps bind our recipes together for a pleasant eating texture.

Grains, Oils, and Supplements

Rice

Rice is the most digestible grain for dogs, with a digestibility rate exceeding 90% in cooked form. It provides easily accessible energy through complex carbohydrates, along with small amounts of B-vitamins and minerals. Rice has a very low allergenic potential compared to wheat, corn, and soy, making it suitable for dogs with grain sensitivities (which are less common than many pet food marketers suggest, but do exist). As the staple grain of the Philippines, rice is locally sourced, consistently available, and well-suited to our gentle cooking process. It also serves a practical function in our recipes, providing a binding texture that helps the food hold together and makes portioning easy.

Canola Oil

Canola oil is included in our recipes as a source of essential fatty acids, particularly alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid, and linoleic acid (LA), an omega-6 fatty acid. Dogs require both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in their diet, and the ratio between them matters for managing inflammation and supporting skin health. Canola oil has one of the most favorable omega-6 to omega-3 ratios among common cooking oils. It also provides vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant that protects cells from oxidative damage. The small amount of canola oil in each recipe helps ensure adequate essential fatty acid intake and improves the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K from other ingredients.

Vitamin & Mineral Premix

Even the most carefully selected whole-food ingredients may not provide 100% of every essential micronutrient at the precise levels required by AAFCO nutrient profiles. Our custom vitamin and mineral premix is designed by our board-certified veterinary nutritionist to fill these specific gaps. Unlike generic, one-size-fits-all premixes, ours is tailored to each individual recipe. The Surf & Turf premix is different from the Coastal Blend premix because each recipe has a different nutritional starting point from its whole-food base.

The premix typically includes nutrients like zinc, copper, manganese, iodine, selenium, vitamin E, vitamin D, and B-vitamins in precise amounts calculated to bring the total recipe to full AAFCO compliance. By using whole foods as the primary nutrient source and the premix only to address remaining gaps, we minimize synthetic supplementation while ensuring complete and balanced nutrition.

What Is NOT in McDuffy

What we leave out of our recipes is just as important as what we put in. Our veterinary advisory board has excluded the following categories of ingredients that are common in mass-market dog food:

• No Corn, Wheat, or Soy: These are the most common filler ingredients in commercial dog food. While not inherently harmful, they are typically used to reduce cost rather than improve nutrition. Corn and soy are also among the more common allergens in dogs. We use rice as our sole grain because of its superior digestibility and low allergenic potential.
• No Artificial Preservatives (BHA, BHT, Ethoxyquin): Many commercial kibbles use synthetic chemical preservatives to achieve long shelf lives. BHA and BHT are antioxidants that prevent fat oxidation, but they have been subjects of concern in food safety research. McDuffy does not need these preservatives because our food is blast-frozen immediately after cooking, which naturally preserves freshness without chemicals.
• No Meat By-Products: In the pet food industry, "meat by-products" can include organs, feet, beaks, undeveloped eggs, and other parts that are not typically consumed as human food. While some by-products have nutritional value, the term is so broadly defined that it offers no quality assurance. McDuffy uses only named, whole-cut proteins — beef, pork, chicken, sardine, tilapia, and catfish — so you know exactly what protein your dog is eating.
• No Rendered Meat Meals: Meat meals are produced by rendering — a high-heat process that breaks down animal tissues into a concentrated powder. While meat meals are protein-dense, the rendering process can degrade amino acid quality, and the source materials are often less traceable than whole cuts. We use gently cooked whole proteins to preserve nutritional integrity.
• No Artificial Colors or Flavors: McDuffy looks and smells like real food because it is real food. We do not add artificial colors to make the food appear more appealing to humans, and we do not add artificial flavors because the natural flavor of real beef, fish, chicken, and vegetables is more than enough to entice dogs.
• No Added Sugar or Salt: Some pet foods add sugar or excessive salt to enhance palatability. Dogs do not need added sugar, and excess sodium can contribute to health problems over time. The natural sodium content of our whole-food ingredients provides adequate salt for canine nutritional needs.

Nutritional Synergies: Why the Combination Matters

Our veterinary nutritionists do not select ingredients in isolation. They design recipes as complete systems where ingredients work together to enhance overall nutrition. Here are a few examples of intentional nutritional synergies in McDuffy recipes:

• Vitamin C + Iron: The vitamin C in our vegetables (moringa, broccoli, squash) enhances the absorption of non-heme iron from plant sources, complementing the highly bioavailable heme iron from our animal proteins. This dual iron delivery supports healthy red blood cell production.
• Fat + Fat-Soluble Vitamins: Vitamins A, D, E, and K require dietary fat for absorption. The canola oil and natural fats in our proteins ensure these critical vitamins are bioavailable, not just present.
• Omega-3 from Multiple Sources: By combining sardines (EPA and DHA) with canola oil (ALA), our recipes provide both preformed and precursor omega-3 fatty acids, covering a broader spectrum of anti-inflammatory and cellular health benefits.
• Soluble + Insoluble Fiber: The mix of vegetables in our recipes provides both types of dietary fiber. Soluble fiber (from okra, squash, sweet potato) feeds beneficial gut bacteria and supports nutrient absorption. Insoluble fiber (from broccoli, carrots) promotes healthy bowel movements and digestive regularity.
• Complete Amino Acid Profile: By combining multiple animal protein sources within a single recipe (for example, beef + sardine in Surf & Turf, or pork + chicken + sardine in Farmyard Feast), we ensure a robust and complete essential amino acid profile that supports muscle maintenance, immune function, and overall vitality.

These synergies are not accidental. They are the result of deliberate formulation by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist who understands how nutrients interact in the canine body. You can learn more about our formulation process on our science page.

Recipe-by-Recipe Ingredient Summary

Surf & Turf (Beef & Fish)

Proteins: Beef, Sardine

Vegetables: Squash, Moringa, Carrots, Broccoli

Other: Rice, Canola Oil, Vitamin & Mineral Premix

Our most protein-rich recipe at 1,648 kcal/kg. The beef and sardine combination provides an exceptional amino acid profile with robust omega-3 content. Ideal for active dogs and those who thrive on red meat.

Farmyard Feast (Pork, Chicken & Fish)

Proteins: Pork, Chicken, Sardine

Vegetables: Squash, Sweet Potato, Water Spinach, Okra

Other: Rice, Canola Oil, Vitamin & Mineral Premix

A triple-protein recipe featuring the highest protein percentage (17%) and lowest fat content (6%) among our three formulas. The combination of pork, chicken, and sardine creates a highly palatable meal that even the pickiest dogs love. At 1,188 kcal/kg, it is our leanest recipe — excellent for dogs who need weight management without sacrificing nutrition.

Coastal Blend (Fish)

Proteins: Sardine, Tilapia, Catfish

Vegetables: Squash, Moringa, Carrots, Sweet Potato

Other: Rice, Canola Oil, Vitamin & Mineral Premix

Our all-fish recipe with the highest omega-3 content across our range. Three different fish sources provide a diverse nutrient profile and excellent palatability. At 1,395 kcal/kg, Coastal Blend is a great option for dogs with sensitivities to common land-animal proteins, or for any dog whose parents want to maximize the anti-inflammatory benefits of a fish-forward diet.