Q：Are the ingredients sustainably sourced?

Yes. Halo uses OrigiNative™ proteins, which means we foster farming practices that treat our life-giving animals in a manner that is sustainable, natural, non-degrading to our environment, and respectful of every animal's normal lifecycle. As part of our commitment to OrigiNative™ sourcing, we work to lessen the vicious cycle of relentlessly tilling our soils and adding heavy amounts of chemical fertilizers and herbicides needed by Genetically Modified crops, thereby allowing the land to function as it has for eons—as a carbon sink versus a runaway carbon pump.

Q：Are all of the ingredients from the US?

Halo selects every ingredient we use based on its premium quality and nutritive value. Each ingredient comes with a certificate of analysis and country of origin. All Halo meat proteins are sourced from the US, Canada, or New Zealand. Because of our commitment to using non-GMO vegetables and fruits, we also source plant-based ingredients from Europe, where GMO crops are prohibited by law. Any ingredient sourced internationally comes from verified responsible suppliers.

Q：Why does Halo refer to its products as "natural"?

Our products meet and exceed the industry definition of "natural". AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) defines "natural" pet food as having ingredients from ONLY plant, animal, or mineral sources. We are dedicated to a higher standard. That's why we trademarked the term OrigiNative™ to describe our commitment to sourcing humanely-raised meat and poultry raised without growth hormones or antibiotics as growth promotants, and sustainably harvested wild-caught fish.

Q：What is the importance of Halo's superior digestibility?

Whole meat is more easily absorbed than "meat meal" such as "chicken meal" and "fish meal". The experiment in an independent laboratory proves that using whole meat (without any kind of "meat meal") can improve the overall digestibility.

Q：Why is it important for cats and dogs to have at least a portion of their diet come from wet food?

There are a variety of reasons. Not all animals drink as much water as they should. Wet foods can be a good source of hydration if your cat or dog doesn't drink a lot of water. It also means that your pet can enjoy a larger portion of wet food per meal without adding more calories to their diet. Wet foods may also be a practical choice for some health conditions. For example, an older pet that has lost some olfactory senses may be more inclined to eat a food that has a richer scent and flavor, like wet foods. Canned food is also a good alternative if your pet is ill and cannot smell as well, or doesn't have much appetite. Feeding wet food assures that your pet is getting the protein, vitamins, and minerals they need to maintain their health. Wet foods are also a good option for cats and dogs with missing teeth, poorly aligned jaws, or smaller mouths.

Q：What is the difference between “Dry Matter’ and “As Fed” analysis?

The Guaranteed Analysis statement is measured in percent “As Fed,” which means that the food contains water when the diet is analyzed. To compare different diets, it is recommended to convert the nutrient from an “As Fed” basis to “Dry Matter” basis, which removes the water from the food. Converting the nutrient maximums and minimums in a Guaranteed Analysis to “Dry Matter” basis allows a comparison of any food in wet or dry form to another food.

Q：What does holistic mean?

“Holistic” is a core component of our philosophy of Holistic. Whole. Humane. When we say holistic, we are referring not just to the pet food we make, but how we make it. Holistic means we don’t think about one without the other. We see People, Pets, and Planet as an interconnected relationship. This has led us to make very conscious decisions in how we make our pet food, who we source our ingredients from, which animal welfare groups we partner with, and what changes we strive for as we pursue our mission to change the way companion animals are fed and farm animals are raised…for the better. Holistic means we believe every animal impacts our lives and ultimately plays a role in improving our collective well-being—including companion animals, farm animals, and sheltered animals. So beyond our goal of delivering the healthiest, most bioavailable and holistic whole food nutrition to our companion animals, we want to do it in a way that treats our life-giving animals in a manner that is sustainable, natural, and respectful of every animal’s life cycle, and that lessens the impact on our planet.

Q：Is it okay for my pet to have food with carbs in it?

Yes. Halo makes healthier carbohydrate choices by using whole grains such as barley and oats and vegetables like sweet potatoes. These carbohydrates are nutrient-dense and they supply energy as well as high levels of fiber for digestive health and high levels of vitamins and minerals for overall health.

Q：Why are real WHOLE meat, poultry, and fish better than "meat meal"?

We believe WHOLE Meat Makes a Whole Lot of Difference™, because real WHOLE meat, poultry, and fish are more digestible than "meat meal," which means cats and dogs can retain and use more of the nutrients in the food.

Q：Why is there ash in pet food?

Ash identifies minerals in the diet that mainly come from meat and bone. Whole meat has less ash. For example, at Halo we use whole chicken and no “chicken meal”. The ash in "chicken meal" can vary greatly depending upon the quality and amount of bone used in the rendering process. Since Halo wet and dry diets have no "meat meal," like "chicken meal" or "fish meal," the ash content is low.

Q：Why does Halo avoid rice and corn in its recipes?

Halo defines corn and white rice as "fillers". These are carbohydrates that may raise blood sugar levels rapidly and create hormonal signals that may have negative long term effects on metabolism and weight gain. Although corn and white rice are often thought of as staples of an American diet, they are not optimal for pets in the large quantities used by many pet food companies. Corn and rice are often the main ingredients in other foods and treats because they are a less expensive way to fill up a bag and still meet basic energy requirements. This has led to many pet foods and treats that are high in carbohydrates, relatively low in meat protein, and are a contributing factor to the pet obesity epidemic. These corn and rice based diets may also contribute to chronic symptoms of maldigestion, such as gas, bloating, and diarrhea.

Q：What is "meat meal"?

“Meat meal” is a powdered material made when the remnants of slaughterhouses and fish processing factories are rendered, high-heat processed, and dehydrated. This “meat meal” is not suitable for human consumption.

Q：What does cage free mean?

Many egg-laying birds are continuously confined in "battery cages" where they don't have room to stretch their wings. Halo is not only committed to sourcing cage free poultry, but we also are working with farmers who are certified to raise their flocks in an environment that allows the birds to express their natural behavior.

Q：Is the fish in Halo pet food farm raised or wild caught?

All fish utilized in Halo's kibble diets are wild caught in sustainable ocean fisheries as certified by the Marine Stewardship Council.

Q：If "meat meal" is higher in protein than WHOLE meat, poultry, or fish, why isn't it better for cats and dogs?

WHOLE meat, poultry, and fish are more digestible and therefore bioavailable than "meat meal," like "chicken meal" or "fish meal," meaning cats and dogs can utilize more of the nutrients found in real WHOLE meat protein than "meat meal".

Q：How does Halo ensure the quality of the ingredients it uses?

We begin with humanely raised and sustainably sourced ingredients. Our meat, poultry, and fish proteins are third-party certified (Global Animal Partnership or Marine Stewardship Council). We say YES to whole meat and non-GMO fruits and vegetables and NO to rendered “meat meal,” artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

Q：Are the vegetables you use pesticide free?

All the vegetables Halo uses in our recipes are sourced from non-GMO farms. Non-GMO, however, does not guarantee pesticide free. Similarly, an organic designation does not guarantee pesticide free either.

Q：Are all these ingredients up to the "human consumption level"?

All our ingredients are purchased according to the standard of human consumption grade materials. We maintain a strict agreement to ensure that these ingredients are not mixed with ingredients of non-human consumption grade.

Q：Are any of the ingredients organic?

Instead of organic, Halo has chosen to source our proteins from producers and ranchers that raise their animals naturally and humanely, or fish within sustainable wild ocean fisheries. All Halo meat, poultry, and fish proteins are either GAP (Global Animal Partnership) or MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) certified. We are proud of our OrigiNative™ sourced proteins and non-GMO vegetables and fruits.

Q：How is the new Halo formula different?

Your pet may not notice the difference, because just as it’s always been, Halo will still be made with real WHOLE meat, poultry, or fish, and never ANY “meat meal” like "chicken meal" or "fish meal". Halo will still have fruits and vegetables, added vitamins and minerals, no corn, wheat, or wheat gluten, and no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. However, what's new about Halo will matter to you, farm animals, and the planet. Halo will now have more real WHOLE protein, non-GMO vegetables, and OrigiNative™ humanely raised and sourced meat, poultry, and fish.

Q：Why should I use Halo instead of my current food?

Unlike most pet foods, Halo uses real WHOLE meat, poultry, or fish, and no rendered "meat meal" of ANY kind. WHOLE protein is more digestible than "meat meal," like "chicken meal" or "fish meal," so your pet can retain and use more of the nutrition you pay for.

Q：Why is it important that Halo uses real whole meat, poultry, or fish?

Real WHOLE meat, poultry, and fish are more digestible than "meat meal" or "poultry meal," which means cats and dogs can retain and use more of the nutrients in the food.

Q：Why does Halo cost more?

Halo uses real WHOLE meat, poultry, or fish (no “meat meals”), non-GMO vegetables, and proteins that are certified humanely raised. All of these ingredients are substantially more expensive than the ingredients commonly used by most pet food companies. The use of these premium ingredients yields pet foods with super digestibility.

Q：What does "The Proof Is In the Poop™" mean?

We believe that in the end, the truth always comes out. And in this case, it generally comes out a bit better. Because of Halo's super digestibility, you can expect to pick up after your pet a little bit less. When you feed an easier-to-digest food, your pet utilizes more of it. And the more nutrition your pet benefits from, the less you pick up as waste.

Q：How does Halo support all animals?

We believe each and every animal impacts our lives and ultimately plays a role in improving our collective well-being. So we’re abandoning the long-held one-way view of animal management purely for human benefit, for one where we take care of each other—people, animals, and planet. This is why our mission is to change the way companion animals are fed and farm animals are raised...for the better. It includes delivering great cat food and dog food made with WHOLE meat and no "meat meal" (like "chicken meal" or "fish meal") that your pet will love, supporting shelter pets and helping nourish and transform them to give them their very best chance at a forever home, and rejecting the factory farm model of close-confinement, growth hormones, antibiotics, and genetically modified feeds. Instead, we foster naturally raised animals, regenerative soils, and environmental balance.

Q：How do we know if Halo is digestible?

Halo's formula only uses pure fresh meat as animal protein source, and says no to any "meat meal". This is why the digestibility of Halo stands out among the best-selling pet food brands (including many "pure natural" brands) in the digestion experiments conducted by independent testing laboratories in the United States.

Q：How can Halo meet my pet's specific needs?

Halo makes a variety of nutritious diets that meet the specific nutritional needs of dogs and cats during various lifestages, such as puppy or kitten, adult or senior. We also offer nutritious recipes for indoor cats, cats with sensitive stomachs, small breed dogs, and those dogs and cats that could benefit from a lower calorie, healthy weight diet to help get fit and stay trim. And if your dog has protein sensitivities or you would like your dog to take part in your meatless lifestyle, we have a wholesome vegan recipe—in wet and dry formulas—that provides complete and balanced nutrition.

Q：How do you understand Halo calling itself a mission-driven company?

Halo calls itself a mission-driven company, which means that besides providing your pets with cat food and dog food, we are also committed to improving the feeding methods of companion animals (pets) and optimizing animal husbandry. This mission also makes us make more conscious decisions when choosing how to make pet food, who to buy raw materials from, which animal welfare group to cooperate with, and what changes we insist on pursuing in order to shape different animal husbandry concepts.