Ingredients
Venison
About the Deer of Kyotango
Kyotango, where Ishca is based,
is surrounded by lush green mountains
and is home to a variety of wildlife in its rich natural environment.
For centuries, game, such as venison and boar
has been an integral part of the local diet here.
When people hear the word “game,” they might
worry about the aroma, method of cooking, etc.
However, venison offers various benefits and is
a high-quality protein source that can be deliciously prepared.
Nutritional Benefits of Venison
Venison has the following key nutritional features:
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Higher in protein compared to beef, pork, and chicken
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About 1/15th the fat content of beef and pork
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Extremely high in iron, approximately 15 times more than chicken
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Contains DHA, which helps promote healthy blood circulation
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Rich in B vitamins with strong antioxidant properties
Low in calories, high in protein, and packed with minerals and vitamins,
venison is a food that dogs love.
The way they eagerly devour it is truly impressive.
No Chemical Feed
Much of the meat we eat is often raised on chemically formulated feed.
When it comes to the meat used in dog food,
it’s often difficult to know where the animals were raised and what they were fed.
In contrast, wild venison comes from animals that are raised on natural food,
free from antibiotics, hormones, and other chemicals found in livestock feed.
This makes venison a safe and delicious source of protein.
Low Risk of Allergies
With the increasing variety of pet food,
more dogs are developing allergies.
Food allergies occur when the immune system
mistakenly recognizes proteins in certain foods as harmful,
leading to an allergic reaction.
In most cases, these allergies develop from food the dog has eaten before,
and allergies to common ingredients like beef and chicken,
which are widely used in many dog foods, are not unusual.
However, venison is still relatively uncommon,
making it a new or unfamiliar protein source for your dog.
This is known as a “novel protein,”
and because of its low risk of causing allergic reactions,
it may be a delicious and safe option for dogs
with dietary restrictions due to allergies.
Building Healthy Kidneys
In traditional Eastern medicine, the kidneys are
often referred to as the “bank of vitality,”
as they are closely linked to lifespan.
The kidneys age faster than other organs
and are often called “silent organs”
because symptoms usually appear
only after significant damage—
making kidney failure a common issue in dogs.
The kidneys filter blood, remove toxins and waste,
and regulate fluid balance in the body.
A healthy kidney is essential for waste removal.
Ensuring your dog drinks enough water,
stays warm, and supports kidney strength
is crucial for maintaining their health.
Venison contains DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid
not found in other meats,
and its potential to slow the progression of
kidney disease is being researched.
Adding venison to your dog’s diet supports kidney health
while providing essential protein and nutrients.
Organic Vegetables
Vegetables
All the vegetables used in Ishca’s food are organic, locally grown in Kyotango.
Without the use of pesticides or chemical fertilizers,
the vegetables absorb the richness of the soil and grow to be
full of flavor, fragrance, and true deliciousness.
While supermarkets offer a wide variety of vegetables year-round,
Ishca uses only those that are in season.
This is because we believe in using
the best, freshest vegetables that match the season.
In line with the concept of herbal medicine,
our recipes change with the seasons.
For example, in summer, we use cucurbitaceous vegetables to cool the body,
and in winter, we include vegetables that support kidney function,
which tends to weaken in the cold.
We hope that through Ishca’s food,
you and your dog will feel the changing of the seasons.
Local Rice
Rice
Our food contains a small amount of rice.
Some people may wonder if it’s okay to feed grains to dogs,
but while dogs aren’t as skilled at digesting carbohydrates as humans,
they do need carbohydrates as part of their nutrition.
For example, unlike carnivores such as wolves, dogs have a cecum,
which is a characteristic of omnivores.
Recent research has also revealed that dogs have 2 to 15 times more amylase,
an enzyme that helps digest carbohydrates, than wolves do.
By including rice in their diet, dogs can get essential carbohydrates,
as well as important minerals and vitamins.
At Ishca, we use an A-grade rice produced by local farmers.
In Kyotango, where Ishca is based,
a farming cooperative has been working to restore abandoned farmland,
establishing biotope rice paddies and promoting reduced pesticide farming,
with the goal of environmentally friendly agriculture.
Now, even the storks from a nearby sanctuary
have started using the area as a feeding ground year-round.
The rice produced using the pure, flavorful water from the local
is considered some of the best-tasting in Japan.
At Ishca, we cook the rice into a soft porridge,
blend it, and use a small amount of rice cream in the food.
Though you won’t see rice grains,
we believe dogs, who naturally love sweetness,
will enjoy the gentle sweetness of the rice.
Kombu-Seweed
Ishca’s Dog Food Contains Kombu (Kelp)
There are many benefits to feeding dogs kelp,
but we primarily focus on its umami effect.
[Benefits of Kombu for Your Dog]
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Supports Feelings of Fullness
The umami compound, glutamic acid, found in kelp, has been shown in studies to be detectable by dogs.
This enhances the flavor of the food, making it easier for dogs to feel satisfied with their meals.
For dogs, whose sense of smell plays a large role in their appetite,
even small meals can help them feel full, potentially supporting healthy weight management.
Additionally, even picky eaters can benefit from the addition of a small amount of kelp,
which can stimulate their interest in food and increase appetite. -
Low-Calorie and Nutrient-Rich
Kelp is very low in calories, yet rich in minerals and vitamins.
By adding kelp to their diet, dogs can feel satisfied without consuming extra calories,
helping to prevent obesity.
For dogs who need to lose weight, kelp is an effective ingredient that provides satisfaction even in small amounts. -
Helps with Digestion
The water-soluble fiber in kelp absorbs water in the intestines, expanding to soften stools and help prevent both diarrhea and constipation.
Additionally, by promoting a feeling of fullness, kelp helps prevent overeating and supports weight control.
On the other hand, the insoluble fiber in kelp helps to move stools through the intestines smoothly,
which can help prevent constipation.
These benefits contribute to maintaining a healthy digestive system in dogs, allowing them to efficiently absorb nutrients.
At Ishca, we use the product from Tenma Osaka Kombu Co., Ltd.
The finely cut slices of kelp from Hokkaido release rich umami with just a small amount,
and there’s no concern about excessive iodine intake.
We invite you to try it in your beloved dog’s meals.
