Over 30 years ago, before starting FirstMate Pet Foods, Michael fished commercially off the shores of British Columbia, Canada, and Alaska. The digestibility and health benefits of a fish-rich diet were evident to Michael and important for him to incorporate into his own pet’s diets.
All FirstMate dry fish formulas use a combination of wild-caught herring, anchovy, and sardine. These fish are caught near the water’s surface using sustainable fishing practices. The fish used in our diets are sourced in the Pacific Ocean.
The herring family feed on plankton, making them a rich source of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. Spending most of their lives in the middle of the ocean reduces their exposure to heavy metals such as mercury.
In pet food it can be difficult to determine if a fish formula contains the whole fish or just the heads and frames, as the fillets are utilized for human consumption.
Herring, anchovy, and sardine are sourced mainly for their roe in North America, enabling FirstMate to use the WHOLE fish. The inclusion of the whole fish increases the percentage of meat protein, which helps to ensure a high-quality fish diet.
Quality ingredients are just one of the ways that we ensure a superior diet for your FirstMate.
We have been feeding our Ridgebacks 1st Mate Products for many years
Hello Bill,
Thank you for the ongoing brand support!
– FirstMate Team
Hi, is your fish meal at any point in the processing preserved with ethoquixin?
We do not add ethoxyquin to any of our products. Furthermore, we work diligently with our suppliers to source protein ingredients, including fish meal, that are free of chemical preservatives. The fish we use is typically treated with a natural antioxidant blend consisting of rosemary extract and mixed tocopherols.
Although not common, it is possible that fish meal was treated with ethoxyquin prior to us receiving it as a result of natural variation, government regulations in the handling of fish, and seasonal availability. However, with a current move away from the use of ethoxyquin overall, this is becoming less of an issue.
Do you test for kibble for mercury levels?
Hi Adrienne,
We routinely test our ingredients and finished products for heavy metals, including mercury, through third-party independent labs. In addition, the fish that are used in our kibble formulas eat low on the food chain and therefore do not accumulate mercury and other heavy metals.
Sincerely,
Wendy Vandersteen, PhD
Manager of Research and Development
Do you have a vet nutritionist on staff?
Hello Katelyn,
Thank you for your interest in our FirstMate pet food!
Our Executive Vice-President, Dr. Brad Hicks, is a veterinarian with over 20 years of experience in pet nutrition. He obtained a BSc and an MSc in Veterinary Pathology from the University of Guelph, and a DVM from the Ontario Veterinary College. As Manager of Research and Development, I hold a BSc in biology from Queen’s University, an MSc in animal behavioural physiology from the University of Manitoba, a PhD in animal genomics and physiology from the University of British Columbia, and a Certificate in Food Science from the University of Guelph.
Dr. Hicks oversees all of our formulations, and I provide support.
Sincerely,
Wendy Vandersteen, PhD
Manager of Research and Development
Hello do you test for radiation levels in the fish (re Fukushima)?
Hello, and thank you for your questions.
Due to concerns from a human health health perspective, there has been extensive testing of fish on the Pacific west coast for radiation. These studies have concluded that fish from our waters do not pose a radiological health concern.
Sincerely,
Wendy Vandersteen, PhD
Manager of Research and Development
Hi, do you have any cat food formulations, wet or dry, that are at or below phosphorus levels of 250 mg/100 kcal? Thank you.
Hello Praveen,
Thank you for your interest in our FirstMate pet food for your cat.
Our FirstMate canned Salmon formula could be an option for you with an average phosphorus of 240 mg/100 kcal.
Best wishes,
Wendy
Wendy Vandersteen, PhD
Manager of Research and Development