Real Ingredients, Real Purpose: What Sets Steve's Real Food Apart

In Steve’s Real Food recipes, every ingredient is intentionally chosen and serves a purpose within our formulas, which is why we never add synthetic vitamin packs.

We’re proud to use whole-food ingredients that naturally provide essential nutrients to support your pet’s health in the most natural, effective way possible. While some may seem unusual at first glance, these carefully selected foods deliver bioavailable vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and other beneficial compounds in a form your pet’s body can easily recognize and absorb.

Our value-added ingredients don’t just “fill the gaps” – they elevate the nutritional power of our raw diets. From supporting digestion and joint health, to strengthening the immune system and providing nutrient absorption, each one plays a vital role in creating a balanced diet for your cat or dog.

Let’s explore the ingredients we use and why they matter:

Goat Milk: Raw, nutrient-dense, and packed with gut-healing power

Our raw goat milk is a powerhouse ingredient loaded with probiotics, enzymes, and minerals in a highly digestible format. Because it's low in lactose and contains lactase, it’s easier on the stomach than cow’s milk and ideal for pets with sensitive digestion.

• Contains pre- and probiotics to support gut flora and reduce inflammation

• High in potassium to help regulate pH and act as a natural antacid

• Rich in bioavailable calcium, magnesium, zinc, and selenium

• Supports hydration with intracellular moisture

• Naturally anti-inflammatory and immune-supportive

• Comes from a small family farm that also produces wine and hazelnuts!

Flaxseed: A fiber-rich boost for digestion, skin, and joints

Flaxseed brings a rich supply of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, antioxidants, and fiber to your pet’s bowl. It supports everything from shiny coats to strong immunity.

• High in linoleic acid for skin hydration and reduced inflammation

• Contains lignans, powerful antioxidants that combat free radicals

• Provides both soluble and insoluble fiber for regular digestion

• Natural source of ALA (omega-3) for joint health and anti-inflammatory effects

• Packed with magnesium, choline, and B vitamins

Chia Seed: Tiny seed, big nutrition

Chia seeds are nutrient-dense powerhouses. They contain more omega-3s than salmon and are a rich source of fiber, minerals, and antioxidants.

• High in calcium, magnesium, manganese, and potassium

• Excellent for immune support, skin health, and brain function

• Provides prebiotic and soluble fiber for digestive health

• Anti-inflammatory and a natural source of ALA omega-3s

Sesame Seed: Natural minerals and healthy fats

Hulled sesame seeds offer minerals and fiber while enhancing the nutritional diversity of our recipes. Unhulled sesame seeds don’t provide the same nutritional benefits as they do not digest well. 

• Rich in phosphorus, selenium, manganese, calcium, and copper

• Offers healthy fats and prebiotic fiber

• Helps reduce oxidative stress with powerful antioxidants

Inulin: A prebiotic fiber to fuel the gut microbiome

Sourced from chicory root, inulin is a natural, plant-based fiber that supports digestive wellness.

• Encourages the growth of beneficial gut bacteria

• Improves nutrient absorption

• Antioxidant properties without impacting blood sugar

Dried Kelp: Nature’s multivitamin from the sea

Our kelp, dried naturally in the sun, is sustainably harvested from Canada’s Bay of Fundy, is a mineral-rich seaweed with a range of health benefits. Learn more about kelp in this blog post!

• High in iodine for thyroid health

• Contains 60+ vitamins and minerals

• A source of dietary fiber and amino acids

• Supports metabolism, tissue repair, and dental health

• Reduces itching and inflammation for allergy-prone pets

Coconut Oil: Clean fat with powerful immune benefits

Our USDA organic, cold-pressed coconut oil from Nutiva is a clean-burning fat that supports skin, coat, and immune health.

• Rich in lauric acid, which fights bacteria, viruses, and fungi

• Medium-chain fatty acids support energy and digestion

• Does not cause insulin spikes

• Supports skin and coat health with essential fats

Eggshell Membrane: Natural joint support

This underutilized superfood contains collagen, glucosamine, and other nutrients essential for joint and connective tissue health. 

• 70% protein (collagen)

• Includes elastin and chondroitin for joint and gut health

• Rich in hyaluronic acid to support skin and coat

Salmon Oil: Omega-3s to balance inflammation and promote wellness

Our cold-extracted Salmon oil supports your pet’s cardiovascular, skin, and immune health while improving the omega-3:6 ratio in their diet.

• High in EPA and DHA

• Supports joint health and reduces inflammation

• Promotes healthy skin and shiny coats

Green Mussel: A natural anti-inflammatory

These nutrient-rich mollusks are known for supporting joint health and mobility.

• Contains omega-3s and rare ETA for natural pain relief

• Source of zinc, iron, selenium, and B vitamins

• Included in small but beneficial quantities

Raw Honey: A natural antioxidant and digestive aid

This naturally sweet superfood is known for its antioxidant properties and ability to support digestive health and immune function.

• Supports gut health with enzymes and beneficial microbes

• Contains antioxidants, trace minerals, and natural sugars for quick energy

• May help reduce inflammation and support immune function

• Included in small but beneficial quantities

And More Whole Food Ingredients...

We also include various fruits and vegetables. These provide vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants in their most natural, bioavailable form.

Commonly used produce includes:

• Carrots, Apples, Broccoli – Antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins

• Spinach, Kale, Romaine, Celery – Anti-inflammatory greens rich in calcium, iron, and vitamin K

• Watermelon – Hydration and vitamin C

• Cantaloupe – A mineral-rich fruit loaded with choline and magnesium

Real Food. Real Benefits.

At Steve’s Real Food, every ingredient has a purpose. Using value-added superfoods instead of synthetic vitamins, we keep your pet’s diet natural, balanced, and biologically appropriate. Because when it comes to real food, we believe it should be done right—every time, for every pet.