Nutritional Features of Specific Ingredients  

Maize (flaked)

Charlie contains flaked maize.  Although lower and poorer in protein quality than wheat, maize has the highest energy content of most cereals, containing twice the oil of wheat and barley.  The high starch content also contributes to the energy value.  The flaking process improves the digestibility of the maize kernel.

Peas (flaked)

One of the sources of protein within Charlie is Flaked Peas. Peas are a good source of protein and are high in sugar and starch, contributing to energy levels.  Although they contain low amounts of oil, the oil present is unsaturated.   Peas contain reasonable quantities of B vitamins, but are low in methionine, cysteine and tryptophan. The Hipro soya pellets within Charlie,  are relatively high in methionine and cysteine, and complement the Flaked Peas.

Raisins

Albeit rather poor as sources of protein and fat, raisins are rich in carbohydrate (sugars, not starch) which provide energy.  They are also a good source of minerals (potassium, magnesium, and iron) and the B vitamins.

Soya (Hipro pellet)

The pale straw-coloured pellets within Charlie are Hipro Soya Pellets.  Soya is an important source of vegetable protein.  It is rich in amino acids such as threonine and lysine, and also methionine and cysteine.   In addition soya has a high oil content, and is an excellent source of the essential fatty acid, linoleic acid (C18:2 ; w-6). Heat processing partially breaks down the plant cell wall rendering the nutrients more available and reduces the levels of anti-nutritional factors (ANFs) which would otherwise reduce the digestibility of the protein. When the oil is removed the residue left is known as soya bean meal, which is either incorporated directly into animal feeds or pelleted.  The term Hipro indicates that during the process the previously removed hulls are not reblended and hence it is lower in fibre, but higher in protein than other sources.  Hipro Soya Pellets are also a good source of vitamins B and D.

Charlie Chinchilla

Specific Ingredients

Feeding Instructions