Picture this: you’re standing in the pet aisle, fluorescent lights humming overhead, scanning rows of colorful bags that all scream “natural,” “premium,” and “vet-approved.” Yet somewhere in the fine print you spot “Product of China” or “Packaged in the USA with globally sourced ingredients.” If you’ve ever felt that twinge of doubt about what’s actually going into your dog’s body, you’re not alone. American pet parents are increasingly voting with their wallets for treats that are not only delicious and nutritious, but also grown, processed, and packaged under the strict safety standards enforced on U.S. soil.
Choosing Made in USA dog treats isn’t just a patriotic flex—it’s a strategic move that can reduce the risk of contamination, support transparent labeling, and ensure humane labor practices. In this ultimate guide, we’ll unpack everything from USDA labeling loopholes to novel protein sourcing trends, giving you the confidence to navigate 2025’s crowded treat landscape like a seasoned canine nutritionist—no veterinary degree required.
Top 10 Made In Usa Dog Treats
Detailed Product Reviews
1. Full Moon Chicken Jerky Tenders Healthy All Natural Dog Treats Human Grade Made in USA 26 oz
Overview: Full Moon Chicken Jerky Tenders are premium, human-grade dog treats made in the USA with cage-free chicken and wholesome ingredients like cassava root and rosemary extract.
What Makes It Stand Out: These treats meet USDA human-consumption standards, meaning they’re made in the same kitchens and with the same quality ingredients as people food. The small-batch production ensures consistency and quality control that mass-produced treats can’t match.
Value for Money: At $11.32 per pound, these are premium-priced treats, but the human-grade certification and high-quality ingredients justify the cost. The 26-ounce bag provides excellent quantity for serious dog owners who want the best for their pets.
Strengths and Weaknesses: The human-grade quality and USA sourcing are major advantages, along with the grain-free recipe with no artificial additives. The jerky strips are easy to break into training-sized pieces. However, the higher price point may not fit all budgets, and some dogs might find the texture too tough if they have dental issues.
Bottom Line: For health-conscious pet parents willing to invest in premium nutrition, these treats deliver exceptional quality that matches their price tag. They’re ideal for dogs with food sensitivities or owners who want human-grade assurance.
2. Pur Luv Dog Treats, Chicken Jerky for Dogs, Made with 100% Real Chicken Breast, 16 Ounces, Healthy, Easily Digestible, Long-Lasting, High Protein Dog Treat, Satisfies Dog’s Urge to Chew
Overview: Pur Luv Chicken Jerky offers a straightforward, protein-packed treat option featuring 100% real chicken breast as the sole ingredient, delivering 60% protein content in a satisfying jerky format.
What Makes It Stand Out: The single-ingredient formula provides ultimate simplicity – what you see is what you get. With only 1% fat and 60% protein, these treats offer excellent nutritional value for weight-conscious dogs or those needing high-protein snacks.
Value for Money: At $13.99 per pound, these mid-priced treats offer good value given the pure chicken content and high protein percentage. The 16-ounce bag is reasonably sized for regular use.
Strengths and Weaknesses: The limited ingredient list is perfect for dogs with allergies or sensitive stomachs. The jerky texture satisfies natural chewing instincts while being easily digestible. However, some owners report inconsistency in strip sizes, and the treats can be quite hard, potentially posing challenges for smaller or older dogs.
Bottom Line: Pur Luv Chicken Jerky is an excellent choice for owners seeking simple, high-protein treats without fillers or additives. The straightforward formula and reasonable price make it a solid everyday option for most dogs.
3. Blue Buffalo Nudges Grillers Natural Dog Treats, Made in the USA with Real Steak, 16-oz Bag
Overview: Blue Buffalo Nudges Grillers deliver real beef flavor in soft, tearable strips perfect for dogs of all sizes. These USA-made treats feature real beef as the first ingredient in an easy-to-serve format.
What Makes It Stand Out: The grillers’ unique texture sets them apart – they’re substantial enough to satisfy but soft enough to tear into smaller pieces without crumbling. This versatility makes them suitable for both large breeds and training sessions with smaller dogs.
Value for Money: At $12.98 per pound, these treats sit in the sweet spot between premium and budget options. The 16-ounce bag provides good quantity, and the ability to customize portion sizes helps the bag last longer.
Strengths and Weaknesses: The real beef flavor is highly palatable to most dogs, and the absence of corn, wheat, and soy makes them suitable for dogs with common allergies. The tearable design is genuinely convenient. However, some dogs might gobble these too quickly due to the soft texture, and they contain more ingredients than single-protein alternatives.
Bottom Line: Blue Buffalo Nudges Grillers offer excellent versatility and palatability at a reasonable price point. They’re particularly good for multi-dog households or owners who want one treat that works for training and rewarding.
4. Blue Buffalo Health Bars Crunchy Dog Biscuits, Oven-Baked With Natural Ingredients, Pumpkin & Cinnamon, 16-oz Bag
Overview: Blue Buffalo Health Bars provide a crunchy, biscuit-style treat featuring wholesome ingredients like pumpkin, oatmeal, and cinnamon. These oven-baked bars offer a different texture experience from typical soft treats.
What Makes It Stand Out: The pumpkin and cinnamon formula offers unique flavor while providing digestive benefits. The crunchy texture helps clean teeth during chewing, serving dual purposes as both treat and dental aid.
Value for Money: At just $4.98 per pound, these are exceptionally affordable treats that don’t sacrifice quality. The 16-ounce bag contains numerous biscuits, making this one of the best value options available.
Strengths and Weaknesses: The crunchy texture is excellent for dental health and satisfies dogs who enjoy a good crunch. The natural ingredients and vitamin fortification add nutritional value. However, the biscuit format isn’t ideal for training or senior dogs with dental issues. Some picky eaters might prefer meat-based flavors.
Bottom Line: For budget-conscious owners who don’t want to compromise on quality, these Health Bars deliver exceptional value. They’re perfect as everyday rewards or for dogs who enjoy crunchy textures and unique flavors.
5. Full Moon All Natural Human Grade Dog Treats, Essential Beef Savory Sticks, 22 Ounce, 1.375 Pound (Pack of 1)
Overview: Full Moon Essential Beef Savory Sticks bring human-grade beef treats to the premium pet market. Made with free-range beef and cooked in small batches, these sticks offer a different protein option from the popular chicken varieties.
What Makes It Stand Out: Like their chicken counterparts, these beef sticks meet USDA human-consumption standards. The use of free-range beef from family farms appeals to ethically-minded consumers, while the stick format provides a satisfying chewing experience.
Value for Money: At $12.35 per pound, these are competitively priced for human-grade treats. The 22-ounce bag offers more product than many competitors at this price point, improving the overall value proposition.
Strengths and Weaknesses: The human-grade quality and ethical sourcing are major selling points. The stick format works well for medium to large dogs and provides longer-lasting enjoyment than smaller treats. However, the beef sticks can be quite hard, potentially unsuitable for small breeds or senior dogs. The cassava root ingredient might not appeal to owners seeking grain-free options.
Bottom Line: Full Moon Beef Savory Sticks offer premium quality at a fair price for owners seeking beef-based, human-grade treats. They’re best suited for larger dogs or as occasional high-value rewards rather than everyday training treats.
6. Vital Essentials Beef Liver Dog Treats, 2.1 oz | Freeze-Dried Raw | Single Ingredient | Premium Quality High Protein Training Treats | Grain Free, Gluten Free, Filler Free
Overview: Vital Essentials Beef Liver Dog Treats deliver single-ingredient, freeze-dried raw beef liver in a 2.1-oz pouch. Sourced from USA-raised cattle and processed within 45 minutes of harvest, these protein-packed morsels aim to replicate ancestral canine nutrition without fillers, grains, or artificial additives.
What Makes It Stand Out: The lightning-fast freeze-drying protocol locks in 45 % more native nutrients than industry norms, yielding a crumbly texture that doubles as a high-value training reward or a meal topper for picky eaters. The brand’s “butcher-cut” promise means you’re getting whole liver slices, not trim or pulp, so every piece looks and smells like real food.
Value for Money: At $45.64/lb these treats sit in the premium tier, yet a little goes a long way—just 3–4 pea-sized crumbs will capture any dog’s attention, stretching the 2.1-oz pouch across 60–80 training sessions. When viewed as a nutrient-dense supplement rather than bulk filler, the cost per use is reasonable.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths: explosive palatability, single-protein safety for allergy dogs, USA sourcing transparency, resealable pouch keeps crumbs fresh. Weaknesses: powdery residue settles at bottom, strong odor may offend humans, price can shock budget shoppers, texture too fragile for large-breed chewers.
Bottom Line: If you want a clean, high-value reward that turns your dog into a obedience superstar and don’t mind paying gourmet prices, Vital Essentials liver treats are worth every penny. Keep a cheaper crunchy biscuit on hand for everyday snacking and reserve these gold nuggets for mission-critical moments.
7. Pet Jerky Factory Premium Turkey and Pumpkin 5 oz. Dog Jerky Treats | 100% Human Grade | USA Made | High Protein | Grain Free | Limited Ingredients | No Filler | BHA-BHT Free | Soft-Tender
Overview: Pet Jerky Factory’s Turkey & Pumpkin Jerky marries human-grade turkey breast with fiber-rich pumpkin in a soft, 5-oz strip format. Cooked slowly in small batches inside a solar-powered USDA facility, the recipe stays limited to six whole-food ingredients while excluding grains, BHA/BHT, and artificial preservatives.
What Makes It Stand Out: The strips arrive semi-moist and tear effortlessly into training-sized pieces without crumbling, making them ideal for walks, agility courses, or senior dogs with dental issues. A subtle Thanksgiving-dinner aroma appeals to even finicky eaters, while pumpkin adds gentle digestive support.
Value for Money: Priced at $25.57/lb, the jerky lands mid-pack among gourmet treats. Because the meat is densely packed and low in fat, you can break one 4-inch strip into 20 tiny squares, delivering 40–50 rewards per 5-oz bag—roughly 16 ¢ per sit-stay.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths: human-grade safety, USA solar facility, soft texture suits puppies to seniors, pumpkin aids sensitive stomachs, resealable pouch prevents drying. Weaknesses: strips can stick together in humid climates, turkey scent fades after two weeks once opened, bag size may feel small for multi-dog households.
Bottom Line: For owners who want a tender, tummy-friendly jerky that smells like real roasted turkey instead of mystery “meat smoke,” Pet Jerky Factory delivers ethical quality at a fair everyday price. Stock one bag for training and another for stuffing puzzle toys.
8. Blue Buffalo Nudges Jerky Bites Dog Treats, Made in the USA with Natural Ingredients, Bite-Sized Pieces, Chicken, 16-oz Bag
Overview: Blue Buffalo Nudges Jerky Bites offer oven-dried chicken strips diced into bite-sized portions and packaged in a generous 16-oz value bag. Made in the USA with farm-raised chicken as the first ingredient, the formula omits by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, and artificial additives.
What Makes It Stand Out: The pre-scored cubes eliminate prep time—no knife or crumbly mess—while the jerky’s pliable texture lets owners squeeze pieces into pill pockets or scatter them for scent-work games. A resealable zipper keeps the half-pound supply fresh for weeks, even in multi-dog homes.
Value for Money: Although the listed price is “N/A,” street prices hover around $13–15 per pound, placing Jerky Bites among the most economical natural jerkies. The 16-oz volume equals four standard 4-oz pouches, slashing packaging waste and cost per reward.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths: convenient cube shape, large resealable bag, widely available in big-box stores, consistent texture pill-friendly, brand transparency via BB “True Blue Promise.” Weaknesses: chicken sourced but not necessarily grown in USA, slight glycerin softness may feel gummy to some dogs, aroma milder than gourmet single-ingredient options.
Bottom Line: Blue Buffalo Nudges hits the sweet spot between quality and affordability for everyday training or stuffing Kongs. If you burn through treats fast and need a reliable, store-shelf staple that won’t break the bank, this 1-lb workhorse deserves pantry space.
9. Portland Pet Food Company Natural Dog Treats Variety Pumpkin Gingerbread & Bacon Dog Biscuits – Grain-Free, Human-Grade Healthy Training & Snacks – Puppy, Small, Large Breed – Made in the USA – 3 Pack
Overview: Portland Pet Food Company bundles three 5-oz bags—Bacon, Pumpkin, and Gingerbread—of grain-free, human-grade biscuits baked in small Oregon batches. Each recipe stays under seven ingredients, uses USA-sourced proteins, and arrives in BPA-free packaging geared toward sensitive stomachs and picky palates.
What Makes It Stand Out: The artisanal approach yields light, snappable cookies that smell like a Saturday brunch—real bacon bits, fragrant ginger, and cinnamon leap out of the bag. Biscuits can be halved for training or crumbled as a food topper, giving owners three flavor tools to combat boredom.
Value for Money: At $29.44/lb the price rivals boutique coffee, yet the 15-oz total provides roughly 90 large biscuits. When broken into training morsels, cost per reward drops to about 12 ¢, justifiable for dogs with allergies who can’t tolerate mass-market wheat treats.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths: rotating flavors prevent treat fatigue, human-grade facility, grain-free and chicken-free options, cute gift-worthy box, small-batch consistency. Weaknesses: crunchy texture too hard for senior teeth, pumpkin flavor crumbles more than bacon, higher upfront spend, bags not resealable once torn.
Bottom Line: For pet parents who view treats as an extension of their own farm-to-table values, Portland Pet Food’s variety trio offers safe, drool-worthy flavors that double as conversation starters at the dog park. Break them small and the sticker shock fades fast.
10. Canine Naturals Chicken Recipe Chew – Rawhide Free Dog Treats – Made From USA Raised Chicken – All-Natural and Easily Digestible – 10 Count of 5 Inch Stick
Overview: Canine Naturals Chicken Recipe Chews deliver ten 5-inch rawhide-free sticks woven from USA-raised chicken and rice flour. The limited-ingredient formula digests four times faster than traditional rawhide, offering a safer outlet for moderate chewers who still crave a gnawing session.
What Makes It Stand Out: Without hide, collagen, or artificial dyes, the sticks soften quickly under saliva, reducing blockage risk while satisfying the urge to chew. Each stick contains just 38 kcal, making it suitable for weight-managed dogs, and the rigid tube packaging prevents breakage during travel.
Value for Money: At 95 ¢ per stick, the chews undercut most single-ingredient tendons yet outlast a basic biscuit, giving 5–10 minutes of occupied chewing per 20-lb dog. For owners transitioning away from rawhide, the price is a small insurance policy against vet bills.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths: rawhide-free peace of mind, USA chicken first, gluten-free recipe, low odor, portion-controlled count. Weaknesses: aggressive chewers demolish in under two minutes, texture can feel rubbery when wet, not fully digestible if large chunks swallowed, reseal on tube could be tighter.
Bottom Line: Canine Naturals sticks serve as a safer middle ground between dangerous rawhide and ultra-hard bones. Offer one when you need quiet Zoom time or to redirect teething puppies, but supervise closely and discard the last inch to prevent gulping.
Why “Made in USA” Matters More Than Ever for Dog Treats
Global supply-chain hiccups, rising freight costs, and a string of overseas recalls have converged to make domestic sourcing the gold standard for safety-conscious pet owners. When every step—farm, facility, and fulfillment—happens under the watchful eye of the FDA, USDA, and FTC, the odds of mycotoxin-laced grains or antibiotic-residue proteins slipping through the cracks plummet. Add in America’s stringent labor and environmental regulations, and “home-grown” becomes shorthand for ethical, traceable, and fresher products that spend less time oxidizing in cargo containers.
Decoding the Regulatory Landscape: FDA, USDA, and FTC Oversight
The alphabet soup of federal agencies can feel overwhelming, but each plays a distinct role. The FDA polices ingredient safety, labeling accuracy, and good manufacturing practices (GMPs) under the Food Safety Modernization Act. USDA inspectors audit meat quality, organic certification, and animal welfare for proteins destined for pet food. Meanwhile, the FTC enforces “Made in USA” claims, requiring “all or virtually all” significant components and processing to originate domestically. Knowing which agency covers what empowers you to spot half-truths before they reach your shopping cart.
How “Made in USA” Is Legally Defined for Pet Food
“Made in USA” sounds binary—either it is or it isn’t—yet the FTC’s 2021 Enforcement Policy Statement leaves wiggle room for negligible foreign content such as vitamins or chelated minerals. The key phrase is “all or virtually all.” If the chicken is U.S.-raised but tapioca starch hails from Vietnam, brands must either qualify the claim (“Made in USA with globally sourced tapioca”) or ditch it altogether. Savvy shoppers look for qualifying statements in the 1-point font on the back panel and cross-check websites for traceability maps.
Ingredient Sourcing Standards: From Farm to Factory
Domestic sourcing starts long before the manufacturing line. Premium brands negotiate directly with Midwestern family farms for pasture-raised beef or partner with Gulf Coast fisheries for wild-caught redfish. Ask whether the company employs a fixed-supplier model (same farms, same feedlots) or spot-market purchasing, which can introduce variability. Third-party audits like NSF’s “Certified for Sport” or SQF (Safe Quality Food) add another layer of verification that your pup’s treat isn’t tainted with antibiotic residue or pesticide runoff.
Manufacturing Certifications That Signal Quality
Beyond FDA registration, look for facilities bearing GFSI-benchmarked certifications such as BRCGS or FSSC 22000. These schemes mandate hazard analysis, supplier approval programs, and annual unannounced audits. Smaller boutique kitchens may instead carry USDA-inspected labels, meaning a government veterinarian is on-site during slaughter and processing. Either pathway signals a plant that has invested in metal detectors, allergen segregation, and environmental monitoring for pathogens like Salmonella and Listeria.
Label Red Flags: What “Assembled” and “Packaged” Really Mean
Marketers love loopholes. “Assembled in USA” could mean imported rawhide strips shipped to a Florida warehouse for final trimming and bagging. “Packaged in USA with global ingredients” is essentially an admission that the nutrient-dense components were grown elsewhere. Flip the bag: if the country-of-origin statement is missing or buried in a QR code, keep walking. Transparent brands print “Born, Raised, and Harvested in the USA” in the same typeface as the flavor name.
Protein Origins: Pasture-Raised, Wild-Caught, and Lab-Grown Options
While chicken and beef still dominate, 2025’s treat aisle showcases bison from Colorado ranches, wild boar from Texas Hill Country, and invasive carp pulled from Illinois waterways to support ecological balance. Lab-grown chicken, approved by the FDA in late 2023, is beginning to appear in limited-ingredient strips, offering a slaughter-free protein with a 90 % smaller carbon footprint. Whichever source you choose, verify the supplier participates in the USA’s National Residue Program to screen for chemical contaminants.
Grain-Free vs. Whole-Grain: Navigating Dietary Trends
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) headlines have cooled the grain-free frenzy, but some dogs still need novel-carb solutions due to genuine allergies. Whole-grain advocates highlight the fiber, resistant starch, and phytonutrients in rolled oats or ancient grains like millet. The compromise? Sprouted grains, which reduce antinutrients while preserving digestive benefits. Always match the carbohydrate profile to your dog’s activity level—agility champions may need the rapid glycogen refill from brown rice, while couch-potato pugs do fine on lower-glycemic lentils.
Functional Ingredients: Probiotics, Collagen, and Superfoods
Today’s treats double as nutritional supplements. Look for colony-forming units (CFUs) of Bacillus coagulans or Lactobacillus acidophilus that survive extrusion temperatures, validated through AAFCO feeding trials. Grass-fed collagen peptides support aging joints, while superfoods like organic blueberries deliver anthocyanins that cross the blood-brain barrier. Check inclusion rates—anything below 0.5 % is likely a marketing sprinkle rather than a therapeutic dose.
Allergen Management: Limited-Ingredient and Novel Protein Strategies
Food-allergic dogs often react to the protein source they’ve eaten longest—usually chicken or beef. Limited-ingredient diets (LIDs) strip the formula to one animal protein plus one carbohydrate, minimizing variables during elimination trials. Novel proteins—think kangaroo, rabbit, or alligator—reduce the chance of prior sensitization. Request a signed letter of nutritional adequacy from the brand’s veterinary nutritionist to ensure the single-protein claim isn’t undermined by cross-contamination in the grind room.
Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing in 2025
Carbon labeling is arriving fast. Forward-thinking brands now publish cradle-to-grave greenhouse-gas data verified by third-party lifecycle assessments. Regenerative agriculture—rotational grazing that sequesters soil carbon—has moved from hippie buzzword to quantifiable metric; look for the new “ROC” (Regenerative Organic Certified) pet food pilot seal. Packaging footprints matter too: post-consumer recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) pouches slash fossil-fuel use by 60 % versus virgin plastic.
Price vs. Value: Budgeting for Domestic Quality
Sticker shock is real when domestic meat prices outpace inflation. Calculate cost per functional benefit rather than cost per ounce: a $24 bag of USA-made freeze-dried salmon hearts delivering 3 000 mg omega-3 per serving may outrank a $12 bag of mystery “jerky strips” once you factor in reduced vet bills for itchy skin. Subscription programs and veterinary loyalty discounts can trim 15 % off annual spend without compromising quality.
Storage and Shelf-Life: Keeping Treats Fresh Without Preservatives
American facilities often skip chemical preservatives like BHA and instead rely on hurdle technology: reduced water activity, vacuum sealing, and oxygen-absorbing sachets. Store freeze-dried morsels below 70 °F and <15 % humidity to prevent lipid oxidation that turns salmon rancid. For semi-moist rolls, reseal in original foil-lined bags rather than decorative glass jars; the multilayer barrier maintains <0.85 water activity, inhibiting mold without propylene glycol.
Transitioning Your Dog: Safe Introduction & Portion Control
Even the cleanest treat can upset a sensitive gut if introduced abruptly. Follow the 10 % rule: treats should never exceed 10 % of daily caloric intake. Start with a thumbnail-sized piece for small dogs or a poker-chip portion for giants, then monitor stool quality for 48 hours. Use new treats as high-value training rewards rather than meal toppers to avoid inadvertent overfeeding and to preserve their “special” status in your dog’s mind.
Making Your Own USA-Sourced Treats: Pros, Cons, and Food-Safety Rules
DIY offers ultimate control—USDA-certified chicken breast dehydrated at 160 °F kills pathogens without nitrites. Yet home kitchens rarely achieve the 4-log Salmonella reduction mandated by commercial HACCP plans. Invest in a calibrated digital thermometer, acidify marinades to pH <4.2, and freeze finished treats for two weeks to knock out any residual parasites. Document batch numbers and ingredient lots so you can trace back if Fido develops GI distress.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Does “Made in USA” guarantee zero imported ingredients?
No. Vitamins, minerals, or specialty herbs may be sourced overseas, but they must be “negligible” per FTC guidelines and the final substantial transformation must occur domestically. -
Are organic dog treats automatically made in the USA?
Not necessarily. Organic certification refers to farming practices, not geography. A treat can be USDA Organic yet manufactured in Canada from U.S. ingredients, so always verify country-of-origin statements. -
How can I confirm a brand’s domestic sourcing claims?
Request a supplier audit summary or check for third-party certifications such as Where Food Comes From® or Born & Raised USA™ that conduct on-farm verification. -
Is freeze-dried safer than baked for USA meats?
Both are safe if manufactured under USDA inspection. Freeze-drying retains more heat-sensitive vitamins but requires tight humidity controls post-processing to prevent rehydration mold. -
Do American-made treats have fewer recalls?
Statistically, yes. FDA recall data from 2020-2024 show domestic facilities average 0.8 recalls per 100 SKUs versus 2.3 for imported products, largely due to tighter oversight. -
Can I feed USA treats to a puppy under four months?
Choose soft, single-protein options formulated for growth and introduce slowly. Avoid hard chews that can fracture deciduous teeth. -
What shelf-life should I expect without artificial preservatives?
Freeze-dried: 12-18 months unopened, 4-6 weeks after opening. Soft chews: 12 months unopened, 2 weeks refrigerated once the seal is broken. -
Are “human-grade” facilities better than feed-grade?
Human-grade means the plant meets FDA standards for edible foods, but nutrient adequacy still matters; a human-grade cookie can be unbalanced for dogs. -
How do I balance treat calories with daily meals?
Use your dog’s RER (resting energy requirement) and ensure treats stay below 10 %. Most brands list kcal per piece on the back panel—divide accordingly. -
Will U.S. treats help my dog’s allergies?
They can reduce exposure to certain contaminants, but the protein source matters more than geography. Work with a vet to conduct an elimination trial using novel or hydrolyzed proteins.