Zen Vegetarian Dry Dog Food

Overview
Addiction’s Zen Vegetarian Dry Dog Food is a 100% plant-based dry food formulated as a meat-free option for dogs with animal-protein sensitivities or for households following a vegetarian diet. Lead ingredients are oats, soybean meal, rice, peas, coconut oil and flaxseed, with added taurine, methionine and amino-acid-chelated minerals.
Formulated as complete and balanced for adult dogs to AAFCO standards. Contains soy and grains (oats and rice), so unsuitable for dogs with those sensitivities. Vegetarian diets for dogs should ideally be implemented under veterinary guidance, particularly for dogs with existing health conditions.
Nutritional Analysis
Ingredients
Oats, Soybean Meal, Rice, Peas, Coconut Oil, Kelp, Dicalcium Phosphate, Flaxseed, Natural Flavour, Brewers Dried Yeast, Sea Salt, Potassium Chloride, Natural Buffered Vinegar, Choline Chloride, Taurine, DL-Methionine, Calcium Carbonate, Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Vitamin E, Niacin, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Calcium Pantothenate, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Sodium Selenite, Riboflavin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin B12, Vitamin A, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Cobalt Sulphate, Calcium Iodate, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3, Mixed Tocopherols, Rosemary Extract, Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract.

Avena Sativa, Groats, Avena Sativa Grain, Avena Sativa Seed
Oats are a cereal grain derived from the plant Avena sativa and are commonly included in pet foods as a source of complex carbohydrates and dietary fibre. Their primary nutritional benefit is to provide sustained energy and support digestive health. Oats are used in their natural, whole form, ensuring the retention of their inherent nutrients and functional properties for optimal pet nutrition.
Oats are included as a cost-effective carbohydrate source that provides dietary fibre and energy. They also serve as a label-friendly ingredient, appealing to consumers seeking whole grains in pet food formulations.

Defatted Soybean Meal, Soyabean Meal, Glycine Max Meal, Soybean Cake
Soybean meal is a high-protein ingredient derived from the residue of soybeans (a legume plant) after oil extraction. It serves primarily as a concentrated protein source to support muscle development and overall health in pets. Rather than being used in its whole form, soybean meal is processed to enhance digestibility and nutrient availability, making it a practical and efficient dietary component.
Soybean meal is included as a cost-effective protein source to help meet nutritional requirements while managing production expenses. It also serves as a functional ingredient to improve kibble texture and binding.

Oryza Sativa, Paddy, Oryza Sativa Grain, Oryza Spp.
Rice is a cereal grain derived from the seeds of the Oryza sativa plant, making it a plant-based ingredient. It serves primarily as a highly digestible source of carbohydrates, providing energy for pets. In pet food, rice is typically used in its natural, whole or milled form, rather than as a processed extract, to optimise digestibility and nutrient availability.
Rice is included as a cost-effective carbohydrate source that provides energy and helps create a desirable texture in pet food. It is also easily digestible, making it suitable for sensitive digestive systems and appealing for marketing as a familiar, label-friendly ingredient.

Pisum Sativum, Garden Pea, Green Pea, Field Pea
Peas are a plant-derived ingredient sourced from the seeds of the Pisum sativum plant. They are primarily included in pet food for their high protein content, dietary fibre, and essential micronutrients, supporting digestive health and energy. Peas are used in their natural, whole form, ensuring the retention of their nutritional value and functional benefits within the finished product.
Peas are included as a cost-effective source of protein, fibre, and carbohydrates, helping to optimise nutritional content while supporting product texture. They also serve as a label-friendly ingredient that appeals to consumers seeking grain-free or plant-based options.

Cocos Nucifera Oil, Copra Oil, E472c, Coconut Fat
Coconut oil is a plant-derived oil extracted from the flesh of mature coconuts. It is primarily included in pet food for its energy-dense medium-chain triglycerides, which support healthy skin, coat, and metabolism. Coconut oil is used in its natural, refined form, ensuring it is safe and readily digestible for pets while delivering its functional nutritional benefits.
Coconut oil is included as a source of medium-chain triglycerides, which are marketed for their potential health benefits and digestibility. It also serves as a label-friendly ingredient that appeals to consumers seeking natural or premium pet food formulations.

Laminaria Spp., Macrocystis Pyrifera, Ascophyllum Nodosum, Brown Seaweed
Kelp is a type of large, edible seaweed sourced from marine environments and classified as a plant-based ingredient. It is primarily included in pet food for its rich supply of natural iodine, which supports healthy thyroid function. Kelp is used in its dried, ground natural form, allowing pets to benefit from its trace minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants in a bioavailable manner.
Kelp is included as a label-friendly ingredient to appeal to health-conscious consumers and enhance product marketing, as it is associated with natural sources of vitamins and minerals. It may also serve as a trace mineral supplement to support nutritional completeness in pet food formulations.

Calcium Hydrogen Phosphate, Dibasic Calcium Phosphate, E341(ii), Calcium Phosphate Dibasic
Dicalcium phosphate is a mineral compound derived from calcium and phosphorus, commonly sourced from phosphate rock. It serves as a key dietary supplement in pet foods, providing essential calcium and phosphorus to support healthy bones and teeth. Dicalcium phosphate is not used in its natural raw or metallic state; instead, it is utilised in its purified compound form to ensure safety and optimal absorption.
Dicalcium phosphate is included as a cost-effective mineral supplement to provide essential calcium and phosphorus for skeletal health. It also serves as a functional agent to improve product texture and processing stability.

Flaxseed, Linum Usitatissimum, Flax, Flaxseed Oil
Linseed, also known as flaxseed, is a plant-derived ingredient sourced from the seeds of the flax plant (Linum usitatissimum). It is primarily included in pet food for its high content of omega-3 fatty acids and dietary fibre, supporting skin health and digestion. Linseed is used in its natural, whole or ground form to optimise nutrient availability and functional benefits.
Linseed is included as a source of omega-3 fatty acids and dietary fibre, supporting skin and coat health as well as digestive function. Its presence also allows manufacturers to market the product as containing plant-based nutrients and functional ingredients.

Natural Flavouring, Flavouring Substance, Flavouring Preparation, Flavouring Complex
Natural flavour is a food additive derived from animal or plant sources, designed to enhance the palatability of pet food. Its primary purpose is to improve taste and encourage consistent consumption. Rather than being used in its original raw form, natural flavour is typically processed and concentrated to ensure safety, stability, and uniformity in pet food formulations, while maintaining its natural origin.
Natural flavour is included to enhance palatability, encouraging pets to consume the product. It also allows manufacturers to improve taste without specifying individual flavouring agents, supporting flexible formulation and label-friendly marketing.

Saccharomyces Cerevisiae, Brewer’s Yeast, Deactivated Yeast, Spent Yeast
Dried brewers yeast is a deactivated yeast derived from the fermentation of cereals, typically barley, during beer production, making it an ingredient of microbial origin. It is primarily included in pet food for its rich content of B vitamins, amino acids, and antioxidants, supporting overall health. Dried brewers yeast is used in its inactivated, dried form, not as a live or raw yeast.
Dried brewers yeast is included as a cost-effective source of protein and B vitamins, supporting nutritional labelling claims. It may also enhance palatability, encouraging pets to consume the product.

Solar Salt, Marine Salt, Sodium Chloride, Sal Marinum
Sea salt is a mineral ingredient derived from the evaporation of seawater. It is primarily included in pet food to provide essential electrolytes, such as sodium and chloride, which support hydration and nerve function. Sea salt is not used in its raw crystalline form but is refined and utilised as a food-grade compound to ensure safety, palatability, and optimal nutrient absorption.
Sea salt is included as a palatability enhancer to improve flavour and encourage pet consumption. It may also function as a mineral source and assist in product preservation.

E508, Muriate of Potash, Potassium Monochloride, KCl
Potassium chloride is a mineral compound derived from the element potassium, typically sourced from naturally occurring mineral deposits. It is utilised in pet food as a purified salt rather than in its raw metallic form, ensuring safety and optimal absorption. Its primary purpose is to provide essential potassium, which supports nerve function, muscle contraction, and fluid balance in companion animals.
Potassium chloride is included as a cost-effective mineral supplement to help meet pets’ dietary potassium requirements. It also functions as a salt substitute to optimise electrolyte balance in the formulation.

Buffered Vinegar, Neutralised Vinegar, Acetate Buffered Vinegar, E260 Buffered
Natural Buffered Vinegar is a plant-derived ingredient produced by fermenting carbohydrates, typically from grains or fruits, and then neutralising the acidity to create a buffered solution. It is primarily included in pet food as a natural preservative, helping to inhibit microbial growth and extend shelf life. Natural Buffered Vinegar is used in its natural, liquid form, ensuring safety and efficacy in pet nutrition.
Natural buffered vinegar is included as a natural preservative to inhibit the growth of mould and bacteria, thereby extending the product’s shelf life. Its use also supports a "clean label" positioning, appealing to consumers seeking recognisable, minimally processed ingredients.

Trimethylethanolamine Chloride, Choline Monochloride, E1001, 2-Hydroxy-N,N,N-Trimethylethanaminium Chloride
Choline chloride is a synthetic compound derived from choline, an essential nutrient typically sourced from plant or animal origins. It is primarily included in pet food to support healthy brain function, liver metabolism, and cellular structure. Choline is not used in its natural state; instead, it is utilised as choline chloride to ensure stability, safety, and optimal absorption in pet diets.
Choline chloride is included as an essential nutrient to support normal liver function and brain health in pets. It is a cost-effective way to meet regulatory requirements for choline content in complete and balanced pet foods.

2-Aminoethanesulphonic Acid, L-Taurine, E107, 2-Aminoethane-1-Sulphonic Acid
Taurine is a naturally occurring amino sulfonic acid derived from animal sources, particularly meat and fish. It is added to pet food to support cardiovascular health, vision, and proper immune function, especially in cats who cannot synthesise it sufficiently. Taurine is not used in its raw form; instead, it is incorporated as a purified, synthesised compound to ensure stability, safety, and optimal absorption.
Taurine is included to ensure adequate levels of this essential amino acid, particularly in diets where animal protein content may be insufficient to meet canine or feline nutritional requirements. Its addition supports cardiovascular health and is often used to address consumer concerns about diet-associated heart issues.

L-Methionine, 2-Amino-4-(Methylthio)butyric Acid, E620, L-2-Amino-4-(Methylthio)butyric Acid
Methionine is an essential amino acid derived from animal or plant sources, crucial for protein synthesis and overall metabolic health in pets. It primarily supports healthy skin, coat, and liver function. Methionine is not used in its raw elemental form; instead, it is incorporated as a specific compound, such as DL-methionine, to optimise safety, stability, and bioavailability in pet food formulations.
Methionine is included as an essential amino acid to support protein synthesis and overall health in pets, particularly when animal protein sources are limited or variable. It also serves as a cost-effective way to meet nutritional requirements and optimise the amino acid profile of the final product.

Chalk, Limestone, E170, Marble Dust
Calcium carbonate is a naturally occurring mineral compound derived from sources such as limestone or marine shells. It is primarily included in pet food as a source of calcium, essential for healthy bones, teeth, and metabolic functions. Calcium carbonate is not used in its raw mineral state; instead, it is processed into a purified, food-grade compound to optimise safety and bioavailability for pets.
Calcium carbonate is included as a cost-effective mineral supplement to provide a bioavailable source of calcium, supporting bone health and proper nutritional balance. It also functions as a pH stabiliser, contributing to product consistency and shelf stability.

Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Amino Acid Ligand, Zinc Amino Acid Bound, Zinc Amino Acid Coordination Complex
Zinc Amino Acid Complex is a chelated mineral ingredient derived from the binding of zinc, an essential trace element, with amino acids. This form is not used in its natural metallic state but is instead utilised as a compound to enhance bioavailability and absorption. Its primary purpose is to support immune function, skin health, and overall metabolic processes in pets.
Zinc Amino Acid Complex is included to provide a bioavailable source of zinc, supporting essential metabolic and immune functions in pets. Its chelated form optimises nutrient absorption and allows for precise labelling of added minerals.

Iron Chelated Amino Acids, Amino Acid Chelated Iron, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Iron Proteinates
Iron Amino Acid Complex is a mineral ingredient derived from iron bound to amino acids, enhancing its bioavailability for pets. Its primary purpose is to support healthy red blood cell formation and oxygen transport. Unlike raw or metallic iron, it is not used in its natural state but is instead utilised as a chelated compound to optimise safety and absorption in pet diets.
Iron Amino Acid Complex is included as a bioavailable source of iron to support essential physiological functions in pets, such as oxygen transport and energy metabolism. Its chelated form may also enhance nutrient absorption and allow for more precise labelling of mineral content.

Tocopherol, Alpha-Tocopherol, E307, D-Alpha-Tocopherol
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin derived from plant sources such as vegetable oils, nuts, and seeds. It functions primarily as an antioxidant, helping to protect cell membranes from oxidative damage and supporting immune health. In pet food, Vitamin E is not used in its natural raw form but is typically utilised as a stabilised compound, such as tocopherol acetate, to optimise safety and absorption.
Vitamin E is included as a natural antioxidant to help preserve the freshness and stability of fats and oils in the product, thereby extending shelf life. It also serves as a label-friendly nutrient that appeals to consumers seeking added health benefits for their pets.

Nicotinic Acid, Vitamin B3, Pyridine-3-Carboxylic Acid, E375
Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is a water-soluble vitamin of synthetic or natural origin, commonly derived from plant or animal sources. It plays a crucial role in energy metabolism and supports healthy skin, nerves, and digestion in pets. Niacin is not used in its raw form but is typically included as a safe, bioavailable compound such as niacinamide or nicotinic acid.
Niacin is included as an essential B vitamin to meet nutritional requirements and support metabolic health in pets. Its addition ensures compliance with regulatory standards for complete and balanced pet food labelling.

Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Amino Acid Ligand, Copper Amino Acid Bound, Copper Amino Acid Complexes
Copper Amino Acid Complex is a chelated mineral ingredient derived from copper bound to amino acids, typically of synthetic origin. It is included in pet food to provide an essential trace mineral that supports enzyme function, immune health, and red blood cell formation. Copper is not used in its raw metallic state; instead, it is utilised as a complex for improved safety and bioavailability.
Copper amino acid complex is included as a bioavailable source of the essential trace mineral copper, supporting metabolic and enzymatic functions in pets. Its chelated form optimises nutrient absorption and allows for precise formulation to meet nutritional requirements.

D-Calcium Pantothenate, E315, Pantothenic Acid Calcium Salt, Calcium D-Pantothenate
Calcium pantothenate is a synthetic compound derived from pantothenic acid, a water-soluble B vitamin (vitamin B5) of plant or animal origin. It is primarily included in pet food to support energy metabolism and maintain healthy skin and coat. Rather than using pantothenic acid in its natural form, calcium pantothenate is utilised for its stability, safety, and enhanced bioavailability in pet nutrition.
Calcium pantothenate is included as a stable, bioavailable source of vitamin B5 to meet nutritional requirements and support labelling claims of complete and balanced nutrition. Its use ensures consistent vitamin content throughout the product’s shelf life.

Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Proteinate, Manganese Glycinate, Manganese Bisglycinate Chelate
Manganese Amino Acid Complex is a chelated mineral ingredient derived from the combination of manganese, an essential trace element, with amino acids. It is included in pet food to support bone development, enzyme function, and antioxidant defence. Unlike raw metallic manganese, this form is utilised as a complex to enhance safety, bioavailability, and absorption in the animal’s body.
Manganese amino acid complex is included as a bioavailable source of the essential trace mineral manganese, supporting metabolic and skeletal health in pets. Its chelated form optimises nutrient absorption and allows for precise labelling of added minerals.

Disodium Selenite, E901, Selenious Acid Disodium Salt, Disodium Selenious Acid
Sodium selenite is an inorganic compound derived from selenium, an essential trace mineral. It is included in pet food formulations to provide a bioavailable source of selenium, which supports antioxidant defence and immune function. Sodium selenite is not used in its natural elemental form; instead, it is utilised as a salt compound to ensure safety, stability, and optimal absorption in pets.
Sodium selenite is included as a cost-effective and stable source of the essential trace mineral selenium, which supports normal metabolic and immune functions in pets. Its use allows manufacturers to meet nutritional requirements efficiently and with consistent quality.

Vitamin B2, E101, Lactoflavin, 7,8-Dimethyl-10-Ribityl Isoalloxazine
Riboflavin, also known as vitamin B2, is a water-soluble vitamin of synthetic origin commonly added to pet foods. It plays a crucial role in energy metabolism and supports healthy skin, eyes, and nervous system function. Riboflavin is not used in its natural form but is typically utilised as a synthesised compound to ensure stability, safety, and optimal absorption in pet diets.
Riboflavin is included as an essential vitamin to meet nutritional requirements and ensure regulatory compliance for complete and balanced pet food labelling. Its addition helps optimise the product’s nutrient profile without significantly impacting cost or palatability.

Vitamin B1 Mononitrate, Nitrate Salt of Thiamine, E101a, Thiamin Mononitrate
Thiamine mononitrate is a synthetic, water-soluble form of vitamin B1, derived from chemical synthesis rather than natural sources. It is added to pet food to support energy metabolism and proper nervous system function. Thiamine is not used in its natural state; instead, the mononitrate compound is utilised for stability, safety, and optimal absorption in formulated diets.
Thiamine mononitrate is included as a stable, cost-effective source of vitamin B1 to meet nutritional requirements and ensure product labelling compliance. Its synthetic form maintains potency during processing and storage, supporting both product stability and regulatory standards.

Cobalamin, Cyanocobalamin, Hydroxocobalamin, Methylcobalamin
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin of animal origin, essential for nerve function and red blood cell formation in pets. It is primarily included in pet food to support energy metabolism and overall vitality. Vitamin B12 is not used in its natural, raw form but is instead utilised as a specific compound, such as cyanocobalamin, to ensure stability, safety, and optimal absorption.
Vitamin B12 is included as an essential nutrient to support metabolic and neurological functions in pets, ensuring the product meets established nutritional standards. Its addition helps manufacturers achieve complete and balanced labelling claims.

Retinol, Retinyl Palmitate, Retinyl Acetate, E160a
Vitamin A is an essential fat-soluble nutrient derived from animal sources (as retinyl esters) or plant sources (as carotenoids). It supports vision, immune function, and skin health in pets. In pet food, Vitamin A is not used in its raw or natural state but is provided as stabilised compounds (such as retinyl acetate or retinyl palmitate) to ensure safety, stability, and optimal absorption.
Vitamin A is included as an essential nutrient to support vision, immune function, and overall health in pets, ensuring the product meets established nutritional standards. Its addition also allows manufacturers to optimise the nutritional profile and comply with regulatory labelling requirements.

Vitamin B6, E300, Pyridoxine HCl, Pyridoxine Monohydrochloride
Pyridoxine hydrochloride is a synthetic, water-soluble form of vitamin B6, derived from chemical synthesis rather than natural sources. It is added to pet foods to support protein metabolism, nervous system health, and immune function. Unlike naturally occurring vitamin B6 in foods, pyridoxine is utilised in its hydrochloride salt form to ensure stability, safety, and optimal absorption in companion animals.
Pyridoxine hydrochloride is included as a cost-effective, stable source of vitamin B6 to ensure nutritional adequacy and meet regulatory labelling requirements. Its addition helps manufacturers guarantee consistent vitamin content throughout the product’s shelf life.

Cobalt(II) Sulphate, Cobaltous Sulphate, E514, Sulphuric Acid Cobalt(2+) Salt
Cobalt sulphate is a mineral compound derived from cobalt, an essential trace element, combined with sulphate for improved stability and absorption. It is included in pet food primarily to support vitamin B12 synthesis, which is vital for red blood cell formation and neurological function. Cobalt is not used in its raw metallic state; instead, cobalt sulphate is utilised to ensure safety and bioavailability in animal diets.
Cobalt sulphate is included as a cost-effective source of the essential trace mineral cobalt, which is necessary for vitamin B12 synthesis in dogs. Its addition ensures nutritional adequacy and compliance with regulatory labelling requirements for complete and balanced pet foods.

Calcium Diiodate, E917, Ca(IO3)2, Calcium Iodate Anhydrous
Calcium iodate is a mineral-derived compound commonly included in pet foods as a source of iodine, an essential trace element. It is not used in its natural, raw mineral state; instead, it is utilised in the form of a stable, food-grade compound to ensure safety and optimal absorption. Its primary purpose is to support healthy thyroid function and metabolic processes.
Calcium iodate is included as a stable, bioavailable source of iodine to support thyroid function and overall metabolic health in pets. Its use ensures consistent iodine content throughout the product, optimising nutritional labelling and regulatory compliance.

Pteroylmonoglutamic Acid, Pteroylglutamic Acid, Vitamin B9, E920
Folic acid is a synthetic form of vitamin B9, originally derived from plant sources but produced for pet food as a stable, bioavailable compound. Its primary purpose is to support cell division, DNA synthesis, and overall growth in pets. Folic acid is not used in its natural state; instead, it is utilised as a manufactured supplement to optimise absorption and efficacy.
Folic acid is included as a synthetic vitamin to ensure nutritional adequacy and meet regulatory requirements for B-vitamin content in pet food. Its addition helps standardise nutrient levels across batches, supporting consistent product labelling and animal health.

Cholecalciferol, Colecalciferol, Calciol, E671
Vitamin D3, also known as cholecalciferol, is a fat-soluble vitamin of animal origin commonly derived from lanolin or fish oil. It plays a crucial role in regulating calcium and phosphorus metabolism, supporting healthy bone development in pets. Vitamin D3 is not used in its natural form but is instead utilised as a stabilised compound to ensure safety, efficacy, and optimal absorption in pet food formulations.
Vitamin D3 is included to ensure the finished product meets established nutritional requirements for canine health, supporting bone development and calcium regulation. Its addition allows manufacturers to guarantee consistent vitamin content regardless of natural variation in raw materials.

Tocopherols, E306, Natural Tocopherols Concentrate, D-Alpha Tocopherol Concentrate
Mixed tocopherols are a blend of compounds derived from plant oils, primarily functioning as a source of vitamin E. Their main purpose in pet food is to act as natural antioxidants, helping to preserve the freshness of fats and oils. Rather than being used in their isolated, pure form, mixed tocopherols are incorporated as stabilised extracts to optimise safety, efficacy, and nutrient retention.
Mixed tocopherols are included as a natural preservative to extend shelf life by slowing the oxidation of fats and oils in pet food. They are often used as a label-friendly alternative to synthetic preservatives to appeal to consumer preferences for natural ingredients.

Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract, E392, Rosemary Oleoresin, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
Rosemary extract is a plant-derived ingredient obtained from the leaves of the rosemary herb (Rosmarinus officinalis). It is primarily included in pet food as a natural antioxidant, helping to preserve fats and oils and extend shelf life. Rosemary extract is used in its natural form, ensuring the retention of its beneficial compounds without chemical alteration.
Rosemary extract is included as a natural preservative to help extend shelf life by inhibiting oxidation of fats and oils. It also serves as a label-friendly ingredient that appeals to consumers seeking natural additives.

Camellia Sinensis Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Green Tea Extract, Black Tea Extract
Tea extract is a plant-derived ingredient obtained from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. It is primarily included in pet food for its antioxidant properties, which help protect cells from oxidative damage. Tea extract is utilised in a concentrated form rather than as whole tea leaves, ensuring a consistent and effective level of beneficial compounds for optimal pet health.
Tea extract is included as a natural antioxidant to help preserve the freshness and stability of the product. It may also serve as a label-friendly ingredient, appealing to consumers seeking natural additives.

Mentha Spicata Extract, Mentha Viridis Extract, Mint Extract, Mentha Spicata Leaf Extract
Spearmint extract is a plant-derived ingredient obtained from the leaves of the spearmint plant (Mentha spicata). It is primarily included in pet food for its natural flavouring properties and potential antioxidant benefits. Spearmint extract is used in its processed extract form, rather than as whole leaves, to ensure consistent potency and safe inclusion in pet diets.
Spearmint extract is included primarily as a label-friendly ingredient to appeal to pet owners by suggesting breath-freshening or oral health benefits. It may also contribute a mild flavour enhancement to improve palatability.






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