Puppy and Junior Recipe Dry Dog Food

Overview
ACANA Puppy & Junior Recipe is a premium protein-rich dry kibble for growing puppies of all breed sizes, built on free-run chicken, turkey and cage-free eggs with omega-3s for healthy development. Imported to Australia from the USA. Contains chicken; not suitable for poultry-sensitive dogs.
Nutritional Analysis
Ingredients
Fresh Chicken Meat, Frozen Turkey Meat, Chicken Meat Meal, Green Peas, Red Lentils, Chicken Fat, Turkey Meat Meal, Flounder, Eggs, Fish Oil, Yellow Peas, Pea Fibre, Chicken Broth, Chickpeas, Green Lentils, Pinto Common Beans, Fresh Chicken Liver, Fresh Chicken Gizzard, Fresh Chicken Heart, Dried Sea Kelp, Pumpkin, Collard Greens, Apples, Pears, Freeze-Dried Beef Meat, Freeze-Dried Goat Meat, Freeze-Dried Lamb Meat, Sodium Chloride, DL-Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate, Zinc Proteinate, Natural Vitamin E, Vitamin A Acetate, Vitamin D3, Nicotinic Acid, Thiamine Mononitrate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Folic Acid, Cyanocobalamin, Copper Proteinate, Citric Acid, Rosemary Extract, Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Bifidobacterium Animalis, Lactobacillus Casei.

Gallus Gallus Domesticus Meat, Poultry Meat, Broiler Meat, Fowl Meat
Chicken meat is a high-quality animal-derived ingredient sourced from the muscle tissue of chickens. It serves as a rich source of essential proteins and amino acids, supporting muscle development and overall health in pets. In pet food, chicken meat is used in its natural form, providing highly digestible nutrients and palatability, making it a favoured protein choice in premium formulations.
Chicken meat is included as a high-quality, animal-based protein source to support muscle development and overall health in pets. Its presence also enhances palatability and serves as a label-friendly ingredient appealing to consumers seeking recognisable protein sources.

Meleagris Gallopavo, Turkey Muscle, Turkey Flesh, Meleagris Gallopavo Meat
Turkey meat is a high-quality animal-derived protein sourced from domesticated turkeys. It is included in pet food primarily to provide essential amino acids, supporting muscle maintenance and overall health. Turkey meat is used in its natural form, typically as fresh or dehydrated meat, ensuring optimal nutrient availability and palatability for pets. This ingredient also supplies important vitamins and minerals.
Turkey meat is included as a high-quality animal protein source to support muscle maintenance and overall health in pets. It also serves as a label-friendly ingredient that appeals to consumers seeking premium or novel protein options.

Rendered Chicken Meal, Dehydrated Chicken Meat, Chicken Protein Meal, Gallus Gallus Domesticus Meal
Chicken meat meal is a concentrated protein ingredient derived from rendered, ground chicken muscle and skin, excluding feathers, heads, feet, and entrails. Sourced from animal origin, it provides a highly digestible source of essential amino acids to support muscle maintenance and overall health. Chicken meat meal is not used in its natural whole form but is processed and dried to optimise nutrient density and shelf stability.
Chicken meat meal is included as a concentrated protein source to support muscle development and overall nutrition in pet food formulations. Its use allows manufacturers to deliver higher protein content in a cost-effective and shelf-stable form compared to fresh meat.

Garden Peas, Pisum Sativum, English Peas, Common Peas
Green peas are a plant-derived ingredient sourced from the seeds of Pisum sativum. They are primarily included in pet food for their high-quality plant protein, dietary fibre, and essential micronutrients, supporting digestive health and energy. Green peas are used in their natural, whole form, ensuring pets benefit from their complete nutritional profile without synthetic alteration.
Green peas are included as a cost-effective carbohydrate and protein source that also adds bulk to the product. They are often used to support "grain-free" marketing claims and enhance label appeal for consumers.

Lens Culinaris, Masoor Dal, Masur Dal, Lentille Rouge
Red lentils are edible seeds derived from the legume plant Lens culinaris, commonly cultivated for human and animal consumption. As a plant-based ingredient, red lentils are valued for their high protein, dietary fibre, and essential micronutrient content. In pet food, red lentils are used in their natural, whole form to provide a digestible source of energy, support gut health, and contribute to overall nutritional balance.
Red lentils are included as a cost-effective, high-protein plant ingredient that also provides dietary fibre and carbohydrates. Their use can help optimise the protein content of the product while supporting a grain-free marketing position.

Poultry Fat, Gallus Gallus Domesticus Fat, Rendered Chicken Fat, Chicken Oil
Chicken fat is an animal-derived ingredient obtained from rendering chicken tissue. It serves primarily as a concentrated source of energy and essential fatty acids, supporting skin and coat health in pets. Chicken fat is used in its natural rendered form, not as a raw or unprocessed fat, ensuring palatability and digestibility while providing a stable, high-quality lipid source in pet food formulations.
Chicken fat is included as a highly digestible source of animal fat, providing essential fatty acids and enhancing the palatability of the product. It also contributes to the energy content of the food in a cost-effective manner.

Dehydrated Turkey Protein, Rendered Turkey Protein, Turkey Protein Meal, Meleagris Gallopavo Meal
Turkey meat meal is a concentrated protein ingredient derived from turkey, an animal source. It is produced by rendering and drying turkey meat to remove most of the moisture and fat, resulting in a nutrient-dense powder. Turkey meat meal is primarily included in pet food to provide high-quality protein and essential amino acids. It is not used in its natural form but as a processed, rendered meal for optimal digestibility.
Turkey meat meal is included as a concentrated protein source to support muscle development and overall nutrition in pet food. Its use allows manufacturers to deliver high protein content in a cost-effective and shelf-stable form.

Paralichthys Spp., Platichthys Spp., Pleuronectes Spp., Bothus Spp.
Flounder is a type of flatfish sourced from marine environments and classified as an animal-derived ingredient. It is primarily included in pet food for its high-quality protein and essential omega-3 fatty acids, supporting muscle maintenance and skin health. Flounder is used in its natural, whole food form, ensuring pets receive the full nutritional benefits of this fish.
Flounder is included as a novel protein source to differentiate the product and appeal to consumers seeking alternative or limited-ingredient diets for their pets. It also serves as a label-friendly ingredient that enhances product marketing by highlighting the use of whole fish.

Hen Egg, Chicken Egg, Gallus Gallus Domesticus Egg, Avian Egg
Egg is an animal-derived ingredient sourced from poultry, commonly used in pet food for its high-quality protein and essential amino acids. It provides vital nutrients that support muscle development and overall health. In pet food, egg is typically included in its natural, whole form—either as dried or fresh egg—ensuring optimal digestibility and nutrient availability for pets.
Egg is included as a high-quality, bioavailable protein source to support muscle development and overall nutrition. It also enhances the product’s nutritional profile, appealing to consumers seeking premium or natural pet food options.

Fish Liver Oil, Oleum Piscis, Oleum Jecoris, Oleum Piscarium
Fish oil is a nutrient-rich oil derived from the tissues of oily fish, making it an animal-based ingredient. It is primarily included in pet food for its high content of omega-3 fatty acids, which support skin, coat, and joint health. Fish oil is utilised in a purified, liquid form rather than as whole fish, ensuring optimal absorption and safety for pets.
Fish oil is included as a source of omega-3 fatty acids to support skin, coat, and joint health, enhancing the nutritional profile of the product. Its presence also serves as a marketing point, appealing to consumers seeking functional health benefits for their pets.

Pisum Sativum, Field Peas, Dry Peas, Canadian Peas
Yellow peas are a plant-derived legume commonly included in pet food for their high protein and dietary fibre content. Sourced from Pisum sativum, they support digestive health and provide essential amino acids. Yellow peas are used in their natural, whole form, ensuring the retention of their nutritional value and functional benefits within premium pet food formulations.
Yellow peas are included as a cost-effective source of protein and carbohydrates, helping to reduce formulation costs while maintaining nutritional value. They also serve as a label-friendly ingredient that appeals to consumers seeking grain-free or plant-based options.

Pisum Sativum Fibre, Pea Dietary Fibre, Pea Cellulose, Pea Hull Fibre
Pea fibre is a plant-derived ingredient sourced from the outer hulls of peas. It is primarily included in pet food to boost dietary fibre content, supporting healthy digestion and stool quality. Pea fibre is used in its natural form, retaining its fibrous structure to optimise gastrointestinal function. Its inclusion helps regulate bowel movements and can contribute to a feeling of fullness in pets.
Pea fibre is included as a cost-effective, label-friendly source of dietary fibre to aid digestive health and improve stool quality. It also serves as a bulk-adding agent, helping to optimise product texture and maintain formulation consistency.

Chicken Stock, Gallus Gallus Domesticus Broth, Gallus Gallus Domesticus Stock, Poulet Broth
Chicken broth is a liquid derived from simmering chicken meat and bones, making it an animal-based ingredient. It is primarily included in pet food to enhance palatability and provide moisture, supporting hydration. Chicken broth is used in its natural, cooked liquid form, not as a dehydrated or powdered extract, ensuring both flavour and nutrient retention in the final product.
Chicken broth is included to enhance palatability and aroma, making the product more appealing to pets. It also serves as a label-friendly ingredient that signals quality and wholesomeness to consumers.

Garbanzo Beans, Cicer Arietinum, Bengal Gram, Egyptian Pea
Chickpeas are edible legumes derived from the plant Cicer arietinum, commonly cultivated for their high nutritional value. As a plant-based ingredient, chickpeas are primarily included in pet food for their rich protein, fibre, and complex carbohydrate content, supporting digestive health and sustained energy. Chickpeas are used in their natural, whole form, ensuring optimal nutrient retention and digestibility for pets.
Chickpeas are included as a cost-effective carbohydrate and protein source, providing bulk and nutritional value while supporting grain-free product labelling. Their use can also enhance the fibre content and appeal to consumers seeking plant-based or alternative ingredients.

Lens Culinaris, Brown Lentils, Whole Lentils, Lentille Verte
Green lentils are edible seeds derived from the legume plant Lens culinaris, making them a plant-based ingredient. They are primarily included in pet food for their high protein content, dietary fibre, and complex carbohydrates, supporting digestive health and sustained energy. Green lentils are used in their natural, whole form, ensuring pets benefit from their full nutritional profile without chemical alteration.
Green lentils are included as a cost-effective plant-based protein and carbohydrate source, helping to meet nutritional requirements while supporting product affordability. They also contribute fibre and are considered a label-friendly ingredient appealing to health-conscious consumers.

Phaseolus Vulgaris, Frijol Pinto, Haricot Pinto, Poroto Pinto
Pinto beans are edible seeds derived from the legume plant Phaseolus vulgaris, originating from plant sources. They are included in pet food primarily for their high protein content, dietary fibre, and essential micronutrients, supporting digestive health and sustained energy. Pinto beans are used in their natural, whole form, ensuring optimal nutrient retention and digestibility for pets.
Pinto beans are included as a cost-effective plant-based protein and fibre source, contributing to the nutritional profile while helping to manage production costs. They may also serve as a label-friendly ingredient, appealing to consumers seeking recognisable, whole-food components.

Poultry Liver, Gallus Gallus Domesticus Liver, Chicken Offal, Chicken Hepatic Tissue
Chicken liver is an animal-derived organ meat sourced from chickens. It is included in pet food primarily for its rich content of high-quality protein, essential amino acids, and vital micronutrients such as vitamin A, iron, and B vitamins. Chicken liver is used in its natural, whole food form, providing both palatability and nutritional density to support overall pet health.
Chicken liver is included as a highly palatable and nutrient-dense protein source, providing essential vitamins and minerals to enhance the nutritional profile of the product. Its inclusion can also support marketing claims related to quality animal ingredients.

Poultry Gizzard, Gallus Gallus Domesticus Gizzard, Avian Gizzard, Chicken Ventriculus
Chicken gizzard is a muscular organ sourced from poultry, classified as an animal-based ingredient. It is valued for its high protein content and essential micronutrients, supporting muscle maintenance and overall vitality in pets. Chicken gizzard is incorporated in its natural, whole-food form, ensuring optimal nutrient availability and digestibility for companion animals. This ingredient contributes both flavour and nutritional diversity to premium pet foods.
Chicken gizzard is included as a nutrient-dense organ meat to enhance the protein content and amino acid profile of the product. It also serves as a label-friendly ingredient that appeals to consumers seeking natural, whole-food components in pet food.

Gallus Gallus Domesticus Heart, Poultry Heart, Chicken Offal Heart, Gallus Heart
Chicken heart is an animal-derived ingredient sourced from the heart muscle of chickens. It is primarily included in pet food for its rich protein content and as a natural source of essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron and B vitamins. Chicken heart is used in its natural, whole-food form, providing highly bioavailable nutrients to support overall health and vitality in pets.
Chicken heart is included as a nutrient-dense organ meat to provide high-quality protein, essential amino acids, and micronutrients, supporting the nutritional profile of the product. Its inclusion also appeals to consumers seeking species-appropriate, whole-prey ingredients in pet food formulations.

Kombu, Saccharina Japonica, Laminaria Japonica, Kelp Powder
Dried kelp is a type of seaweed sourced from marine plants, commonly harvested from ocean waters. It is included in pet food primarily as a natural source of iodine, which supports healthy thyroid function, as well as providing trace minerals and antioxidants. Dried kelp is used in its natural, dehydrated form, ensuring the retention of its nutritional properties for optimal pet health.
Dried kelp is included as a label-friendly ingredient to appeal to health-conscious consumers and enhance product marketing, while also providing trace minerals that can support nutritional claims. Its addition has minimal impact on palatability or product cost.

Cucurbita Pepo, Cucurbita Maxima, Cucurbita Moschata, Pepo
Pumpkin is a plant-derived ingredient sourced from the fruit of the Cucurbita pepo species. It is primarily included in pet food for its dietary fibre content, which supports digestive health and regularity. Pumpkin is used in its natural form, either as fresh, cooked, or dehydrated flesh, providing a source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants beneficial to overall wellbeing.
Pumpkin is included as a label-friendly ingredient that appeals to consumers seeking natural and recognisable components, while also serving as a cost-effective source of fibre and moisture to support digestive health and product texture. Its inclusion can enhance marketing appeal without significantly increasing formulation costs.

Brassica Oleracea, Borekale, Tree Cabbage, Non-Heading Cabbage
Collard greens are leafy vegetables derived from the Brassica oleracea plant, belonging to the cruciferous family. Sourced from plants, they are rich in dietary fibre, vitamins A, C, and K, and essential minerals, supporting digestive health and immune function. In pet food, collard greens are included in their natural, whole form to provide phytonutrients and antioxidants, contributing to overall wellbeing.
Collard greens are included as a label-friendly ingredient to appeal to health-conscious consumers and enhance the perceived nutritional value of the product. They may also provide a source of dietary fibre and micronutrients, supporting marketing claims of added vegetables.

Malus Domestica, Pyrus Malus, Malus Pumila, E Malus
Apple is a fruit derived from the Malus domestica tree, classified as a plant-based ingredient. It is primarily included in pet food for its dietary fibre, natural antioxidants, and vitamins, supporting digestive health and immune function. Apple is used in its natural, whole form, ensuring pets benefit from its inherent nutrients without synthetic alteration or processing into extracts or concentrates.
Apple is included as a label-friendly ingredient to appeal to consumers seeking recognisable, natural components in pet food. It may also provide a modest source of fibre and natural sweetness to enhance palatability.

Pyrus Communis, European Pear, Bartlett Pear, Williams Pear
Pear is a plant-derived fruit included in pet food for its natural source of dietary fibre, vitamins, and antioxidants, supporting digestive health and overall wellbeing. It is primarily valued for its gentle fibre content, which aids healthy digestion. Pear is used in its natural form, ensuring pets benefit from its whole-food nutrients without synthetic alteration or processing into extracts or concentrates.
Pear is included as a label-friendly ingredient to appeal to consumers seeking natural and recognisable components in pet food. It may also provide a modest source of fibre and natural sugars to support palatability.

Bovine Meat, Bos Taurus Meat, Cattle Meat, Bovine Muscle Tissue
Beef meat is a high-quality animal-derived ingredient sourced from cattle. It serves as a rich source of protein, essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, supporting muscle development and overall health in pets. In pet food, beef meat is used in its natural form, providing both palatability and nutritional value while contributing to a balanced and complete diet.
Beef meat is included as a primary animal protein source to meet nutritional requirements and enhance palatability for dogs. Its presence also serves as a marketing advantage, appealing to consumers seeking recognisable, high-quality ingredients.

Caprine Meat, Chevon, Capra Hircus Meat, Capra Meat
Goat meat is a high-quality animal-derived protein sourced from goats. It is included in pet food primarily for its rich protein content, essential amino acids, and beneficial micronutrients such as iron and zinc. Goat meat is used in its natural, whole food form, providing a highly digestible and palatable protein source that supports muscle maintenance and overall health in pets.
Goat meat is included as a novel animal protein source to appeal to consumers seeking alternative or hypoallergenic options for pets with sensitivities. It also serves as a premium ingredient to enhance product positioning and justify a higher price point.

Ovine Meat, Sheep Meat, Ovis Aries, Mutton (when referring to generic sheep meat, not specifically older sheep)
Lamb meat is a high-quality animal-derived ingredient sourced from sheep, valued for its rich protein content and essential amino acids. It serves as a primary source of protein, supporting muscle development and overall health in pets. Lamb meat is included in its natural, whole food form, ensuring optimal nutrient availability and palatability for companion animals.
Lamb meat is included as a high-quality animal protein source to support muscle development and overall health in pets. It also serves as a premium ingredient for marketing purposes, appealing to consumers seeking novel or hypoallergenic protein options.

Table Salt, Rock Salt, Halite, E524
Sodium chloride is a mineral compound commonly known as table salt, sourced from either natural salt deposits or seawater. It is primarily included in pet food to maintain electrolyte balance and support normal nerve and muscle function. Sodium chloride is not used in its raw mineral form but is utilised as a purified compound to ensure safety, palatability, and optimal absorption.
Sodium chloride is included as an essential mineral to meet pets’ dietary sodium requirements and to enhance palatability. It also functions as a preservative, helping to maintain product stability and extend shelf life.

Vitamin E Acetate, Tocopheryl Acetate, DL-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate, E307
Alpha Tocopherol Acetate is a synthetic form of vitamin E, derived from plant oils and used as a stabilised compound rather than in its natural state. Its primary purpose is to act as an antioxidant, helping to preserve the freshness of pet food and support immune health. This compound is favoured for its stability and enhanced absorption compared to natural vitamin E.
Alpha Tocopherol Acetate is included as a source of vitamin E to act as an antioxidant, helping to preserve the freshness and stability of fats and oils in the product. Its use supports extended shelf life and maintains product quality during storage.

Zinc Proteinate Chelate, Zinc Protein Chelate, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Protein Complex
Zinc proteinate is a chelated mineral compound derived from the binding of zinc, an essential trace element, with amino acids or proteins. Sourced from mineral origins, it is included in pet food to support immune function, skin health, and enzyme activity. Zinc is not used in its raw metallic state; instead, it is utilised as zinc proteinate to optimise absorption and bioavailability in pets.
Zinc proteinate is included as a bioavailable source of the essential mineral zinc, supporting optimal nutrient absorption and overall health in pets. Its chelated form enhances stability and efficacy compared to inorganic zinc sources, aligning with nutritional labelling requirements.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Vitamin B12, Cobalamin, E101a, Cobamide
Cyanocobalamin is a synthetic form of vitamin B12, an essential water-soluble vitamin originally derived from animal sources. It is primarily included in pet food to support nerve function, red blood cell formation, and overall metabolic health. Cyanocobalamin is not used in its natural state; instead, it is utilised as a stable, bioavailable compound to optimise absorption and ensure dietary adequacy.
Cyanocobalamin is included as a cost-effective, stable form of vitamin B12 to ensure nutritional adequacy and meet labelling requirements for complete and balanced pet food. Its synthetic nature allows for consistent dosing and extended shelf life compared to natural sources.

Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Chelate, Copper(II) Proteinate, Cupric Proteinate
Copper proteinate is a chelated mineral compound derived from the binding of copper, an essential trace element, with amino acids or proteins. Sourced from mineral origins, it is included in pet food to support vital functions such as red blood cell formation and enzyme activity. Copper is not used in its raw metallic state but is instead utilised as copper proteinate to optimise absorption and safety.
Copper proteinate is included as a bioavailable source of the essential trace mineral copper, supporting metabolic and enzymatic functions in pets. Its chelated form enhances absorption compared to inorganic copper sources, optimising nutritional efficacy in the finished product.

2-Hydroxypropane-1,2,3-Tricarboxylic Acid, E330, 3-Carboxy-3-Hydroxypentanedioic Acid, Monohydrate Citric Acid
Citric acid is an organic compound derived primarily from citrus fruits, though it is commonly produced via fermentation for commercial use. Its main purpose in pet food is as a natural preservative and acidity regulator, helping to maintain freshness and inhibit spoilage. Citric acid is not used in its raw, crystalline form but is incorporated as a purified, food-grade compound to ensure safety and efficacy.
Citric acid is included as a preservative to enhance product stability and extend shelf life by inhibiting microbial growth. It may also be used to adjust acidity, optimising flavour and maintaining the quality of the final product.

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.

L. Acidophilus, ATCC 4356, NCFM, DSM 20079
Lactobacillus acidophilus is a beneficial probiotic bacterium of microbial origin, commonly included in pet foods to support digestive health and maintain a balanced gut microbiome. Its primary function is to promote optimal digestion and enhance immune function. Rather than being used in its natural, live-culture state, it is typically added as a stabilised, dried culture to ensure viability and efficacy in pet food formulations.
Lactobacillus acidophilus is included as a probiotic to support digestive health and promote a balanced gut microbiome in pets. Its presence also serves as a marketing feature, appealing to consumers seeking functional and health-oriented pet food formulations.

Bifidobacterium Lactis, B. Lactis, DSM 10140, CNCM I-2494
Bifidobacterium animalis is a beneficial probiotic bacterium of animal origin, commonly sourced from the digestive tracts of healthy mammals. Its primary purpose in pet food is to support digestive health and promote a balanced gut microbiome. Rather than being used in its natural, live state, Bifidobacterium animalis is typically added as a stabilised, viable culture to ensure safety, efficacy, and shelf stability.
Bifidobacterium animalis is included as a functional probiotic to support digestive health and optimise gut microbiota balance in pets. Its presence also serves as a marketing differentiator, appealing to consumers seeking advanced health benefits in pet food.

L. Casei, ATCC 393, DSM 20011, JCM 1134
Lactobacillus casei is a species of beneficial bacteria originating from the animal digestive tract and fermented foods. It is primarily included in pet food for its probiotic properties, supporting gut health and digestive balance. Rather than being used in its natural, live state, Lactobacillus casei is typically added as a stabilised, inactive culture to ensure safety, shelf stability, and effective delivery.
Lactobacillus casei is included as a probiotic to support digestive health and optimise gut flora balance in pets. Its presence also serves as a marketing feature, appealing to consumers seeking functional and health-promoting ingredients in pet food.
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