Chicken, Mint and Ginger Senior Dog Dental Sticks

Gallus Gallus Domesticus, Poultry Meat, Domestic Fowl, Broiler Meat

Chicken is a high-quality animal protein sourced from poultry, commonly used in pet foods for its rich amino acid profile and palatability. It provides essential nutrients to support muscle maintenance and overall health. In premium pet foods, chicken is typically included in its natural, whole form, ensuring optimal nutrient availability and digestibility for pets.

Chicken is included as a primary animal protein source to meet nutritional requirements and enhance palatability for pets. Its recognisable presence on the label also appeals to consumers seeking high-quality, meat-based ingredients.

Cassava, Manioc, Yuca, Manihot Esculenta

Tapioca is a starch extracted from the root of the cassava plant, a tropical crop native to South America. As a plant-derived ingredient, its primary purpose in pet food is to provide a highly digestible source of carbohydrates and energy. Tapioca is used in its natural, processed form as a purified starch, not as whole cassava root, ensuring safety and digestibility.

Tapioca is included as a cost-effective carbohydrate source that provides energy and helps bind kibble, contributing to the desired texture and structure of the final product. Its neutral flavour and hypoallergenic properties also make it suitable for formulating diets for pets with sensitivities.

Glycerol, 1,2,3-Propanetriol, E422, Propane-1,2,3-Triol

Glycerine is a colourless, odourless liquid derived from plant or animal fats. In pet food, it serves primarily as a humectant, helping to retain moisture and improve texture. Glycerine is not used in its natural, raw state but is refined and purified for food-grade applications to ensure safety and optimal absorption. It also aids in palatability and shelf-life extension.

Glycerine is included as a humectant to retain moisture and improve the texture of pet food products, helping to prevent them from drying out. It also acts as a mild sweetener to enhance palatability for pets.

Cocos Nucifera, Cocos Nucifera Fruit, Cocos Nucifera (Plant), Cocos Nucifera (Fruit)

Coconut is a plant-derived ingredient sourced from the fruit of the coconut palm (Cocos nucifera). It is primarily included in pet food for its healthy fats, particularly medium-chain triglycerides, which support energy and skin health. Coconut is used in its natural form, such as dried or shredded flesh, ensuring pets benefit from its nutrients and dietary fibre.

Coconut is included as a label-friendly ingredient to appeal to health-conscious consumers and enhance product marketing. It may also serve as a source of dietary fibre and medium-chain fatty acids, contributing to the nutritional profile of the pet food.

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.

Ipomoea Batatas, Kumara, Batata, Camote

Sweet potato is a root vegetable of plant origin, valued for its rich content of complex carbohydrates, dietary fibre, and essential micronutrients such as vitamin A. In pet food, sweet potato serves primarily as a digestible energy source and supports digestive health. It is incorporated in its natural, whole form, ensuring optimal nutrient retention and palatability for companion animals.

Sweet potato is included as a cost-effective, highly digestible carbohydrate source that provides energy and dietary fibre. It also serves as a label-friendly ingredient appealing to consumers seeking natural, whole-food components in pet food.

Hydrolysed Vegetable Protein, Vegetable Protein Hydrolysate, HVP, Plant Protein Hydrolysate

Vegetable digest is a processed ingredient derived from plant sources, typically through enzymatic hydrolysis of vegetables. It is primarily included in pet food to enhance palatability and provide a source of easily digestible nutrients. Rather than being used in its whole, natural form, vegetable digest is utilised as a hydrolysed compound to optimise flavour and nutrient absorption in pet diets.

Vegetable digest is included as a palatability enhancer, providing flavour compounds that make the product more appealing to pets. It is also a cost-effective way to add desirable taste without significantly increasing production expenses.

Plant Gum, E499, Hydrocolloid, Gomme Végétale

Vegetable gum is a plant-derived ingredient commonly sourced from various botanical origins such as guar, xanthan, or locust bean. It serves primarily as a thickener, stabiliser, and emulsifier in pet food, helping to maintain texture and consistency. Vegetable gum is utilised in its processed, food-grade form rather than as a raw plant material, ensuring safety and optimal functionality in formulations.

Vegetable gum is included as a stabilising and thickening agent to improve the texture and consistency of pet food products. It also helps maintain product integrity during storage, supporting shelf life and consumer appeal.

Sodium Chloride, NaCl, Table Salt, E535

Salt is a mineral ingredient derived from the combination of sodium and chloride, typically sourced from natural deposits or seawater. It is primarily included in pet food to support electrolyte balance, nerve function, and hydration. Salt is not used in its raw mineral form but is utilised as sodium chloride, a purified compound, to ensure safety, palatability, and optimal absorption in pets.

Salt is included as a palatability enhancer to improve taste and encourage consumption, and also functions as a preservative to help extend product shelf life. Its use allows manufacturers to optimise flavour while maintaining product stability.

Pentapotassium Triphosphate, STPP, E451(i), Triphosphoric Acid Pentasodium Salt

Sodium tripolyphosphate is a synthetic compound derived from inorganic sources, commonly used in pet food formulations. Its primary function is to act as a preservative and to help maintain the texture and moisture of products. Sodium tripolyphosphate is not used in its natural mineral form; instead, it is utilised as a processed salt to ensure safety, stability, and optimal absorption.

Sodium tripolyphosphate is included as a functional additive to improve product texture and moisture retention, helping maintain palatability and appearance. It also acts as a preservative to extend shelf life and inhibit spoilage.

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.

Zinc Sulphate Monohydrate, Zinc Sulphate Heptahydrate, E6, ZnSO₄

Zinc sulphate is a mineral compound derived from the element zinc, typically sourced from mined zinc ores. It is utilised in pet food as a supplemental source of zinc, an essential trace mineral that supports immune function, skin health, and enzyme activity. Zinc is not used in its natural metallic state; instead, it is provided as zinc sulphate to optimise safety and bioavailability for pets.

Zinc sulphate is included as a cost-effective and bioavailable source of the essential mineral zinc, which supports immune function and skin health in pets. Its addition ensures the product meets nutritional requirements for complete and balanced pet food labelling.

Fish Oil (Salmo Spp.), Salmo Spp. Oil, Salmonidae Oil, Omega-3 Marine Oil (Salmo Spp.)

Salmon oil is a nutrient-rich oil derived from the tissues of salmon, an animal source. It is primarily included in pet food for its high content of omega-3 fatty acids, which support skin, coat, and joint health. Salmon oil is utilised in its extracted liquid form, rather than as whole fish, to optimise absorption and deliver concentrated nutritional benefits.

Salmon oil is included as a source of omega-3 fatty acids to support skin and coat health, which can enhance the nutritional profile of the product. Its presence also serves as a marketing feature, appealing to consumers seeking premium or functional ingredients.

Curcuma Longa, Indian Saffron, Jiang Huang, E100

Turmeric is a vibrant yellow spice derived from the root of the Curcuma longa plant, making it a plant-based ingredient. It is primarily included in pet food for its natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, supporting overall health and wellbeing. Turmeric is used in its natural powdered form, ensuring pets benefit from its active compound, curcumin, in a safe and bioavailable manner.

Turmeric is included as a label-friendly ingredient to appeal to health-conscious consumers due to its association with natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Its presence may also support marketing claims related to holistic or functional pet foods, despite being used in small quantities with minimal direct nutritional impact for pets.

Mentha, Mentha Spp., Mentha Extract, Mentha Oil

Mint is a fragrant herb derived from the leaves of plants in the Mentha genus, originating from the plant kingdom. It is primarily included in pet food for its natural flavouring properties and potential digestive benefits. Mint is used in its natural, whole-leaf form, ensuring the retention of its aromatic oils and phytonutrients, which may support fresh breath and gastrointestinal health in pets.

Mint is included as a label-friendly ingredient to appeal to pet owners seeking natural or holistic components, and may also be intended to provide a fresh aroma or aid in breath freshening for pets. Its functional impact on pet health is generally minimal at the typical inclusion levels.

Chicory Root Fibre, Fructan, EINECS 232-684-3, Fructooligosaccharide

Inulin is a naturally occurring dietary fibre sourced primarily from plants such as chicory root. It serves as a prebiotic, supporting digestive health by promoting beneficial gut bacteria. In pet food, inulin is utilised in its extracted, purified form rather than as a whole plant, ensuring consistent quality and efficacy for optimal digestive function and overall wellbeing in pets.

Inulin is included as a prebiotic fibre to support digestive health and promote beneficial gut bacteria in pets. It also serves as a cost-effective bulking agent that can improve product texture and moisture retention.

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.

Buffered Acetic Acid Solution, Neutralised White Vinegar, pH-Adjusted Distilled Vinegar, E260 Buffered

Buffered white distilled vinegar is a liquid ingredient derived from the fermentation of plant-based sources, typically grains. It is primarily used as a natural preservative and pH regulator, helping to inhibit microbial growth and maintain product stability. In pet food, buffered white distilled vinegar is utilised in its processed, buffered form rather than as raw vinegar, ensuring consistent acidity and safety for consumption.

Buffered white distilled vinegar is included as a preservative to help inhibit the growth of bacteria and mould, thereby extending the product’s shelf life. Its use also allows for a more label-friendly alternative to synthetic preservatives, appealing to consumers seeking natural-sounding ingredients.

Acacia Senegal, Acacia Seyal, E414, Acacia Gum

Gum Arabic is a natural plant-derived gum obtained from the sap of Acacia trees, primarily Acacia senegal and Acacia seyal. It serves as a functional ingredient in pet food, acting as a stabiliser, emulsifier, and source of soluble dietary fibre. Gum Arabic is used in its natural, dried exudate form, ensuring safety and optimal digestibility for companion animals.

Gum Arabic is included as a stabilising and thickening agent to improve the texture and consistency of pet food products. It also helps to maintain ingredient suspension and extend shelf life, supporting product quality during storage and distribution.

Tocopherol, Mixed Tocopherols, E306, Rosemary Extract

Natural antioxidant refers to a substance, typically derived from plant sources, that helps protect pet food from oxidative damage and spoilage. Its primary function is to preserve freshness and extend shelf life by inhibiting the oxidation of fats and oils. In pet food, natural antioxidants are used in their natural form, ensuring safety and effective absorption without the need for chemical modification.

Natural antioxidants are included to help preserve the freshness and stability of pet food by slowing the oxidation of fats and oils, thereby extending shelf life. They also serve as a label-friendly alternative to synthetic preservatives, appealing to consumers seeking more natural ingredients.

Zingiber Officinale, Zingiberis Rhizoma, Sheng Jiang, Gan Jiang

Ginger is a plant-derived ingredient sourced from the rhizome of Zingiber officinale. It is primarily included in pet food for its natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, supporting digestive health and overall wellbeing. Ginger is used in its natural, dried, or powdered form, ensuring pets benefit from its bioactive compounds without the need for chemical modification or synthetic processing.

Ginger is included as a label-friendly ingredient to appeal to health-conscious consumers and enhance the perceived nutritional value of the product. It may also be used for its natural flavouring properties to improve palatability.

Alpha-Linolenic Acid, Eicosapentaenoic Acid, Docosahexaenoic Acid, n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid

Omega-3 fatty acid is a type of essential polyunsaturated fat primarily derived from animal sources such as fish oil or plant sources like flaxseed. It is included in pet food to support skin and coat health, cognitive function, and anti-inflammatory processes. Omega-3 is not used in its raw form but is incorporated as specific compounds, such as fish oil or algal oil, to optimise absorption and safety.

Omega-3 fatty acid is included to support claims of health benefits such as skin and coat health, and to appeal to consumers seeking functional nutrition for their pets. It also serves as a label-friendly ingredient that enhances product marketability.

Pantothenic Acid, D-Pantothenic Acid, Calcium Pantothenate, E315

Vitamin B5, also known as pantothenic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin of plant and animal origin. It plays a crucial role in energy metabolism and the synthesis of fatty acids, supporting overall cellular function. In pet food, Vitamin B5 is not used in its raw or natural state but is typically included as a stable, bioavailable compound such as calcium pantothenate for optimal absorption.

Vitamin B5 is included as an essential nutrient to support metabolic function and overall health in pets. Its addition ensures the product meets nutritional standards and regulatory requirements for complete and balanced pet food.

Thiamine, Thiamin, Aneurin, E101

Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, is a water-soluble vitamin of synthetic or plant origin. It plays a crucial role in energy metabolism and supports healthy nerve and muscle function in pets. In pet food, thiamine is not used in its natural raw form but is typically utilised as thiamine mononitrate or thiamine hydrochloride to optimise stability, safety, and absorption.

Vitamin B1 (thiamine) is included as an essential nutrient to meet regulatory requirements for canine health and to prevent deficiency-related disorders. Its addition ensures nutritional adequacy and supports normal metabolic function in pets.

Pyridoxine, Pyridoxol, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, E101a

Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin of synthetic or natural origin, commonly derived from plant or animal sources. It plays a crucial role in protein metabolism, red blood cell formation, and nervous system function. In pet food, Vitamin B6 is not used in its raw form but is typically included as a stable compound, such as pyridoxine hydrochloride, to optimise safety and bioavailability.

Vitamin B6 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 required for commercial pet foods.

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.