Duck and Fibre Healthy Dog Treats

Anas Spp., Waterfowl, Wildfowl, Canard

Duck is a high-quality animal protein sourced from domesticated or wild waterfowl. It provides essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that support muscle development and overall health in pets. Duck is primarily included for its rich protein content and palatability. In pet food, duck is used in its natural, whole form, ensuring optimal nutrient availability and digestibility for companion animals.

Duck is included as a novel animal protein source to provide essential amino acids and support marketing claims for hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient diets. Its use can also differentiate products in the premium segment and appeal to consumers seeking alternative proteins for their pets.

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.

Meleagris Gallopavo, Domestic Turkey, Meleagris Spp., Gallopavo

Turkey is a lean animal protein sourced from domesticated birds, commonly used in premium pet foods. It provides essential amino acids to support muscle maintenance and overall health. Turkey is included in its natural, whole food form, offering a highly digestible protein source along with important vitamins and minerals. Its use helps optimise palatability and nutritional value in pet diets.

Turkey is included as a high-quality animal protein source to support muscle maintenance and overall health in pets. Its presence also serves as a label-friendly ingredient that appeals to consumers seeking premium or novel protein options.

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.

Beta-Glucan Homopolysaccharide, E460, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Plant Fibre

Cellulose is a plant-derived carbohydrate sourced primarily from the cell walls of fibrous plants. It serves as an insoluble dietary fibre in pet food, supporting healthy digestion and promoting optimal stool quality. Cellulose is not used in its raw plant form but is processed into a purified, food-grade powder to ensure consistency, safety, and effective fibre delivery in formulated diets.

Cellulose is included as a cost-effective fibre source to promote digestive health and regulate stool quality in pet food formulations. It also serves as a bulk-adding agent, helping to control calorie density without significantly impacting palatability.

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.

Hydrolysed Collagen, Gelatine, Collagen Peptides, E441

Collagen is a structural protein derived from animal sources, typically bovine or marine, and is a key component of connective tissues. Its primary benefit in pet food is to support joint health, skin integrity, and coat condition. Collagen is not used in its raw form; instead, it is processed into hydrolysed collagen peptides to optimise digestibility and bioavailability for pets.

Collagen is included as a functional protein source to support joint and skin health claims, appealing to pet owners seeking added health benefits. It also serves as a label-friendly ingredient that enhances product marketability without significantly increasing formulation costs.

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.

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.

Trimethylethanolamine, E1001, Choline Base, 2-Hydroxy-N,N,N-Trimethylethanaminium

Choline is an essential nutrient of synthetic or natural origin, commonly derived from plant or animal sources. It plays a critical role in supporting brain development, liver function, and fat metabolism in pets. Choline is not used in its raw or elemental state; instead, it is typically utilised as choline chloride or choline bitartrate to ensure safety, stability, and optimal absorption in pet food formulations.

Choline is included as an essential nutrient to support normal liver function, brain development, and metabolic processes in pets. Its addition ensures nutritional adequacy and helps manufacturers meet regulatory labelling requirements for complete and balanced pet foods.

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.

Ferrous Sulphate, Ferrous Sulfate, E172, Green Vitriol

Iron sulphate is a mineral compound derived from iron, an essential trace element, and sulphur. It is primarily included in pet food to support healthy red blood cell formation and prevent iron-deficiency anaemia. Iron sulphate is not used in its natural metallic state; instead, it is utilised as a salt compound to optimise safety, stability, and bioavailability for effective absorption in pets.

Iron sulphate is included as a cost-effective mineral supplement to meet the nutritional requirement for iron in pet food formulations. It helps ensure proper labelling compliance with regulatory standards for essential nutrients.

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.

Cupric Sulphate, Blue Vitriol, Roman Vitriol, E519

Copper sulphate is an inorganic compound derived from copper, an essential trace mineral. It is primarily included in pet food to support vital physiological functions such as enzyme activity, immune health, and connective tissue formation. Copper sulphate is not used in its natural metallic state; instead, it is utilised as a salt to optimise safety, stability, and bioavailability for animal nutrition.

Copper sulphate is included as a cost-effective and reliable source of essential copper, a trace mineral necessary for canine health. Its use ensures precise nutrient formulation and supports compliance with nutritional labelling standards.

Manganese(II) Sulphate, Manganous Sulphate, Epsomite (Manganese), Sulphuric Acid Manganese(2+) Salt

Manganese sulphate is an inorganic compound derived from the mineral manganese, typically sourced from mined ores. It is included in pet food as an essential trace mineral to support bone development, enzyme function, and metabolic processes. Rather than using raw metallic manganese, the sulphate form is utilised to ensure safety, stability, and optimal absorption in companion animals’ diets.

Manganese sulphate is included as a cost-effective source of the essential trace mineral manganese, which supports metabolic and skeletal health in pets. Its addition ensures nutritional adequacy and compliance with regulatory labelling requirements for complete and balanced pet foods.

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.

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.

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.

Selen, E578, Atomic Number 34, Se

Selenium is an essential trace mineral sourced from the earth, typically derived from plant or yeast-based compounds for pet food use. It plays a crucial role in supporting antioxidant defences and thyroid function. Selenium is not used in its natural, raw metallic state; instead, it is utilised as a safe, bioavailable compound such as sodium selenite or selenomethionine to optimise absorption and efficacy.

Selenium is included as an essential trace mineral to meet nutritional requirements and support overall health in pets. Its addition ensures compliance with regulatory standards for complete and balanced pet food formulations.

Riboflavin, E101, Lactoflavin, Vitamin G

Vitamin B2, also known as riboflavin, is a water-soluble vitamin of synthetic or microbial origin commonly added to pet foods. It plays a crucial role in energy metabolism and supports healthy skin, eyes, and nervous system function. Vitamin B2 is not used in its natural raw form but is instead utilised as riboflavin, a stable compound, to optimise safety and bioavailability in pet diets.

Vitamin B2 is included as an essential nutrient to meet dogs’ dietary requirements and support metabolic functions. Its addition ensures nutritional adequacy and compliance with regulatory labelling 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.

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.

E170, Elemental Calcium, Ca, Calcium Metal

Calcium is an essential mineral derived from natural sources such as limestone or marine shells. It plays a critical role in supporting healthy bone and teeth development, nerve transmission, and muscle function in pets. Calcium is not used in its raw or metallic state; instead, it is utilised in pet food as safe, bioavailable compounds like calcium carbonate or calcium phosphate to optimise absorption.

Calcium is included as an essential mineral to support bone development and maintenance in pets, ensuring nutritional adequacy according to regulatory standards. It may also serve as a functional additive to optimise product texture and stability.

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.

Menadione, 2-Methyl-1,4-Naphthoquinone, K3, E325

Vitamin K3, also known as menadione, is a synthetic compound derived from chemical sources rather than natural plant or animal origins. It is primarily included in pet food to support normal blood clotting and bone health. Vitamin K3 is not used in its raw or elemental form; instead, it is utilised as a stable, bioavailable compound to optimise safety and absorption in pets.

Vitamin K3 is included as a cost-effective synthetic source of vitamin K to support blood clotting and overall health in pets. Its use allows manufacturers to ensure consistent nutrient levels while maintaining product affordability.

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 B7, Vitamin H, D-Biotin, Coenzyme R

Biotin is a water-soluble B-vitamin (vitamin B7) of synthetic origin, commonly included in pet foods to support healthy skin, coat, and metabolic function. Its primary benefit is aiding in the metabolism of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. Biotin is not used in its natural, free form but is instead utilised as a stable, bioavailable compound to optimise absorption and efficacy in pets.

Biotin is included as an essential vitamin to support skin, coat, and metabolic health in pets, fulfilling nutritional requirements for complete and balanced diets. Its addition also allows manufacturers to highlight the inclusion of key micronutrients on product labelling, appealing to health-conscious consumers.

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.

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.

Surface-Active Agent, E Number 471, Food Additive E471, Surfactant

Emulsifier refers to a functional ingredient, typically derived from either plant or animal sources, that enables the stable blending of oil and water in pet food formulations. Its primary purpose is to improve texture and consistency, ensuring uniform distribution of nutrients. Emulsifiers are not used in their natural raw state; instead, they are incorporated as specific compounds, such as lecithin or mono- and diglycerides, for safety and efficacy.

Emulsifiers are included to stabilise mixtures of ingredients that would otherwise separate, ensuring consistent texture and appearance throughout the product. This functional additive helps optimise product quality and shelf stability.

Antimicrobials, E Numbers, Food Additives, Chemical Preservatives

Preservatives are compounds added to pet food to inhibit the growth of spoilage microorganisms and extend shelf life. Originating from both synthetic and natural sources, their primary function is to maintain product safety and freshness. Preservatives are not used in their raw or elemental state; instead, they are incorporated as specific compounds, such as mixed tocopherols or potassium sorbate, to optimise efficacy and safety for pets.

Preservatives are included to extend the product’s shelf life by inhibiting the growth of spoilage organisms and maintaining freshness during storage and distribution. Their use helps ensure product safety and stability, reducing waste and optimising inventory management.

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.

Perna Canaliculus Powder, New Zealand Green Mussel Powder, Green Mussel Extract, Perna Extract

Green Lipped Mussel Powder is derived from the New Zealand green-lipped mussel, a marine animal source. It is primarily included in pet food for its natural content of omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin, which support joint health and reduce inflammation. This ingredient is used in its natural, whole-food powdered form to optimise nutrient availability and functional benefits.

Green Lipped Mussel Powder is included as a functional ingredient to provide a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids and joint-supporting nutrients, supporting claims of enhanced mobility and overall health. Its presence also serves as a premium, label-friendly addition that appeals to health-conscious pet owners.

Acidulant, Acidity Regulator, E Acidifier, Acidity Corrector

Food acid is a functional ingredient derived from either natural or synthetic sources, commonly used in pet food to regulate acidity and preserve freshness. Its primary purpose is to maintain optimal pH levels, which helps inhibit spoilage and supports product stability. Food acids are not used in their raw or elemental form; instead, they are utilised as safe, food-grade acid compounds suitable for animal consumption.

Food acid is included to regulate the pH of the product, enhancing preservation and extending shelf life. It also helps maintain product stability and safety by inhibiting the growth of spoilage microorganisms.

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.

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.

Chlorophyta, Sea Lettuce, Ulva Spp., Marine Green Algae

Green macroalgae is a type of marine plant harvested from ocean environments. It is primarily included in pet food for its rich content of essential minerals, vitamins, and dietary fibre, supporting digestive health and overall wellbeing. Green macroalgae is used in its natural, dried form, ensuring pets benefit from its full nutritional profile without synthetic alteration or extraction.

Green macroalgae is included as a natural source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, supporting the nutritional profile of the product. It also serves as a label-friendly ingredient that appeals to health-conscious consumers seeking natural additives.

Rhodophyta, Red Seaweed, Rhodophyceae, Rhodophyta Spp.

Red macroalgae is a type of marine plant sourced from ocean environments. It is primarily included in pet food for its natural supply of minerals, trace elements, and dietary fibre, supporting digestive health and mineral balance. Red macroalgae is used in its whole, natural form, allowing pets to benefit from its bioavailable nutrients as they occur in nature.

Red macroalgae is included as a natural source of minerals and trace elements, supporting nutritional labelling claims and appealing to consumers seeking marine-derived ingredients. It may also function as a natural thickener or stabiliser, contributing to product texture and shelf stability.

Phyllosilicates, Aluminosilicate Minerals, Hydrous Aluminosilicates, Smectite Minerals

Clay minerals are naturally occurring inorganic compounds derived from weathered rocks and soils. In pet food, they are primarily included for their functional benefits, such as improving texture, aiding in moisture retention, and binding toxins. Clay minerals are not used in their raw, unprocessed state; instead, specific purified forms like bentonite or montmorillonite are utilised to ensure safety and optimal efficacy in pet nutrition.

Clay minerals are included as anti-caking agents to improve product texture and prevent clumping during storage and handling. They may also serve as binding agents to enhance kibble integrity and stability.

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.

Antioxidant Agents, Free Radical Scavengers, E306, E321

Antioxidants are compounds sourced from both plant and synthetic origins, commonly added to pet food to protect fats and oils from oxidation, thereby preserving freshness and nutritional quality. Their primary function is to neutralise free radicals, supporting cellular health. Antioxidants are not used in their raw or isolated chemical state; instead, specific forms such as mixed tocopherols or ascorbate compounds are utilised for safety and efficacy.

Antioxidants are included to prevent the oxidation of fats and oils, thereby extending the product’s shelf life and maintaining nutritional quality. They also help preserve colour and flavour, supporting product stability and consumer appeal.