Joint Health Treats with Aussie Chicken

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.

Whole Wheat Flour, Wholemeal Wheat Flour, Triticum Aestivum Wholemeal, Triticum Aestivum Whole Wheat Flour

Wholegrain wheat flour is a plant-derived ingredient made by milling the entire wheat kernel, including the bran, germ, and endosperm. It is primarily included in pet food as a source of complex carbohydrates, dietary fibre, and essential nutrients. Wholegrain wheat flour is used in its natural, unrefined form to maximise nutritional value and support digestive health in pets.

Wholegrain wheat flour is included as a cost-effective carbohydrate source that provides bulk and energy to pet food formulations. It also serves as a binding agent to improve kibble texture and processing efficiency.

Vegetable Glycerol, Glycerine, E422, Vegetable Glycerin

Vegetable glycerine is a clear, odourless liquid derived from plant oils, typically palm, soy, or coconut. It serves primarily as a humectant, helping to retain moisture in pet food and improve texture. Rather than being used in its raw plant form, vegetable glycerine is extracted and purified for safe consumption and optimal functionality in pet nutrition formulations.

Vegetable 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 enhances palatability, making the food more appealing to pets.

2-Amino-2-Deoxy-D-Glucose, D-Glucosamine, Chitosamine, 2-Amino-2-Deoxyglucose

Glucosamine is an amino sugar compound typically derived from shellfish or produced synthetically. It is included in pet food primarily to support joint health by aiding cartilage maintenance and repair. Glucosamine is not used in its natural raw form; instead, it is utilised as a stabilised compound, such as glucosamine hydrochloride or glucosamine sulphate, to optimise safety, stability, and absorption in pets.

Glucosamine is included as a functional additive to support joint health and mobility, particularly in senior or large-breed pets. Its presence also serves as a marketing feature, appealing to consumers seeking products with perceived health benefits for their pets.

Chondroitin Sulphate, Chondroitin Polysulphate, Chondroitin Sulphate Sodium, Chondroitin Sulphate (Haliotis Spp.)

Chondroitin is a naturally occurring compound derived from animal cartilage, commonly sourced from bovine or marine origins. It is primarily included in pet food to support joint health by aiding cartilage resilience and reducing inflammation. Chondroitin is not used in its raw form; instead, it is utilised as chondroitin sulphate, a processed compound that optimises safety and bioavailability for pets.

Chondroitin is included as a functional ingredient to support joint health, appealing to consumers seeking products with perceived health benefits for ageing or active pets. Its presence also serves as a marketing differentiator, allowing manufacturers to position the product as premium or specialised.

Perna Canaliculus, New Zealand Green Mussel, Greenshell Mussel, Kuku

Green lipped mussel is a marine animal ingredient sourced from the coastal waters of New Zealand. It is primarily included in pet food for its rich content of omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin, which support joint health and reduce inflammation. Green lipped mussel is used in its natural, whole form, ensuring optimal nutrient availability and bioactivity for pets.

Green lipped mussel is included as a functional ingredient to provide natural sources of omega-3 fatty acids and joint-supporting nutrients, supporting product differentiation and marketing claims related to joint health. Its presence also appeals to consumers seeking premium or holistic pet food formulations.

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.

E202, Sorbistat K, Potassium (E202), Potassium Salt of Sorbic Acid

Potassium sorbate is a preservative derived from sorbic acid, a naturally occurring compound found in some fruits, but it is manufactured synthetically for commercial use. Its primary function in pet food is to inhibit the growth of moulds and yeasts, thereby extending shelf life. Potassium sorbate is not used in its natural state but as a salt compound to ensure safety and effective preservation.

Potassium sorbate is included as a preservative to inhibit the growth of mould, yeast, and some bacteria, thereby extending the product’s shelf life. Its use allows manufacturers to maintain product stability and freshness during storage and distribution.

Micronutrients, Essential Micronutrients, Vital Nutrients, Accessory Food Factors

Vitamins are organic compounds derived from both plant and animal sources, essential for numerous metabolic and physiological functions in pets. Their primary purpose is to support immune health, vision, bone development, and cellular processes. In pet food, vitamins are not used in their natural, raw forms but are instead incorporated as stabilised compounds or premixes to ensure safety, stability, and optimal bioavailability.

Vitamins are included to ensure nutritional adequacy and meet regulatory requirements for complete and balanced pet food. They may also be added to compensate for nutrient losses during processing and storage.

Dietary Minerals, Inorganic Nutrients, Essential Minerals, Bulk Elements

Minerals are essential inorganic nutrients derived from the earth, not produced by animals or plants. They play a critical role in supporting various physiological functions, such as bone development, nerve transmission, and enzyme activity. In pet food, minerals are not used in their natural raw or metallic state; instead, they are incorporated as specific compounds (such as sulphates or chelates) to optimise safety and bioavailability.

Minerals are included to meet essential nutritional requirements for pets, supporting overall health and proper bodily functions. They are often added in precise amounts to ensure the product complies with regulatory standards and nutrient profiles.