Drover Dry Dog Food

Cereal Grains, Cereal Wholegrains, Whole Cereal Grains, Triticum Aestivum Spp.

Summary

Wholegrain cereals are plant-derived ingredients that include the entire grain kernel—bran, germ, and endosperm—commonly sourced from wheat, oats, or barley. They are primarily included in pet food for their dietary fibre, energy, and essential nutrients. Wholegrain cereals are used in their natural, unrefined form, ensuring the retention of their full nutritional profile for optimal health benefits.

Manufacturer Benefits

Wholegrain cereals are included as a cost-effective source of carbohydrates and dietary fibre, contributing to product bulk and energy content. They also appeal to consumers seeking recognisable, "wholesome" ingredients on the label.

Cereal Byproducts, Cereal By-Product, Cereal Byproduct, Cereal By-Products Meal

Summary

Cereal by-products are plant-derived ingredients obtained from the processing of grains such as wheat, rice, or barley. They are primarily included in pet food as a source of dietary fibre and energy, supporting digestive health and providing essential nutrients. These by-products are not used in their whole grain form but as milled fractions or bran, optimised for digestibility and nutritional value.

Manufacturer Benefits

Cereal by-products are included as a cost-effective carbohydrate source and bulk-adding agent, helping manufacturers optimise production costs while maintaining product texture. They may also contribute to the overall energy content of the pet food.

Animal Flesh, Muscle Tissue, Animal Protein, Skeletal Muscle

Summary

Meat refers to the edible muscle tissue derived from animals, commonly sourced from species such as chicken, beef, or lamb. It serves as a high-quality source of protein, essential amino acids, and vital nutrients like iron and B vitamins, supporting muscle maintenance and overall health. In pet food, meat is used in its natural form, ensuring optimal nutrient availability and palatability for pets.

Manufacturer Benefits

Meat is included as a primary protein source to support essential amino acid requirements and overall nutritional value in pet food. Its presence also enhances palatability, making the product more appealing to pets.

Animal By-Products, Animal Derivatives, Animal Offal, Animal Spp. By-Products

Summary

Meat by-products are animal-derived ingredients obtained from the non-rendered, clean parts of slaughtered animals, excluding meat, such as organs and tissues. They provide essential proteins, vitamins, and minerals, supporting overall pet health. Meat by-products are used in their natural, edible form, ensuring nutrient density and palatability. Their inclusion helps optimise nutrient profiles and reduce food waste in premium pet foods.

Manufacturer Benefits

Meat by-products are included as a cost-effective protein source, utilising parts of the animal not typically consumed by humans to maximise resource efficiency. They contribute essential nutrients while helping manufacturers maintain competitive pricing.

Sodium Chloride, NaCl, Table Salt, E535

Summary

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.

Manufacturer Benefits

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.

Chalk, Limestone, E170, Marble Dust

Summary

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.

Manufacturer Benefits

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.

Retinol, Retinyl Palmitate, Retinyl Acetate, E160a

Summary

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.

Manufacturer Benefits

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

Summary

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.

Manufacturer Benefits

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.

Tocopherol, Alpha-Tocopherol, E307, D-Alpha-Tocopherol

Summary

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.

Manufacturer Benefits

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.

Phylloquinone, Phytonadione, Phytomenadione, E415

Summary

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin of synthetic or natural origin, essential for blood clotting and bone health in pets. Its primary function is to support normal coagulation processes and maintain skeletal integrity. In pet food, vitamin K is not used in its natural form but is typically utilised as a safe, bioavailable compound such as menadione sodium bisulphite for optimal absorption and efficacy.

Manufacturer Benefits

Vitamin K is included as an essential nutrient to support normal blood clotting and overall health in pets. Its addition ensures nutritional adequacy and compliance with regulatory labelling standards for complete and balanced pet foods.

Riboflavin, E101, Lactoflavin, Vitamin G

Summary

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.

Manufacturer Benefits

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.

Pyridoxine, Pyridoxol, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, E101a

Summary

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.

Manufacturer Benefits

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

Summary

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.

Manufacturer Benefits

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.

Ascorbic Acid, L-Ascorbic Acid, E300, L-Threo-Hex-2-Enono-1,4-Lactone

Summary

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin of plant origin commonly included in pet food formulations. Its primary purpose is to support immune function and act as an antioxidant, helping to protect cells from oxidative damage. Vitamin C is not used in its natural fruit form but is instead utilised as a synthesised compound to ensure stability and consistent dosage.

Manufacturer Benefits

Vitamin C is included as an antioxidant to help preserve the freshness and stability of the product by slowing oxidation. It may also be added for its perceived health benefits, supporting marketing claims related to immune support.

Vitamin B7, Vitamin H, D-Biotin, Coenzyme R

Summary

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.

Manufacturer Benefits

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.

Vitamin B5, D-Pantothenic Acid, Calcium Pantothenate, E307

Summary

Pantothenate acid, also known as vitamin B5, 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, pantothenate acid is not used in its natural form but is typically included as a stable compound, such as calcium pantothenate, to optimise safety and absorption.

Manufacturer Benefits

Pantothenate acid is included as a source of vitamin B5 to meet nutritional requirements and support metabolic functions in pets. Its addition ensures compliance with regulatory standards for complete and balanced pet food labelling.

Pteroylmonoglutamic Acid, Pteroylglutamic Acid, Vitamin B9, E920

Summary

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.

Manufacturer Benefits

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.

Nicotinic Acid, Vitamin B3, Pyridine-3-Carboxylic Acid, E375

Summary

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.

Manufacturer Benefits

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.

Cu, ECP, CI 77400, C.I. 77400

Summary

Copper is an essential trace mineral sourced from the earth and is vital for numerous physiological functions in pets. It primarily supports red blood cell formation, connective tissue development, and immune system health. Copper is not used in its natural metallic state; instead, it is incorporated into pet food as safe, bioavailable compounds such as copper sulphate or copper proteinate to optimise absorption and efficacy.

Manufacturer Benefits

Copper is included as an essential trace mineral to meet nutritional requirements for dogs, supporting enzyme function and red blood cell formation. Its addition ensures compliance with regulatory standards for complete and balanced pet food labelling.

Elemental I, E127, Iodum, CAS 7553-56-2

Summary

Iodine is an essential trace mineral sourced primarily from seaweed or mineral deposits. It plays a critical role in supporting healthy thyroid function and hormone production in pets. Iodine is not used in its natural elemental form due to safety and bioavailability concerns; instead, it is typically incorporated as a compound such as potassium iodide or calcium iodate to optimise absorption and efficacy.

Manufacturer Benefits

Iodine is included as an essential trace mineral to support thyroid function and overall metabolic health in pets. Its addition ensures nutritional adequacy and compliance with regulatory labelling standards for complete and balanced pet foods.

E34, Manganum, Mn, EINECS 231-105-1

Summary

Manganese is an essential trace mineral sourced from the earth and is vital for numerous metabolic processes in pets. It primarily supports bone development, enzyme function, and antioxidant defence. Manganese is not used in its natural metallic state; instead, it is incorporated into pet food as a safe, bioavailable compound such as manganese sulphate or manganese oxide to optimise absorption and efficacy.

Manufacturer Benefits

Manganese is included as an essential trace mineral to support metabolic and skeletal health in pets, fulfilling nutritional requirements for complete and balanced pet food. Its addition ensures compliance with regulatory standards and appeals to consumers seeking scientifically formulated diets.

Ferrum, Fe, E1, Elemental Iron

Summary

Iron is an essential mineral sourced from both animal and plant origins, crucial for oxygen transport and energy metabolism in pets. Its primary benefit is supporting healthy red blood cell formation and preventing anaemia. Iron is not used in its natural, raw, or metallic state; instead, it is utilised in pet food as safe, bioavailable compounds such as iron sulphate or iron proteinate to optimise absorption.

Manufacturer Benefits

Iron is included as an essential mineral to support healthy blood function and overall metabolism in pets. Its addition ensures the product meets nutritional requirements and regulatory standards for complete and balanced pet food.

Selen, E578, Atomic Number 34, Se

Summary

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.

Manufacturer Benefits

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.

Zn, E579, Zincum, CI 77947

Summary

Zinc is an essential trace mineral sourced from the earth and is vital for numerous biological functions in pets, including immune support and skin health. In pet food, zinc is not used in its natural metallic state; instead, it is utilised as a compound such as zinc sulphate or zinc chelate to optimise safety and absorption, ensuring pets receive its full nutritional benefit.

Manufacturer Benefits

Zinc is included as an essential trace mineral to support immune function, skin health, and overall metabolic processes in pets. Its addition ensures nutritional adequacy and compliance with regulatory labelling standards for complete and balanced pet foods.

Laminaria Spp., Macrocystis Pyrifera, Ascophyllum Nodosum, Brown Seaweed

Summary

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.

Manufacturer Benefits

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.

Yucca Extract, Yucca schidigera, Yucca Spp., Cassava Extract

Summary

Yucca Schidigera Extract is a plant-derived ingredient sourced from the Yucca schidigera plant native to arid regions of North America. It is primarily included in pet food to help reduce stool odour by binding ammonia and other waste gases. Rather than using the whole plant, a concentrated extract is utilised to optimise its functional benefits and ensure consistent efficacy.

Manufacturer Benefits

Yucca Schidigera Extract is included to reduce stool odour by binding ammonia and other waste gases, thereby improving the perceived cleanliness of the pet and its environment. It also serves as a label-friendly ingredient that appeals to consumers seeking natural additives.

Allium Sativum, Allium Sativum Bulb, Eaten Garlic, Ajo

Summary

Garlic is a plant-derived ingredient sourced from the bulb of Allium sativum. It is included in pet food primarily for its natural antioxidant properties and potential to support immune health. In pet food formulations, garlic is used in its natural, dried, or powdered form rather than as a raw bulb, ensuring safe inclusion levels and optimal nutrient availability.

Manufacturer Benefits

Garlic is included in pet food formulations primarily as a label-friendly ingredient, appealing to consumers due to its perceived health benefits and natural origin. Its functional contribution to the animal is minimal at the low inclusion rates used, serving more as a marketing tool than a nutritional or palatability enhancer.

Tocopherol, Mixed Tocopherols, E306, Rosemary Extract

Summary

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.

Manufacturer Benefits

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.

Mixed Organic Acids, Organic Acid Blend, Acidulant Blend, Organic Acids Mixture

Summary

Mixed acids are a blend of organic acids, typically derived from plant or microbial sources. They are included in pet food primarily to support digestive health by lowering gut pH and inhibiting harmful bacteria. Mixed acids are not used in their raw, isolated form; instead, they are incorporated as safe, food-grade acid blends to optimise palatability and nutrient absorption.

Manufacturer Benefits

Mixed acids are included as preservatives to inhibit microbial growth and extend the product’s shelf life. Their use helps maintain food safety and stability during storage and distribution.