Skin, Coat and Nails Functional Treat

DHA, or docosahexaenoic acid, is a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid derived primarily from marine sources such as fish oil or algae (animal or plant origin). It is included in pet food to support cognitive development, vision, and overall brain health. DHA is not used in its natural raw state but is incorporated as a purified oil or extract to optimise bioavailability and safety.

DHA is included as a functional ingredient to support cognitive development and visual acuity in pets, particularly in puppies and kittens. Its presence also allows manufacturers to market the product as supporting brain and eye health, appealing to health-conscious consumers.

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.

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.

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.

Marine collagen is a protein derived from the skin and scales of fish (animal origin). It is primarily included in pet food to support joint, skin, and coat health due to its high bioavailability and rich amino acid profile. Marine collagen is not used in its raw form; instead, it is hydrolysed into peptides to optimise digestibility and absorption in pets.

Marine collagen is included as a functional protein source to support joint, skin, and coat health claims, appealing to pet owners seeking premium or wellness-focused products. Its presence also serves as a marketing differentiator, leveraging consumer interest in novel and label-friendly ingredients.

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.

Chicory root is a plant-derived ingredient sourced from the root of the chicory plant (Cichorium intybus). It is primarily included in pet food for its high inulin content, a prebiotic fibre that supports digestive health and beneficial gut bacteria. Chicory root is used in its natural, dried, and ground form to optimise its functional benefits in pet nutrition.

Chicory root is included as a source of inulin, a prebiotic fibre that supports digestive health and can improve stool quality. It also serves as a label-friendly ingredient that appeals to consumers seeking functional health benefits in pet food.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus is a beneficial probiotic bacterium of microbial origin, commonly sourced from dairy or plant-based fermentations. 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-culture form, it is typically incorporated as a stabilised, dried culture to ensure viability and efficacy during processing and storage.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus is included as a probiotic to support digestive health and promote a balanced gut microbiome in pets. Its presence also serves as a marketing differentiator, appealing to consumers seeking functional and health-oriented pet food options.

Lactobacillus plantarum is a beneficial probiotic bacterium of microbial origin, commonly found in fermented foods and the gastrointestinal tract. 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-culture form, it is typically added as a stabilised, dried culture to ensure viability and efficacy in the final product.

Lactobacillus plantarum 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.

Bifidobacterium animalis subspecies lactis is a beneficial probiotic bacterium of animal origin, commonly included in pet foods to support digestive and immune health. Its primary function is to promote a balanced gut microbiome and enhance nutrient absorption. This ingredient is not used in its wild, natural state but is carefully cultured and processed to ensure safety, stability, and efficacy in pet nutrition.

Bifidobacterium animalis subspecies lactis 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 for their pets.

Enterococcus faecium is a beneficial probiotic bacterium of animal origin, commonly included in pet foods to support digestive health and maintain a balanced gut microbiome. Its primary function is to promote optimal intestinal function and enhance immune response. Enterococcus faecium is not used in its wild or environmental form; instead, it is carefully cultured and processed to ensure safety, stability, and efficacy in pet nutrition.

Enterococcus faecium is included as a probiotic to support digestive health and optimise gut flora balance in pets. Its presence also serves as a marketing point, appealing to consumers seeking functional ingredients for overall wellbeing.

Venison is the meat derived from deer, making it an animal-based protein source. It is prized for its lean profile and high-quality amino acids, supporting muscle maintenance and overall health in pets. In pet food, venison is used in its natural, whole-food form, providing a novel protein option that may benefit pets with sensitivities to more common meats.

Venison is included as a novel, high-quality protein source to appeal to consumers seeking premium or hypoallergenic pet food options. Its use can support marketing claims related to limited ingredient diets and alternative proteins.

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.

Blue pumpkin is a plant-derived ingredient sourced from the Cucurbita maxima species, known for its distinctive blue-grey skin and orange flesh. It is primarily included in pet food for its rich fibre content and natural antioxidants, supporting digestive health and immune function. Blue pumpkin is used in its natural, whole food form, ensuring optimal nutrient retention and palatability for pets.

Blue pumpkin is included as a cost-effective carbohydrate source and to add bulk to the product. Its presence also serves as a label-friendly ingredient, appealing to consumers seeking novel or natural-sounding components.

Zoonatant™ is a proprietary animal-derived ingredient, typically sourced from the fermentation of specific animal proteins. It is primarily included in pet food formulations to support gut health and enhance nutrient absorption through bioactive peptides and postbiotic compounds. Zoonatant™ is not used in its raw animal form; instead, it is utilised as a refined, bioactive concentrate to optimise safety, efficacy, and digestibility.

Zoonatant™ is included as a functional ingredient to enhance palatability and improve the sensory appeal of pet food, encouraging consistent consumption. It may also serve as a label-friendly addition, supporting marketing claims related to flavour or digestibility.

Olive oil is a plant-derived oil extracted from the fruit of the olive tree (Olea europaea). It serves as a source of healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, supporting skin and coat health in pets. In pet food, olive oil is used in its natural, cold-pressed form, ensuring optimal nutrient retention and palatability while providing essential fatty acids for overall wellbeing.

Olive oil is included as a source of healthy fats and antioxidants, supporting skin and coat health in pets. It also serves as a label-friendly ingredient that appeals to health-conscious consumers.

Sea salt is a mineral ingredient derived from the evaporation of seawater. It is primarily included in pet food to provide essential electrolytes, such as sodium and chloride, which support hydration and nerve function. Sea salt is not used in its raw crystalline form but is refined and utilised as a food-grade compound to ensure safety, palatability, and optimal nutrient absorption.

Sea salt is included as a palatability enhancer to improve flavour and encourage pet consumption. It may also function as a mineral source and assist in product preservation.

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.