Vital Blend for Dogs

Whole sardine is a small, oily fish sourced from marine environments and used in its natural, unprocessed form. As an animal-derived ingredient, it provides high-quality protein, essential omega-3 fatty acids, and vital micronutrients. The inclusion of whole sardine supports healthy skin, coat, and cognitive function in pets, while also delivering a natural source of calcium and phosphorus from edible bones.

Whole sardine is included as a nutrient-dense animal protein and omega-3 fatty acid source, supporting both the nutritional profile and marketing appeal of the product. Its use allows manufacturers to highlight a recognisable, high-quality ingredient that appeals to health-conscious consumers.

Goat green tripe is the unwashed, untreated stomach lining of goats, retaining its natural digestive enzymes and microbial content. In dog food manufacturing, it is typically included in its raw or minimally processed form to preserve these properties. It provides a source of protein, essential fatty acids, and beneficial bacteria that can support digestive health in dogs. When included as part of a balanced diet, goat green tripe is generally safe, but excessive amounts may lead to gastrointestinal upset due to its richness and strong odour.

Goat green tripe is included in dog food formulations because it is highly palatable and supports digestive health, offering a functional benefit to dogs while also serving as a differentiating ingredient for manufacturers targeting premium or novel protein markets. Its use is primarily for nutritional and marketing purposes rather than as a low-cost filler.

Sunflower seed meal is the protein-rich by-product remaining after oil has been extracted from sunflower seeds. In dog food manufacturing, it is used in its processed meal form rather than as whole seeds. It serves as a plant-based protein source and provides dietary fibre, essential amino acids, and some minerals. When included at appropriate levels, sunflower seed meal is safe for dogs and can contribute to a balanced diet, though excessive inclusion may reduce digestibility due to its fibre content.

Sunflower seed meal is included in dog food formulations primarily as a cost-effective plant protein source that helps manufacturers meet protein requirements while keeping production costs lower than using animal proteins alone. While it contributes some nutritional value, its use is often driven more by cost efficiency and availability than by specific health benefits for dogs.

Oyster powder is a dehydrated and finely ground form of whole oysters, typically derived from the species Crassostrea gigas or similar edible oysters. It is supplied as a processed powder rather than in its raw shellfish form. Oyster powder provides a source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential minerals such as zinc, copper, and selenium. When included at appropriate levels in dog food, it supports normal immune function and contributes to overall mineral balance; excessive inclusion may pose a risk of heavy metal accumulation or mineral imbalances.

Oyster powder is included in dog food formulations primarily to provide a natural source of trace minerals, especially zinc, which supports nutritional balance for dogs while also allowing manufacturers to market the product as containing whole-food mineral sources. Its use benefits both the dog's health and the manufacturer's ability to meet nutritional requirements with a recognisable ingredient.

Hemp seed is the edible seed of the hemp plant (Cannabis sativa), a botanical ingredient valued for its rich nutritional profile. Sourced from plants, hemp seed is used in its natural, whole form. It provides a balanced source of essential fatty acids, protein, and fibre, supporting skin health, coat quality, and overall wellbeing in pets.

Hemp seed is included as a nutrient-dense ingredient, providing a source of plant-based protein, essential fatty acids, and fibre to support a balanced nutritional profile. Its inclusion also serves as a label-friendly feature, appealing to health-conscious consumers seeking natural and functional ingredients.

Green banana powder is a finely milled product made from unripe bananas, typically of the Cavendish variety, that have been dried and ground. It is supplied in its powdered form and used as a functional ingredient in dog food. Green banana powder is a source of dietary fibre, particularly resistant starch, which can support digestive health and promote beneficial gut bacteria in dogs. When included at appropriate levels, it is generally considered safe; excessive amounts may cause gastrointestinal upset such as bloating or diarrhoea.

Green banana powder is included in dog food formulations for its functional properties as a source of dietary fibre and resistant starch, which can support digestive health in dogs while also serving as a cost-effective ingredient that helps improve product texture and shelf stability for manufacturers.

Ascophyllum nodosum is a species of brown seaweed harvested from cold North Atlantic waters, making it a marine plant ingredient. It is primarily included in pet food for its natural source of dietary fibre, antioxidants, and trace minerals, supporting oral health and immune function. Ascophyllum nodosum is used in its dried, powdered natural form to optimise nutrient availability and palatability.

Ascophyllum nodosum is included as a functional ingredient primarily for its perceived dental health benefits and as a source of natural minerals, supporting marketing claims of oral care and holistic nutrition. Its presence can enhance product appeal to health-conscious consumers seeking natural additives.

Wheatgrass powder is a dehydrated and finely ground form of young wheat shoots, typically derived from the common wheat plant Triticum aestivum. In dog food manufacturing, it is used in its powdered form rather than as fresh grass. Wheatgrass powder provides a source of dietary fibre, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. When included at appropriate levels, it may support digestive health and contribute to the overall nutrient profile of the diet; excessive amounts, however, may cause gastrointestinal upset in some dogs.

Wheatgrass powder is included in dog food formulations primarily as a marketing-driven ingredient to appeal to health-conscious consumers, though it offers minimal proven nutritional benefit to dogs and is not essential for their diet. Its use may also help manufacturers differentiate their products in a competitive market.