Dental Treats Small to Medium

Ground Rice, Oryza Sativa Flour, Rice Powder, Oryza Sativa

Summary

Rice flour is a finely milled powder derived from whole or broken rice grains, making it a plant-based ingredient. It is primarily used as a carbohydrate source, providing easily digestible energy and aiding in kibble structure. Rice flour is incorporated in its natural, ground form, not as a raw grain, to optimise digestibility and palatability in pet food formulations.

Manufacturer Benefits

Rice flour is included as a cost-effective, easily digestible carbohydrate source that provides energy and helps create a desirable texture in pet food. Its neutral flavour and hypoallergenic properties also make it suitable for sensitive pets and appealing in marketing as a gentle ingredient.

Vegetable Glycerol, Glycerine, E422, Vegetable Glycerin

Summary

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.

Manufacturer Benefits

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.

Autolysed Yeast, Yeast Autolysate, Hydrolysed Yeast, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract

Summary

Yeast extract is a concentrated derivative of yeast cells, typically sourced from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a type of fungus. It is primarily included in pet food as a natural flavour enhancer and a source of B vitamins and amino acids. Rather than using whole yeast, yeast extract is utilised in its processed form to optimise nutrient availability and palatability for pets.

Manufacturer Benefits

Yeast extract is included as a palatability enhancer to improve the flavour profile of pet food, making it more appealing to animals. It may also serve as a source of nutrients such as B vitamins, supporting marketing claims of added nutritional value.

Ground Pea, Pisum Sativum Flour, Pea Meal, Pisum Sativum Powder

Summary

Pea flour is a plant-derived ingredient made by grinding dried peas into a fine powder. It serves as a source of plant protein, dietary fibre, and complex carbohydrates, supporting digestive health and energy levels in pets. Pea flour is used in its natural form, retaining the nutritional benefits of whole peas while providing a functional, gluten-free alternative to traditional grain flours.

Manufacturer Benefits

Pea flour is included as a cost-effective carbohydrate and protein source that helps optimise product texture and bulk. It also serves as a label-friendly ingredient appealing to consumers seeking grain-free or plant-based options.

Microcrystalline Cellulose, Powdered Cellulose, E460, Cellulosum

Summary

Cellulose powder is a plant-derived ingredient sourced primarily from wood pulp. It serves as an insoluble dietary fibre, supporting digestive health and stool quality in pets. Rather than being used in its raw, fibrous state, cellulose is processed into a fine powder to optimise its functional benefits and ensure safe, consistent inclusion in pet food formulations.

Manufacturer Benefits

Cellulose powder is included as a cost-effective fibre source to aid stool quality and promote digestive health. It also functions as a bulk-adding agent, helping to control calorie density in pet food formulations.

Soy Protein, Soybean Protein, Glycine Max Protein, E416

Summary

Soy protein is a plant-derived ingredient extracted from soybeans, commonly used in pet foods for its high protein content and amino acid profile. Its primary purpose is to provide a digestible, meat-free protein source that supports muscle maintenance and overall health. Soy protein is not used in its whole bean form but is processed and isolated to optimise digestibility and nutritional value.

Manufacturer Benefits

Soy protein is included as a cost-effective, highly digestible plant-based protein source to help meet protein requirements while managing formulation costs. It also provides functional benefits in texture and binding, supporting product consistency.

Rapeseed Oil, Brassica Napus Oil, Brassica Rapa Oil, E471 (when derived from canola)

Summary

Canola oil is a plant-derived oil extracted from the seeds of the canola plant (Brassica napus). It serves as a valuable source of energy and provides essential fatty acids, particularly omega-3 and omega-6, which support skin and coat health in pets. Canola oil is used in its refined, food-grade form to ensure safety, palatability, and optimal nutrient absorption.

Manufacturer Benefits

Canola oil is included as a cost-effective source of fat and essential fatty acids, supporting energy density and skin and coat health in pet food formulations. It also contributes to product palatability and helps optimise texture.

Colouring, Colour Additive, Food Colour, E Number (if specific)

Summary

Natural colour refers to pigments derived from natural sources such as plants, animals, or minerals, used to enhance the visual appeal of pet food. Its primary purpose is to provide consistent and attractive colouring without synthetic additives. Natural colours are typically utilised in their extracted or processed forms, rather than as whole foods, to ensure stability, safety, and uniformity in the final product.

Manufacturer Benefits

Natural colour is included to enhance the visual appeal of the pet food, making it more attractive to consumers without affecting nutritional value. It serves a marketing function by supporting a label-friendly ingredient list.

Bio-Preservative, Biopreservative, E234, Nisin

Summary

Natural preservatives are substances derived from plant or mineral origins, incorporated into pet food to inhibit spoilage and extend shelf life. Their primary function is to prevent the growth of harmful microbes and oxidation of fats, thereby maintaining product safety and quality. Natural preservatives are typically used in their extracted or concentrated forms, rather than as whole foods, to optimise efficacy and ensure consistent preservation.

Manufacturer Benefits

Natural preservatives are included to extend product shelf life and maintain freshness without relying on synthetic additives. Their use supports consumer demand for more label-friendly, naturally derived ingredients.