Grain Free Adult Wet Dog Food Beef Stew

Animal Flesh, Muscle Tissue, Animal Protein, Skeletal Muscle

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.

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.

Daucus Carota, Daucus Carota Root, Daucus Carota Sativa, Wild Carrot

Carrot is a root vegetable of plant origin, widely recognised for its vibrant orange colour and natural sweetness. In pet food, carrot is included in its natural, whole form to provide dietary fibre, beta-carotene (a precursor to vitamin A), and antioxidants. Its primary benefit is supporting digestive health and immune function, while also contributing to overall palatability and nutritional diversity.

Carrot is included as a label-friendly ingredient to appeal to consumers seeking recognisable, natural components and to enhance the product’s perceived nutritional value. It may also provide a modest source of fibre and vitamins, supporting marketing claims of added health benefits.

Solanum Tuberosum, Irish Potato, White Potato, Eirinn Potato

Potato is a starchy tuber derived from the plant Solanum tuberosum, commonly cultivated for both human and animal consumption. In pet food, potato serves primarily as a source of digestible carbohydrates and dietary fibre, supporting energy needs and digestive health. Potato is included in its natural, whole food form, providing a hypoallergenic alternative to common grains in premium pet diets.

Potato is included as a cost-effective carbohydrate source that provides energy and bulk to pet food formulations. It also serves as a grain-free alternative to traditional fillers, appealing to consumers seeking grain-free options.

Amylum, E1401, E1402, E1403

Starch is a carbohydrate derived primarily from plant sources such as grains, potatoes, or legumes. It serves as an energy source in pet food, providing readily digestible glucose to support metabolic needs. Starch is not used in its raw, unprocessed form; instead, it is typically cooked or processed to enhance digestibility and optimise its functional properties within the diet.

Starch is included as a cost-effective carbohydrate source that provides energy and helps bind kibble, optimising texture and processing efficiency. It also contributes to the overall bulk of the product, supporting desired kibble structure and shelf stability.

Vegetable Oils, Fixed Oils, Edible Oils, Triglycerides

Oils are lipid-based ingredients derived from plant or animal sources, such as fish, flaxseed, or chicken. They are primarily included in pet food to provide essential fatty acids, support skin and coat health, and enhance palatability. Oils are utilised in their extracted, purified form rather than as whole foods, ensuring optimal absorption and safety for pets.

Oils are included as a concentrated source of dietary fat to provide essential fatty acids and support skin and coat health. They also enhance palatability and can improve the texture and energy density of the final product.

Fish Liver Oil, Oleum Piscis, Oleum Jecoris, Oleum Piscarium

Fish oil is a nutrient-rich oil derived from the tissues of oily fish, making it an animal-based ingredient. It is primarily included in pet food for its high content of omega-3 fatty acids, which support skin, coat, and joint health. Fish oil is utilised in a purified, liquid form rather than as whole fish, ensuring optimal absorption and safety for pets.

Fish oil is included as a source of omega-3 fatty acids to support skin, coat, and joint health, enhancing the nutritional profile of the product. Its presence also serves as a marketing point, appealing to consumers seeking functional health benefits for their pets.

Adhesives, Agglutinants, Cohesive Agents, Binding Agents

Binders are functional ingredients derived from various sources, including plant, animal, or synthetic origins, and are incorporated into pet food to improve texture and maintain kibble integrity. Their primary purpose is to hold ingredients together, preventing crumbling and ensuring consistent product quality. Binders are not used in their natural raw state; instead, specific compounds such as gums or starches are utilised for optimal safety and efficacy.

Binders are included to improve the texture and cohesiveness of pet food, ensuring that kibble or treats maintain their shape during processing and storage. They also help optimise production efficiency by reducing crumbling and waste.

L-Amino Acids, α-Amino Acids, Proteinogenic Amino Acids, E620-E640

Amino acids are organic compounds derived from both animal and plant sources, serving as the fundamental building blocks of proteins. Their primary nutritional benefit is to support muscle development, tissue repair, and overall metabolic function in pets. In pet food, amino acids are not used in their isolated natural form but are typically included as specific, bioavailable compounds to optimise absorption and efficacy.

Amino acids are included to ensure the product meets essential protein and nutrient requirements for pets, supporting overall health and development. They may also be added to optimise the amino acid profile of the food, compensating for any deficiencies in the primary protein sources.

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.

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

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.

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.

Stabiliser, Thickener, E Number, Hydrocolloid

Gelling agent refers to a functional ingredient, typically derived from plant or seaweed sources such as guar gum, carrageenan, or agar, used to modify the texture and consistency of pet food. Its primary purpose is to bind moisture and create a stable, palatable gel structure. Gelling agents are not used in their raw plant form but are processed and utilised as purified extracts or compounds for optimal performance and safety.

Gelling agents are included to modify the texture and consistency of pet food, ensuring a uniform and appealing product structure. They also help stabilise moisture content, which can extend shelf life and improve product handling.

Flavouring, Flavouring Substance, Flavouring Agent, Flavouring Preparation

Flavours are additives derived from various sources, including animal, plant, or synthetic origins, designed to enhance the palatability of pet food. Their primary purpose is to improve taste and encourage consistent consumption. Flavours are not used in their natural, raw state; instead, they are formulated as specific compounds or extracts to ensure safety, stability, and uniformity in pet food products.

Flavours are included to enhance palatability, encouraging pets to consume the product. They also allow manufacturers to maintain consistent taste profiles despite variations in raw ingredient quality.

Chicory Root Fibre, Fructan, EINECS 232-684-3, Fructooligosaccharide

Inulin is a naturally occurring dietary fibre sourced primarily from plants such as chicory root. It serves as a prebiotic, supporting digestive health by promoting beneficial gut bacteria. In pet food, inulin is utilised in its extracted, purified form rather than as a whole plant, ensuring consistent quality and efficacy for optimal digestive function and overall wellbeing in pets.

Inulin is included as a prebiotic fibre to support digestive health and promote beneficial gut bacteria in pets. It also serves as a cost-effective bulking agent that can improve product texture and moisture retention.