PAW OsteoCare® Small Chews

Secale Cereale Flour, Secale Cereale, Cereal Rye Flour, Wholemeal Rye Flour

Rye flour is a plant-derived ingredient milled from the whole or partial grain of the rye plant (Secale cereale). It is primarily included in pet food as a source of complex carbohydrates, dietary fibre, and essential nutrients. Rye flour is used in its natural, milled form, providing energy and supporting digestive health in pets through its fibre content and slow-release carbohydrates.

Rye flour is included as a cost-effective carbohydrate source that provides bulk and energy to pet food formulations. It may also contribute to product texture and serve as a label-friendly grain alternative to wheat or corn.

Gram Flour, Chickpea Flour, Garbanzo Bean Flour, Cicer Arietinum Flour

Besan flour, also known as chickpea flour, is a finely ground powder derived from dried chickpeas, a legume of plant origin. It is primarily included in pet food as a source of plant-based protein and dietary fibre, supporting digestive health and energy. Besan flour is used in its natural, milled form, ensuring optimal nutrient availability and digestibility for pets.

Besan flour is included as a cost-effective, protein-rich carbohydrate source that helps improve the texture and binding of pet food products. Its use also supports grain-free or gluten-free labelling, appealing to consumer preferences.

D-Glucosamine Sulphate, Glucosamine Sulphate Potassium Chloride, Glucosamine Sulphate 2KCl, Glucosamine Sulphate Sodium Chloride

Glucosamine sulphate is a compound derived from shellfish or produced synthetically, classified as an amino sugar. It is primarily included in pet food to support joint health and maintain cartilage integrity, particularly in ageing or active animals. Glucosamine is not used in its natural raw form; instead, it is utilised as glucosamine sulphate, a stable and bioavailable salt, to optimise absorption and efficacy.

Glucosamine sulphate is included as a functional additive to support joint health, appealing to consumers seeking preventative or therapeutic benefits for their pets. Its presence also serves as a marketing differentiator, enhancing the product’s perceived value.

Fish Powder, Fish Scrap Meal, Fish Protein Concentrate, Fish Solubles Meal

Fish meal is a high-protein ingredient derived from whole fish or fish trimmings, making it an animal-based product. It is primarily included in pet food to provide essential amino acids, omega-3 fatty acids, and vital minerals that support muscle development and skin health. Fish meal is not used in its natural whole form but is processed and dried to optimise digestibility and nutrient availability.

Fish meal is included as a concentrated protein source to support nutritional requirements in pet food formulations. It also provides essential fatty acids and can enhance palatability, making the product more appealing to pets.

Glycerol, 1,2,3-Propanetriol, E422, Propane-1,2,3-Triol

Glycerine is a colourless, odourless liquid derived from plant or animal fats. In pet food, it serves primarily as a humectant, helping to retain moisture and improve texture. Glycerine is not used in its natural, raw state but is refined and purified for food-grade applications to ensure safety and optimal absorption. It also aids in palatability and shelf-life extension.

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 acts as a mild sweetener to enhance palatability for pets.

Soybean Flour, Soy Flour, Glycine Max Flour, E416

Soy flour is a finely ground product derived from roasted soybeans, a legume of plant origin. It is primarily included in pet food as a high-quality source of plant protein and essential amino acids, supporting muscle maintenance and overall health. Soy flour is used in its natural, processed form, ensuring digestibility and nutrient availability for pets.

Soy flour is included as a cost-effective protein and carbohydrate source, helping to optimise nutritional content while managing production costs. It also acts as a functional binder, improving texture and product consistency in pet food formulations.

Aqua, Purified Water, Distilled Water, Deionised Water

Water is a vital ingredient sourced from natural origins and is essential for all living organisms. In pet food, water serves primarily to hydrate, aid in ingredient processing, and ensure proper texture and palatability. It is used in its natural, purified form, not chemically altered, to optimise moisture content and support the overall health and wellbeing of pets.

Water is included as a processing aid to facilitate mixing and extrusion during manufacturing. It also helps achieve the desired texture and moisture content in the final product.

Chondroitin Sulfate, Chondroitin Polysulphate, Chonsurid, Haliotis Spp. Chondroitin Sulphate

Chondroitin sulphate is a compound derived from animal cartilage, commonly sourced from bovine or marine origins. It is primarily included in pet food to support joint health by aiding cartilage structure and function. Chondroitin is not used in its natural raw state; instead, it is utilised as a purified sulphated glycosaminoglycan to optimise safety, stability, and absorption in companion animals.

Chondroitin sulphate is included as a functional ingredient to support joint health, appealing to consumers seeking products with perceived mobility benefits for their pets. Its presence also serves a marketing purpose by enhancing the product’s value proposition in the premium and senior pet food segments.

E440, E440(i), Pectic Polysaccharide, Pectine

Pectin is a soluble dietary fibre derived from plant sources, most commonly fruits such as apples and citrus. It is primarily included in pet food to support digestive health by promoting healthy gut motility and stool quality. Rather than being used in its raw plant form, pectin is utilised as a purified extract to optimise its functional benefits and ensure consistent quality.

Pectin is included as a natural gelling and thickening agent to improve the texture and consistency of pet food products. It also serves as a stabiliser, helping to maintain product integrity during storage and extend shelf life.

Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba Gum, E412, Guaran, Guar Flour

Guar gum is a natural polysaccharide derived from the seeds of the guar plant (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba), a legume native to India and Pakistan. It is primarily used as a thickening and stabilising agent in pet food, helping to improve texture and moisture retention. Guar gum is utilised in its processed powder form, not as whole seeds, to ensure optimal functionality and digestibility.

Guar gum is included as a cost-effective thickening and stabilising agent to improve the texture and consistency of pet food products. It also helps maintain product uniformity during storage and extends shelf life.

Beta-Glucan Homopolysaccharide, E460, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Plant Fibre

Cellulose is a plant-derived carbohydrate sourced primarily from the cell walls of fibrous plants. It serves as an insoluble dietary fibre in pet food, supporting healthy digestion and promoting optimal stool quality. Cellulose is not used in its raw plant form but is processed into a purified, food-grade powder to ensure consistency, safety, and effective fibre delivery in formulated diets.

Cellulose is included as a cost-effective fibre source to promote digestive health and regulate stool quality in pet food formulations. It also serves as a bulk-adding agent, helping to control calorie density without significantly impacting palatability.

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.

Table Salt, Rock Salt, Halite, E524

Sodium chloride is a mineral compound commonly known as table salt, sourced from either natural salt deposits or seawater. It is primarily included in pet food to maintain electrolyte balance and support normal nerve and muscle function. Sodium chloride is not used in its raw mineral form but is utilised as a purified compound to ensure safety, palatability, and optimal absorption.

Sodium chloride is included as an essential mineral to meet pets’ dietary sodium requirements and to enhance palatability. It also functions as a preservative, helping to maintain product stability and extend shelf life.

E481, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, SSL, Stearoyl-2-Lactylate Sodium

Sodium stearyl lactylate is a compound derived from the esterification of lactic acid (plant origin) and stearic acid (typically plant or animal origin), combined with sodium. It is primarily used as an emulsifier to improve texture and moisture retention in pet foods. Sodium stearyl lactylate is not used in its natural raw state but is utilised as a safe, food-grade compound to optimise product consistency.

Sodium stearyl lactylate is included as an emulsifier to improve the texture and consistency of pet food products, ensuring uniform mixing of fats and water-based ingredients. Its use also enhances product stability and shelf life, supporting efficient large-scale manufacturing.

Ethanoic Acid, E260, Glacial Acetic Acid, Vinegar Acid

Acetic acid is an organic compound derived from plant fermentation, most commonly found in vinegar. In pet food, its primary function is as a preservative, helping to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria and extend shelf life. Acetic acid is not used in its raw, concentrated form; instead, it is incorporated in a diluted, food-grade solution to ensure safety and palatability.

Acetic acid is included as a preservative to inhibit microbial growth and extend the shelf life of pet food products. It may also be used to adjust pH levels, optimising product stability and safety.

L-Ascorbic Acid, E300, L-Threo-Hex-2-Enono-1,4-Lactone, 3-Keto-L-Gulofuranolactone

Ascorbic acid, commonly known as vitamin C, is a synthetic compound derived from plant sources such as corn or sugar beets. It serves as an antioxidant and supports immune function in pets. Ascorbic acid is not used in its natural fruit or vegetable form but is instead utilised as a purified compound to ensure stability, safety, and optimal absorption in pet food formulations.

Ascorbic acid is included as an antioxidant to help preserve the freshness and extend the shelf life of pet food products. It may also be used to support label claims related to vitamin C content for marketing purposes.

Acid-Hydrolysed Vegetable Protein, Enzymatically Hydrolysed Vegetable Protein, HVP, Plant Protein Hydrolysate

Hydrolysed vegetable protein is a plant-derived ingredient produced by breaking down vegetable proteins into smaller peptides and amino acids through hydrolysis. Its primary purpose is to enhance palatability and provide a readily digestible source of protein. Rather than being used in its original whole food form, it is utilised in a hydrolysed state to optimise digestibility and reduce allergenic potential.

Hydrolysed vegetable protein is included as a cost-effective source of amino acids and to enhance palatability through the creation of savoury flavours. It also allows manufacturers to optimise protein content while maintaining a desirable product texture and appearance.

Methylsulfonylmethane, MSM, Sulfonylbismethane, DMSO2

Dimethylsulfone is an organic sulphur compound derived from both plant and animal sources. It is primarily included in pet food for its role in supporting joint health and reducing inflammation. Dimethylsulfone is not used in its natural raw state; instead, it is utilised in its purified, crystalline form to ensure safety, stability, and optimal absorption in companion animals.

Dimethylsulfone is included as a source of bioavailable sulphur, which may support joint health and overall wellbeing in pets. Its addition can also serve a marketing function by appealing to consumers seeking functional or supplemental ingredients in pet food formulations.

Manganese Bis(D-Gluconate), E515, Gluconic Acid Manganese Salt, Manganese(II) Gluconate

Manganese gluconate is a mineral compound derived from the combination of manganese, an essential trace element, and gluconic acid. It is included in pet food to support enzyme function, bone development, and metabolic processes. Unlike raw or metallic manganese, manganese gluconate is utilised for its enhanced safety and bioavailability, ensuring optimal absorption and effectiveness in the diet.

Manganese gluconate is included as a bioavailable source of the essential trace mineral manganese, supporting nutritional adequacy and compliance with regulatory nutrient requirements. Its use allows precise formulation and labelling of mineral content in pet food products.

E202, Sorbistat K, Potassium (E202), Potassium Salt of Sorbic Acid

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.

Curcuma Longa Extract, Curcuma Longa L. Extract, Turmeric Root Extract, E100

Turmeric extract is a concentrated derivative of the turmeric root, a plant native to South Asia. It is primarily included in pet food for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, supporting joint health and immune function. Rather than using the whole root, turmeric is utilised in extract form to standardise and optimise the active compound curcumin for enhanced efficacy and absorption in pets.

Turmeric extract is included as a label-friendly ingredient to appeal to health-conscious consumers due to its association with natural antioxidants. Its presence supports marketing claims of added functional benefits, though it is typically used in small amounts with minimal direct impact on pet health.

Mixed Tocopherols, E306, Tocopherol-Rich Extract, Tocopherols Concentrate

Naturox® is a proprietary blend of natural antioxidants derived primarily from plant sources such as rosemary extract, mixed tocopherols (vitamin E), and citric acid. Its main purpose is to preserve the freshness and stability of pet food by preventing fat oxidation. Naturox® is not a whole food but a formulated mixture, specifically utilised in its blended form to optimise efficacy and safety.

Naturox® is included as a natural antioxidant to help preserve fats and oils in pet food, thereby extending shelf life and maintaining product freshness. Its use also supports "label-friendly" marketing by replacing synthetic preservatives with a more consumer-acceptable alternative.