DentaStix™ Chewy Chunx Maxi Smoky Chicken Flavour

Triticum Aestivum Flour, White Flour, Plain Flour, All-Purpose Flour

Wheat flour is a finely milled powder derived from the grinding of wheat grains, a plant-based ingredient commonly used in pet foods. Its primary purpose is to provide a source of carbohydrates for energy, as well as some protein and dietary fibre. Wheat flour is utilised in its natural form, making it a functional ingredient for binding and texture in pet food formulations.

Wheat flour is included as a cost-effective carbohydrate source that provides bulk and energy to pet food formulations. It also serves as a functional binding agent, helping to improve texture and product consistency.

Corn Flour, Zea Mays Flour, Zea Mays, E160b

Maize flour is a finely ground powder derived from whole maize (corn) kernels, making it a plant-based ingredient. It serves primarily as a carbohydrate source, providing energy and aiding in kibble structure. In pet food, maize flour is used in its natural, milled form rather than as a raw kernel, ensuring digestibility and consistent nutrient delivery.

Maize flour is included as a cost-effective carbohydrate source that provides energy and helps achieve the desired texture in pet food formulations. It also serves as a bulk-adding agent, allowing manufacturers to optimise production costs while maintaining product consistency.

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.

Moisturiser, Hydrating Agent, E422, Glycerol

A humectant is a functional ingredient commonly derived from plant or synthetic sources. Its primary purpose in pet food is to retain moisture, helping to maintain product texture and palatability while preventing spoilage. Humectants are not used in their natural raw state; instead, they are utilised in specific, food-grade forms such as glycerine or propylene glycol to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Humectants are included to retain moisture in pet food products, helping to maintain texture and prevent drying during storage. This functional ingredient also contributes to extending shelf life by reducing water activity and inhibiting microbial growth.

Amylum Tritici, Triticum Aestivum Starch, E1400, Starch (Wheat)

Wheat starch is a carbohydrate ingredient derived from the endosperm of wheat grains, making it plant-based in origin. It serves primarily as a source of energy and as a functional binder in pet food formulations. Wheat starch is utilised in its processed form, not as whole wheat, to optimise digestibility and texture, ensuring it is suitable and safe for animal consumption.

Wheat starch is included as a cost-effective carbohydrate source that provides energy and helps bind kibble, improving texture and processing efficiency. It also contributes to a desirable appearance and consistency in the final product.

Zea Mays Protein, Corn Protein, Zein, Zea Mays Seed Protein

Maize protein is a plant-derived ingredient extracted from maize (corn) kernels. It serves as a concentrated source of plant protein, supporting muscle maintenance and overall health in pets. In pet food, maize protein is utilised in a processed, isolated form rather than as whole maize, allowing for optimised protein content and digestibility while reducing carbohydrate levels compared to whole grain maize.

Maize protein is included as a cost-effective source of plant-based protein to help meet required protein levels in pet food formulations. It also serves as a functional ingredient to optimise texture and binding in processed products.

Chicken Liver, Gallus Gallus Domesticus Liver, Avian Liver, Fowl Liver

Poultry liver is an animal-derived organ meat sourced from chickens or other poultry species. It is included in pet food primarily for its rich content of high-quality protein, essential amino acids, and vital micronutrients such as vitamin A and iron. Poultry liver is used in its natural, whole food form, providing a highly palatable and bioavailable nutrient source for pets.

Poultry liver is included as a nutrient-dense organ meat to enhance the protein and vitamin content of the product, supporting nutritional labelling claims. It also serves as a natural palatability enhancer, improving taste appeal for pets.

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.

Zinc Sulphate Monohydrate, Zinc Sulphate Heptahydrate, E6, ZnSO₄

Zinc sulphate is a mineral compound derived from the element zinc, typically sourced from mined zinc ores. It is utilised in pet food as a supplemental source of zinc, an essential trace mineral that supports immune function, skin health, and enzyme activity. Zinc is not used in its natural metallic state; instead, it is provided as zinc sulphate to optimise safety and bioavailability for pets.

Zinc sulphate is included as a cost-effective and bioavailable source of the essential mineral zinc, which supports immune function and skin health in pets. Its addition ensures the product meets nutritional requirements for complete and balanced pet food labelling.

Pentapotassium Triphosphate, STPP, E451(i), Triphosphoric Acid Pentasodium Salt

Sodium tripolyphosphate is a synthetic compound derived from inorganic sources, commonly used in pet food formulations. Its primary function is to act as a preservative and to help maintain the texture and moisture of products. Sodium tripolyphosphate is not used in its natural mineral form; instead, it is utilised as a processed salt to ensure safety, stability, and optimal absorption.

Sodium tripolyphosphate is included as a functional additive to improve product texture and moisture retention, helping maintain palatability and appearance. It also acts as a preservative to extend shelf life and inhibit spoilage.

Chicken Flavouring, Chicken Flavored, Chicken Seasoning, Gallus Gallus Domesticus Extract

Chicken flavour is a palatant derived from animal sources, designed to mimic the taste and aroma of chicken. Its primary purpose is to enhance the palatability of pet food, encouraging consistent consumption. Rather than using whole chicken, chicken flavour is typically produced through natural extracts or hydrolysed proteins, ensuring a safe, stable, and highly appealing additive for pets.

Chicken flavour is included to enhance palatability, encouraging dogs to consume the product. It also allows manufacturers to market the product as chicken-flavoured without the higher cost of using real chicken meat.

Antimicrobials, E Numbers, Food Additives, Chemical Preservatives

Preservatives are compounds added to pet food to inhibit the growth of spoilage microorganisms and extend shelf life. Originating from both synthetic and natural sources, their primary function is to maintain product safety and freshness. Preservatives are not used in their raw or elemental state; instead, they are incorporated as specific compounds, such as mixed tocopherols or potassium sorbate, to optimise efficacy and safety for pets.

Preservatives are included to extend the product’s shelf life by inhibiting the growth of spoilage organisms and maintaining freshness during storage and distribution. Their use helps ensure product safety and stability, reducing waste and optimising inventory management.