DentaStix™ Small Breed Dental Daily Dog Treats

Gramineae, Poaceae, Cereal Grains, Poaceae Spp.

Cereals are plant-derived ingredients sourced from the edible seeds of cultivated grasses such as wheat, rice, barley, and oats. They are primarily included in pet food as a source of carbohydrates, providing energy, as well as dietary fibre and some essential nutrients. Cereals are used in their natural, whole or milled form, rather than as isolated compounds, to optimise digestibility and nutritional value.

Cereals are included as a cost-effective carbohydrate source to provide energy and bulk to pet food formulations. They also help optimise manufacturing efficiency and contribute to product texture.

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, 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.

Plant Gum, E499, Hydrocolloid, Gomme Végétale

Vegetable gum is a plant-derived ingredient commonly sourced from various botanical origins such as guar, xanthan, or locust bean. It serves primarily as a thickener, stabiliser, and emulsifier in pet food, helping to maintain texture and consistency. Vegetable gum is utilised in its processed, food-grade form rather than as a raw plant material, ensuring safety and optimal functionality in formulations.

Vegetable gum is included as a stabilising and thickening agent to improve the texture and consistency of pet food products. It also helps maintain product integrity during storage, supporting shelf life and consumer appeal.

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.

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.

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.

Animal By-Products, Animal Derivatives, Animal Offal, Animal Spp. By-Products

Meat by-products are animal-derived ingredients obtained from the non-rendered, clean parts of slaughtered animals, excluding meat, such as organs and tissues. They provide essential proteins, vitamins, and minerals, supporting overall pet health. Meat by-products are used in their natural, edible form, ensuring nutrient density and palatability. Their inclusion helps optimise nutrient profiles and reduce food waste in premium pet foods.

Meat by-products are included as a cost-effective protein source, utilising parts of the animal not typically consumed by humans to maximise resource efficiency. They contribute essential nutrients while helping manufacturers maintain competitive pricing.

Tocopherol, Alpha-Tocopherol, E307, D-Alpha-Tocopherol

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin derived from plant sources such as vegetable oils, nuts, and seeds. It functions primarily as an antioxidant, helping to protect cell membranes from oxidative damage and supporting immune health. In pet food, Vitamin E is not used in its natural raw form but is typically utilised as a stabilised compound, such as tocopherol acetate, to optimise safety and absorption.

Vitamin E is included as a natural antioxidant to help preserve the freshness and stability of fats and oils in the product, thereby extending shelf life. It also serves as a label-friendly nutrient that appeals to consumers seeking added health benefits for their pets.

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.

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.

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.