Small Breed Adult with Real Chicken Dry Dog Food

Cereal Grains, Cereal Wholegrains, Whole Cereal Grains, Triticum Aestivum Spp.

Wholegrain cereals are plant-derived ingredients that include the entire grain kernel—bran, germ, and endosperm—commonly sourced from wheat, oats, or barley. They are primarily included in pet food for their dietary fibre, energy, and essential nutrients. Wholegrain cereals are used in their natural, unrefined form, ensuring the retention of their full nutritional profile for optimal health benefits.

Wholegrain cereals are included as a cost-effective source of carbohydrates and dietary fibre, contributing to product bulk and energy content. They also appeal to consumers seeking recognisable, "wholesome" ingredients on the label.

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.

Chicken Flavour, Chicken Flavouring, Chicken Extract, Gallus Gallus Extract

Natural Chicken Flavour is a palatable ingredient derived from animal sources, specifically chicken, and is used to enhance the taste and aroma of pet food. Its primary function is to improve palatability, encouraging consistent consumption. This ingredient is not used in its whole food form; rather, it is processed and concentrated to deliver a natural chicken taste in a safe, digestible format.

Natural chicken flavour is included to enhance palatability, encouraging dogs to consume the product. It also allows manufacturers to deliver a desirable taste profile without significantly increasing production costs or altering the nutritional composition.

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.

Dried Sugar Beet Pulp, Sugar Beet Fibre, Beta Vulgaris Pulp, Sugar Beet Residue

Beet pulp is a fibrous by-product derived from sugar beet plants after sugar extraction. It serves as a valuable source of moderately fermentable fibre, supporting digestive health and stool quality in pets. Beet pulp is incorporated in its dried, processed form rather than as raw beet, ensuring optimal digestibility and nutrient availability for companion animals.

Beet pulp is included as a cost-effective source of dietary fibre to promote digestive health and stool quality in pets. It also serves as a bulk-adding agent, helping to optimise product texture and satiety.

Iodized Salt, Iodate Salt, Iodised Sodium Chloride, Iodised Table Salt

Iodised salt is a mineral-based ingredient produced by adding iodine, an essential trace element, to refined table salt. Sourced from mineral deposits, its primary purpose is to provide dietary sodium and ensure adequate iodine intake, supporting thyroid function and metabolic health. Iodised salt is not used in its natural raw form; instead, it is utilised as a fortified compound to optimise safety and bioavailability.

Iodised salt is included as a cost-effective source of essential sodium and iodine, supporting pet health and meeting nutritional requirements. It also acts as a flavour enhancer to improve palatability.

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.

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.

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.

Antioxidant Agents, Free Radical Scavengers, E306, E321

Antioxidants are compounds sourced from both plant and synthetic origins, commonly added to pet food to protect fats and oils from oxidation, thereby preserving freshness and nutritional quality. Their primary function is to neutralise free radicals, supporting cellular health. Antioxidants are not used in their raw or isolated chemical state; instead, specific forms such as mixed tocopherols or ascorbate compounds are utilised for safety and efficacy.

Antioxidants are included to prevent the oxidation of fats and oils, thereby extending the product’s shelf life and maintaining nutritional quality. They also help preserve colour and flavour, supporting product stability and consumer appeal.

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.

Plant Vegetables, Edible Plants, Edible Plant Matter, Edible Plant Material

Vegetables are plant-derived ingredients sourced from various edible parts such as roots, stems, leaves, and fruits. They are included in pet food primarily to provide dietary fibre, essential vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients that support overall health and digestion. Vegetables are typically used in their natural, whole form, ensuring pets receive the full spectrum of their nutritional benefits.

Vegetables are included as a source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibre, supporting nutritional balance and digestive health. They also serve as a label-friendly ingredient, appealing to consumers seeking natural and recognisable components in pet food.

Food Colours, Food Colorants, Food Colour Additives, E Numbers

Colours are additives derived from either natural sources (such as plants or minerals) or synthesised compounds, used to enhance or restore the visual appeal of pet food. Their primary function is to improve product appearance, which can influence owner perception. Colours are not used in their raw or metallic state; instead, they are incorporated as approved food-grade compounds to ensure safety and consistency.

Colours are added to pet food to enhance visual appeal, making the product more attractive to pet owners. They do not provide nutritional value but can support marketing objectives by improving the perceived quality and consistency of the product.