Small Breed Dry Dog Food Beef and Vegies

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.

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.

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.

Ferrum, Fe, E1, Elemental Iron

Iron is an essential mineral sourced from both animal and plant origins, crucial for oxygen transport and energy metabolism in pets. Its primary benefit is supporting healthy red blood cell formation and preventing anaemia. Iron is not used in its natural, raw, or metallic state; instead, it is utilised in pet food as safe, bioavailable compounds such as iron sulphate or iron proteinate to optimise absorption.

Iron is included as an essential mineral to support healthy blood function and overall metabolism in pets. Its addition ensures the product meets nutritional requirements and regulatory standards for complete and balanced pet food.

Zn, E579, Zincum, CI 77947

Zinc is an essential trace mineral sourced from the earth and is vital for numerous biological functions in pets, including immune support and skin health. In pet food, zinc is not used in its natural metallic state; instead, it is utilised as a compound such as zinc sulphate or zinc chelate to optimise safety and absorption, ensuring pets receive its full nutritional benefit.

Zinc is included as an essential trace mineral to support immune function, skin health, and overall metabolic processes in pets. Its addition ensures nutritional adequacy and compliance with regulatory labelling standards for complete and balanced pet foods.

Cu, ECP, CI 77400, C.I. 77400

Copper is an essential trace mineral sourced from the earth and is vital for numerous physiological functions in pets. It primarily supports red blood cell formation, connective tissue development, and immune system health. Copper is not used in its natural metallic state; instead, it is incorporated into pet food as safe, bioavailable compounds such as copper sulphate or copper proteinate to optimise absorption and efficacy.

Copper is included as an essential trace mineral to meet nutritional requirements for dogs, supporting enzyme function and red blood cell formation. Its addition ensures compliance with regulatory standards for complete and balanced pet food labelling.

Kalium, E340, K, Atomic Number 19

Potassium is an essential mineral element sourced from the earth and is vital for maintaining fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle health in pets. In pet food, potassium is not used in its natural metallic state; instead, it is utilised as safe, bioavailable compounds such as potassium chloride or potassium sulphate to optimise absorption and support overall wellbeing.

Potassium is included as an essential mineral to support electrolyte balance and proper muscle and nerve function in pets. Its addition ensures nutritional adequacy and compliance with established pet food nutrient profiles.

Elemental I, E127, Iodum, CAS 7553-56-2

Iodine is an essential trace mineral sourced primarily from seaweed or mineral deposits. It plays a critical role in supporting healthy thyroid function and hormone production in pets. Iodine is not used in its natural elemental form due to safety and bioavailability concerns; instead, it is typically incorporated as a compound such as potassium iodide or calcium iodate to optimise absorption and efficacy.

Iodine is included as an essential trace mineral to support thyroid function and overall metabolic health in pets. Its addition ensures nutritional adequacy and compliance with regulatory labelling standards for complete and balanced pet foods.

Selen, E578, Atomic Number 34, Se

Selenium is an essential trace mineral sourced from the earth, typically derived from plant or yeast-based compounds for pet food use. It plays a crucial role in supporting antioxidant defences and thyroid function. Selenium is not used in its natural, raw metallic state; instead, it is utilised as a safe, bioavailable compound such as sodium selenite or selenomethionine to optimise absorption and efficacy.

Selenium is included as an essential trace mineral to meet nutritional requirements and support overall health in pets. Its addition ensures compliance with regulatory standards for complete and balanced pet food formulations.

Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus Oil, E471, Vegetable Oil (Helianthus Annuus)

Sunflower oil is a plant-derived oil extracted from the seeds of the sunflower (Helianthus annuus). It serves as a valuable source of energy and provides essential fatty acids, particularly linoleic acid, which supports skin and coat health in pets. Sunflower oil is utilised in its refined liquid form, not as whole seeds, to optimise digestibility and nutrient availability in pet food formulations.

Sunflower oil is included as a cost-effective source of unsaturated fats to provide essential fatty acids that support skin and coat health. It also enhances palatability and contributes to the overall energy content of the pet food.

Retinol, Retinyl Palmitate, Retinyl Acetate, E160a

Vitamin A is an essential fat-soluble nutrient derived from animal sources (as retinyl esters) or plant sources (as carotenoids). It supports vision, immune function, and skin health in pets. In pet food, Vitamin A is not used in its raw or natural state but is provided as stabilised compounds (such as retinyl acetate or retinyl palmitate) to ensure safety, stability, and optimal absorption.

Vitamin A is included as an essential nutrient to support vision, immune function, and overall health in pets, ensuring the product meets established nutritional standards. Its addition also allows manufacturers to optimise the nutritional profile and comply with regulatory labelling requirements.

Cholecalciferol, Colecalciferol, Calciol, E671

Vitamin D3, also known as cholecalciferol, is a fat-soluble vitamin of animal origin commonly derived from lanolin or fish oil. It plays a crucial role in regulating calcium and phosphorus metabolism, supporting healthy bone development in pets. Vitamin D3 is not used in its natural form but is instead utilised as a stabilised compound to ensure safety, efficacy, and optimal absorption in pet food formulations.

Vitamin D3 is included to ensure the finished product meets established nutritional requirements for canine health, supporting bone development and calcium regulation. Its addition allows manufacturers to guarantee consistent vitamin content regardless of natural variation in raw materials.

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.

Thiamine, Thiamin, Aneurin, E101

Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, is a water-soluble vitamin of synthetic or plant origin. It plays a crucial role in energy metabolism and supports healthy nerve and muscle function in pets. In pet food, thiamine is not used in its natural raw form but is typically utilised as thiamine mononitrate or thiamine hydrochloride to optimise stability, safety, and absorption.

Vitamin B1 (thiamine) is included as an essential nutrient to meet regulatory requirements for canine health and to prevent deficiency-related disorders. Its addition ensures nutritional adequacy and supports normal metabolic function in pets.

Riboflavin, E101, Lactoflavin, Vitamin G

Vitamin B2, also known as riboflavin, is a water-soluble vitamin of synthetic or microbial origin commonly added to pet foods. It plays a crucial role in energy metabolism and supports healthy skin, eyes, and nervous system function. Vitamin B2 is not used in its natural raw form but is instead utilised as riboflavin, a stable compound, to optimise safety and bioavailability in pet diets.

Vitamin B2 is included as an essential nutrient to meet dogs’ dietary requirements and support metabolic functions. Its addition ensures nutritional adequacy and compliance with regulatory labelling standards.

Nicotinic Acid, Niacin, Pyridine-3-Carboxylic Acid, E375

Vitamin B3, also known as niacin, is a water-soluble vitamin of synthetic or natural origin, commonly derived from plant or animal sources. It plays a crucial role in energy metabolism and supports healthy skin and nervous system function. In pet food, Vitamin B3 is not used in its raw form but is typically included as niacinamide or nicotinic acid to optimise safety and absorption.

Vitamin B3 is included as an essential nutrient to support metabolic function and overall health in pets. Its addition ensures the product meets nutritional requirements and regulatory standards for complete and balanced pet food.

Pantothenic Acid, D-Pantothenic Acid, Calcium Pantothenate, E315

Vitamin B5, also known as pantothenic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin of plant and animal origin. It plays a crucial role in energy metabolism and the synthesis of fatty acids, supporting overall cellular function. In pet food, Vitamin B5 is not used in its raw or natural state but is typically included as a stable, bioavailable compound such as calcium pantothenate for optimal absorption.

Vitamin B5 is included as an essential nutrient to support metabolic function and overall health in pets. Its addition ensures the product meets nutritional standards and regulatory requirements for complete and balanced pet food.

Pyridoxine, Pyridoxol, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, E101a

Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin of synthetic or natural origin, commonly derived from plant or animal sources. It plays a crucial role in protein metabolism, red blood cell formation, and nervous system function. In pet food, Vitamin B6 is not used in its raw form but is typically included as a stable compound, such as pyridoxine hydrochloride, to optimise safety and bioavailability.

Vitamin B6 is included as an essential nutrient to support metabolic and neurological functions in pets, ensuring the product meets established nutritional standards. Its addition helps manufacturers achieve complete and balanced labelling claims required for commercial pet foods.

Folic Acid, Folate, Pteroylglutamic Acid, E285

Vitamin B9, also known as folate, is a water-soluble B vitamin of synthetic or natural origin, commonly derived from plant sources or produced as folic acid for supplementation. Its primary role is to support cell division, DNA synthesis, and red blood cell formation. In pet food, Vitamin B9 is not used in its raw form but is typically utilised as folic acid to optimise stability and absorption.

Vitamin B9 is included to meet nutritional requirements for dogs, supporting metabolic and cellular functions. Its addition ensures compliance with regulatory standards for complete and balanced pet food labelling.

Cobalamin, Cyanocobalamin, Hydroxocobalamin, Methylcobalamin

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin of animal origin, essential for nerve function and red blood cell formation in pets. It is primarily included in pet food to support energy metabolism and overall vitality. Vitamin B12 is not used in its natural, raw form but is instead utilised as a specific compound, such as cyanocobalamin, to ensure stability, safety, and optimal absorption.

Vitamin B12 is included as an essential nutrient to support metabolic and neurological functions in pets, ensuring the product meets established nutritional standards. Its addition helps manufacturers achieve complete and balanced labelling claims.

Trimethylethanolamine, E1001, Choline Base, 2-Hydroxy-N,N,N-Trimethylethanaminium

Choline is an essential nutrient of synthetic or natural origin, commonly derived from plant or animal sources. It plays a critical role in supporting brain development, liver function, and fat metabolism in pets. Choline is not used in its raw or elemental state; instead, it is typically utilised as choline chloride or choline bitartrate to ensure safety, stability, and optimal absorption in pet food formulations.

Choline is included as an essential nutrient to support normal liver function, brain development, and metabolic processes in pets. Its addition ensures nutritional adequacy and helps manufacturers meet regulatory labelling requirements for complete and balanced pet foods.

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.

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.

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.

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.