Fresh Breath Drops

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.

Chicory inulin is a soluble dietary fibre extracted from the root of the chicory plant, a member of the dandelion family. Sourced from plants, its primary benefit is to support digestive health by acting as a prebiotic, promoting beneficial gut bacteria. Rather than using the whole root, pet foods utilise purified inulin extract to optimise its functional properties and ensure consistent fibre content.

Chicory inulin is included as a prebiotic fibre to support digestive health and promote beneficial gut bacteria in pets. It also serves as a label-friendly ingredient that appeals to health-conscious consumers.

Fibres are indigestible carbohydrates derived primarily from plant sources such as grains, vegetables, and fruits. Their main purpose in pet food is to support digestive health by promoting regular bowel movements and aiding in nutrient absorption. Fibres are included in their natural form, as whole plant materials or processed plant fractions, to optimise gastrointestinal function and overall wellbeing in pets.

Fibres are included as a cost-effective ingredient to promote digestive health and regulate stool quality in pets. They may also be used to add bulk to the product and support satiety, contributing to weight management formulations.

Bacillus subtilis is a beneficial bacterium of microbial origin commonly included in pet foods as a probiotic. Its primary purpose is to support digestive health by promoting a balanced gut microbiome and enhancing nutrient absorption. Bacillus subtilis is not used in its wild, environmental form; instead, it is cultivated and processed under controlled conditions to ensure safety, stability, and efficacy in pet nutrition.

Bacillus subtilis is included as a probiotic to support digestive health and optimise gut flora balance in pets. Its addition can also serve as a marketing differentiator, appealing to consumers seeking functional and health-promoting ingredients.

Cranberry extract is a plant-derived ingredient sourced from the fruit of the cranberry bush (Vaccinium macrocarpon). It is primarily included in pet food for its antioxidant properties and potential support of urinary tract health. Rather than using whole cranberries, the extract is utilised in a concentrated form to optimise efficacy and ensure consistent nutrient delivery in the final product.

Cranberry extract is included as a label-friendly ingredient to appeal to health-conscious consumers, as it is associated with urinary tract health and antioxidant benefits. Its addition may also provide a minor functional role as a natural preservative due to its antioxidant properties.

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.

Citric acid is an organic compound derived primarily from citrus fruits, though it is commonly produced via fermentation for commercial use. Its main purpose in pet food is as a natural preservative and acidity regulator, helping to maintain freshness and inhibit spoilage. Citric acid is not used in its raw, crystalline form but is incorporated as a purified, food-grade compound to ensure safety and efficacy.

Citric acid is included as a preservative to enhance product stability and extend shelf life by inhibiting microbial growth. It may also be used to adjust acidity, optimising flavour and maintaining the quality of the final product.

Apple flavour is a food additive used to impart an apple-like taste and aroma to dog food products. It is typically supplied as a natural or artificial flavouring compound rather than from whole apples. This ingredient enhances palatability and can encourage food acceptance in some dogs. When used at appropriate levels, apple flavour is considered safe, with no known adverse effects reported in dogs.

Apple flavour is added to dog food primarily to enhance palatability and appeal to pet owners, rather than providing nutritional value, serving mainly as a sensory additive for marketing and acceptance purposes.