Dental Wellbeing Bars Hip and Joint Dog Treats

Cassava Starch, Manioc Starch, Yucca Starch, Manihot Esculenta Starch

Tapioca starch is a carbohydrate extracted from the root of the cassava plant, a tropical tuber native to South America. Primarily, it serves as a highly digestible energy source and a natural thickening agent in pet food. Tapioca starch is used in its natural, processed form, not as a whole food, to optimise texture and palatability while supporting digestive health.

Tapioca starch is included as a cost-effective carbohydrate source that provides bulk and texture to pet food formulations. It also serves as a binding agent, helping to improve kibble structure and stability.

Vegetable Glycerol, Glycerine, E422, Vegetable Glycerin

Vegetable glycerine is a clear, odourless liquid derived from plant oils, typically palm, soy, or coconut. It serves primarily as a humectant, helping to retain moisture in pet food and improve texture. Rather than being used in its raw plant form, vegetable glycerine is extracted and purified for safe consumption and optimal functionality in pet nutrition formulations.

Vegetable glycerine is included as a humectant to retain moisture and improve the texture of pet food products, helping to prevent them from drying out. It also enhances palatability, making the food more appealing to pets.

Vital Wheat Gluten, Seitan, Gluten, Triticum Aestivum Gluten

Wheat gluten is a plant-derived protein extracted from wheat grains. It serves as a concentrated protein source and functional binder in pet foods, enhancing texture and protein content. Wheat gluten is not used in its whole grain form; instead, it is isolated and processed to optimise digestibility and nutritional value for pets, ensuring both safety and effective nutrient absorption.

Wheat gluten is included as a concentrated, cost-effective protein source that helps improve the texture and binding of kibble. It also enhances product consistency and can contribute to the protein content declared on the label.

Ananas Comosus Fibre, Ananas Fibre, Piña Fibre, Ananas Comosus Leaf Fibre

Pineapple fibre is a plant-derived ingredient sourced from the fibrous parts of the pineapple fruit. It is primarily included in pet food to provide dietary fibre, supporting healthy digestion and optimal stool quality. Pineapple fibre is used in its natural form, retaining its beneficial insoluble and soluble fibre content to aid gastrointestinal health and promote regular bowel movements in pets.

Pineapple fibre is included as a cost-effective source of dietary fibre to aid digestive health and promote stool quality. It may also serve as a label-friendly ingredient that appeals to consumers seeking natural and recognisable components in pet food.

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.

Flavour Enhancer, Flavour Improver, Taste Enhancer, Taste Improver

Vegetable Enhancer is a plant-derived ingredient formulated to boost the nutritional profile and palatability of pet foods. Sourced from a blend of vegetables, it provides essential vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients that support overall health. Rather than using whole vegetables, Vegetable Enhancer is utilised in a concentrated, processed form to ensure consistent nutrient delivery and improved digestibility for pets.

Vegetable enhancers are included to improve the visual appeal and perceived nutritional value of pet food, supporting marketing claims of added vegetables. They may also contribute minor flavour or textural benefits to optimise palatability.

Chalk, Limestone, E170, Marble Dust

Calcium carbonate is a naturally occurring mineral compound derived from sources such as limestone or marine shells. It is primarily included in pet food as a source of calcium, essential for healthy bones, teeth, and metabolic functions. Calcium carbonate is not used in its raw mineral state; instead, it is processed into a purified, food-grade compound to optimise safety and bioavailability for pets.

Calcium carbonate is included as a cost-effective mineral supplement to provide a bioavailable source of calcium, supporting bone health and proper nutritional balance. It also functions as a pH stabiliser, contributing to product consistency and shelf stability.

Oligofructose, FOS, Oligofructan, E968

Fructooligosaccharides are short-chain carbohydrates derived from plant sources such as chicory root. They serve primarily as prebiotics, supporting digestive health by promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. Fructooligosaccharides are not used in their whole plant form but are extracted and purified for inclusion in pet food, ensuring optimal efficacy and digestibility for companion animals.

Fructooligosaccharides are included as a prebiotic fibre to support digestive health by promoting beneficial gut bacteria. They also serve as a label-friendly functional ingredient that can enhance the perceived nutritional value of the product.

Black Treacle, Cane Molasses, E150a, Saccharum Officinarum Extract

Molasses is a thick, dark syrup derived from the processing of sugar cane or sugar beet plants. It is primarily included in pet food as a natural source of energy and to enhance palatability. Molasses is used in its natural form, providing carbohydrates, trace minerals, and a distinctive flavour that can improve acceptance of the final product by pets.

Molasses is included as a palatability enhancer to improve taste and aroma, encouraging pet acceptance of the food. It may also serve as a natural source of sugar, contributing to texture and aiding in the binding of kibble.

Ascorbic Acid, L-Ascorbic Acid, E300, L-Threo-Hex-2-Enono-1,4-Lactone

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin of plant origin commonly included in pet food formulations. Its primary purpose is to support immune function and act as an antioxidant, helping to protect cells from oxidative damage. Vitamin C is not used in its natural fruit form but is instead utilised as a synthesised compound to ensure stability and consistent dosage.

Vitamin C is included as an antioxidant to help preserve the freshness and stability of the product by slowing oxidation. It may also be added for its perceived health benefits, supporting marketing claims related to immune support.

Arthrospira Platensis, Arthrospira Maxima, Blue-Green Algae, E161b

Spirulina is a blue-green algae derived from freshwater sources and is classified as a plant-based ingredient. It is primarily included in pet food for its rich protein content and as a source of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, supporting immune health and vitality. Spirulina is used in its natural, dried whole-food form, ensuring optimal nutrient availability and digestibility for pets.

Spirulina is included as a label-friendly ingredient to appeal to health-conscious consumers, leveraging its reputation as a nutrient-rich superfood. It may also provide trace micronutrients and natural colour, supporting marketing claims of added nutritional value.

Propanoic Acid Sodium Salt, E281, Sodium Propanoate, Propionic Acid Sodium Salt

Sodium propionate is a synthetic compound derived from the reaction of propionic acid with sodium hydroxide. It is primarily used as a preservative in pet foods to inhibit the growth of mould and some bacteria, thereby extending shelf life. Sodium propionate is not used in its natural raw form but is utilised as a sodium salt to ensure safety, stability, and effective preservation.

Sodium propionate is included as a preservative to inhibit mould and bacterial growth, thereby extending the product’s shelf life. Its use helps maintain product safety and stability during storage and distribution.

Curcuma Longa, Indian Saffron, Jiang Huang, E100

Turmeric is a vibrant yellow spice derived from the root of the Curcuma longa plant, making it a plant-based ingredient. It is primarily included in pet food for its natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, supporting overall health and wellbeing. Turmeric is used in its natural powdered form, ensuring pets benefit from its active compound, curcumin, in a safe and bioavailable manner.

Turmeric is included as a label-friendly ingredient to appeal to health-conscious consumers due to its association with natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Its presence may also support marketing claims related to holistic or functional pet foods, despite being used in small quantities with minimal direct nutritional impact for pets.

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.

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.

Ananas Comosus Protease, EC 3.4.22.32, Pineapple Protease, Ananase

Bromelain is an enzyme complex derived from the stem and fruit of the pineapple plant (Ananas comosus), making it a plant-based ingredient. It is primarily included in pet food for its proteolytic activity, aiding in protein digestion and supporting gastrointestinal health. Bromelain is not used in its raw plant form but is extracted and purified to optimise its functional benefits and ensure consistent efficacy.

Bromelain is included as a functional enzyme to aid in protein digestion and improve nutrient absorption in pet food formulations. Its presence may also serve as a marketing differentiator, appealing to consumers seeking added health benefits for their pets.