SPD™ Air Dried Turkey and Flaxseed

Meleagris Gallopavo, Domestic Turkey, Meleagris Spp., Gallopavo

Summary

Turkey is a lean animal protein sourced from domesticated birds, commonly used in premium pet foods. It provides essential amino acids to support muscle maintenance and overall health. Turkey is included in its natural, whole food form, offering a highly digestible protein source along with important vitamins and minerals. Its use helps optimise palatability and nutritional value in pet diets.

Manufacturer Benefits

Turkey is included as a high-quality animal protein source to support muscle maintenance and overall health in pets. Its presence also serves as a label-friendly ingredient that appeals to consumers seeking premium or novel protein options.

Micronutrients, Essential Micronutrients, Vital Nutrients, Accessory Food Factors

Summary

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.

Manufacturer Benefits

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

Summary

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.

Manufacturer Benefits

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.

Flaxseed, Linum Usitatissimum, Flax, Flaxseed Oil

Summary

Linseed, also known as flaxseed, is a plant-derived ingredient sourced from the seeds of the flax plant (Linum usitatissimum). It is primarily included in pet food for its high content of omega-3 fatty acids and dietary fibre, supporting skin health and digestion. Linseed is used in its natural, whole or ground form to optimise nutrient availability and functional benefits.

Manufacturer Benefits

Linseed is included as a source of omega-3 fatty acids and dietary fibre, supporting skin and coat health as well as digestive function. Its presence also allows manufacturers to market the product as containing plant-based nutrients and functional ingredients.

Daucus Carota, Daucus Carota Root, Daucus Carota Sativa, Wild Carrot

Summary

Carrot is a root vegetable of plant origin, widely recognised for its vibrant orange colour and natural sweetness. In pet food, carrot is included in its natural, whole form to provide dietary fibre, beta-carotene (a precursor to vitamin A), and antioxidants. Its primary benefit is supporting digestive health and immune function, while also contributing to overall palatability and nutritional diversity.

Manufacturer Benefits

Carrot is included as a label-friendly ingredient to appeal to consumers seeking recognisable, natural components and to enhance the product’s perceived nutritional value. It may also provide a modest source of fibre and vitamins, supporting marketing claims of added health benefits.

Malus Domestica Fibre, Apple Pomace Fibre, Malus Domestica Dietary Fibre, E459

Summary

Apple fibre is a plant-derived ingredient sourced from the fibrous pulp of apples after juice extraction. It is primarily included in pet food to support digestive health by providing insoluble and soluble dietary fibre, which aids in healthy bowel function. Apple fibre is used in its natural form, ensuring pets benefit from its inherent nutritional properties and gentle support for gastrointestinal wellbeing.

Manufacturer Benefits

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

Sodium Chloride, NaCl, Table Salt, E535

Summary

Salt is a mineral ingredient derived from the combination of sodium and chloride, typically sourced from natural deposits or seawater. It is primarily included in pet food to support electrolyte balance, nerve function, and hydration. Salt is not used in its raw mineral form but is utilised as sodium chloride, a purified compound, to ensure safety, palatability, and optimal absorption in pets.

Manufacturer Benefits

Salt is included as a palatability enhancer to improve taste and encourage consumption, and also functions as a preservative to help extend product shelf life. Its use allows manufacturers to optimise flavour while maintaining product stability.

Petroselinum Crispum, Garden Parsley, Common Parsley, E461

Summary

Parsley is a leafy herb of plant origin, commonly used in pet food for its natural antioxidant properties and as a source of vitamins such as vitamin K and C. It is primarily included to support immune health and freshen breath. In pet food formulations, parsley is used in its natural, whole form, ensuring the retention of its beneficial phytonutrients and fibre content.

Manufacturer Benefits

Parsley is included as a label-friendly ingredient to appeal to pet owners seeking natural or recognisable components in pet food. It may also be added for its perceived breath-freshening properties, though its functional impact on canine nutrition is minimal.

Tocopherol, Mixed Tocopherols, E306, Rosemary Extract

Summary

Natural antioxidant refers to a substance, typically derived from plant sources, that helps protect pet food from oxidative damage and spoilage. Its primary function is to preserve freshness and extend shelf life by inhibiting the oxidation of fats and oils. In pet food, natural antioxidants are used in their natural form, ensuring safety and effective absorption without the need for chemical modification.

Manufacturer Benefits

Natural antioxidants are included to help preserve the freshness and stability of pet food by slowing the oxidation of fats and oils, thereby extending shelf life. They also serve as a label-friendly alternative to synthetic preservatives, appealing to consumers seeking more natural ingredients.

Neutralised Vinegar, E262, Acetate Buffer, Acetic Acid Buffer

Summary

Buffered vinegar is a food-grade ingredient derived from plant sources, typically grains, and is produced by neutralising vinegar with a buffering agent such as sodium or potassium carbonate. Its primary purpose in pet food is to act as a natural preservative, helping to inhibit microbial growth and extend shelf life. Buffered vinegar is utilised in a processed, stabilised form rather than as raw vinegar.

Manufacturer Benefits

Buffered vinegar is included as a natural preservative to inhibit microbial growth and extend the product’s shelf life. It offers a label-friendly alternative to synthetic preservatives, appealing to consumers seeking more natural ingredient lists.

Algal Oil, Microalgae Oil, Schizochytrium Spp. Oil, Crypthecodinium Cohnii Oil

Summary

Algae oil is a plant-derived oil extracted from various species of microalgae. It serves as a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA, which supports cognitive and visual development in pets. Algae oil is utilised in its refined form, not as whole algae, to ensure purity, safety, and optimal absorption of its beneficial nutrients in pet food formulations.

Manufacturer Benefits

Algae oil is included as a sustainable and label-friendly source of omega-3 fatty acids, providing a plant-based alternative to fish oil. Its use allows manufacturers to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers while supporting the nutritional profile of the product.

Metabiotics, Paraprobiotics, Fermented Bacterial Lysates, Non-Viable Microbial Biomass

Summary

Postbiotics are bioactive compounds produced during the fermentation of dietary fibres by beneficial bacteria, originating from microbial sources. They are included in pet food to support gut health, immune function, and overall wellbeing. Postbiotics are not used in their natural, live microbial form; instead, they are incorporated as inactivated bacterial metabolites or cell components to ensure stability and efficacy in the final product.

Manufacturer Benefits

Postbiotics are included to support digestive health and immune function by providing beneficial microbial metabolites without the need for live bacteria. Their addition allows manufacturers to promote gut health benefits while ensuring product stability and extended shelf life.

Cichorium Intybus Extract, Cichorium Intybus Root Extract, Inulin Extract, Cichorium Intybus L. Root Extract

Summary

Chicory root extract is derived from the root of the chicory plant, a perennial herb native to Europe and cultivated in Australia. Primarily, it serves as a source of inulin, a prebiotic fibre that supports digestive health and beneficial gut bacteria in pets. Rather than using the whole root, the extract is utilised in a concentrated form to optimise its functional benefits.

Manufacturer Benefits

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

Yeast Cell Wall, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae, Algal Beta-Glucans, Ulva Lactuca

Summary

Algimun® is a proprietary blend derived from marine algae, specifically designed for use in pet nutrition. Sourced from natural seaweed (plant origin), it is included for its functional benefits in supporting immune health and digestive function. Algimun® is not used in its raw seaweed form but is processed into a standardised extract to optimise bioavailability and efficacy in pet food formulations.

Manufacturer Benefits

Algimun® is included as a functional additive to support immune health and digestive function in pets, leveraging its bioactive compounds derived from marine algae. Its presence allows manufacturers to market the product as scientifically advanced and supportive of overall pet wellbeing.

2-Aminoethanesulphonic Acid, L-Taurine, E107, 2-Aminoethane-1-Sulphonic Acid

Summary

Taurine is a naturally occurring amino sulfonic acid derived from animal sources, particularly meat and fish. It is added to pet food to support cardiovascular health, vision, and proper immune function, especially in cats who cannot synthesise it sufficiently. Taurine is not used in its raw form; instead, it is incorporated as a purified, synthesised compound to ensure stability, safety, and optimal absorption.

Manufacturer Benefits

Taurine is included to ensure adequate levels of this essential amino acid, particularly in diets where animal protein content may be insufficient to meet canine or feline nutritional requirements. Its addition supports cardiovascular health and is often used to address consumer concerns about diet-associated heart issues.

2-Amino-2-Deoxy-D-Glucose, D-Glucosamine, Chitosamine, 2-Amino-2-Deoxyglucose

Summary

Glucosamine is an amino sugar compound typically derived from shellfish or produced synthetically. It is included in pet food primarily to support joint health by aiding cartilage maintenance and repair. Glucosamine is not used in its natural raw form; instead, it is utilised as a stabilised compound, such as glucosamine hydrochloride or glucosamine sulphate, to optimise safety, stability, and absorption in pets.

Manufacturer Benefits

Glucosamine is included as a functional additive to support joint health and mobility, particularly in senior or large-breed pets. Its presence also serves as a marketing feature, appealing to consumers seeking products with perceived health benefits for their pets.

Chondroitin Sulphate, Chondroitin Polysulphate, Chondroitin Sulphate Sodium, Chondroitin Sulphate (Haliotis Spp.)

Summary

Chondroitin is a naturally occurring compound derived from animal cartilage, commonly sourced from bovine or marine origins. It is primarily included in pet food to support joint health by aiding cartilage resilience and reducing inflammation. Chondroitin is not used in its raw form; instead, it is utilised as chondroitin sulphate, a processed compound that optimises safety and bioavailability for pets.

Manufacturer Benefits

Chondroitin is included as a functional ingredient to support joint health, appealing to consumers seeking products with perceived health benefits for ageing or active pets. Its presence also serves as a marketing differentiator, allowing manufacturers to position the product as premium or specialised.