Dog Food Ingredient Encyclopedia

Acacia gum is a natural plant-based fiber from acacia tree sap, used as a prebiotic fiber source and stabilizer in pet f...

Agar agar is a gelatinous substance derived from red algae, used as a natural thickening and gelling agent in wet pet fo...

Concentrated extract from alfalfa containing vitamins, minerals, and chlorophyll....

Oil derived from marine algae, rich in DHA omega-3 fatty acids. Sustainable, plant-based omega-3 source....

A digestive enzyme that breaks down starches and carbohydrates into simpler sugars. Added to supplements to aid carbohyd...

Rendered anchovy fish meal providing concentrated protein and omega-3 fatty acids from whole anchovies....

Material from clean animal tissue broken down by chemical or enzymatic hydrolysis. Used as palatability enhancer....

Fat from unspecified animal sources - could be from any mammal or blend. Highly ambiguous ingredient....

Vinegar made from fermented apples. Contains acetic acid plus trace nutrients and enzymes....

Fruit providing fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants....

Synthetic flavoring agents to enhance palatability....

Supplemental vitamin C. Dogs can synthesize their own but supplementation may provide additional antioxidant benefits....

Powerful red carotenoid antioxidant derived from algae, providing oxidative stress protection and anti-inflammatory bene...

Root extract from Astragalus membranaceus plant, used in traditional Chinese medicine for immune support....

Yeast cells broken down by their own enzymes. Rich in nucleotides and amino acids....

Spore-forming probiotic bacteria highly resistant to heat, making it ideal for pet food processing....

Banana is a tropical fruit used in pet foods and treats for natural sweetness, potassium, and fiber....

Whole grain barley. Good source of fiber and nutrients....

Young barley shoots harvested before grain formation, containing vitamins, minerals, and chlorophyll....

Barley malt extract is a sweet syrup made from sprouted barley, used as a natural sweetener and flavoring agent in pet f...

Bean flour is ground dried beans (various types) used as a grain-free protein and carbohydrate source in pet foods....

Fresh beef muscle meat with natural water content (approximately 70% water)....

Rendered beef fat. Energy-dense fat source....

Fresh beef heart muscle organ, rich in CoQ10, taurine, B vitamins, and highly digestible protein....

Fresh beef kidney organ, extremely rich in B vitamins (especially B12), selenium, and high-quality protein....

Organ meat extremely rich in vitamins A, B12, iron, and other nutrients....

Rendered beef with moisture removed, concentrated protein source similar to chicken meal....

Fresh beef spleen organ, rich in iron, protein, and immune-supporting nutrients....

Rendered fat from beef tissue, providing concentrated energy and palatability....

Beet fiber is the fibrous residue left after sugar extraction from sugar beets, commonly used as a fiber source in pet f...

Fibrous residue left after extracting sugar from sugar beets. Moderately fermentable fiber....

Beetroot is the taproot portion of the beet plant (Beta vulgaris), used in pet foods for fiber, color, and nutritional v...

Orange pigment and antioxidant. Converts to vitamin A in the body....

Synthetic antioxidant preservative used to prevent fat rancidity....

Synthetic antioxidant preservative chemically similar to BHA....

Probiotic bacteria that supports gut health and immune function....

Probiotic bacteria that supports digestive health, immune function, and gut barrier integrity....

Proprietary standardized extract of black pepper (Piper nigrum) containing 95% piperine, clinically proven to enhance nu...

Supplemental B7 for skin, coat, and metabolic health....

Berries extremely rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients....

Liquid made from simmering animal bones and connective tissue, rich in collagen, glycine, and minerals....

Herbal extract from the Boswellia serrata tree, containing boswellic acids with anti-inflammatory properties....

Deactivated yeast cells rich in B vitamins and protein....

Small fragments of rice kernels separated from whole grains during milling. Lower quality than whole rice....

Cruciferous vegetable rich in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants....

Proteolytic enzyme derived from pineapple stem and fruit, used for protein digestion and anti-inflammatory effects....

Whole grain rice with bran layer intact. More fiber and nutrients than white rice....

Buffered, non-acidic form of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) combined with calcium, used as both an antioxidant and vitamin su...

Supplemental calcium source for bones, teeth, and muscle function....

Calcium citrate is an organic calcium salt used to supplement pet foods with bioavailable calcium for bone health and ot...

Iodine supplement for thyroid function....

Calcium iodide is an iodine supplement used in pet foods to provide essential iodine for thyroid hormone production....

Supplemental vitamin B5 for energy metabolism and hormone synthesis....

Calcium propionate is a preservative used to prevent mold growth in pet foods and baked goods....

Byproduct of canola oil production. Protein-rich meal used as plant protein source....

Plant oil with balanced omega-6 to omega-3 ratio....

Thickening agent extracted from red seaweed. Used to create gel texture in wet foods and treats....

Root vegetable rich in beta-carotene, fiber, and vitamins....

Cassava is a starchy root vegetable (Manihot esculenta) used in grain-free pet foods as an alternative carbohydrate sour...

Cassava flour is ground cassava root used as a grain-free, gluten-free carbohydrate and binding agent in pet foods....

Celery (Apium graveolens) is a crunchy, fibrous vegetable occasionally included in pet foods for fiber, vitamins, and lo...

A digestive enzyme that breaks down cellulose (plant fiber) into simpler sugars. Dogs cannot naturally produce cellulase...

Insoluble fiber from plant cell walls, often from wood pulp. Indigestible bulking agent....

Medicinal mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) growing on birch trees, extremely rich in antioxidants, particularly melanin and ...

Herb with mild calming and digestive support properties....

Champignon mushroom extract is a concentrated extract from white button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus), used to reduce st...

Small seeds from the Salvia hispanica plant, rich in omega-3 ALA, fiber, protein, and minerals....

Fresh chicken meat including water content. Contains about 70% water, 18% protein....

Fresh, whole chicken breast muscle meat without bones, skin, or organs....

Fat rendered from chicken tissue. Primary fat source in many dog foods....

Chicken liver organ meat. Extremely nutrient-dense, rich in vitamin A, B vitamins, iron, and other minerals....

Flavor derived from chicken liver. More transparent than generic 'natural flavor.'...

Rendered chicken with moisture and fat removed, creating a concentrated protein source (60-65% protein by weight)....

Chickpea flour is ground dried chickpeas (garbanzo beans) used as a grain-free protein and carbohydrate source in pet fo...

Legumes providing protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates....

Root vegetable rich in inulin, a prebiotic fiber that feeds beneficial gut bacteria....

Essential nutrient for liver function, brain development, and fat metabolism....

Structural component of cartilage. Supplemented for joint health, often paired with glucosamine....

Cartilage component used for joint support....

Chromium picolinate is a highly bioavailable form of the trace mineral chromium, used to support glucose metabolism and ...

Natural acid used as preservative and pH regulator....

Fine powder made from dried, defatted coconut meat, high in fiber and naturally grain-free....

Vegetable glycerin derived from coconut oil, used as a humectant, preservative, and sweetener in treats and chews....

Tropical oil rich in medium-chain fatty acids....

Coconut sugar is a natural sweetener made from coconut palm sap, used to enhance palatability in pet treats and foods....

Oil extracted from the livers of cod fish, rich in omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) and naturally high in vitamins A an...

Naturally occurring antioxidant compound essential for cellular energy production, particularly important for heart, bra...

Protein from connective tissue. Supports joint, skin, and gut health....

The first milk produced by mammals after giving birth, rich in antibodies, growth factors, and immune-supporting compoun...

Copper bound to amino acids for enhanced absorption. More bioavailable than copper sulfate....

Copper chelate is an organic form of copper bound to amino acids or protein, providing highly bioavailable copper supple...

Copper bound to amino acids for enhanced absorption....

Inorganic copper supplement for enzyme function and iron metabolism....

Medicinal mushroom/fungus known for energy, stamina, and respiratory support, containing cordycepin and polysaccharides....

Whole corn kernels, ground or whole. Common carbohydrate source in budget dog foods....

Corn bran is the outer fibrous coating of corn kernels, removed during milling and used as an inexpensive fiber source i...

Corn gluten feed is a by-product of corn wet milling, consisting of corn bran, steep liquor, and gluten remaining after ...

Protein-rich byproduct of corn processing. 60%+ protein but low biological value for dogs....

Ground corn. Carbohydrate source and binder in kibble....

Refined starch extracted from corn, pure carbohydrate with zero nutritional value beyond calories....

Crab meal is rendered, dried crab (including shell and meat) ground into a protein-rich meal used as a novel protein sou...

Cracked pearled barley is hulled barley grain that has been polished to remove the bran layer and then cracked into smal...

Berries known for urinary tract health support....

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) is a high-moisture vegetable occasionally used in fresh or frozen pet foods for hydration and...

Natural preservative produced by fermenting dextrose (corn sugar) with Propionibacterium freudenreichii bacteria, creati...

Root of the common dandelion plant, traditionally used for liver and digestive support....

Fresh chicken meat with bones removed, providing whole-muscle protein before processing....

Supplemental source of both calcium and phosphorus....

Alfalfa hay that has been dehydrated and compressed into pellet form, providing fiber and some vitamins....

Essential amino acid supplement. Contains sulfur and supports liver function....

Omega-3 fatty acid from marine sources. Critical for brain and eye development....

Rendered and dried fat from bacon, used as a highly palatable flavoring agent and fat source....

Dried root of the chicory plant, a natural source of inulin (prebiotic fiber)....

Whole eggs that have been dried, including both whites and yolks. Concentrated protein source....

Dried seaweed providing iodine and other trace minerals from the ocean....

Spray-dried blood plasma. Rich in immunoglobulins and highly digestible protein....

Sweet potatoes that have been dehydrated to remove moisture, providing digestible carbohydrates and fiber....

The leftover skin, pulp, and seeds from tomato processing, dried and ground. A source of fiber and lycopene....

Byproduct of cheese production, containing milk proteins (primarily whey protein), lactose, vitamins, and minerals in dr...

Deactivated yeast cells. Source of B vitamins and protein....

Fresh duck meat. Novel protein higher in fat than chicken or turkey....

Rendered fat from duck, providing concentrated energy, palatability, and novel fat source for allergies....

Fresh duck liver organ, extremely nutrient-dense with high levels of vitamins A, B12, folate, and iron....

Rendered duck product consisting of duck flesh and skin with or without bone, exclusive of feathers, heads, feet, and en...

Dried whole eggs. Complete protein with all essential amino acids....

The thin membrane between the eggshell and egg white, naturally containing glucosamine, chondroitin, hyaluronic acid, an...

Omega-3 fatty acid from marine sources. Powerful anti-inflammatory....

Probiotic bacteria commonly used in pet supplements....

Synthetic antioxidant preservative, also used as pesticide....

Antarctic krill species (Euphausia superba), small crustaceans rich in omega-3s (EPA/DHA), astaxanthin, and highly diges...

An iron supplement in sulfate form, providing essential iron for oxygen transport in blood....

Material from fish tissue broken down by enzymes or acids into smaller components, used as palatability enhancer....

Rendered fish (species unspecified) with moisture removed. Concentrated protein with omega-3s....

Oil extracted from fatty fish. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA)....

Seeds rich in plant-based omega-3 (ALA), fiber, and lignans....

Supplemental B9 for DNA synthesis and cell division....

Prebiotic fiber that feeds beneficial gut bacteria....

Whole garbanzo beans (chickpeas) are legumes used in pet foods as a source of plant protein, fiber, and complex carbohyd...

Protein derived from collagen in animal bones and connective tissue....

Root with anti-nausea and anti-inflammatory properties....

Extract from ginkgo tree leaves, used for cognitive support and circulation enhancement....

Amino sugar naturally found in cartilage. Supplemented for joint health support....

Form of glucosamine for joint support. More concentrated than glucosamine sulfate....

Amino acid that serves as fuel for intestinal cells and immune system, supporting gut health and recovery from stress or...

Humectant used to maintain moisture in soft chews and semi-moist foods....

Prebiotic fiber that selectively feeds beneficial gut bacteria, particularly Bifidobacteria....

Whole green peas are the edible seeds of Pisum sativum, a legume commonly used as a carbohydrate and protein source in p...

Concentrated extract from green tea leaves (Camellia sinensis), standardized for catechins and EGCG (epigallocatechin ga...

New Zealand shellfish naturally rich in glucosamine, chondroitin, omega-3s, and anti-inflammatory compounds....

Entire corn kernel ground into flour, including hull, germ, and starch. Cheap carbohydrate filler....

Fiber from guar beans used as thickener and binder....

Rendered herring fish meal providing concentrated protein and omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) from whole herring....

Hickory smoke flavor is a flavoring agent made from condensed smoke, used to add smoky taste and aroma to pet foods....

Natural sweet substance made by bees from flower nectar, containing sugars, enzymes, antioxidants, and trace nutrients....

Naturally occurring substance found in connective tissues, synovial fluid, and skin. Acts as a lubricant and shock absor...

Liver broken down into smaller peptides through enzymatic hydrolysis....

Hydrolyzed yeast is yeast that has been broken down through enzymatic or chemical processes, creating a savory flavoring...

Soluble prebiotic fiber, often extracted from chicory root....

Iodized salt is regular salt (sodium chloride) fortified with iodine, used to provide both sodium and iodine in pet food...

Iron bound to amino acids for enhanced absorption. More bioavailable than ferrous sulfate....

Iron bound to amino acids for better absorption....

Nutrient-dense cruciferous vegetable rich in vitamins and minerals....

Stabilized form of vitamin C. More stable than ascorbic acid in pet food processing....

Amino acid derivative that transports fatty acids for energy production....

L-glutamine is an amino acid added to pet foods and supplements to support gut health, immune function, and muscle recov...

An essential amino acid, often added to balance amino acid profile when plant proteins are used....

Essential amino acid supplement. Important for protein synthesis and immune function....

Amino acid from tea with calming properties....

An essential amino acid supplement added to balance the amino acid profile of the food....

Natural acid used as preservative and pH regulator. Produced by fermentation....

Beneficial probiotic bacteria for digestive health....

Fresh lamb muscle meat. Novel protein option for dogs with common protein sensitivities....

Fat rendered from lamb tissue, providing energy and essential fatty acids....

Rendered lamb with moisture removed. Concentrated protein source (60%+ protein)....

Emulsifier from soybeans or sunflower. Helps mix fat and water....

Lentil flour is ground dried lentils used as a plant-based protein and carbohydrate source in grain-free pet foods....

Legumes rich in protein, fiber, and nutrients. Common in grain-free formulas....

Lignocellulose is purified plant fiber derived from wood or plant cell walls, used as a low-calorie fiber source in pet ...

Medicinal mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) known for supporting cognitive function and nerve health through compounds like ...

Digestive enzyme that breaks down dietary fats into fatty acids and glycerol for absorption....

Liver digest is liver tissue that has been chemically or enzymatically broken down into a liquid or powder, used as a pa...

Natural thickening agent derived from carob tree seeds, used to improve texture in wet foods....

Lung tissue from mammals. Lower protein density than muscle meat but still nutritious organ meat....

Yellow carotenoid antioxidant that accumulates in eye tissue, supporting vision and eye health....

Magnesium citrate is a highly bioavailable form of magnesium used to supplement pet foods for muscle, nerve, and enzyme ...

Flow agent used in supplement manufacturing to prevent ingredients from sticking to equipment....

Medicinal mushroom (Grifola frondosa) known for immune support and blood sugar regulation, containing D-fraction beta-gl...

Malic acid is a natural fruit acid used as a flavoring agent and preservative in pet foods....

Highly processed starch derived from corn, rice, or potato. Used as filler and binder in soft chews and supplements....

Manganese bound to amino acids for better absorption. More bioavailable than manganese sulfate....

Manganese gluconate is an organic form of the essential mineral manganese, used to supplement pet foods for bone health ...

Chelated manganese bound to protein for enhanced absorption. More bioavailable than inorganic manganese sulfate....

Supplemental manganese for bone development and enzyme function....

Inorganic manganese supplement for bone development and enzyme function....

Mango is a tropical fruit used in pet foods for natural sweetness, vitamins, and antioxidants....

Root of marshmallow plant containing mucilage that soothes mucous membranes and supports digestive and urinary health....

Rendered product from mammalian tissue including bone. Source animal not specified....

Non-rendered parts from slaughtered animals—organs, blood, bone, fatty tissue. Excludes meat, hide, hooves, hair, horns....

Hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles....

Synthetic form of vitamin K for blood clotting and bone health....

Oil from menhaden fish. Rich source of EPA and DHA omega-3s....

Organic sulfur compound for joint and inflammation support....

Microcrystalline cellulose is refined wood pulp used as a low-calorie filler, anti-caking agent, and texturizer in pet f...

Herbal extract from milk thistle plant, containing silymarin compounds that support liver health and detoxification....

Small-seeded grass grain. Gluten-free, easily digestible carbohydrate....

A tall perennial grass used as a low-calorie fiber source in pet foods....

Natural form of vitamin E used as antioxidant preservative to prevent fat rancidity....

Chemically or physically altered starch used as thickener and binder....

Thick syrup byproduct of sugar refining, containing residual sugars plus iron, calcium, and B vitamins....

Natural clay mineral that binds toxins and supports digestive health through its absorption properties....

Prebiotic fiber derived from yeast cell walls that supports immune function and blocks pathogen binding in the gut....

Organic sulfur compound used for joint support and inflammation reduction....

Flavor enhancer derived from animal or plant sources. The term 'natural flavor' is broad and can refer to extracts from ...

Navy beans are small white beans used in pet foods as a source of plant protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates....

Vitamin B3, essential for energy metabolism, nervous system function, and skin health....

Deactivated yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) grown on molasses, rich in B-vitamins, protein, and minerals....

Fiber extracted from oat hulls. Primarily insoluble fiber....

Finely ground oats providing carbohydrates, fiber (beta-glucan), B vitamins, and minerals....

Whole, unprocessed oat kernels. Most nutrient-dense form of oats....

Oat hulls are the outer fibrous covering of oat grains, used as an inexpensive, insoluble fiber source in pet foods....

Ground whole oats. Nutrient-dense grain with beta-glucan fiber....

Oat groats that have been steamed and rolled flat into flakes....

Whole grain oats. Nutrient-dense grain with soluble fiber (beta-glucans)....

Essential oil extracted from rosemary, used as a natural preservative and antioxidant....

Oil extracted from olives, rich in monounsaturated fats (oleic acid) and antioxidants (polyphenols)....

Generic term for EPA and DHA fatty acids, usually from fish oil....

Palatant is a generic term for flavoring agents added to pet food to increase palatability and food acceptance....

Oil extracted from the fruit of oil palm trees, rich in saturated fats, vitamin E (tocotrienols), and beta-carotene. Dif...

Proteolytic enzyme extracted from papaya fruit, used to break down proteins and support digestion....

Tropical fruit rich in digestive enzymes (papain), vitamins A and C, and fiber....

Proprietary standardized extract of Andrographis paniculata herb, containing andrographolides with anti-inflammatory and...

Herb rich in vitamins and known for breath-freshening properties....

Herbal extract from the passionflower plant, traditionally used for its calming and anxiety-reducing properties....

Insoluble fiber extracted from the outer hull of peas, used as a fiber source and bulking agent....

Ground whole peas. Provides both protein and carbohydrate in grain-free formulas....

Pea hull fiber is the outer covering of peas, used as an inexpensive, insoluble fiber source in pet foods....

Concentrated protein extracted from yellow split peas, containing about 80-90% protein by weight....

Isolated protein from peas (80-85% protein), used to boost protein percentages in grain-free foods....

Starch extracted from peas. Used as grain-free carbohydrate and binder....

Outer shells of peanuts. Indigestible fiber used as cheap filler....

Pear is a fruit used in pet foods for natural sweetness, fiber, and vitamins....

Whole peas providing protein, fiber, and nutrients....

Soluble fiber from fruit (apples, citrus) that supports digestive health and stool quality....

Phosphoric acid is an acidulant used to regulate pH, enhance flavor, and preserve pet foods....

Tropical fruit containing bromelain enzyme, vitamin C, manganese, and natural sugars....

Pinto beans are speckled beans used in pet foods as a source of plant protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates....

Fresh pork muscle meat. Less common in dog food but quality protein source....

Rendered pork parts including organs, bones, and tissue, excluding hair, hooves, horns, and hide. Ambiguous quality and ...

Rendered pork fat. Highly palatable fat source....

Flavor derived from pork liver. Named flavor source for palatability....

Rendered pork product providing concentrated protein from pork tissue and bone....

Supplemental potassium for muscle function and electrolyte balance....

Potassium citrate is a buffering agent and mineral supplement used to regulate pH and provide potassium in pet foods....

Potassium iodide is the most common iodine supplement used in pet foods to provide essential iodine for thyroid function...

Preservative used to inhibit mold and yeast growth, particularly common in wet foods and treats....

Extracted starch from potatoes. Pure carbohydrate with no fiber or micronutrients....

Whole white potatoes. Grain-free carbohydrate source....

Rendered poultry parts excluding feathers, heads, feet, intestines. Can include necks, organs, undeveloped eggs....

Material from poultry tissue broken down by enzymes, used as palatability enhancer. More specific than 'animal digest' b...

Fat obtained from poultry (chicken, turkey, or unspecified birds) during rendering. Source ambiguity varies....

Powdered cellulose is refined plant fiber (wood pulp) used as an inexpensive, indigestible fiber source and anti-caking ...

Live beneficial bacteria that support gut health and digestion....

A digestive enzyme that breaks down proteins into amino acids and smaller peptides for absorption. Commonly added to dig...

Soluble fiber from psyllium seed husks. Forms gel in digestive tract....

Squash rich in fiber, beta-carotene, and nutrients....

Pumpkin seeds are the edible seeds from pumpkins, valued for their nutrient density and potential health benefits in pet...

Supplemental B6 for protein metabolism and neurotransmitter synthesis....

A plant-derived flavonoid (antioxidant) found naturally in apples, berries, and leafy greens. Used in supplements for it...

Medicinal mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) used for immune support, containing polysaccharides, beta-glucans, and triterpene...

Resistant starch is a type of starch that resists digestion in the small intestine, acting as a prebiotic fiber that fee...

Vitamin B2, essential for energy metabolism and cellular function....

Whole rice grains. Easily digestible, hypoallergenic carbohydrate....

Outer layer of brown rice. Rich in fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats....

Finely ground white or brown rice. Easily digestible carbohydrate source....

Rice hulls are the hard outer covering of rice grains, used as an inexpensive, indigestible fiber source in pet foods....

Rice starch is the extracted starch component from rice, used as a highly digestible carbohydrate and thickening agent i...

Natural antioxidant extract from rosemary plant used to preserve fats....

Rye meal is coarsely ground rye grain used as a source of complex carbohydrates and fiber in pet foods....

Plant oil from safflower seeds, high in omega-6 fatty acids (linoleic acid) or omega-9 (oleic acid) depending on variety...

Fresh salmon meat. Provides protein plus natural omega-3 fatty acids....

Rendered salmon with moisture removed. Provides concentrated protein plus omega-3 fatty acids....

Oil from salmon. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA....

Sodium chloride, an essential mineral that provides sodium and chloride for normal body function....

Oil extracted from sardines, extremely rich in omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) and naturally low in contaminants....

Bright orange berry from sea buckthorn shrub, exceptionally rich in omega-7 fatty acids, vitamin C, antioxidants, and nu...

Selenium is an essential trace mineral added to pet foods for antioxidant function, immune support, and thyroid health....

Organic selenium from yeast. Antioxidant mineral for immune function....

Medicinal and culinary mushroom (Lentinula edodes) containing lentinan (beta-glucan) and eritadenine, known for immune a...

Whole shrimp are crustaceans used in pet foods as a high-quality, novel protein source rich in omega-3 fatty acids and m...

Shrimp meal is rendered, dried shrimp ground into a protein-rich powder, offering concentrated nutrition from crustacean...

Anti-caking agent to prevent clumping in powdered supplements....

Inner bark of slippery elm tree, containing mucilage that soothes and coats digestive tract....

Flavoring derived from smoke condensate....

Sodium acid pyrophosphate is a chemical leavening agent and preservative used in pet foods to prevent discoloration and ...

Sodium alginate is a natural gum extracted from brown seaweed, used as a thickener, stabilizer, and gelling agent in wet...

Preservative that inhibits mold, yeast, and bacteria growth, particularly in wet foods and treats....

Sodium hexametaphosphate is a synthetic phosphate salt used in pet foods primarily for dental health benefits and as a s...

Sodium propionate is a preservative used to inhibit mold and bacterial growth in pet foods....

Inorganic selenium supplement. Antioxidant mineral for immune and thyroid function....

Sodium tripolyphosphate is a synthetic phosphate used as a preservative, texturizer, and dental health ingredient in pet...

Sorbic acid is a natural antimicrobial preservative used to prevent mold and yeast growth in pet foods....

Whole grain sorghum. Gluten-free alternative grain....

Sorghum flour is ground grain from sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), used as a gluten-free grain alternative in pet foods....

Outer covering of soybeans. Low-quality fiber source....

Processed soy protein (65-72% protein) used to boost protein percentages. Common allergen and inferior to meat....

Highly processed soy protein (90%+ protein) used to artificially boost protein percentages. Common allergen....

Byproduct of soybean oil production. Plant protein source with moderate protein content....

Highly processed plant oil high in omega-6 fatty acids....

Leafy green rich in iron, vitamins, and antioxidants....

Blue-green algae extremely rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants....

Split peas are field peas that have been dried, peeled, and split in half, commonly used as a plant-based protein and ca...

Natural emulsifier derived from sunflower seeds, helping mix fats and water in food production....

Plant oil high in omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E....

Sweet potato fiber is the extracted fiber component from sweet potatoes, used as a functional fiber source in pet foods....

Whole sweet potatoes. Nutrient-dense, fiber-rich carbohydrate....

Starch extracted from cassava root. Pure carbohydrate used as grain-free binder....

Refined starch extracted from cassava root. Pure carbohydrate with minimal nutritional value....

Amino sulfonic acid critical for heart health, vision, and reproduction. Essential for cats, conditionally essential for...

Thiamine hydrochloride is a synthetic form of vitamin B1 added to pet foods for energy metabolism and nervous system fun...

Supplemental B1 for energy metabolism and nervous system function....

Fruit rich in lycopene and other antioxidants....

Calcium and phosphorus supplement, also used as anti-caking agent....

Stomach lining of ruminant animals. Unbleached 'green tripe' contains digestive enzymes and probiotics....

Essential amino acid and precursor to serotonin....

Fresh turkey meat. Lean protein source similar to chicken....

Fresh turkey heart organ, rich in CoQ10, taurine, B vitamins, iron, and highly digestible protein....

Fresh turkey liver organ meat, extremely rich in vitamins A, B12, folate, iron, and other nutrients....

Rendered turkey product consisting of turkey flesh and skin with or without bone, exclusive of feathers, heads, feet, an...

Spice containing curcumin, a compound with anti-inflammatory properties....

Herb used for calming and anxiety reduction....

Juice extracted from vegetables, used as a natural colorant in pet foods....

Vegetable oil is a generic term for oils extracted from various plant sources, commonly including soybean, corn, canola,...

Vitamin A acetate is a synthetic form of vitamin A added to pet foods to meet essential vitamin A requirements for visio...

Supplemental vitamin A for vision, immune function, and cell growth....

Supplemental B12 for red blood cell formation and nervous system function....

Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) is a plant-derived form of vitamin D used to supplement pet foods for calcium regulation and...

Supplemental vitamin D for calcium absorption and bone health....

Vitamin E acetate is a stable, synthetic form of vitamin E used as an antioxidant vitamin supplement in pet foods....

Vitamin E succinate is a stable, synthetic form of vitamin E used as an antioxidant vitamin supplement in pet foods....

Supplemental vitamin E for antioxidant protection....

Essential vitamin for blood clotting and bone health. Dogs synthesize some but supplementation ensures adequate levels....

Watermelon is a high-moisture fruit used in pet foods and treats for hydration, vitamins, and natural sweetness....

Whole wheat grains. Common grain allergen for dogs....

Outer layer of wheat grain. High in insoluble fiber....

Refined wheat flour. Binding agent in treats and kibble....

Wheat germ meal is the embryo of the wheat kernel, often defatted, used as a source of protein, vitamins, and minerals i...

Isolated protein from wheat used to artificially boost protein percentages. Major allergen and cheap filler....

Dried form of whey, the liquid byproduct of cheese making, containing milk proteins, lactose, vitamins, and minerals....

Acetic acid solution used as natural preservative and pH regulator in pet food....

Refined rice with hull, bran, and germ removed. Easily digestible but nutritionally inferior to brown rice....

Generic term for white-fleshed fish like cod, haddock, or pollock....

Dried and ground whole Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba), providing omega-3s, protein, astaxanthin, and marine nutrien...

Adaptogenic herb (ashwagandha) used in Ayurvedic medicine, containing withanolides that support stress resilience and ov...

Polysaccharide created by bacterial fermentation. Used as thickener and stabilizer....

Polysaccharides from yeast cell walls with immune-supporting properties....

Product of yeast fermentation containing beneficial metabolites and compounds....

Yellow peas are a variety of Pisum sativum with yellow-colored seeds, commonly used in pet foods as a source of plant pr...

Extract from the yucca plant, traditionally used to reduce stool odor by binding ammonia....

Zinc bound to amino acids for better absorption. More bioavailable than inorganic zinc sources....

Zinc chelate is an organic form of zinc bound to amino acids or protein, providing highly bioavailable zinc supplementat...

Zinc methionine complex is an organic form of zinc bound to the amino acid methionine, providing highly bioavailable zin...

Inorganic zinc supplement for immune function and skin health....

Zinc bound to amino acids for enhanced absorption....

Inorganic zinc supplement for immune function, skin health, and enzyme activity....

Zucchini is a summer squash (Cucurbita pepo) used in pet foods as a low-calorie source of vitamins, minerals, and moistu...