Type: Whole egg protein powder Source: Dehydrated whole eggs (white + yolk) What It Is Dried eggs are powdered whole eggs, offering complete protein plus fats and nutrients. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Excellent source of bioavailable protein, fats, vitamins (A, B12) Supports coat/skin health and energy Emulsifies and binds in formulas Where … Read more

Type: High-quality protein source Source: Dehydrated egg albumen (whites only) What It Is Dried egg white is powdered egg whites, a concentrated source of pure protein with low fat. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Provides high biological value protein for muscle/tissue support Rich in essential amino acids like methionine Low-fat option for balanced … Read more

Type: Dairy-derived palatability enhancer Source: Dehydrated natural cheese (often cheddar or similar) What It Is Dried cheese is dehydrated cheese powder or pieces used to add flavor and appeal to pet foods. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Enhances palatability (dogs love cheese taste) Provides minor protein and fat content Used as a flavoring … Read more

Type: Processed carbohydrate thickener/binder Source: Derived from corn, chemically or enzymatically modified What It Is Modified corn starch is cornstarch that has been altered (e.g., cross-linked or stabilized) to improve its functionality as a thickener, stabilizer, or texture enhancer in wet foods. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Acts as a thickener to create … Read more

Type: Animal-based organ ingredient Source: Chicken liver What It Is Chicken liver is a nutrient-dense organ ingredient used for palatability and nutrition, including naturally occurring vitamins and minerals (notably vitamin A and certain B vitamins). Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Boosts aroma and taste (palatability) Provides natural nutrients found in organ meats Supports … Read more

Type: Animal-based organ ingredient Source: Chicken heart (muscle organ) What It Is Chicken heart is an organ meat ingredient that provides animal protein, fat, and naturally occurring nutrients. It is commonly used to boost palatability and add variety to animal-based formulations. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Adds animal-based protein and fat Improves flavor … Read more

Type: Flavor and moisture component Source: Broth made from chicken and/or chicken bones cooked in water What It Is Chicken broth is a liquid ingredient that adds moisture and chicken flavor to wet foods, and helps create a gravy or stew-like product. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Improves palatability (taste and aroma) Provides … Read more

Type: Thickener / gelling agent Source: Plant-derived gum from cassia seeds (a legume) What It Is Cassia gum is a natural thickening agent used to improve texture, help stabilize gravies, and maintain consistency in wet foods. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Thickens and stabilizes gravy or gel textures Helps prevent separation of liquids … Read more

Type: Plant-based fat source Source: Canola (rapeseed) oil; preserved with mixed tocopherols (vitamin E compounds) What It Is Canola oil is a plant-derived oil used for fat content and palatability. “Preserved with mixed tocopherols” indicates a natural antioxidant system (vitamin E compounds) used to help protect the oil from oxidation. Why It Appears on Pet … Read more

Type: Vitamin supplement (Vitamin B5) Source: Supplemental pantothenic acid bound to calcium What It Is Calcium pantothenate is a stable supplemental form of vitamin B5 used to support normal metabolism and nutritional completeness. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Included to provide vitamin B5 as part of a vitamin premix Helps meet formulated nutrient … Read more