Type: Fiber / carbohydrate ingredient Source: Plant-derived (varies) What It Is Fructooligosaccharides (often shortened as FOS) are carbohydrate compounds derived from plant sources. They may be included as part of fiber-focused or digestive-support blends. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Fructooligosaccharides may be included to: Support formulas that include added fiber ingredients Complement digestive-support … Read more

Type: Vitamin (B-complex, Vitamin B9) Source: Vitamin supplement What It Is Folic acid is a supplemental form of folate (Vitamin B9). It is commonly included in vitamin premixes for nutritional completeness. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Folic acid may be included to: Provide Vitamin B9 as part of a vitamin premix Support consistent … Read more

Type: Label term (vague) Source: Not specified on the label What It Is “Flour” is a broad label term. It indicates a ground grain ingredient, but the label does not specify which grain (wheat, rice, corn, etc.) or whether it is refined or whole grain. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Flour may be … Read more

Type: Seed / plant ingredient Source: Plant (seed) What It Is Flaxseed is a plant seed that may be included in pet foods as part of a plant ingredient blend. It may appear as whole flaxseed, ground flaxseed, or flaxseed meal depending on the product. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Flaxseed may be … Read more

Type: Animal fat / oil source Source: Animal (fish) What It Is Fish oil is an oil derived from fish. In pet foods, it is commonly included as an added fat source and is often listed separately from fish-based proteins. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Fish oil may be included to: Add dietary … Read more

Type: Mineral supplement (iron source) Source: Mineral What It Is Ferrous sulfate is an inorganic iron source used in vitamin and mineral premixes for animal nutrition. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Ferrous sulfate may be included to: Provide iron as part of a mineral premix Support nutritional completeness Maintain consistent mineral levels across … Read more

Type: Preservative (antioxidant) Source: Synthetic What It Is Ethoxyquin is a synthetic antioxidant used to slow oxidation in fats and oils. It has historically been used to preserve ingredients such as fish meal and other fat-containing components. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Ethoxyquin may be included to: Preserve fats and oils by slowing … Read more

Type: Fermentation-derived ingredient Source: Microbial fermentation (bacteria) What It Is Enterococcus faecium fermentation product is an ingredient produced through fermentation involving Enterococcus faecium. Labels may use this term for fermentation-derived materials rather than live bacteria. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels It may be included to: Support formulas that include fermentation-derived ingredients Complement digestive-support … Read more

Type: Animal-derived ingredient (vague term) Source: Animal (egg) What It Is “Egg product” is a broad label term for egg-derived ingredients. The label may not specify whether it includes whole egg, egg whites, egg yolks, or a blend of egg components. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Egg product may be included to: Provide … Read more

Type: Yeast ingredient (vague term) Source: Microbial (yeast) What It Is Dried yeast is a broad label term for yeast with moisture removed. The label may not specify the yeast type or processing method. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Dried yeast may be included to: Improve taste and aroma Contribute yeast-derived components to … Read more