Type: Plant extract Source: Plant (clove) What It Is Clove extract is derived from clove plants and may be used in small amounts as part of an extract blend. It can also appear in some preservative or flavor systems. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Clove extract may be included to: Support flavor or … Read more

Type: Preservative system component Source: Often fermentation-derived What It Is This label wording indicates citric acid is being used as part of a preservative system, often to help protect fats and maintain freshness during storage. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Citric acid used as a preservative may help: Support freshness by slowing oxidation … Read more

Type: Acidifier / preservative support ingredient Source: Often fermentation-derived What It Is Citric acid is a naturally occurring acid used to adjust acidity and support product stability. On some labels it is also noted as a preservative component. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Citric acid may be included to: Support freshness and stability … Read more

Type: Nutrient supplement (choline source) Source: Nutrient supplement What It Is Choline chloride is a common supplemental source of choline included in pet food formulas to support nutritional completeness. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Choline chloride may be included to: Provide choline as part of a vitamin/mineral premix Support consistent nutrient targets across … Read more

Type: Legume / plant ingredient Source: Plant (legume) What It Is Chickpeas are legumes used in some pet foods as part of plant-based ingredient blends. They may contribute starch, fiber, and plant-derived components. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Chickpeas may be included to: Provide carbohydrates and plant-based components Support grain-free or legume-based formulas … Read more

Type: Rendered animal protein Source: Animal (poultry) What It Is Chicken meal is a rendered product made from chicken with moisture removed. It is a dry, concentrated ingredient commonly used in kibble. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Chicken meal may be included to: Provide a concentrated animal-protein ingredient Support kibble structure and processing … Read more

Type: Animal fat + preservative system Source: Animal (poultry) + vitamin E antioxidants (tocopherols) What It Is This label term indicates chicken fat is included and preserved with mixed tocopherols (vitamin E compounds) to help slow oxidation of fats. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels This combination may be used to: Add dietary fat … Read more

Type: Animal fat source Source: Animal (poultry) What It Is Chicken fat is rendered poultry fat used in pet foods as a calorie-dense energy source and to improve palatability. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Chicken fat may be included to: Add dietary fat and calories Improve taste and aroma Support kibble texture and … Read more

Type: Rendered animal ingredient (vague term) Source: Animal (poultry) What It Is Chicken by-product meal is a rendered ingredient made from chicken parts not classified as muscle meat. It is processed into a dry “meal” ingredient. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Chicken by-product meal may be included to: Provide a concentrated animal-derived ingredient … Read more

Type: Animal protein Source: Animal (poultry) What It Is Chicken is an animal protein source commonly used in pet foods. It may appear as fresh chicken, chicken pieces, or as part of a meat blend depending on the product. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Chicken may be included to: Provide animal protein Support … Read more