Type: Antioxidant / vitamin Source: Vitamin (often produced via fermentation) What It Is Ascorbic acid is Vitamin C. In pet food, it may be included as an antioxidant to help slow oxidation and support product freshness. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Ascorbic acid may be added to: Support freshness and stability Help protect … Read more

Type: Label term (vague) Source: Not specified on the label What It Is “Artificial color” is a broad label term that indicates one or more synthetic coloring agents were added, but the specific colorant(s) may not be named on the label. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Artificial colors may be added to: Improve … Read more

Type: Label term (vague) / fat source + preservative note Source: Animal (fat source not specified) + synthetic antioxidant (BHA) What It Is This label term indicates the product contains animal fat, and that BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) was used to preserve the fat. The animal source of the fat is typically not specified. Why It … Read more

Type: Label term (vague) / fat source Source: Animal (not specified) What It Is Animal fat is a general label term for fats derived from animals. It is used as a calorie-dense energy source and can also improve aroma and palatability. Labels may not specify which animal species the fat comes from. Why It Appears … Read more

Type: Label term (vague) / flavor ingredient Source: Animal (not specified) What It Is Animal digest is a broad term used for flavorings made by breaking down animal tissues into smaller components that enhance aroma and palatability. Labels often do not specify the exact animal species used. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Animal … Read more

Type: Plant-based ingredient Source: Plant (alfalfa) What It Is Alfalfa nutrient concentrate is a processed form of alfalfa used to provide plant-derived nutrients. It may be included as a source of naturally occurring vitamins, minerals, or plant compounds. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels It may be added to: Support nutrient content in the … Read more

Type: Label term (vague) Source: Not specified on the label What It Is “Added color” is a broad label term. It means the product includes one or more coloring ingredients, but the label does not identify which specific coloring agents were used. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Coloring may be added to: Make … Read more

Type: Preservative Source: Synthetic What It Is Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) is a synthetic antioxidant used to preserve fats and oils in commercial pet food products. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels BHT is added to pet food products to: Extend shelf life Prevent fat oxidation Maintain product stability during storage Where It Is Commonly … Read more

Type: Fat / oil Source: Plant What It Is Coconut oil is an edible oil extracted from the meat of coconuts. It is solid at cooler temperatures and melts when warmed. Why It Appears in Recipes Coconut oil is used in homemade pet treats to: Add fat and improve texture Help ingredients blend and hold … Read more

Type: Whole food ingredient / binder Source: Plant (fruit) What It Is Unsweetened applesauce is made from cooked apples with no added sugar. It is commonly used in homemade pet treats to add moisture and help bind ingredients. Why It Appears in Recipes Unsweetened applesauce is used in homemade pet recipes to: Add moisture to … Read more