Ingredient Library

Type: Gelling agent / thickener Source: Red seaweed (algae) What It Is Agar-agar is a natural gelling and thickening agent derived from red seaweed. It is commonly used in wet pet foods to help create a firm texture. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Agar-agar is added to pet food products to: Improve texture … Read more

Type: Named animal protein Source: Venison meat (deer muscle tissue) What It Is Venison is a deer-based animal protein used in specialty and limited-ingredient pet foods. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Novel protein option Provides complete animal protein Used in elimination-style diets Where It Is Commonly Found Limited-ingredient diets Hypoallergenic formulas Label Context … Read more

Type: Mineral additive Source: Processed phosphate compound What It Is Sodium hexametaphosphate is a food-grade additive used in dental-support formulas. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Helps reduce tartar buildup Supports dental health positioning Stabilizes mineral balance Where It Is Commonly Found Dental-support kibble Oral health treats Label Context Often included in recipes marketed … Read more

Type: Plant-derived fat Source: Extracted soybean oil What It Is Soy oil is a vegetable oil used as a fat source. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Provides essential fatty acids Improves texture and energy density Supports skin and coat health Where It Is Commonly Found Dry kibble Wet foods Label Context Plant oils … Read more

Type: Animal-derived liquid ingredient Source: Cooked pork stock What It Is Pork broth is a flavored liquid made from simmered pork. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Adds moisture to wet foods Improves palatability Enhances flavor Where It Is Commonly Found Canned foods Fresh-style diets Label Context Broths contribute flavor rather than significant protein. … Read more

Type: Plant-based protein concentrate Source: Extracted potato protein What It Is Potato protein is a concentrated plant-derived protein ingredient. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Boosts total protein percentage Grain-free formulation support Cost-effective protein addition Where It Is Commonly Found Grain-free kibble Plant-forward formulas Label Context Plant proteins contribute to overall protein levels but … Read more

Type: Dehydrated carbohydrate source Source: Dried potato What It Is Dried potato is a carbohydrate ingredient used in grain-free recipes. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Provides energy Grain alternative Helps bind kibble Where It Is Commonly Found Grain-free dry foods Limited-ingredient diets Label Context “Dried” indicates moisture removal for stability. Educational Note This … Read more

Type: Trace mineral supplement Source: Inorganic manganese compound What It Is Manganous sulfate is a supplemental source of manganese. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Supports enzyme function Meets trace mineral requirements Used in complete diets Where It Is Commonly Found Dry kibble Vitamin-mineral premixes Label Context Listed as part of required trace mineral … Read more

Type: Mineral supplement Source: Processed calcium phosphate compound What It Is Defluorinated tri-calcium phosphate is a mineral source of calcium and phosphorus. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Supports bone development Balances mineral content Meets nutritional requirements Where It Is Commonly Found Dry kibble Complete and balanced diets Label Context “Defluorinated” indicates fluoride has … Read more

Type: Dehydrated vegetable ingredient Source: Dried tomato What It Is Dried tomato is dehydrated tomato used for concentrated flavor. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Flavor enhancement Natural antioxidants Improves dry formula stability Where It Is Commonly Found Dry kibble Grain-free formulas Label Context “Dried” indicates moisture has been removed. Educational Note This page … Read more