Ingredient Library

Type: Animal-based protein Source: Whole shrimp or shrimp material What It Is Shrimp is a shellfish ingredient used for protein and flavor. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Provides protein Enhances palatability Where It Is Commonly Found Seafood-based recipes Premium wet foods Educational Note This page is part of the PetFoodDecoded Label Ingredient Library … Read more

Type: Rendered poultry protein Source: Cooked and dried duck tissue What It Is Duck meal is a concentrated protein ingredient made by rendering duck tissue. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Provides concentrated protein Supports higher protein percentages Where It Is Commonly Found Dry kibble High-protein diets Educational Note This page is part of … Read more

Type: Animal-based protein Source: Duck meat What It Is Duck is a poultry protein used in pet food as an alternative to chicken or beef. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Provides high-quality animal protein Used in limited-ingredient diets Offers flavor variety Where It Is Commonly Found Limited-ingredient formulas Allergy-sensitive diets Educational Note This … Read more

Type: Animal-based protein Source: Whole catfish or processed fish material What It Is Catfish is a freshwater fish used as a protein source in pet food formulations. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Provides animal-based protein Contributes omega fatty acids Adds flavor and palatability Where It Is Commonly Found Grain-free formulas Fish-based recipes Limited-ingredient … Read more

Type: Marine-derived oil (omega-3 source) Source: Cultivated marine microalgae What It Is Marine microalgae oil is an oil extracted from tiny marine algae grown in controlled systems. It is commonly added as a source of DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels It may be included to: Provide DHA omega-3 … Read more

Type: Preservative / antioxidant Source: Vitamin E compounds What It Is Mixed tocopherols are antioxidant compounds used to help prevent fat oxidation. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Preserve freshness Protect fats and oils Where It Is Commonly Found Dry kibble Treats Foods labeled as naturally preserved Label Context Mixed tocopherols are considered a … Read more

Type: Vitamin supplement Source: Vitamin A compound What It Is Vitamin A acetate is used to meet vitamin A nutritional requirements. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Support vision and immune health Ensure complete nutrition Where It Is Commonly Found Dry kibble Wet foods Label Context Often part of a vitamin premix for consistent … Read more

Type: Vitamin supplement Source: Stabilized vitamin E compound What It Is A stable supplemental form of vitamin E used in vitamin premixes. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Provide vitamin E Support nutritional completeness Where It Is Commonly Found Dry foods Wet foods Label Context This form is typically for nutritional supplementation rather than … Read more

Type: Emulsifier Source: Often soy or sunflower derived What It Is Lecithin helps oils and water mix evenly, improving stability and texture. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Stabilize fats Improve consistency Where It Is Commonly Found Wet foods Oil-containing formulas Label Context Source may matter if a pet has soy sensitivity. For pet-specific … Read more

Type: Amino acid Source: Amino acid supplement What It Is Glycine is a naturally occurring amino acid that may be added to balance nutritional targets or improve palatability. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Support amino acid balance Improve taste in some formulas Where It Is Commonly Found Wet foods Fortified diets Label Context … Read more