Ingredient Library

Type: Liquid flavor base/stock Source: Simmered fish (bones, heads, etc.) What It Is Fish broth is the liquid extracted from cooking fish, rich in flavor and minor nutrients. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Provides moisture and enhances palatability Adds subtle omega-3s and minerals Used as a base for gravy/wet texture Where It Is … Read more

Type: Synthetic water-soluble B vitamin Source: Added supplement form What It Is Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate (vitamin B9), essential for cell division and metabolism. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Supports DNA synthesis, red blood cell production Important for growth, pregnancy, and tissue repair Added to meet nutritional requirements Where … Read more

Type: Processed carbohydrate thickener/binder Source: Derived from corn, chemically or enzymatically modified What It Is Modified corn starch is cornstarch that has been altered (e.g., cross-linked or stabilized) to improve its functionality as a thickener, stabilizer, or texture enhancer in wet foods. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Acts as a thickener to create … Read more

Type: Plant-based fat source Source: Canola (rapeseed) oil; preserved with mixed tocopherols (vitamin E compounds) What It Is Canola oil is a plant-derived oil used for fat content and palatability. “Preserved with mixed tocopherols” indicates a natural antioxidant system (vitamin E compounds) used to help protect the oil from oxidation. Why It Appears on Pet … Read more

Type: Thickener / gelling agent Source: Plant-derived gum from cassia seeds (a legume) What It Is Cassia gum is a natural thickening agent used to improve texture, help stabilize gravies, and maintain consistency in wet foods. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Thickens and stabilizes gravy or gel textures Helps prevent separation of liquids … Read more

Type: Flavor and moisture component Source: Broth made from chicken and/or chicken bones cooked in water What It Is Chicken broth is a liquid ingredient that adds moisture and chicken flavor to wet foods, and helps create a gravy or stew-like product. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Improves palatability (taste and aroma) Provides … Read more

Type: Animal-based organ ingredient Source: Chicken heart (muscle organ) What It Is Chicken heart is an organ meat ingredient that provides animal protein, fat, and naturally occurring nutrients. It is commonly used to boost palatability and add variety to animal-based formulations. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Adds animal-based protein and fat Improves flavor … Read more

Type: Animal-based organ ingredient Source: Chicken liver What It Is Chicken liver is a nutrient-dense organ ingredient used for palatability and nutrition, including naturally occurring vitamins and minerals (notably vitamin A and certain B vitamins). Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Boosts aroma and taste (palatability) Provides natural nutrients found in organ meats Supports … Read more

Type: Fruit ingredient Source: Whole apples or apple-derived pieces/pulp What It Is Apples are a fruit ingredient that can provide natural flavor, moisture, and small amounts of fiber and phytonutrients. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Adds mild sweetness and aroma to improve palatability Contributes natural fiber in small amounts Used as a whole-food … Read more

Type: Flavor and moisture component Source: Broth made from beef and/or beef bones cooked in water What It Is Beef broth is a liquid ingredient used to add moisture and beef flavor to wet foods, and to help create gravy or a stew-like texture. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Improves aroma and taste … Read more