Ingredient Library

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

Type: Carbohydrate ingredient Source: Milled brown rice What It Is Brown rice flour is a finely ground form of brown rice used as a carbohydrate source and as a thickener or binder in some pet food recipes. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Provides carbohydrates and calories Helps thicken gravies or stabilize texture Acts … Read more

Type: Vitamin supplement (Vitamin B5) Source: Supplemental pantothenic acid bound to calcium What It Is Calcium pantothenate is a stable supplemental form of vitamin B5 used to support normal metabolism and nutritional completeness. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Included to provide vitamin B5 as part of a vitamin premix Helps meet formulated nutrient … Read more

Type: Animal-based organ ingredient Source: Rendered or cooked animal organ tissue (liver) What It Is Animal liver is nutrient-dense organ meat used in pet foods for protein, palatability, and naturally occurring vitamins and minerals (notably vitamin A and certain B vitamins). Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Adds highly palatable animal flavor and aroma … Read more

Type: Carbohydrate ingredient Source: Cooked rice or rice-derived ingredient (varies by recipe) What It Is Rice is a grain ingredient used as a source of carbohydrates and calories. It may also contribute to texture and digestibility in many dog food formulas. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Provides carbohydrates and energy Supports texture and … Read more