Ingredient Library

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: 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: 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: Whole potatoes or processed potato pieces What It Is Potatoes are a starchy vegetable used as a carbohydrate source and for texture in some pet food recipes. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Provides carbohydrates and calories Helps with texture and body in wet foods Used in some recipes as … Read more