Ingredient Library

Type: Mineral supplement (chelated form) Source: Mineral (chelated with protein) What It Is Magnesium proteinate is a form of magnesium bound to protein fragments. It is used as a magnesium source in pet food mineral premixes. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Magnesium proteinate may be included to: Provide magnesium as part of a … Read more

Type: Thickener / stabilizer Source: Plant (carob/locust bean) What It Is Locust bean gum is a plant-derived thickening agent made from the seeds of the carob (locust bean) tree. It is used to thicken and stabilize foods, especially wet formulations. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Locust bean gum may be included to: Thicken … Read more

Type: Legume / plant ingredient Source: Plant (legume) What It Is Lentils are legumes that may be included in some pet foods as part of plant-based ingredient blends. They can contribute starch, fiber, and plant-derived components depending on the product. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Lentils may be included to: Provide plant-based ingredients … Read more

Type: Rendered animal protein Source: Animal (lamb) What It Is Lamb meal is a rendered product made from lamb with moisture removed. It is a dry, concentrated ingredient commonly used in kibble. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Lamb meal may be included to: Provide a concentrated animal-protein ingredient Support kibble structure and processing … Read more

Type: Fermentation-derived ingredient Source: Microbial fermentation (bacteria) What It Is Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product is an ingredient produced through fermentation involving Lactobacillus acidophilus. Labels may use this term for fermentation-derived materials rather than live bacteria. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels It may be included to: Support formulas that include fermentation-derived ingredients Complement digestive-support … Read more

Type: Acidifier / preservative support ingredient Source: Often fermentation-derived What It Is Lactic acid is an organic acid that may be used to adjust acidity and support product stability. It is often produced through fermentation processes. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Lactic acid may be included to: Adjust acidity (pH) in certain formulations … Read more

Type: Amino acid supplement Source: Amino acid (supplemental) What It Is L-tryptophan is a supplemental form of the amino acid tryptophan. It may be added to help balance amino acid levels in the overall formula. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels L-tryptophan may be included to: Support amino acid balance in the recipe Complement … Read more

Type: Amino acid supplement Source: Amino acid (supplemental) What It Is L-lysine monohydrochloride is a supplemental form of the amino acid lysine. The “monohydrochloride” form refers to how the ingredient is manufactured and stabilized. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels It may be included to: Support amino acid balance in the recipe Complement protein … Read more

Type: Amino acid supplement Source: Amino acid (supplemental) What It Is L-lysine is a supplemental form of the amino acid lysine. It may be added to help balance amino acid levels in the overall formula. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels L-lysine may be included to: Support amino acid balance in the recipe Complement … Read more

Type: Nutrient supplement Source: Nutrient supplement (added) What It Is L-carnitine is a nutrient-like compound that may be added to some pet food formulas. It is typically listed among supplemental ingredients. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels L-carnitine may be included to: Support specific formulation goals (varies by product) Complement nutrient blends in certain … Read more