Ingredient Library

Type: Fermentation-derived ingredient Source: Microbial fermentation (bacteria) What It Is This ingredient indicates a dried product resulting from fermentation using Bacillus subtilis. It typically refers to 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 components Complement digestive-support or “functional” ingredient … Read more

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

Type: Mineral supplement Source: Mineral What It Is Dicalcium phosphate is a mineral compound used as a source of calcium and phosphorus. It is commonly included in pet food mineral premixes. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Dicalcium phosphate may be included to: Provide calcium and phosphorus for nutritional balance Support bone and structural … Read more

Type: Plant-based ingredient / fiber Source: Plant (alfalfa) What It Is Dehydrated alfalfa meal is dried and ground alfalfa. It may be included in pet food as part of a plant ingredient blend or as a source of fiber and plant-based components. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels It may be included to: Add … Read more

Type: Animal protein (fish) Source: Animal (fish) What It Is Deboned salmon refers to salmon with bones removed. On labels, this term emphasizes fish meat rather than bone. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Deboned salmon may be included to: Provide animal protein Support taste and aroma Indicate a specific fish ingredient form on … Read more

Type: Animal protein Source: Animal (poultry) What It Is Deboned chicken refers to chicken meat with bones removed. On pet food labels, this term emphasizes that the ingredient is meat rather than bone. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Deboned chicken may be included to: Provide animal protein Support taste and palatability Indicate a … Read more

Type: Vitamin (B-complex, Vitamin B5) Source: Vitamin supplement What It Is D-calcium pantothenate is a common supplemental form of pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5). It is often included in vitamin premixes for nutritional completeness. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels D-calcium pantothenate may be included to: Provide Vitamin B5 as part of a vitamin premix … Read more

Type: Fruit / plant ingredient Source: Plant (fruit) What It Is Cranberries are a fruit ingredient that may be included in some pet foods and treats as part of a fruit/plant ingredient blend. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Cranberries may be included to: Support ingredient variety in the formula Contribute plant-based components Support … Read more

Type: Sweetener / carbohydrate syrup Source: Plant (corn) What It Is Corn syrup is a liquid sweetener derived from corn starch. It may be used to add sweetness, bind ingredients, or affect texture depending on the product. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Corn syrup may be included to: Improve palatability (taste) Help bind … Read more

Type: Processed plant protein Source: Plant (corn) What It Is Corn protein meal is a concentrated protein fraction derived from corn. It may be listed to indicate a higher-protein processed corn ingredient. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Corn protein meal may be included to: Increase protein content from plant sources Support kibble structure … Read more