Ingredient Library

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

Type: Animal fat + preservative system Source: Animal (poultry) + vitamin E antioxidants (tocopherols) What It Is This label term indicates chicken fat is included and preserved with mixed tocopherols (vitamin E compounds) to help slow oxidation of fats. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels This combination may be used to: Add dietary fat … Read more

Type: Animal fat source Source: Animal (poultry) What It Is Chicken fat is rendered poultry fat used in pet foods as a calorie-dense energy source and to improve palatability. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Chicken fat may be included to: Add dietary fat and calories Improve taste and aroma Support kibble texture and … Read more

Type: Rendered animal ingredient (vague term) Source: Animal (poultry) What It Is Chicken by-product meal is a rendered ingredient made from chicken parts not classified as muscle meat. It is processed into a dry “meal” ingredient. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Chicken by-product meal may be included to: Provide a concentrated animal-derived ingredient … Read more

Type: Animal protein Source: Animal (poultry) What It Is Chicken is an animal protein source commonly used in pet foods. It may appear as fresh chicken, chicken pieces, or as part of a meat blend depending on the product. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Chicken may be included to: Provide animal protein Support … Read more

Type: Seed / plant ingredient Source: Plant (seed) What It Is Chia seeds are small seeds included in some pet foods as part of plant-based ingredient blends. They can absorb moisture and may affect texture in some products. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Chia seed may be included to: Add ingredient variety Support … Read more

Type: Fiber ingredient Source: Plant fiber What It Is Cellulose is a plant-derived fiber used to add bulk and fiber to pet food formulas. It may appear as powdered cellulose or in other cellulose forms. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Cellulose may be included to: Add dietary fiber Support stool consistency Increase bulk … Read more

Type: Vegetable Source: Plant (vegetable) What It Is Carrots are a vegetable ingredient sometimes included in pet foods for variety, fiber, and natural color. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Carrots may be included to: Add ingredient variety Provide fiber and plant-based components Contribute natural color in some formulas Where It Is Commonly Found … Read more

Type: Thickener / stabilizer Source: Seaweed What It Is Carrageenan is derived from seaweed and is used to thicken, stabilize, or improve texture in wet food products. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Carrageenan may be included to: Stabilize wet food texture Create a consistent gravy or gel structure Prevent separation during storage Where … Read more

Type: Color additive Source: Processed carbohydrate (varies) What It Is Caramel color is a coloring agent made by heating carbohydrates. It is used to darken or standardize the appearance of food products. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Caramel color may be added to: Improve or darken product appearance Create consistent color between batches … Read more