Ingredient Library

Type: Grain / carbohydrate source Source: Plant (barley) What It Is Barley is a grain used in some pet foods as a carbohydrate and fiber source. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Barley may be included to: Provide carbohydrates for energy Add fiber for stool consistency Support kibble structure and processing Where It Is … Read more

Type: Flavor ingredient Source: Animal (pork) What It Is Bacon broth is a broth made from cooking bacon or bacon-flavored components. It is used primarily for aroma and palatability. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels It may be added to: Increase palatability Add aroma and flavor Encourage consistent eating Where It Is Commonly Found … Read more

Type: Antioxidant / vitamin Source: Vitamin (often produced via fermentation) What It Is Ascorbic acid is Vitamin C. In pet food, it is commonly used as an antioxidant to help slow oxidation and support freshness. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels It may be included to: Support freshness Help stabilize fats and oils Complement … Read more

Type: Label term (vague) Source: Not specified on the label What It Is “Artificial color” is a broad label term that indicates one or more synthetic coloring agents were added, but the specific colorant(s) may not be named on the label. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Artificial colors may be added to: Improve … Read more

Type: Label term (vague) / fat source + preservative note Source: Animal (fat source not specified) + synthetic antioxidant (BHA) What It Is This label term indicates the product contains animal fat, and that BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) was used to preserve the fat. The animal source of the fat is typically not specified. Why It … Read more

Type: Label term (vague) / fat source Source: Animal (not specified) What It Is Animal fat is a general label term for fats derived from animals. It is used as a calorie-dense energy source and can also improve aroma and palatability. Labels may not specify which animal species the fat comes from. Why It Appears … Read more

Type: Label term (vague) / flavor ingredient Source: Animal (not specified) What It Is Animal digest is a broad term used for flavorings made by breaking down animal tissues into smaller components that enhance aroma and palatability. Labels often do not specify the exact animal species used. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Animal … Read more

Type: Plant-based ingredient Source: Plant (alfalfa) What It Is Alfalfa nutrient concentrate is a processed form of alfalfa used to provide plant-derived nutrients. It may be included as a source of naturally occurring vitamins, minerals, or plant compounds. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels It may be added to: Support nutrient content in the … Read more

Type: Label term (vague) Source: Not specified on the label What It Is “Added color” is a broad label term. It means the product includes one or more coloring ingredients, but the label does not identify which specific coloring agents were used. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Coloring may be added to: Make … Read more

Type: Preservative Source: Synthetic What It Is Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) is a synthetic antioxidant used to preserve fats and oils in commercial pet food products. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels BHT is added to pet food products to: Extend shelf life Prevent fat oxidation Maintain product stability during storage Where It Is Commonly … Read more