Ingredient Library

Type: Flavor / moisture ingredient Source: Animal (cattle) What It Is Beef stock is a liquid made by simmering beef and/or bones. In pet foods it is generally used for moisture and flavor. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Beef stock may be included to: Add moisture to wet foods Improve aroma and palatability … Read more

Type: Animal fat source Source: Animal (cattle) What It Is Beef fat is fat derived from cattle. It may be added to pet food as a calorie-dense energy source and to improve aroma and palatability. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Beef fat may be included to: Add dietary fat and energy Improve taste … Read more

Type: Rendered animal ingredient (vague processing term) Source: Animal (cattle) What It Is Beef and bone meal is a rendered product made from beef tissues and bone. It is commonly used as a concentrated ingredient in some formulas. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels It may be included to: Provide concentrated animal-derived material Contribute … Read more

Type: Animal protein Source: Animal (cattle) What It Is Beef refers to meat from cattle. In pet food, it is commonly used as a primary animal protein source. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Beef may be included to: Provide animal protein Add fat and palatability Support taste and aroma Where It Is Commonly … Read more

Type: Plant-based ingredient Source: Plant (barley grass) What It Is Barley grass refers to the young green shoots of the barley plant. It may be included in some formulas as part of a plant “greens” blend. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Barley grass may be added to: Support “greens” or plant-ingredient blends Contribute … Read more

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: Antioxidant / vitamin Source: Vitamin (often produced via fermentation) What It Is Ascorbic acid is Vitamin C. In pet food, it may be included as an antioxidant to help slow oxidation and support product freshness. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Ascorbic acid may be added to: Support freshness and stability Help protect … 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