Type: Highly processed plant protein Source: Soybeans with carbs/sugars removed (ethanol or acid wash) What It Is Soy protein concentrate is purified soy with ~65-70% protein, stripped of most anti-nutritional factors for better digestibility than basic soy flour. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Boosts protein percentage economically Used in premium-ish formulas for texture … Read more

Type: Plant-based protein and filler Source: Ground defatted soybeans What It Is Soy flour is finely milled soybeans with the oil mostly removed, providing a concentrated but less refined plant protein source. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Cheap, high-protein extender to boost protein claims without more meat Adds binding and texture in wet … Read more

Type: Animal-based organ ingredient Source: Pork lung tissue What It Is Pork lungs are an animal organ ingredient used to provide animal protein and to enhance palatability. Organ ingredients may contribute naturally occurring nutrients and flavor. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Adds animal-based protein and flavor Improves palatability in meat-forward recipes Provides variety … Read more

Type: Fiber ingredient Source: Fiber derived from oats What It Is Oat fiber is a concentrated fiber ingredient derived from oats, used to support texture and add dietary fiber to a recipe. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Adds dietary fiber to support stool quality and digestion Helps with texture or structure in some … Read more

Type: Vitamin supplement (Vitamin B3) Source: Supplemental niacin (a B-vitamin) What It Is Niacin is vitamin B3, a B-vitamin commonly added to pet foods as part of a vitamin premix to support nutritional completeness. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Included to provide vitamin B3 as part of a vitamin premix Helps meet formulated … Read more

Type: Liquid flavor/moisture base Source: Simmered poultry (chicken/turkey bones/meat) What It Is Poultry broth is flavorful stock from cooking poultry, adding hydration and taste. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels First ingredient for moisture and palatability in wet foods Adds subtle nutrients/flavor without heavy calories Common in gravy-style cans Where It Is Commonly Found … Read more

Minerals (Zinc Proteinate) Type: Trace mineral supplement (chelated zinc) Source: Zinc bound to protein/amino acids (proteinate form) What It Is Zinc proteinate is a chelated form of zinc used as a trace mineral source in pet foods. It is commonly included in mineral premixes. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Supplies zinc as part … Read more

Type: Mineral supplement (listed within a mineral blend) Source: Potassium chloride included as part of a grouped “minerals” listing What It Is Potassium chloride is a mineral ingredient that provides potassium. In some labels it appears inside a grouped “Minerals” statement instead of being listed as a standalone ingredient. Why It Appears on Pet Food … Read more

Type: Marine oil (fat source) Source: Menhaden fish oil; preserved with mixed tocopherols (vitamin E compounds) What It Is Menhaden fish oil is a marine oil used to add fat and support the overall fatty-acid profile of the diet. “Preserved with mixed tocopherols” indicates antioxidants (vitamin E compounds) used to help protect the oil from … Read more

Type: Trace mineral supplement (chelated manganese) Source: Manganese bound to protein/amino acids (chelated form) What It Is Manganese proteinate is a chelated form of manganese used in pet foods to help provide this trace mineral in a form that is often used in premixes. Why It Appears on Pet Food Labels Supplies manganese as part … Read more