Dental Long Lasting Treats Smokey Flavour Small Dog Treats

Cassava Starch, Manioc Starch, Yucca Starch, Manihot Esculenta Starch

Summary

Tapioca starch is a carbohydrate extracted from the root of the cassava plant, a tropical tuber native to South America. Primarily, it serves as a highly digestible energy source and a natural thickening agent in pet food. Tapioca starch is used in its natural, processed form, not as a whole food, to optimise texture and palatability while supporting digestive health.

Manufacturer Benefits

Tapioca starch is included as a cost-effective carbohydrate source that provides bulk and texture to pet food formulations. It also serves as a binding agent, helping to improve kibble structure and stability.

Vegetable Glycerol, Glycerine, E422, Vegetable Glycerin

Summary

Vegetable glycerine is a clear, odourless liquid derived from plant oils, typically palm, soy, or coconut. It serves primarily as a humectant, helping to retain moisture in pet food and improve texture. Rather than being used in its raw plant form, vegetable glycerine is extracted and purified for safe consumption and optimal functionality in pet nutrition formulations.

Manufacturer Benefits

Vegetable glycerine is included as a humectant to retain moisture and improve the texture of pet food products, helping to prevent them from drying out. It also enhances palatability, making the food more appealing to pets.

Glycine Max, Soya, Soya Bean, Soya Bean Protein

Summary

Soy is a legume-derived ingredient sourced from the soybean plant (Glycine max). It is primarily included in pet food for its high-quality plant protein and essential amino acids, supporting muscle maintenance and overall health. In pet food, soy is typically used in processed forms such as soy protein concentrate or isolate, rather than as whole beans, to optimise digestibility and nutrient availability.

Manufacturer Benefits

Soy is included as a cost-effective protein and carbohydrate source, helping to reduce formulation costs while maintaining nutritional content. It also serves as a functional ingredient to improve texture and binding in processed pet foods.

Ananas Comosus Fibre, Ananas Fibre, Piña Fibre, Ananas Comosus Leaf Fibre

Summary

Pineapple fibre is a plant-derived ingredient sourced from the fibrous parts of the pineapple fruit. It is primarily included in pet food to provide dietary fibre, supporting healthy digestion and optimal stool quality. Pineapple fibre is used in its natural form, retaining its beneficial insoluble and soluble fibre content to aid gastrointestinal health and promote regular bowel movements in pets.

Manufacturer Benefits

Pineapple fibre is included as a cost-effective source of dietary fibre to aid digestive health and promote stool quality. It may also serve as a label-friendly ingredient that appeals to consumers seeking natural and recognisable components in pet food.

Vital Wheat Gluten, Seitan, Gluten, Triticum Aestivum Gluten

Summary

Wheat gluten is a plant-derived protein extracted from wheat grains. It serves as a concentrated protein source and functional binder in pet foods, enhancing texture and protein content. Wheat gluten is not used in its whole grain form; instead, it is isolated and processed to optimise digestibility and nutritional value for pets, ensuring both safety and effective nutrient absorption.

Manufacturer Benefits

Wheat gluten is included as a concentrated, cost-effective protein source that helps improve the texture and binding of kibble. It also enhances product consistency and can contribute to the protein content declared on the label.

Flavour Enhancer, Flavour Improver, Taste Enhancer, Taste Improver

Summary

Vegetable Enhancer is a plant-derived ingredient formulated to boost the nutritional profile and palatability of pet foods. Sourced from a blend of vegetables, it provides essential vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients that support overall health. Rather than using whole vegetables, Vegetable Enhancer is utilised in a concentrated, processed form to ensure consistent nutrient delivery and improved digestibility for pets.

Manufacturer Benefits

Vegetable enhancers are included to improve the visual appeal and perceived nutritional value of pet food, supporting marketing claims of added vegetables. They may also contribute minor flavour or textural benefits to optimise palatability.

Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus Oil, E471, Vegetable Oil (Helianthus Annuus)

Summary

Sunflower oil is a plant-derived oil extracted from the seeds of the sunflower (Helianthus annuus). It serves as a valuable source of energy and provides essential fatty acids, particularly linoleic acid, which supports skin and coat health in pets. Sunflower oil is utilised in its refined liquid form, not as whole seeds, to optimise digestibility and nutrient availability in pet food formulations.

Manufacturer Benefits

Sunflower oil is included as a cost-effective source of unsaturated fats to provide essential fatty acids that support skin and coat health. It also enhances palatability and contributes to the overall energy content of the pet food.

Cucurbita Pepo, Cucurbita Maxima, Cucurbita Moschata, Pepo

Summary

Pumpkin is a plant-derived ingredient sourced from the fruit of the Cucurbita pepo species. It is primarily included in pet food for its dietary fibre content, which supports digestive health and regularity. Pumpkin is used in its natural form, either as fresh, cooked, or dehydrated flesh, providing a source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants beneficial to overall wellbeing.

Manufacturer Benefits

Pumpkin is included as a label-friendly ingredient that appeals to consumers seeking natural and recognisable components, while also serving as a cost-effective source of fibre and moisture to support digestive health and product texture. Its inclusion can enhance marketing appeal without significantly increasing formulation costs.

Ascorbic Acid, L-Ascorbic Acid, E300, L-Threo-Hex-2-Enono-1,4-Lactone

Summary

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin of plant origin commonly included in pet food formulations. Its primary purpose is to support immune function and act as an antioxidant, helping to protect cells from oxidative damage. Vitamin C is not used in its natural fruit form but is instead utilised as a synthesised compound to ensure stability and consistent dosage.

Manufacturer Benefits

Vitamin C is included as an antioxidant to help preserve the freshness and stability of the product by slowing oxidation. It may also be added for its perceived health benefits, supporting marketing claims related to immune support.

Chalk, Limestone, E170, Marble Dust

Summary

Calcium carbonate is a naturally occurring mineral compound derived from sources such as limestone or marine shells. It is primarily included in pet food as a source of calcium, essential for healthy bones, teeth, and metabolic functions. Calcium carbonate is not used in its raw mineral state; instead, it is processed into a purified, food-grade compound to optimise safety and bioavailability for pets.

Manufacturer Benefits

Calcium carbonate is included as a cost-effective mineral supplement to provide a bioavailable source of calcium, supporting bone health and proper nutritional balance. It also functions as a pH stabiliser, contributing to product consistency and shelf stability.

Propanoic Acid Sodium Salt, E281, Sodium Propanoate, Propionic Acid Sodium Salt

Summary

Sodium propionate is a synthetic compound derived from the reaction of propionic acid with sodium hydroxide. It is primarily used as a preservative in pet foods to inhibit the growth of mould and some bacteria, thereby extending shelf life. Sodium propionate is not used in its natural raw form but is utilised as a sodium salt to ensure safety, stability, and effective preservation.

Manufacturer Benefits

Sodium propionate is included as a preservative to inhibit mould and bacterial growth, thereby extending the product’s shelf life. Its use helps maintain product safety and stability during storage and distribution.

Cinnamomum Verum, True Cinnamon, Ceylon Cinnamon, Cinnamomum Zeylanicum

Summary

Cinnamon is a spice derived from the inner bark of Cinnamomum trees, making it a plant-based ingredient. It is primarily included in pet food for its natural antioxidant properties, which help support overall health and wellbeing. Cinnamon is used in its natural, ground form rather than as an extract or synthetic compound, ensuring pets benefit from its inherent phytonutrients and aromatic qualities.

Manufacturer Benefits

Cinnamon is included as a label-friendly ingredient to appeal to pet owners seeking natural or holistic additives. It may also be used for its potential antioxidant properties, though its functional impact on pet health is minimal at typical inclusion rates.

Provitamin A, E160a, All-Trans-Beta-Carotene, CI 40800

Summary

Beta carotene is a plant-derived pigment and precursor to vitamin A, commonly sourced from carrots and other colourful vegetables. Its primary nutritional benefit is supporting vision, immune function, and antioxidant defence. In pet food, beta carotene is utilised in its extracted or purified form rather than as whole vegetables, ensuring consistent potency and bioavailability for optimal health outcomes.

Manufacturer Benefits

Beta carotene is included as a natural source of vitamin A and as a colour-enhancing agent to improve the visual appeal of the product. Its presence also allows for label-friendly marketing, appealing to consumers seeking natural additives.

Ananas Comosus Protease, EC 3.4.22.32, Pineapple Protease, Ananase

Summary

Bromelain is an enzyme complex derived from the stem and fruit of the pineapple plant (Ananas comosus), making it a plant-based ingredient. It is primarily included in pet food for its proteolytic activity, aiding in protein digestion and supporting gastrointestinal health. Bromelain is not used in its raw plant form but is extracted and purified to optimise its functional benefits and ensure consistent efficacy.

Manufacturer Benefits

Bromelain is included as a functional enzyme to aid in protein digestion and improve nutrient absorption in pet food formulations. Its presence may also serve as a marketing differentiator, appealing to consumers seeking added health benefits for their pets.

Curcuma Longa, Indian Saffron, Jiang Huang, E100

Summary

Turmeric is a vibrant yellow spice derived from the root of the Curcuma longa plant, making it a plant-based ingredient. It is primarily included in pet food for its natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, supporting overall health and wellbeing. Turmeric is used in its natural powdered form, ensuring pets benefit from its active compound, curcumin, in a safe and bioavailable manner.

Manufacturer Benefits

Turmeric is included as a label-friendly ingredient to appeal to health-conscious consumers due to its association with natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Its presence may also support marketing claims related to holistic or functional pet foods, despite being used in small quantities with minimal direct nutritional impact for pets.