Dental Puppy Treats Mint Rings 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.

Ground Rice, Oryza Sativa Flour, Rice Powder, Oryza Sativa

Summary

Rice flour is a finely milled powder derived from whole or broken rice grains, making it a plant-based ingredient. It is primarily used as a carbohydrate source, providing easily digestible energy and aiding in kibble structure. Rice flour is incorporated in its natural, ground form, not as a raw grain, to optimise digestibility and palatability in pet food formulations.

Manufacturer Benefits

Rice flour is included as a cost-effective, easily digestible carbohydrate source that provides energy and helps create a desirable texture in pet food. Its neutral flavour and hypoallergenic properties also make it suitable for sensitive pets and appealing in marketing as a gentle ingredient.

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.

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.

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.

Beta-Glucan Homopolysaccharide, E460, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Plant Fibre

Summary

Cellulose is a plant-derived carbohydrate sourced primarily from the cell walls of fibrous plants. It serves as an insoluble dietary fibre in pet food, supporting healthy digestion and promoting optimal stool quality. Cellulose is not used in its raw plant form but is processed into a purified, food-grade powder to ensure consistency, safety, and effective fibre delivery in formulated diets.

Manufacturer Benefits

Cellulose is included as a cost-effective fibre source to promote digestive health and regulate stool quality in pet food formulations. It also serves as a bulk-adding agent, helping to control calorie density without significantly impacting palatability.

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.

Oligofructose, FOS, Oligofructan, E968

Summary

Fructooligosaccharides are short-chain carbohydrates derived from plant sources such as chicory root. They serve primarily as prebiotics, supporting digestive health by promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. Fructooligosaccharides are not used in their whole plant form but are extracted and purified for inclusion in pet food, ensuring optimal efficacy and digestibility for companion animals.

Manufacturer Benefits

Fructooligosaccharides are included as a prebiotic fibre to support digestive health by promoting beneficial gut bacteria. They also serve as a label-friendly functional ingredient that can enhance the perceived nutritional value of the product.

Petroselinum Crispum, Garden Parsley, Common Parsley, E461

Summary

Parsley is a leafy herb of plant origin, commonly used in pet food for its natural antioxidant properties and as a source of vitamins such as vitamin K and C. It is primarily included to support immune health and freshen breath. In pet food formulations, parsley is used in its natural, whole form, ensuring the retention of its beneficial phytonutrients and fibre content.

Manufacturer Benefits

Parsley is included as a label-friendly ingredient to appeal to pet owners seeking natural or recognisable components in pet food. It may also be added for its perceived breath-freshening properties, though its functional impact on canine nutrition is minimal.

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.

Lucerne, Medicago Sativa, Lucerne Grass, Purple Medick

Summary

Alfalfa is a nutrient-rich plant ingredient derived from the Medicago sativa species, commonly used in premium pet foods. It serves as a natural source of dietary fibre, vitamins, and minerals, supporting digestive health and overall wellbeing. Alfalfa is included in its natural, dried form, ensuring pets benefit from its full spectrum of nutrients without synthetic alteration.

Manufacturer Benefits

Alfalfa is included as a cost-effective source of plant protein, fibre, and micronutrients, contributing to the nutritional profile of the product. It also serves as a label-friendly ingredient that appeals to consumers seeking natural or wholesome additions in pet food.

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.

Peppermint Oil, Mentha Piperita Oil, Mentha Piperita Extract, Mentha Piperita Essence

Summary

Mint oil is a plant-derived essential oil extracted from the leaves of mint species, commonly peppermint or spearmint. It is primarily included in pet food for its natural flavouring properties and potential digestive benefits. Mint oil is utilised in its extracted, concentrated form rather than as whole mint leaves, ensuring consistent potency and safety for animal consumption.

Manufacturer Benefits

Mint oil is included primarily as a natural flavouring agent to enhance palatability and improve the aroma of the product. It may also serve a marketing function by appealing to consumers seeking ingredients associated with fresh breath or digestive benefits.