Dental Wellbeing Bars Calming 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.

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.

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.

Black Treacle, Cane Molasses, E150a, Saccharum Officinarum Extract

Summary

Molasses is a thick, dark syrup derived from the processing of sugar cane or sugar beet plants. It is primarily included in pet food as a natural source of energy and to enhance palatability. Molasses is used in its natural form, providing carbohydrates, trace minerals, and a distinctive flavour that can improve acceptance of the final product by pets.

Manufacturer Benefits

Molasses is included as a palatability enhancer to improve taste and aroma, encouraging pet acceptance of the food. It may also serve as a natural source of sugar, contributing to texture and aiding in the binding of kibble.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Zingiber Officinale, Zingiberis Rhizoma, Sheng Jiang, Gan Jiang

Summary

Ginger is a plant-derived ingredient sourced from the rhizome of Zingiber officinale. It is primarily included in pet food for its natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, supporting digestive health and overall wellbeing. Ginger is used in its natural, dried, or powdered form, ensuring pets benefit from its bioactive compounds without the need for chemical modification or synthetic processing.

Manufacturer Benefits

Ginger is included as a label-friendly ingredient to appeal to health-conscious consumers and enhance the perceived nutritional value of the product. It may also be used for its natural flavouring properties to improve palatability.

Lavandula Angustifolia, Lavandula Officinalis, Lavandula Vera, Lavandulae Aetheroleum

Summary

Lavender is a flowering plant from the mint family, commonly cultivated for its aromatic properties. In pet food, lavender is primarily included for its natural calming effects and potential antioxidant benefits. It is used in its natural, dried form rather than as an extract or oil, ensuring safety and palatability for pets while delivering its functional advantages.

Manufacturer Benefits

Lavender is included as a label-friendly ingredient to appeal to pet owners seeking natural or botanical additives. It may also be used for its aromatic properties to enhance product palatability or perceived freshness.

Matricaria Recutita, German Chamomile, Matricaria Chamomilla, Anthemis Nobilis

Summary

Chamomile is a flowering plant from the Asteraceae family, traditionally used for its calming properties. In pet food, chamomile is included primarily for its potential to support digestive health and reduce stress. It is used in its natural, dried whole-flower form, ensuring pets benefit from its bioactive compounds without synthetic alteration or extraction.

Manufacturer Benefits

Chamomile is included as a label-friendly ingredient to appeal to pet owners seeking natural or calming additives, enhancing the product’s marketability. Its functional contribution to the pet food itself is typically minimal.

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.

Micronutrients, Essential Micronutrients, Vital Nutrients, Accessory Food Factors

Summary

Vitamins are organic compounds derived from both plant and animal sources, essential for numerous metabolic and physiological functions in pets. Their primary purpose is to support immune health, vision, bone development, and cellular processes. In pet food, vitamins are not used in their natural, raw forms but are instead incorporated as stabilised compounds or premixes to ensure safety, stability, and optimal bioavailability.

Manufacturer Benefits

Vitamins are included to ensure nutritional adequacy and meet regulatory requirements for complete and balanced pet food. They may also be added to compensate for nutrient losses during processing and storage.

Dietary Minerals, Inorganic Nutrients, Essential Minerals, Bulk Elements

Summary

Minerals are essential inorganic nutrients derived from the earth, not produced by animals or plants. They play a critical role in supporting various physiological functions, such as bone development, nerve transmission, and enzyme activity. In pet food, minerals are not used in their natural raw or metallic state; instead, they are incorporated as specific compounds (such as sulphates or chelates) to optimise safety and bioavailability.

Manufacturer Benefits

Minerals are included to meet essential nutritional requirements for pets, supporting overall health and proper bodily functions. They are often added in precise amounts to ensure the product complies with regulatory standards and nutrient profiles.

L-Tryptophan, L-α-Aminoindole-3-Propionic Acid, 2-Amino-3-(Indol-3-yl)Propanoic Acid, EAA 10

Summary

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid derived from animal or plant protein sources. It plays a crucial role in pet nutrition by supporting protein synthesis and serving as a precursor for serotonin, which influences mood and behaviour. Tryptophan is not used in its isolated, natural form but is instead incorporated as a purified amino acid to optimise dietary balance and bioavailability in pet food formulations.

Manufacturer Benefits

Tryptophan is included as an essential amino acid to support complete and balanced nutrition, meeting regulatory requirements for canine dietary adequacy. Its addition ensures the product can be marketed as providing all necessary amino acids for dogs’ health.

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.