Labrador Retriever Puppy Dry Dog Food

Dried Poultry Protein, Poultry Protein Concentrate, Hydrolysed Poultry Protein, Gallus Spp. Protein

Summary

Dehydrated poultry protein is a concentrated animal-derived ingredient produced by removing moisture from poultry meat. It serves as a rich source of highly digestible protein, supporting muscle maintenance and overall health in pets. Rather than using whole poultry, this ingredient is utilised in a dehydrated, powdered form to optimise protein content and shelf stability in premium pet foods.

Manufacturer Benefits

Dehydrated poultry protein is included as a concentrated, cost-effective source of animal protein to support muscle maintenance and overall nutrition. Its use also allows manufacturers to optimise protein levels while controlling moisture content for improved product stability.

Corn, Zea Mays, Sweetcorn, Indian Corn

Summary

Maize is a cereal grain derived from the plant Zea mays and is commonly used in pet food as a source of carbohydrates and energy. It provides essential nutrients such as dietary fibre, vitamins, and minerals. In pet food formulations, maize is typically used in its natural, whole or ground form, allowing for optimal digestibility and nutrient availability for pets.

Manufacturer Benefits

Maize is included as a cost-effective carbohydrate source that provides energy and helps maintain product texture. It also serves as a bulk-adding agent, supporting kibble structure and processing efficiency.

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.

Oryza Sativa, Paddy, Oryza Sativa Grain, Oryza Spp.

Summary

Rice is a cereal grain derived from the seeds of the Oryza sativa plant, making it a plant-based ingredient. It serves primarily as a highly digestible source of carbohydrates, providing energy for pets. In pet food, rice is typically used in its natural, whole or milled form, rather than as a processed extract, to optimise digestibility and nutrient availability.

Manufacturer Benefits

Rice is included as a cost-effective carbohydrate source that provides energy and helps create a desirable texture in pet food. It is also easily digestible, making it suitable for sensitive digestive systems and appealing for marketing as a familiar, label-friendly ingredient.

Corn Flour, Zea Mays Flour, Zea Mays, E160b

Summary

Maize flour is a finely ground powder derived from whole maize (corn) kernels, making it a plant-based ingredient. It serves primarily as a carbohydrate source, providing energy and aiding in kibble structure. In pet food, maize flour is used in its natural, milled form rather than as a raw kernel, ensuring digestibility and consistent nutrient delivery.

Manufacturer Benefits

Maize flour is included as a cost-effective carbohydrate source that provides energy and helps achieve the desired texture in pet food formulations. It also serves as a bulk-adding agent, allowing manufacturers to optimise production costs while maintaining product consistency.

Rendered Fat, Tallow, Lard, E471

Summary

Animal fat is a lipid ingredient derived from the tissue of animals, commonly sourced from poultry, beef, or lamb. It serves as a concentrated source of energy and enhances palatability in pet foods. Animal fat is used in its rendered form, not as raw tissue, to ensure safety, stability, and optimal absorption of essential fatty acids for pets’ health and wellbeing.

Manufacturer Benefits

Animal fat is included as a cost-effective energy source and to enhance palatability, making the product more appealing to pets. It also contributes to the texture and mouthfeel of the final product.

Corn Gluten, Zea Mays Gluten, Zea Mays Protein, E160d

Summary

Maize gluten is a protein-rich ingredient derived from the wet-milling of maize (corn), a plant source. It is primarily included in pet food to provide a concentrated source of plant protein, supporting muscle maintenance and overall health. Maize gluten is utilised in a processed form, not as whole maize, to optimise digestibility and nutrient availability for pets.

Manufacturer Benefits

Maize gluten is included as a cost-effective protein source that helps meet nutritional requirements while supporting product texture and binding. It also contributes to the overall protein content, allowing manufacturers to optimise formulation costs.

Hydrolysed Animal Derivative, Hydrolysed Animal Extract, Hydrolysed Animal Peptides, Hydrolysed Animal Protein Hydrolysate

Summary

Hydrolysed animal protein is a protein ingredient derived from animal sources, such as poultry or fish, that has been broken down into smaller peptides and amino acids through a process called hydrolysis. Its primary purpose is to provide highly digestible protein, supporting muscle maintenance and overall health. Rather than using whole animal tissue, this ingredient is utilised in its hydrolysed form to optimise digestibility and reduce allergenic potential.

Manufacturer Benefits

Hydrolysed animal protein is included as a highly digestible protein source that can help reduce the risk of allergic reactions in sensitive pets. It also enhances palatability, making the product more appealing to animals.

Triticum Aestivum Flour, White Flour, Plain Flour, All-Purpose Flour

Summary

Wheat flour is a finely milled powder derived from the grinding of wheat grains, a plant-based ingredient commonly used in pet foods. Its primary purpose is to provide a source of carbohydrates for energy, as well as some protein and dietary fibre. Wheat flour is utilised in its natural form, making it a functional ingredient for binding and texture in pet food formulations.

Manufacturer Benefits

Wheat flour is included as a cost-effective carbohydrate source that provides bulk and energy to pet food formulations. It also serves as a functional binding agent, helping to improve texture and product consistency.

Dried Sugar Beet Pulp, Sugar Beet Fibre, Beta Vulgaris Pulp, Sugar Beet Residue

Summary

Beet pulp is a fibrous by-product derived from sugar beet plants after sugar extraction. It serves as a valuable source of moderately fermentable fibre, supporting digestive health and stool quality in pets. Beet pulp is incorporated in its dried, processed form rather than as raw beet, ensuring optimal digestibility and nutrient availability for companion animals.

Manufacturer Benefits

Beet pulp is included as a cost-effective source of dietary fibre to promote digestive health and stool quality in pets. It also serves as a bulk-adding agent, helping to optimise product texture and satiety.

Fish Liver Oil, Oleum Piscis, Oleum Jecoris, Oleum Piscarium

Summary

Fish oil is a nutrient-rich oil derived from the tissues of oily fish, making it an animal-based ingredient. It is primarily included in pet food for its high content of omega-3 fatty acids, which support skin, coat, and joint health. Fish oil is utilised in a purified, liquid form rather than as whole fish, ensuring optimal absorption and safety for pets.

Manufacturer Benefits

Fish oil is included as a source of omega-3 fatty acids to support skin, coat, and joint health, enhancing the nutritional profile of the product. Its presence also serves as a marketing point, appealing to consumers seeking functional health benefits for their pets.

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.

Dietary Fibre, Plant Fibre, Fibre, E460

Summary

Vegetable fibres are plant-derived components sourced from various vegetables and are included in pet food formulations. Their primary purpose is to support digestive health by providing insoluble and soluble fibre, which aids in healthy bowel function and stool quality. Vegetable fibres are used in their natural form, ensuring pets receive the functional benefits of whole plant material.

Manufacturer Benefits

Vegetable fibres are included as a cost-effective source of dietary fibre to support digestive health and promote stool quality. They also serve as a bulk-adding agent, helping to optimise product texture and satiety.

Glycine Max Oil, E322, Soya Oil, Soya Bean Oil

Summary

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

Manufacturer Benefits

Soybean oil is included as a cost-effective source of fat and essential fatty acids, supporting energy density and skin and coat health in pet food. It also contributes to product texture and palatability while helping to optimise manufacturing costs.

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.

Ispaghula Husk, Plantago Ovata Husk, Blond Psyllium, Plantago Ovata

Summary

Psyllium husk is a plant-derived ingredient sourced from the outer coating of Plantago ovata seeds. It is primarily included in pet food as a soluble fibre to support digestive health and promote regular bowel movements. Psyllium husk is used in its natural form, allowing pets to benefit from its gentle bulking and water-absorbing properties, which help optimise gastrointestinal function.

Manufacturer Benefits

Psyllium husk is included as a functional fibre source to support digestive health and promote regular bowel movements in pets. It also serves as a cost-effective bulking agent to optimise stool quality and product texture.

Plantago Ovata Seed, Ispaghula Seed, Blond Psyllium, Plantago Spp. Seed

Summary

Psyllium seed is derived from the seeds of the Plantago ovata plant, a botanical source native to parts of Asia and the Mediterranean. It is primarily included in pet food for its high soluble fibre content, which supports digestive health and regular bowel movements. Psyllium seed is used in its natural, whole form, ensuring optimal fibre delivery and functional benefits for pets.

Manufacturer Benefits

Psyllium seed is included as a functional fibre source to support digestive health and promote regular bowel movements in pets. Its addition can also help optimise stool quality and may appeal to consumers seeking recognisable, health-oriented ingredients on the label.

Saccharomyces Cerevisiae, Baker’s Yeast, Brewer’s Yeast, E620

Summary

Yeast is a single-celled fungus of microbial origin commonly derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. It is included in pet food primarily as a source of high-quality protein, B vitamins, and functional compounds that support digestive and immune health. Yeast is utilised in its deactivated, dried form rather than as a live organism, ensuring safety and optimal nutrient availability for pets.

Manufacturer Benefits

Yeast is included as a palatability enhancer and natural flavour source to improve the taste and aroma of pet food, encouraging consumption. It may also serve as a cost-effective source of protein and B vitamins, supporting nutritional labelling claims.

Fermented Glucosamine, Glucosamine (Fermentation Derived), Glucosamine (Microbial Fermentation), Glucosamine (Biofermentation)

Summary

Glucosamine from fermentation is a compound derived from the controlled microbial fermentation of plant-based substrates. It is primarily included in pet food to support joint health by aiding cartilage maintenance and repair. Unlike naturally occurring glucosamine found in animal tissues, this ingredient is utilised in its purified, bioavailable form, ensuring consistent quality and optimal absorption for pets.

Manufacturer Benefits

Glucosamine from fermentation is included as a functional ingredient to support joint health claims, appealing to pet owners seeking preventative or therapeutic benefits for their pets. Its fermentation-derived origin allows for consistent quality and label-friendly marketing as a non-animal source.

Borago Officinalis Seed Oil, Starflower Oil, Boraginaceae Seed Oil, Borago Officinalis Oil

Summary

Borage oil is a plant-derived oil extracted from the seeds of the borage plant (Borago officinalis). It is primarily included in pet food for its high gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) content, an omega-6 fatty acid that supports skin and coat health. Borage oil is used in its natural, cold-pressed form to optimise nutrient retention and bioavailability in pet diets.

Manufacturer Benefits

Borage oil is included as a source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid that supports skin and coat health in pets. Its presence allows manufacturers to market the product as containing beneficial fatty acids, appealing to health-conscious consumers.

Calendula Officinalis Meal, Calendula Meal, Dried Calendula Officinalis, Dried Calendula Meal

Summary

Marigold meal is a plant-derived ingredient made from the dried and ground flowers of the marigold (Tagetes erecta). It is primarily included in pet food for its natural lutein content, which supports eye health and provides antioxidant benefits. Marigold meal is used in its natural, whole-food form, ensuring the retention of its beneficial carotenoids and phytonutrients.

Manufacturer Benefits

Marigold meal is included as a natural colourant to enhance the visual appeal of pet food and as a label-friendly ingredient that may appeal to consumers seeking botanicals. It may also be used for its potential antioxidant properties, supporting product marketing claims.

Yucca Schidigera Extract, Yucca Extract, Yucca Spp. Juice, Yucca Spp. Extract

Summary

Yucca Schidigera Juice is a plant-derived extract obtained from the Yucca schidigera plant, native to arid regions of North America. It is primarily included in pet food for its natural saponins, which help reduce faecal odour and support digestive health. Rather than using the whole plant, the juice is utilised in its extracted liquid form to optimise its functional benefits.

Manufacturer Benefits

Yucca Schidigera Juice is included as a natural deodorising agent to reduce stool and urine odour in pets, thereby improving the perceived cleanliness of the product. Its presence also serves a marketing function, appealing to consumers seeking plant-based or holistic ingredients.

Hydrolysed Collagen, Collagen Hydrolysate, Gelatine Hydrolysate, Collagen Peptides

Summary

Hydrolysed cartilage is an animal-derived ingredient sourced primarily from poultry or bovine connective tissue. It is included in pet food for its high collagen content, supporting joint health and mobility. Rather than being used in its raw form, cartilage undergoes hydrolysis—a process that breaks down proteins into smaller peptides—enhancing digestibility and bioavailability for optimal nutritional benefit.

Manufacturer Benefits

Hydrolysed cartilage is included as a source of collagen and amino acids, supporting joint health claims and appealing to consumers seeking functional benefits for their pets. Its processed form also enhances digestibility and can be used to differentiate products in a competitive market.

Retinol, Retinyl Palmitate, Retinyl Acetate, E160a

Summary

Vitamin A is an essential fat-soluble nutrient derived from animal sources (as retinyl esters) or plant sources (as carotenoids). It supports vision, immune function, and skin health in pets. In pet food, Vitamin A is not used in its raw or natural state but is provided as stabilised compounds (such as retinyl acetate or retinyl palmitate) to ensure safety, stability, and optimal absorption.

Manufacturer Benefits

Vitamin A is included as an essential nutrient to support vision, immune function, and overall health in pets, ensuring the product meets established nutritional standards. Its addition also allows manufacturers to optimise the nutritional profile and comply with regulatory labelling requirements.

Cholecalciferol, Colecalciferol, Calciol, E671

Summary

Vitamin D3, also known as cholecalciferol, is a fat-soluble vitamin of animal origin commonly derived from lanolin or fish oil. It plays a crucial role in regulating calcium and phosphorus metabolism, supporting healthy bone development in pets. Vitamin D3 is not used in its natural form but is instead utilised as a stabilised compound to ensure safety, efficacy, and optimal absorption in pet food formulations.

Manufacturer Benefits

Vitamin D3 is included to ensure the finished product meets established nutritional requirements for canine health, supporting bone development and calcium regulation. Its addition allows manufacturers to guarantee consistent vitamin content regardless of natural variation in raw materials.

Tocopherol, Alpha-Tocopherol, E307, D-Alpha-Tocopherol

Summary

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin derived from plant sources such as vegetable oils, nuts, and seeds. It functions primarily as an antioxidant, helping to protect cell membranes from oxidative damage and supporting immune health. In pet food, Vitamin E is not used in its natural raw form but is typically utilised as a stabilised compound, such as tocopherol acetate, to optimise safety and absorption.

Manufacturer Benefits

Vitamin E is included as a natural antioxidant to help preserve the freshness and stability of fats and oils in the product, thereby extending shelf life. It also serves as a label-friendly nutrient that appeals to consumers seeking added health benefits for their pets.

Ferrum, Fe, E1, Elemental Iron

Summary

Iron is an essential mineral sourced from both animal and plant origins, crucial for oxygen transport and energy metabolism in pets. Its primary benefit is supporting healthy red blood cell formation and preventing anaemia. Iron is not used in its natural, raw, or metallic state; instead, it is utilised in pet food as safe, bioavailable compounds such as iron sulphate or iron proteinate to optimise absorption.

Manufacturer Benefits

Iron is included as an essential mineral to support healthy blood function and overall metabolism in pets. Its addition ensures the product meets nutritional requirements and regulatory standards for complete and balanced pet food.

Elemental I, E127, Iodum, CAS 7553-56-2

Summary

Iodine is an essential trace mineral sourced primarily from seaweed or mineral deposits. It plays a critical role in supporting healthy thyroid function and hormone production in pets. Iodine is not used in its natural elemental form due to safety and bioavailability concerns; instead, it is typically incorporated as a compound such as potassium iodide or calcium iodate to optimise absorption and efficacy.

Manufacturer Benefits

Iodine is included as an essential trace mineral to support thyroid function and overall metabolic health in pets. Its addition ensures nutritional adequacy and compliance with regulatory labelling standards for complete and balanced pet foods.

Cu, ECP, CI 77400, C.I. 77400

Summary

Copper is an essential trace mineral sourced from the earth and is vital for numerous physiological functions in pets. It primarily supports red blood cell formation, connective tissue development, and immune system health. Copper is not used in its natural metallic state; instead, it is incorporated into pet food as safe, bioavailable compounds such as copper sulphate or copper proteinate to optimise absorption and efficacy.

Manufacturer Benefits

Copper is included as an essential trace mineral to meet nutritional requirements for dogs, supporting enzyme function and red blood cell formation. Its addition ensures compliance with regulatory standards for complete and balanced pet food labelling.

E34, Manganum, Mn, EINECS 231-105-1

Summary

Manganese is an essential trace mineral sourced from the earth and is vital for numerous metabolic processes in pets. It primarily supports bone development, enzyme function, and antioxidant defence. Manganese is not used in its natural metallic state; instead, it is incorporated into pet food as a safe, bioavailable compound such as manganese sulphate or manganese oxide to optimise absorption and efficacy.

Manufacturer Benefits

Manganese is included as an essential trace mineral to support metabolic and skeletal health in pets, fulfilling nutritional requirements for complete and balanced pet food. Its addition ensures compliance with regulatory standards and appeals to consumers seeking scientifically formulated diets.

Zn, E579, Zincum, CI 77947

Summary

Zinc is an essential trace mineral sourced from the earth and is vital for numerous biological functions in pets, including immune support and skin health. In pet food, zinc is not used in its natural metallic state; instead, it is utilised as a compound such as zinc sulphate or zinc chelate to optimise safety and absorption, ensuring pets receive its full nutritional benefit.

Manufacturer Benefits

Zinc is included as an essential trace mineral to support immune function, skin health, and overall metabolic processes in pets. Its addition ensures nutritional adequacy and compliance with regulatory labelling standards for complete and balanced pet foods.

Selen, E578, Atomic Number 34, Se

Summary

Selenium is an essential trace mineral sourced from the earth, typically derived from plant or yeast-based compounds for pet food use. It plays a crucial role in supporting antioxidant defences and thyroid function. Selenium is not used in its natural, raw metallic state; instead, it is utilised as a safe, bioavailable compound such as sodium selenite or selenomethionine to optimise absorption and efficacy.

Manufacturer Benefits

Selenium is included as an essential trace mineral to meet nutritional requirements and support overall health in pets. Its addition ensures compliance with regulatory standards for complete and balanced pet food formulations.

Natural Zeolite, Zeolite Clinoptilolite, Sedimentary Zeolite, E567

Summary

Clinoptilolite of sedimentary origin is a naturally occurring mineral from the zeolite group, sourced from ancient volcanic ash deposits. It is primarily included in pet food for its ability to bind toxins and support digestive health. Rather than being used in its raw mineral state, clinoptilolite is processed and purified to ensure safety and optimise its functional benefits in animal nutrition.

Manufacturer Benefits

Clinoptilolite of sedimentary origin is included as a functional additive to act as an anti-caking agent and to support digestive health by binding toxins and optimising stool quality. Its use can also enhance product stability and improve the overall handling of the finished pet food.

Antimicrobials, E Numbers, Food Additives, Chemical Preservatives

Summary

Preservatives are compounds added to pet food to inhibit the growth of spoilage microorganisms and extend shelf life. Originating from both synthetic and natural sources, their primary function is to maintain product safety and freshness. Preservatives are not used in their raw or elemental state; instead, they are incorporated as specific compounds, such as mixed tocopherols or potassium sorbate, to optimise efficacy and safety for pets.

Manufacturer Benefits

Preservatives are included to extend the product’s shelf life by inhibiting the growth of spoilage organisms and maintaining freshness during storage and distribution. Their use helps ensure product safety and stability, reducing waste and optimising inventory management.

Antioxidant Agents, Free Radical Scavengers, E306, E321

Summary

Antioxidants are compounds sourced from both plant and synthetic origins, commonly added to pet food to protect fats and oils from oxidation, thereby preserving freshness and nutritional quality. Their primary function is to neutralise free radicals, supporting cellular health. Antioxidants are not used in their raw or isolated chemical state; instead, specific forms such as mixed tocopherols or ascorbate compounds are utilised for safety and efficacy.

Manufacturer Benefits

Antioxidants are included to prevent the oxidation of fats and oils, thereby extending the product’s shelf life and maintaining nutritional quality. They also help preserve colour and flavour, supporting product stability and consumer appeal.