NPD™ Slow Cooked Crocodile and Algae Oil

Crocodylus Spp., Crocodylidae, Crocodilian, Crocodylian

Summary

Crocodile is a novel animal protein sourced from farmed or wild Australian crocodiles. It is primarily included in pet food for its high-quality, easily digestible protein and essential amino acids, supporting muscle maintenance and overall health. Crocodile is used in its natural, whole meat form, providing a hypoallergenic alternative for pets with sensitivities to more common proteins.

Manufacturer Benefits

Crocodile is included as a novel protein source to cater to pets with food sensitivities or allergies, supporting hypoallergenic product claims. Its use also enables premium positioning and marketing differentiation in the pet food market.

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.

Bambusa Spp. Fibre, Bamboo Cellulose, Bamboo Dietary Fibre, Bamboo Plant Fibre

Summary

Bamboo fibre is a plant-derived ingredient sourced from the stalks of bamboo plants. It is primarily included in pet food as a functional source of dietary fibre, supporting digestive health and stool quality. Bamboo fibre is used in its processed form, not as raw bamboo, to ensure safety, digestibility, and optimal fibre content for pets’ nutritional needs.

Manufacturer Benefits

Bamboo fibre is included as a cost-effective, label-friendly source of dietary fibre to aid stool quality and digestive health. It also serves as a bulk-adding agent, helping to optimise product texture and manufacturing efficiency.

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.

Flaxseed Oil, Oleum Lini, E401, Linum Usitatissimum Oil

Summary

Linseed oil, derived from the seeds of the flax plant (Linum usitatissimum), is a plant-based ingredient valued for its high content of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which supports skin and coat health in pets. In pet food, linseed oil is utilised in its natural, cold-pressed form to optimise nutrient retention and bioavailability.

Manufacturer Benefits

Linseed oil is included as a source of omega-3 fatty acids to support skin and coat health, providing a plant-based alternative to fish oils. Its presence also allows manufacturers to market the product as containing beneficial oils for overall wellbeing.

Algal Oil, Microalgae Oil, Schizochytrium Spp. Oil, Crypthecodinium Cohnii Oil

Summary

Algae oil is a plant-derived oil extracted from various species of microalgae. It serves as a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA, which supports cognitive and visual development in pets. Algae oil is utilised in its refined form, not as whole algae, to ensure purity, safety, and optimal absorption of its beneficial nutrients in pet food formulations.

Manufacturer Benefits

Algae oil is included as a sustainable and label-friendly source of omega-3 fatty acids, providing a plant-based alternative to fish oil. Its use allows manufacturers to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers while supporting the nutritional profile of the product.

Micronutrients, Essential Nutrients, Dietary Micronutrients, Nutrient Elements

Summary

Vitamins and minerals are essential micronutrients derived from both animal and plant sources, as well as synthesised compounds. They play a critical role in supporting metabolic processes, immune function, and overall health in pets. These nutrients are not used in their natural elemental or raw forms; instead, they are incorporated as specific compounds, such as salts or chelates, to optimise safety, stability, and bioavailability.

Manufacturer Benefits

Vitamins and minerals are included to ensure the product meets established nutritional standards for complete and balanced pet food, supporting overall health and wellbeing. Their addition allows manufacturers to compensate for any nutrient losses during processing and to optimise the nutritional profile regardless of ingredient variability.

Cichorium Intybus Extract, Cichorium Intybus Root Extract, Inulin Extract, Cichorium Intybus L. Root Extract

Summary

Chicory root extract is derived from the root of the chicory plant, a perennial herb native to Europe and cultivated in Australia. Primarily, it serves as a source of inulin, a prebiotic fibre that supports digestive health and beneficial gut bacteria in pets. Rather than using the whole root, the extract is utilised in a concentrated form to optimise its functional benefits.

Manufacturer Benefits

Chicory root extract is included as a source of prebiotic fibre to support digestive health and promote beneficial gut bacteria. It also serves as a label-friendly ingredient that appeals to health-conscious consumers.

Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Postbiotic, Yeast Postbiotic, Dried Fermentate of Saccharomyces Cerevisiae, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Fermentation Product

Summary

TruMune® Postbiotics are a specialised ingredient derived from yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), originating from a microbial source. Their primary purpose is to support immune health and digestive function in pets by providing bioactive compounds produced during fermentation. TruMune® is not used in its natural yeast form but is utilised as a processed postbiotic, ensuring safety, stability, and optimal bioavailability for pet nutrition.

Manufacturer Benefits

TruMune® Postbiotics are included to support digestive and immune health, providing functional benefits that can differentiate the product in the market. Their addition allows manufacturers to make label claims related to gut health, appealing to health-conscious consumers.

Yeast Cell Wall, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae, Algal Beta-Glucans, Ulva Lactuca

Summary

Algimun® is a proprietary blend derived from marine algae, specifically designed for use in pet nutrition. Sourced from natural seaweed (plant origin), it is included for its functional benefits in supporting immune health and digestive function. Algimun® is not used in its raw seaweed form but is processed into a standardised extract to optimise bioavailability and efficacy in pet food formulations.

Manufacturer Benefits

Algimun® is included as a functional additive to support immune health and digestive function in pets, leveraging its bioactive compounds derived from marine algae. Its presence allows manufacturers to market the product as scientifically advanced and supportive of overall pet wellbeing.

Sodium Chloride, NaCl, Table Salt, E535

Summary

Salt is a mineral ingredient derived from the combination of sodium and chloride, typically sourced from natural deposits or seawater. It is primarily included in pet food to support electrolyte balance, nerve function, and hydration. Salt is not used in its raw mineral form but is utilised as sodium chloride, a purified compound, to ensure safety, palatability, and optimal absorption in pets.

Manufacturer Benefits

Salt is included as a palatability enhancer to improve taste and encourage consumption, and also functions as a preservative to help extend product shelf life. Its use allows manufacturers to optimise flavour while maintaining product stability.

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.

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.

2-Aminoethanesulphonic Acid, L-Taurine, E107, 2-Aminoethane-1-Sulphonic Acid

Summary

Taurine is a naturally occurring amino sulfonic acid derived from animal sources, particularly meat and fish. It is added to pet food to support cardiovascular health, vision, and proper immune function, especially in cats who cannot synthesise it sufficiently. Taurine is not used in its raw form; instead, it is incorporated as a purified, synthesised compound to ensure stability, safety, and optimal absorption.

Manufacturer Benefits

Taurine is included to ensure adequate levels of this essential amino acid, particularly in diets where animal protein content may be insufficient to meet canine or feline nutritional requirements. Its addition supports cardiovascular health and is often used to address consumer concerns about diet-associated heart issues.

2-Amino-2-Deoxy-D-Glucose, D-Glucosamine, Chitosamine, 2-Amino-2-Deoxyglucose

Summary

Glucosamine is an amino sugar compound typically derived from shellfish or produced synthetically. It is included in pet food primarily to support joint health by aiding cartilage maintenance and repair. Glucosamine is not used in its natural raw form; instead, it is utilised as a stabilised compound, such as glucosamine hydrochloride or glucosamine sulphate, to optimise safety, stability, and absorption in pets.

Manufacturer Benefits

Glucosamine is included as a functional additive to support joint health and mobility, particularly in senior or large-breed pets. Its presence also serves as a marketing feature, appealing to consumers seeking products with perceived health benefits for their pets.

Chondroitin Sulphate, Chondroitin Polysulphate, Chondroitin Sulphate Sodium, Chondroitin Sulphate (Haliotis Spp.)

Summary

Chondroitin is a naturally occurring compound derived from animal cartilage, commonly sourced from bovine or marine origins. It is primarily included in pet food to support joint health by aiding cartilage resilience and reducing inflammation. Chondroitin is not used in its raw form; instead, it is utilised as chondroitin sulphate, a processed compound that optimises safety and bioavailability for pets.

Manufacturer Benefits

Chondroitin is included as a functional ingredient to support joint health, appealing to consumers seeking products with perceived health benefits for ageing or active pets. Its presence also serves as a marketing differentiator, allowing manufacturers to position the product as premium or specialised.