SPD™ Puppy Air Dried Lamb, Apple and Blueberry

Ovis Aries, Young Sheep, Agnus, Ovine Meat

Summary

Lamb is a high-quality animal protein sourced from sheep, commonly used in premium pet foods. It provides essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that support muscle development and overall health. Lamb is included in its natural, whole-food form, ensuring optimal nutrient availability and palatability. Its rich nutrient profile makes it particularly beneficial for pets with sensitivities to other protein sources.

Manufacturer Benefits

Lamb is included as a high-quality animal protein source to support muscle maintenance and overall health in pets. It also serves as a marketing differentiator, appealing to consumers seeking novel or premium protein options for their pets.

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.

Daucus Carota, Daucus Carota Root, Daucus Carota Sativa, Wild Carrot

Summary

Carrot is a root vegetable of plant origin, widely recognised for its vibrant orange colour and natural sweetness. In pet food, carrot is included in its natural, whole form to provide dietary fibre, beta-carotene (a precursor to vitamin A), and antioxidants. Its primary benefit is supporting digestive health and immune function, while also contributing to overall palatability and nutritional diversity.

Manufacturer Benefits

Carrot is included as a label-friendly ingredient to appeal to consumers seeking recognisable, natural components and to enhance the product’s perceived nutritional value. It may also provide a modest source of fibre and vitamins, supporting marketing claims of added health benefits.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Oenothera Biennis Oil, Oenothera Biennis Seed Oil, EPO, Oenothera Oil

Summary

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

Manufacturer Benefits

Evening Primrose Oil is included as a source of omega-6 fatty acids, particularly gamma-linolenic acid, to support skin and coat health in pets. Its presence also serves a marketing function, appealing to consumers seeking premium or holistic ingredients.

Malus Domestica Fibre, Apple Pomace Fibre, Malus Domestica Dietary Fibre, E459

Summary

Apple fibre is a plant-derived ingredient sourced from the fibrous pulp of apples after juice extraction. It is primarily included in pet food to support digestive health by providing insoluble and soluble dietary fibre, which aids in healthy bowel function. Apple fibre is used in its natural form, ensuring pets benefit from its inherent nutritional properties and gentle support for gastrointestinal wellbeing.

Manufacturer Benefits

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

Vaccinium Corymbosum, Vaccinium Angustifolium, Bilberry, E163

Summary

Blueberry is a small, nutrient-rich fruit of plant origin, commonly sourced from the Vaccinium genus. It is included in pet food primarily for its antioxidant properties, supporting immune health and cellular protection. Blueberry is used in its natural, whole form, ensuring pets benefit from its full spectrum of vitamins, fibre, and phytonutrients as found in fresh fruit.

Manufacturer Benefits

Blueberry is included as a label-friendly ingredient to appeal to health-conscious consumers, leveraging its reputation as a source of antioxidants. Its presence supports marketing claims of added nutritional benefits, though it is typically used in small quantities with minimal impact on the overall nutritional profile for pets.

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.

Neutralised Vinegar, E262, Acetate Buffer, Acetic Acid Buffer

Summary

Buffered vinegar is a food-grade ingredient derived from plant sources, typically grains, and is produced by neutralising vinegar with a buffering agent such as sodium or potassium carbonate. Its primary purpose in pet food is to act as a natural preservative, helping to inhibit microbial growth and extend shelf life. Buffered vinegar is utilised in a processed, stabilised form rather than as raw vinegar.

Manufacturer Benefits

Buffered vinegar is included as a natural preservative to inhibit microbial growth and extend the product’s shelf life. It offers a label-friendly alternative to synthetic preservatives, appealing to consumers seeking more natural ingredient lists.

Metabiotics, Paraprobiotics, Fermented Bacterial Lysates, Non-Viable Microbial Biomass

Summary

Postbiotics are bioactive compounds produced during the fermentation of dietary fibres by beneficial bacteria, originating from microbial sources. They are included in pet food to support gut health, immune function, and overall wellbeing. Postbiotics are not used in their natural, live microbial form; instead, they are incorporated as inactivated bacterial metabolites or cell components to ensure stability and efficacy in the final product.

Manufacturer Benefits

Postbiotics are included to support digestive health and immune function by providing beneficial microbial metabolites without the need for live bacteria. Their addition allows manufacturers to promote gut health benefits while ensuring product stability and extended shelf life.

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.

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.

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.

Tocopherol, Mixed Tocopherols, E306, Rosemary Extract

Summary

Natural antioxidant refers to a substance, typically derived from plant sources, that helps protect pet food from oxidative damage and spoilage. Its primary function is to preserve freshness and extend shelf life by inhibiting the oxidation of fats and oils. In pet food, natural antioxidants are used in their natural form, ensuring safety and effective absorption without the need for chemical modification.

Manufacturer Benefits

Natural antioxidants are included to help preserve the freshness and stability of pet food by slowing the oxidation of fats and oils, thereby extending shelf life. They also serve as a label-friendly alternative to synthetic preservatives, appealing to consumers seeking more natural ingredients.

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.

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.

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.