Total Care Mint Toothbrush Medium Breed Dog Treats

Solanum Tuberosum Starch, E1401, Native Potato Starch, Potato Flour

Summary

Potato starch is a carbohydrate extracted from the tubers of the potato plant (Solanum tuberosum), a plant-based ingredient. It is primarily included in pet food as a source of easily digestible energy and to improve texture and binding. Potato starch is utilised in its processed, purified form rather than as whole potatoes, ensuring consistency and digestibility in the final product.

Manufacturer Benefits

Potato starch is included as a cost-effective carbohydrate source and bulk-adding agent, helping to optimise product texture and binding. It also contributes to a label-friendly formulation that appeals to consumers seeking grain-free options.

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.

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.

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.

Cocos Nucifera Oil, Copra Oil, E472c, Coconut Fat

Summary

Coconut oil is a plant-derived oil extracted from the flesh of mature coconuts. It is primarily included in pet food for its energy-dense medium-chain triglycerides, which support healthy skin, coat, and metabolism. Coconut oil is used in its natural, refined form, ensuring it is safe and readily digestible for pets while delivering its functional nutritional benefits.

Manufacturer Benefits

Coconut oil is included as a source of medium-chain triglycerides, which are marketed for their potential health benefits and digestibility. It also serves as a label-friendly ingredient that appeals to consumers seeking natural or premium pet food formulations.

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.

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.

Calgon, Hexasodium Metaphosphate, E452i, Graham's Salt

Summary

Sodium hexametaphosphate is a synthetic mineral compound derived from sodium and phosphate, commonly used in pet food formulations. Its primary function is to support dental health by helping to reduce tartar formation on teeth. Unlike naturally occurring minerals, sodium hexametaphosphate is not used in its raw state but is specifically formulated as a safe, bioavailable salt to optimise efficacy and absorption.

Manufacturer Benefits

Sodium hexametaphosphate is included as a functional additive to help reduce tartar buildup on pets’ teeth, supporting dental health claims. It also acts as a stabiliser to improve product shelf life and maintain texture.

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.

Pentapotassium Triphosphate, STPP, E451(i), Triphosphoric Acid Pentasodium Salt

Summary

Sodium tripolyphosphate is a synthetic compound derived from inorganic sources, commonly used in pet food formulations. Its primary function is to act as a preservative and to help maintain the texture and moisture of products. Sodium tripolyphosphate is not used in its natural mineral form; instead, it is utilised as a processed salt to ensure safety, stability, and optimal absorption.

Manufacturer Benefits

Sodium tripolyphosphate is included as a functional additive to improve product texture and moisture retention, helping maintain palatability and appearance. It also acts as a preservative to extend shelf life and inhibit spoilage.

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.

Curcuma Longa, Indian Saffron, Jiang Huang, E100

Summary

Turmeric is a vibrant yellow spice derived from the root of the Curcuma longa plant, making it a plant-based ingredient. It is primarily included in pet food for its natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, supporting overall health and wellbeing. Turmeric is used in its natural powdered form, ensuring pets benefit from its active compound, curcumin, in a safe and bioavailable manner.

Manufacturer Benefits

Turmeric is included as a label-friendly ingredient to appeal to health-conscious consumers due to its association with natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Its presence may also support marketing claims related to holistic or functional pet foods, despite being used in small quantities with minimal direct nutritional impact for pets.

Mentha Piperita Oil, Oil of Mentha Piperita, Mentha Piperita Essential Oil, Peppermint Essential Oil

Summary

Peppermint oil is a plant-derived essential oil extracted from the leaves of the peppermint plant (Mentha × piperita). It is primarily included in pet food for its natural flavouring properties and potential digestive support. Peppermint oil is utilised in its extracted oil form, rather than as whole leaves, to ensure consistent potency and safe inclusion levels in formulations.

Manufacturer Benefits

Peppermint oil is included as a label-friendly ingredient to appeal to pet owners seeking natural additives and to impart a fresh aroma that may enhance product palatability. Its use is primarily for marketing purposes and sensory appeal rather than significant nutritional benefit for dogs.

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.

Zinc White, CI 77947, Calamine, Chinese White

Summary

Zinc oxide is an inorganic compound derived from the mineral zinc, commonly used in pet food as a supplemental source of the essential trace mineral zinc. Its primary benefit is to support immune function, skin health, and enzyme activity. Zinc is not used in its natural metallic state; instead, it is utilised as zinc oxide to optimise safety, stability, and bioavailability in pet nutrition.

Manufacturer Benefits

Zinc oxide is included as a cost-effective and stable source of essential zinc, supporting nutritional adequacy in pet food formulations. Its use ensures compliance with regulatory requirements for trace minerals while maintaining product shelf stability.

Cinnamomum Verum, True Cinnamon, Ceylon Cinnamon, Cinnamomum Zeylanicum

Summary

Cinnamon is a spice derived from the inner bark of Cinnamomum trees, making it a plant-based ingredient. It is primarily included in pet food for its natural antioxidant properties, which help support overall health and wellbeing. Cinnamon is used in its natural, ground form rather than as an extract or synthetic compound, ensuring pets benefit from its inherent phytonutrients and aromatic qualities.

Manufacturer Benefits

Cinnamon is included as a label-friendly ingredient to appeal to pet owners seeking natural or holistic additives. It may also be used for its potential antioxidant properties, though its functional impact on pet health is minimal at typical inclusion rates.

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.