What is actually in dog food
Plain explanations of the things you find on a label, from the obvious ones to the ones that sound like chemistry. No opinions about whether an ingredient is good or bad, just what it is and what it does in the bag.
100% Whole Beef Cooked In Its Own Juices
Is included as a valuable source of protein in this formula, and also contains B complex vitamins, as…
Acadian Redfish
A lean North Atlantic fish, also known as ocean perch.
Acai Berry
(Freeze dried.)
Agar-Agar
A gelling agent extracted from seaweed, used to set wet food.
Alaska Pollock Meal
A concentrated meal rendered from Alaska pollock.
Alfalfa
The leaf and stem of the alfalfa plant, a legume grown as forage.
Alfalfa Meal
Alfalfa that has been dried and ground into a meal.
Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate
A concentrated extract of the nutrients in alfalfa, with much of the fiber removed.
Alfalfa Sprouts
Germinated alfalfa seeds, used fresh.
Algae Extract
A concentrated extract from marine or freshwater algae.
Alligator
The clean flesh of the alligator, used as an uncommon protein.
Alligator Meal
A concentrated meal rendered from alligator.
Almond Oil
(preserved with mixed tocopherols)
Almonds
The seed of the almond tree.
Aloe Vera
The gel from inside the leaf of the aloe plant, with the outer latex removed.
American-Style Kobe Beef
Beef from cattle raised on a Kobe-style feeding program in the United States.
Amylase
An enzyme that breaks starch down into simpler sugars.
Anchovy
Anchovy is an ingredient that is packed with nutritious content and much needed oils for your dog’s daily…
Anchovy Meal
A concentrated meal rendered from whole anchovies.
Anchovy Oil
Source of EPA/DHA
Angelica Root
The root of the angelica plant, used as a botanical ingredient.
Animal Digest
Animal tissue broken down by enzymes into a concentrated liquid or powder, sprayed onto kibble as a flavor…
Animal Fat
Fat rendered from animal tissue, without the species being specified.
Animal Fat Preserved with Mixed-Tocopherols
Rendered animal fat kept stable with mixed tocopherols, a natural form of vitamin E, rather than a synthetic…
Animal Liver
Liver from an unspecified animal.
Antioxidants
The precise blend of antioxidants in this formula helps support a healthy immune system and reduces oxidative stress.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Vinegar produced by fermenting apple cider.
Apples
The fruit of the apple tree, used fresh or dried with the seeds removed.
Applesauce
Cooked and pureed apple.
Apricots
The fruit of the apricot tree, used with the stone removed.
Artichoke
The edible flower head of the artichoke plant.
Artificial Flavors
Synthetic flavoring compounds added to improve taste.
Ascorbic Acid
(Source of Vitamin C.)
Asparagus
The young shoot of the asparagus plant.
Avocado
The flesh of the avocado fruit, with the skin and stone removed.
Avocado Meal
Avocado flesh dried and ground into a meal.