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.
Buffalo Broth
This broth is tasty for dogs and makes up the moisture content and is more flavorful and nutrient-rich…
Buffalo Deboned
Is the primary source of protein in this dry dog food formula. Buffalo adds a unique flavor and…
Buffalo Liver
This ingredient is used as a protein source and is a great source of iron. Liver is a…
Buffalo Meal
A concentrated meal rendered from bison.
Buffalo Meat
Lean chunks of rich buffalo meat are incorporated into this dog food to supply your pet with the…
Butternut Squash
The flesh of the butternut squash, used cooked or dried.
Cabbage
The leafy head of the cabbage plant.
Calciferol
Vitamin D2, added to meet nutritional requirements.
Calcium Amino Acid Chelate
Calcium bound to amino acids to improve how well it is absorbed.
Cane Molasses
A syrup produced as a by-product of refining sugar cane.
Canola Meal
The protein-rich meal left after oil has been pressed from canola seed.
Canola Oil
Oil pressed from the seed of the canola plant, a variety of rapeseed bred for low erucic acid.
Capelin
A small cold-water fish of the smelt family.
Caramel
Sugar heated until it browns, used as a coloring.
Caramel Coloring
A brown coloring made by heating sugar.
Carob
The pod of the carob tree, used as a chocolate substitute.
Carob Gum
A thickener extracted from carob seeds, also called locust bean gum.
Carob Powder
Dried and ground carob pod.
Carotene
A plant pigment that the body converts into vitamin A.
Carrageenan
A thickener extracted from red seaweed, used to give wet food its texture.
Carrageenan Gum
A thickener extracted from red seaweed.
Carrots
The root of the carrot plant, used fresh, cooked or dried.
Cassava Flour
Flour milled from the dried cassava root, used as a grain-free carbohydrate and binder.
Cassava Root Flour
Flour milled from the cassava root, used as a grain-free carbohydrate and binder.
Cassia
The bark of the cassia tree, closely related to cinnamon.
Cassia Gum
A thickener extracted from the seed of the cassia plant.
Catfish
A freshwater fish used as a protein source.
Catfish Meal
A concentrated meal rendered from catfish.
Celery
May lower cholesterol and facilitate a healthier blood pressure level in your pet.
Cellulase
An enzyme that breaks down cellulose, a plant fiber.
Cellulose
Provides some fiber, but has no nutritional value. It’s usually made from finely ground cotton or sawdust, and…
Chamomile
The flower of the chamomile plant, used dried.
Chamomile Flowers
The dried flower heads of the chamomile plant.
Cheddar Cheese
A cow's milk cheese, used in small amounts as a palatability aid.
Cheese
A dairy product made by curdling and pressing milk.
Cheese Powder
Dried and powdered cheese, used as a flavor coating.