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.
Cobalt Amino Acid Chelate
Cobalt bound to amino acids to improve absorption.
Cobalt Amino Acid Complex
Cobalt complexed with amino acids as a trace mineral supplement.
Cobalt Carbonate
An inorganic cobalt salt used as a trace mineral supplement.
Cobalt Glucoheptonate
Cobalt bound to glucoheptonic acid as a trace mineral supplement.
Cobalt Proteinate
(Source of chelated cobalt.)
Cobalt Sulfate
An inorganic cobalt salt used as a trace mineral supplement.
Coconut
The flesh of the coconut, used fresh, dried or shredded.
Coconut Flour
Flour milled from dried coconut flesh.
Coconut Oil
Oil pressed from the flesh of the coconut, high in medium chain triglycerides.
Cod
A lean white ocean fish used as a protein source.
Cod Liver
The liver of the cod, an organ traditionally valued for its oil.
Cod Liver Oil
Oil extracted from the liver of the cod.
Coleman Natural Beef
Beef from a named producer raising cattle without antibiotics or added hormones.
Condroitin Sulfate
A cartilage compound added as a joint supplement, spelled here as it appears on the label.
Copper Amino Acid Chelate
Copper bound to amino acids to improve absorption.
Copper Amino Acid Complex
Copper complexed with amino acids as a trace mineral supplement.
Copper Chelate
Copper bound to an organic carrier to improve absorption.
Copper Polysaccharide Complex
Copper bound to a polysaccharide carrier as a trace mineral supplement.
Copper Proteinate
Copper bound to protein to improve absorption.
Copper Sulfate
An inorganic copper salt used as a trace mineral supplement.
Copper Sulfate Pentahydrate
A hydrated form of copper sulfate used as a trace mineral supplement.
Copra Oil
Oil pressed from dried coconut flesh.
Corn
The kernel of the corn plant, used ground or as separated fractions.
Corn Flour
Flour milled from corn, used as a binder and carbohydrate.
Corn Germ Meal
The germ portion of the corn kernel after the oil has been extracted.
Corn Gluten Meal
The protein-rich fraction left after corn is processed to remove its starch, germ and bran.
Corn Grits
Coarsely ground corn with the bran and germ mostly removed.
Corn Meal
Corn kernels milled to a coarse flour.
Corn Starch
The starch extracted from corn, used as a binder and energy source.
Corn Starch-Modified
Corn starch treated to change how it thickens and holds together.
Corn Syrup
A sweet syrup made from corn starch.
Cottage Cheese
A fresh, soft curd cheese.
Couscous
Small granules of wheat pasta.
Crab
The flesh of the crab, a shellfish.
Crab Broth
The liquid produced by simmering crab, used to add moisture and flavor.
Cracked Barley
Barley grains broken into smaller pieces.