9Brewers Dried YeastBrewer's yeast▾
● Beneficial (emerging)A by-product of beer brewing that provides B vitamins, protein, and trace minerals. Some studies have explored its role as a source of mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS) for gut health support and as a natural palatability enhancer.Sources: Nutritional composition data · Swanson et al. 2002
10CranberriesCranberry / cranberry extract▾
● Beneficial (supported)Contains proanthocyanidins, which some studies have associated with urinary tract health, particularly in cats.Sources: Howell 2007
11Blueberries▾
● Beneficial (emerging)A whole-food source of anthocyanins, associated with antioxidant properties in published research.Sources: Prior et al. 2008Position on the ingredient list suggests a small inclusion level.
12KelpKelp / seaweed meal▾
● Beneficial (supported)A natural source of iodine and trace minerals. Some studies have explored dental health benefits. Note: excessive iodine from kelp could affect thyroid function in cats with hyperthyroidism.Sources: NRC 2006Position on the ingredient list suggests a small inclusion level.
13Chicory InulinChicory▾
● Standard ingredientThe whole chicory plant or its pulp, distinct from chicory root extract (a prebiotic FOS source).Sources: Nutritional composition data
14Choline Chloride▾
● Standard ingredientCholine chloride: a standard added nutrient for normal cell and nerve function.
15Magnesium SulfateMagnesium oxide▾
● Standard ingredientA standard added magnesium (mineral) supplement.
16TaurineTaurine (supplemental)▾
● Beneficial (well-established)Taurine supplementation is increasingly common in dog food, particularly for breeds associated with DCM susceptibility.Sources: Pion et al. 1987 · NRC 2006 · Freeman et al. 2018Position on the ingredient list suggests a small inclusion level.
17DL-Methionine▾
● Contextual noteAn essential amino acid commonly added to pet food. Also functions as a urinary acidifier (lowers urine pH). Veterinary sources note it should be used with caution in pets with kidney disease, pancreatic disease, or liver insufficiency. Not recommended for kittens.Sources: VCA Animal Hospitals · PetMD veterinary reference · NRC 2006
18Calcium Carbonate▾
● Standard ingredientA standard added calcium (mineral) supplement.
19Zinc Amino Acid ComplexChelated / organic minerals▾
● Beneficial (supported)Chelated (organic) mineral forms are associated with better bioavailability compared to inorganic forms in published research.Sources: Spears 1996 · NRC 2006Position on the ingredient list suggests a small inclusion level.
20Iron Amino Acid ComplexChelated / organic minerals▾
● Beneficial (supported)Chelated (organic) mineral forms are associated with better bioavailability compared to inorganic forms in published research.Sources: Spears 1996 · NRC 2006Position on the ingredient list suggests a small inclusion level.
21Vitamin E SupplementVitamin E▾
● Standard ingredientA standard added vitamin with antioxidant function.
22Niacin (Vitamin B3)Niacin▾
● Standard ingredientNiacin (vitamin B3): a standard added B vitamin.
23Copper Amino Acid ComplexChelated / organic minerals▾
● Beneficial (supported)Chelated (organic) mineral forms are associated with better bioavailability compared to inorganic forms in published research.Sources: Spears 1996 · NRC 2006Position on the ingredient list suggests a small inclusion level.
24d-Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5)Pantothenic acid▾
● Standard ingredientPantothenic acid (vitamin B5): a standard added B vitamin.
25Manganese Amino Acid ComplexChelated / organic minerals▾
● Beneficial (supported)Chelated (organic) mineral forms are associated with better bioavailability compared to inorganic forms in published research.Sources: Spears 1996 · NRC 2006Position on the ingredient list suggests a small inclusion level.
26Sodium Selenite▾
● Standard ingredientA standard added selenium (mineral) supplement.
27Riboflavin SupplementRiboflavin▾
● Standard ingredientRiboflavin (vitamin B2): a standard added B vitamin.
28Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1)Thiamine▾
● Standard ingredientThiamine (vitamin B1): a standard added B vitamin.
29Vitamin B12 SupplementVitamin B12▾
● Standard ingredientVitamin B12: a standard added B vitamin.
30Vitamin A SupplementVitamin A▾
● Standard ingredientA standard added vitamin involved in vision and immune function.
31Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6)Vitamin B6▾
● Standard ingredientVitamin B6 (pyridoxine): a standard added B vitamin.
32Cobalt Sulfate▾
● Standard ingredientA trace mineral supplement providing cobalt, which is a component of vitamin B12.Sources: NRC 2006
33Calcium Iodate▾
● Standard ingredientA standard added iodine (mineral) supplement.
34Folic Acid▾
● Standard ingredientFolic acid (vitamin B9): a standard added B vitamin.
35Vitamin D3 SupplementVitamin D3▾
● Standard ingredientA standard added vitamin involved in calcium metabolism and bone health.
36Potassium Chloride▾
● Standard ingredientA standard added potassium (mineral) supplement.
37Calcium Propionate▾
● Standard ingredientCalcium propionate (E282) is the calcium salt of propionic acid, a short-chain fatty acid that also occurs naturally in some foods and in the body. It is used as a preservative to inhibit mould and some bacteria, mainly in baked and starchy products. EFSA and the US FDA regard it as safe within permitted uses; EFSA set no numerical ADI, and it is a permitted additive in the EU and is listed in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (282).Sources: EFSA opinion on propionic acid and propionates (E 280-E 283) as food additives · US FDA GRAS listing for calcium propionate, 21 CFR 184.1221 · Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, Schedule 15 permitted additives (282)
38Glucosamine HydrochlorideGlucosamine HCL▾
● Beneficial (supported)Some peer-reviewed studies in dogs have associated glucosamine with joint cartilage support. Quality and formulation vary across products.Sources: McCarthy et al. 2007 · Moreau et al. 2003Position on the ingredient list suggests a small inclusion level.
39Mixed Tocopherols for added freshnessMixed tocopherols (natural preservative)▾
● Beneficial (emerging)This product uses mixed tocopherols (natural vitamin E) as a preservative, which is an alternative to synthetic preservation systems.Sources: NRC 2006Position on the ingredient list suggests a small inclusion level.
40Rosemary ExtractRosemary / rosemary extract▾
● Contextual noteGenerally regarded as a positive natural preservative alternative to synthetic options. Some veterinary sources suggest rosemary may lower seizure thresholds in dogs with epilepsy.Sources: Goncalves et al. 2019
41Tea Extract▾
● Beneficial (emerging)An extract from tea leaves (typically green tea) providing polyphenols and catechins (particularly EGCG) with well-documented antioxidant properties. Some studies have explored benefits for oral health and antioxidant status in dogs.Sources: Green tea catechin antioxidant studies · Veterinary oral health researchPosition on the ingredient list suggests a small inclusion level.
42Spearmint Extract▾
● Contextual noteA herb extract used for breath freshening and flavour. Spearmint (Mentha spicata) is listed as non-toxic to dogs and cats by ASPCA. However, concentrated mint essential oils are toxic to pets - the diluted extract used in pet food is safe at normal inclusion levels. Note: English pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) is a different mint species that IS toxic to dogs and should not be confused with spearmint.Sources: ASPCA non-toxic plant list · Dog Food Advisor mint guide · Continental Kennel Club