1BeefNamed single-species whole meat▾
● Beneficial (well-established)Whole meat from a named animal species. Both the species and the form are identified, which supports traceability and allergy checking. Published nutrition references associate named whole meats with high protein quality.Sources: AAFCO 2024 · NRC 2006 · Amino acid bioavailability studies
2Vegetable GlycerineGlycerine▾
● Standard ingredientA humectant used to retain moisture in semi-moist foods, treats, and dental products. Also serves as a sweetener. Permitted for food use by the US FDA (GRAS).Sources: FDA GRAS status · AAFCO ingredient definitions
3Kiwi FruitKiwifruit▾
● Beneficial (emerging)Kiwifruit is high in vitamin C and soluble fibre and contains the proteolytic enzyme actinidin; multi-country randomised human trials associate eating green kiwifruit with more frequent bowel movements and reduced digestive discomfort (attributed to the fibre's water-holding capacity plus actinidin), though this evidence is human, not canine. Kiwifruit also contains calcium-oxalate raphides, which sources note can cause mouth or skin irritation in some sensitive animals.Sources: Habitual Green Kiwifruit Consumption Is Associated with a Reduction in Upper Gastrointestinal Symptoms: A Systematic Scoping Review · The effect of 'Zesy002' kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis var. chinensis) on gut health function: a randomised cross-over clinical trial · The nutritional and health attributes of kiwifruit: a review
4Garlic▾
● Contextual noteAt low doses, some veterinary nutritionists consider garlic acceptable and note potential antioxidant properties. At high doses, ASPCA and published case reports associate garlic with Heinz body anaemia in dogs and cats. A classic dose-dependent ingredient.Sources: Lee et al. 2000 · ASPCA guidelines
5Salt▾
● Contextual noteAn essential mineral present in all pet food. Flag only when appearing high on the ingredient list.Sources: NRC 2006
6Natural Flavours▾
● Contextual noteA broad AAFCO-defined category that may contain multiple unspecified compounds. Relevant for allergy-prone pets since potential allergens may not be individually listed.Sources: AAFCO 2024
7Apple Cider VinegarFood acids▾
● Standard ingredientA generic term for acidulants used as preservatives or pH regulators. Common food acids include citric acid, phosphoric acid, and lactic acid.Sources: AAFCO ingredient definitions
8Natural AntioxidantAntioxidants (generic/undisclosed)▾
● Contextual noteA generic antioxidant declaration. On EU and Australian labels, antioxidants is the additive class name and does not disclose which compound is used: it may be a natural form (tocopherols, rosemary extract) or a synthetic one (BHA, BHT, TBHQ, ethoxyquin). The specific antioxidant cannot be confirmed from the label.Sources: EU Regulation 767/2009 · AS 5812 (Australian Standard for pet food)
