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
2tapiocaTapioca / tapioca starch▾
● Contextual noteA carbohydrate source that provides energy but limited micronutrients.Sources: NRC 2006
3peasPeas / lentils / chickpeas▾
● Contextual noteWhole legumes provide protein, fibre, and micronutrients. The FDA investigated (2018-2022) a potential association with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs when legumes are used as a primary ingredient, did not establish a causal link, and has paused public updates pending new science.Sources: FDA DCM Investigation 2018-2022 · Freeman et al. 2018 JAVMA
4glycerine▾
● 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
5salt▾
● Contextual noteAn essential mineral present in all pet food. Flag only when appearing high on the ingredient list.Sources: NRC 2006
6sugarAdded sugar / sucrose▾
● Under research reviewSweetener and palatant with no nutritional purpose in pet food. Established associations with dental disease in the veterinary dental literature. May be added to increase palatability.Sources: NRC 2006 Nutrient Requirements · Veterinary dental health consensus
7preservativesPreservatives (generic/undisclosed)▾
● Contextual noteA preservative declaration. Where the label names the specific agents in brackets, each is shown and classified below. Where no agent is named, it is not possible to tell whether a natural system or a synthetic antioxidant under research review is present.Sources: AAFCO ingredient definitions · EU Regulation 767/2009
8natural smoke flavourSmoke flavour▾
● Contextual noteA flavouring agent providing a smoky taste, derived from wood smoke or produced synthetically. EFSA's 2023 re-assessment of the smoke flavouring primary products on the EU list either found genotoxicity concerns or could not rule them out, and the EU withdrew the list's authorisations in 2024 with phase-out periods. The label does not disclose which smoke product is used.Sources: EFSA 2023 smoke flavouring primary products opinions · Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2067 · AAFCO ingredient definitions
