1Water▾
● Standard ingredientWater used in processing; contributes to the declared moisture content.
2chickenNamed 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
3liverNamed organ meats▾
● Beneficial (well-established)Organ meat from a named animal species, with both the species and the organ identified. Published nutrition references describe named organ meats (e.g. chicken liver, beef heart) as nutrient-dense, naturally rich in vitamins A and B12, iron, copper, and folate. Where the label names only the organ (e.g. "liver"), the animal species is not identified.Sources: NRC 2006 · Nutritional composition data
4powdered celluloseCellulose / powdered cellulose▾
● Under research reviewA plant-derived insoluble fibre. Provides bulk but limited nutritional value. Acceptable in small amounts; when present as a primary fibre source (top 10 ingredients), it may indicate a high proportion of nutritionally inert filler.Sources: NRC 2006 Nutrient Requirements · Nutritional composition data
5riceRice / brewer's rice▾
● Contextual noteA highly digestible carbohydrate. Brewer's rice is a milling by-product but still provides nutritional value.Sources: NRC 2006
6soy protein isolateSoy / soybean meal▾
● Contextual noteA plant-based protein source. Contains phytoestrogens (isoflavones). A common allergen in some pets.Sources: NRC 2006 · AAFCO 2024
7meat by-productsUnnamed meat sources▾
● Under research reviewProtein source without species identification. Terms like meat, meat meal, animal by-products or co-products, meat and bone meal, or meat and animal derivatives do not identify the animal species, which limits traceability and makes allergen avoidance difficult.Sources: AAFCO 2024 Official Publication · EU Regulation 767/2009
8carrageenan▾
● Under research reviewThickener and stabiliser used in wet food. Some animal studies have associated degraded forms with gastrointestinal inflammation. Food-grade carrageenan may contain degraded fractions. Some premium brands have voluntarily removed it.Sources: Tobacman 2001 review · EFSA 2018 re-evaluation · Martino et al. 2017 · Chassaing et al. 2015
