9pumpkin▾
● Beneficial (supported)A source of soluble fibre widely recommended by veterinarians for digestive support.Sources: NRC 2006 · Veterinary digestive health references
10apple▾
● Standard ingredientA whole fruit providing fibre and vitamins.Sources: Nutritional composition data
11algae mealAlgal oil (DHA source)▾
● Beneficial (emerging)A plant-based source of DHA omega-3 derived from microalgae (often Schizochytrium sp.). Provides DHA without fish-derived ingredients.Sources: Algal oil DHA bioavailability studiesPosition on the ingredient list suggests a moderate to small inclusion level.
12vitamins & mineralsMinerals (generic)▾
● Standard ingredientA generic term for a mineral premix. Where the label lists the specific mineral compounds in brackets, each is shown and classified below; otherwise the individual minerals are not disclosed. European-style labels declare added trace minerals as numbered additives with doses (e.g. "E4 (copper): 10 mg").Sources: AAFCO ingredient definitions
13flaxseedFlaxseed / flaxseed oil▾
● Beneficial (supported)A plant-based source of omega-3 (ALA), fibre, and lignans. Note: dogs have limited ability to convert plant ALA to the more bioactive EPA/DHA found in marine sources.Sources: Bauer 2011Position on the ingredient list suggests a moderate to small inclusion level.
14sunflower lecithinLecithin▾
● Standard ingredientA phospholipid mixture used as a natural emulsifier (E322) to blend fats and water and improve texture; also a source of choline and phosphatidylcholine. Commonly sourced from soy or sunflower. Soy-derived lecithin is relevant for pets with soy sensitivity; sunflower lecithin is a common soy-free alternative. Generally recognised as safe. Marketed benefits for skin, coat, and cognition are largely emerging.Sources: FDA GRAS status · AAFCO ingredient definitions · Nutritional composition data
15salt▾
● Contextual noteAn essential mineral present in all pet food. Flag only when appearing high on the ingredient list.Sources: NRC 2006
16seaweed extractKelp / 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.
17olive extractOlive Leaf Extract▾
● Beneficial (emerging)Olive leaf and olive fruit extracts are sources of polyphenols, chiefly oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol, which are studied as natural antioxidants and are increasingly used in pet food including as natural antioxidant/flavour components. Laboratory work has reported antioxidant activity of oleuropein aglycone in canine skeletal muscle cells, but most evidence for broader effects comes from human and rodent studies rather than live dogs or cats. It is best framed as an emerging antioxidant ingredient; consult your vet before use as a supplement.Sources: 'Antioxidant and anti-ageing effects of oleuropein aglycone in canine skeletal muscle cells', ScienceDirect / journal article 2024 (in vitro canine cells) · 'Dietary supplementation with olive oil co-products rich in polyphenols: a novel nutraceutical approach in monogastric animal nutrition', Frontiers in Veterinary Science 2023 (fvets.2023.1272274) · 'Evaluation of a Natural Olive Extract as a Flavor Component in Dry and Wet Dog Foods' (industry/pet-food study)Position on the ingredient list suggests a small inclusion level.
18taurineTaurine (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.