1Meat and animal derivativesUnnamed 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
2cerealsCereals (generic)▾
● Contextual noteA generic term for grain ingredients, common on European-style labels. Where the label names the grains in brackets, each is shown and classified below; 'and/or' wording means the mix can vary between batches. Unnamed grains are relevant for pets with grain sensitivities.Sources: EU Regulation 767/2009 · FEDIAF labelling guidelines
3derivatives of vegetable origin▾
● Contextual noteA European-style labelling term for plant-derived ingredients without specifying the source plants. Limits traceability and allergen identification.Sources: EU Regulation 767/2009 · FEDIAF labelling guidelines
4vegetable protein extractsVegetable protein isolate▾
● Contextual noteA concentrated plant-based protein source. When the source plant is not specified, traceability is limited and allergen identification is difficult for sensitive pets.Sources: Nutritional composition data · AAFCO ingredient definitions
5oils and fatsOils and fats (generic)▾
● Contextual noteA generic term for oil and fat sources. Where the label names the sources in brackets, each is shown and classified below. Unnamed sources cannot be traced to an animal or plant species; named sources (e.g. chicken fat, salmon oil) provide more transparency.Sources: EU Regulation 767/2009 · AAFCO ingredient definitions
6mineralsMinerals (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
7various sugarsAdded 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
8molluscsMolluscs / crustaceans (unnamed shellfish)▾
● Contextual noteA generic shellfish declaration ('molluscs' or 'crustaceans') where the species is not named. Molluscs and crustaceans are also a recognised allergen group.Sources: Label transparency
