9Sea SaltSalt▾
● Contextual noteAn essential mineral present in all pet food. Flag only when appearing high on the ingredient list.Sources: NRC 2006
10Dried CranberriesCranberry / cranberry extract▾
● Beneficial (supported)Contains proanthocyanidins, which some studies have associated with urinary tract health, particularly in cats.Sources: Howell 2007
11Dried BlueberriesBlueberries▾
● Beneficial (emerging)A whole-food source of anthocyanins, associated with antioxidant properties in published research.Sources: Prior et al. 2008Position on the ingredient list suggests a small inclusion level.
12KelpKelp / 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.
13Brewers Dried YeastBrewer's yeast▾
● Beneficial (emerging)A by-product of beer brewing that provides B vitamins, protein, and trace minerals. Some studies have explored its role as a source of mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS) for gut health support and as a natural palatability enhancer.Sources: Nutritional composition data · Swanson et al. 2002Position on the ingredient list suggests a small inclusion level.
14Choline Chloride▾
● Standard ingredientCholine chloride: a standard added nutrient for normal cell and nerve function.
15Magnesium SulfateMagnesium oxide▾
● Standard ingredientA standard added magnesium (mineral) supplement.
16Vitamin A SupplementVitamin A▾
● Standard ingredientA standard added vitamin involved in vision and immune function.
17Vitamin D3 SupplementVitamin D3▾
● Standard ingredientA standard added vitamin involved in calcium metabolism and bone health.
18Vitamin E SupplementVitamin E▾
● Standard ingredientA standard added vitamin with antioxidant function.
19Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1)Thiamine▾
● Standard ingredientThiamine (vitamin B1): a standard added B vitamin.
20Riboflavin SupplementRiboflavin▾
● Standard ingredientRiboflavin (vitamin B2): a standard added B vitamin.
21Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5)Pantothenic acid▾
● Standard ingredientPantothenic acid (vitamin B5): a standard added B vitamin.
22Niacin (Vitamin B3)Niacin▾
● Standard ingredientNiacin (vitamin B3): a standard added B vitamin.
23Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6)Vitamin B6▾
● Standard ingredientVitamin B6 (pyridoxine): a standard added B vitamin.
24Folic Acid (Vitamin B9)Folic acid▾
● Standard ingredientFolic acid (vitamin B9): a standard added B vitamin.
25Vitamin B12 SupplementVitamin B12▾
● Standard ingredientVitamin B12: a standard added B vitamin.
26Ferrous Sulfate▾
● Standard ingredientA standard added iron (mineral) supplement.
27Copper Sulfate▾
● Contextual noteAn inorganic copper source. Functional and commonly used. Chelated forms (copper proteinate) may offer better bioavailability.Sources: NRC 2006
28Manganese Sulfate▾
● Standard ingredientA standard added manganese (mineral) supplement.
29Zinc Sulfate▾
● Standard ingredientA standard added zinc (mineral) supplement.
30Calcium Iodate▾
● Standard ingredientA standard added iodine (mineral) supplement.
31Sodium Selenite▾
● Standard ingredientA standard added selenium (mineral) supplement.
32Cobalt Sulfate▾
● Standard ingredientA trace mineral supplement providing cobalt, which is a component of vitamin B12.Sources: NRC 2006
33TaurineTaurine (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.
34Glucosamine HydrochlorideGlucosamine HCL▾
● Beneficial (supported)Some peer-reviewed studies in dogs have associated glucosamine with joint cartilage support. Quality and formulation vary across products.Sources: McCarthy et al. 2007 · Moreau et al. 2003Position on the ingredient list suggests a small inclusion level.
35Mixed Tocopherols for added freshnessMixed tocopherols (natural preservative)▾
● Beneficial (emerging)This product uses mixed tocopherols (natural vitamin E) as a preservative, which is an alternative to synthetic preservation systems.Sources: NRC 2006Position on the ingredient list suggests a small inclusion level.
36Rosemary ExtractRosemary / rosemary extract▾
● Contextual noteGenerally regarded as a positive natural preservative alternative to synthetic options. Some veterinary sources suggest rosemary may lower seizure thresholds in dogs with epilepsy.Sources: Goncalves et al. 2019
37Tea Extract▾
● Beneficial (emerging)An extract from tea leaves (typically green tea) providing polyphenols and catechins (particularly EGCG) with well-documented antioxidant properties. Some studies have explored benefits for oral health and antioxidant status in dogs.Sources: Green tea catechin antioxidant studies · Veterinary oral health researchPosition on the ingredient list suggests a small inclusion level.
38Spearmint Extract▾
● Contextual noteA herb extract used for breath freshening and flavour. Spearmint (Mentha spicata) is listed as non-toxic to dogs and cats by ASPCA. However, concentrated mint essential oils are toxic to pets - the diluted extract used in pet food is safe at normal inclusion levels. Note: English pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) is a different mint species that IS toxic to dogs and should not be confused with spearmint.Sources: ASPCA non-toxic plant list · Dog Food Advisor mint guide · Continental Kennel Club