Air Dried Beef & Zucchini Adult Dog Food

● Beneficial (supported)Contains proanthocyanidins, which some studies have associated with urinary tract health, particularly in cats.Sources: Howell 2007

● Beneficial (emerging)A whole-food source of anthocyanins, associated with antioxidant properties in published research.Sources: Prior et al. 2008

● Beneficial (emerging)Mango flesh supplies beta-carotene (a provitamin A carotenoid) and the xanthonoid mangiferin; laboratory and some human studies associate mangiferin with antioxidant activity (free-radical scavenging and iron chelation) and anti-inflammatory effects, with most data drawn from mango leaf and peel extracts rather than the flesh and none specific to dogs or cats. Veterinary sources note the pit poses a choking and intestinal-blockage risk (and holds trace cyanogenic compounds) and that mango is high in natural sugar, so flesh only, in small amounts.Sources: Mangiferin: a natural miracle bioactive compound against lifestyle related disorders (Lipids in Health and Disease) · Mangifera indica L., By-Products, and Mangiferin on Cardio-Metabolic and Other Health Conditions: A Systematic Review (Life, 2023) · Mangiferin: Sources, Anti-Inflammatory Activities, and Molecular Mechanisms (J. Agric. Food Chem., 2025)Position on the ingredient list suggests a moderate to small inclusion level.

● Standard ingredientA whole fruit providing fibre and vitamins.Sources: Nutritional composition data

● Standard ingredientSweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) is an aromatic culinary herb used in small amounts for flavour; its leaves contain polyphenols such as rosmarinic acid and the aromatic compound eugenol. Poison-control sources advise keeping concentrated basil essential oil away from cats, though culinary leaf amounts are a separate matter.Sources: Nutritional composition data

● 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

● Beneficial (emerging)Thyme's signature compound thymol is a strong antioxidant (in laboratory assays comparable to the synthetic antioxidant BHT) and antimicrobial, and it has been studied as a 'phytogenic' feed additive in poultry and livestock, where it is associated with better feed oxidative stability and with gut-health and antioxidant measures, though this evidence is in-vitro and production-animal rather than companion-animal. Poison-control sources note cats process phenols such as thymol slowly, so concentrated thyme essential oil is best kept away from them; culinary leaf amounts are a separate matter.Sources: Thymol as natural antioxidant additive for poultry feed: oxidative stability improvement (Poultry Science) · Thymol and carvacrol supplementation in poultry health and performance (Veterinary Medicine and Science, 2022) · Thymus vulgaris L. oil as an antimicrobial agent and growth promoter in broiler chickens (Frontiers in Immunology, 2025)Position on the ingredient list suggests a moderate to small inclusion level.

● Standard ingredientA herb sometimes included for flavour or as a breath freshener.Sources: Nutritional composition data

● Beneficial (emerging)Nutrient-dense leafy greens rich in vitamins K, A, C, folate, and iron. Flag for pets with history of calcium oxalate bladder stones (high oxalate content).Sources: NRC 2006Position on the ingredient list suggests a moderate to small inclusion level.

● Standard ingredientA standard added calcium and phosphorus (mineral) supplement.

● Contextual noteA broad AAFCO-defined category that may contain multiple unspecified compounds. Relevant for allergy-prone pets since potential allergens may not be individually listed.Sources: AAFCO 2024

● 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 moderate to small inclusion level.

● Contextual noteAn essential mineral present in all pet food. Flag only when appearing high on the ingredient list.Sources: NRC 2006

● Standard ingredientA standard added calcium (mineral) supplement.

● Standard ingredientA standard added magnesium (mineral) supplement.

● Standard ingredientCholine chloride: a standard added nutrient for normal cell and nerve function.

● Standard ingredientA standard added potassium (mineral) supplement.

● Standard ingredientA standard added vitamin involved in vision and immune function.

● Standard ingredientA standard added vitamin involved in calcium metabolism and bone health.

● Standard ingredientA standard added vitamin with antioxidant function.

● Standard ingredientThiamine (vitamin B1): a standard added B vitamin.

● Standard ingredientRiboflavin (vitamin B2): a standard added B vitamin.

● Standard ingredientPantothenic acid (vitamin B5): a standard added B vitamin.

● Standard ingredientNiacin (vitamin B3): a standard added B vitamin.

● Standard ingredientVitamin B6 (pyridoxine): a standard added B vitamin.

● Standard ingredientFolic acid (vitamin B9): a standard added B vitamin.

● Standard ingredientVitamin B12: a standard added B vitamin.

● Standard ingredientA standard added iron (mineral) supplement.

● Contextual noteAn inorganic copper source. Functional and commonly used. Chelated forms (copper proteinate) may offer better bioavailability.Sources: NRC 2006

● Standard ingredientA standard added manganese (mineral) supplement.

● Standard ingredientA standard added zinc (mineral) supplement.

● Standard ingredientA standard added iodine (mineral) supplement.

● Standard ingredientA standard added selenium (mineral) supplement.

● Standard ingredientA trace mineral supplement providing cobalt, which is a component of vitamin B12.Sources: NRC 2006

● 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.

● 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.

● 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.

● 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

● 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