9Pea ProteinPea protein / pea starch / pea fibre▾
● Contextual noteFractionated legume derivatives that can be used to increase the protein reading on a guaranteed analysis without providing a complete amino acid profile. More relevant than whole peas to the FDA's DCM investigation (2018-2022, no causal link established).Sources: FDA DCM Investigation 2018-2022
10Natural FlavorNatural flavours▾
● 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
11Yellow PeasPeas / lentils / chickpeas▾
● Contextual noteWhole legumes provide protein, fibre, and micronutrients. The FDA investigated (2018-2022) a potential association with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs when legumes are used as a primary ingredient, did not establish a causal link, and has paused public updates pending new science.Sources: FDA DCM Investigation 2018-2022 · Freeman et al. 2018 JAVMA
12Natural Buffered Vinegar▾
● Standard ingredientA natural preservative derived from vinegar, buffered to reduce acidity. Used as an alternative to synthetic preservatives.Sources: AAFCO ingredient definitions
13Sea SaltSalt▾
● Contextual noteAn essential mineral present in all pet food. Flag only when appearing high on the ingredient list.Sources: NRC 2006
14Potassium Chloride▾
● Standard ingredientA standard added potassium (mineral) supplement.
15Magnesium SulfateMagnesium oxide▾
● Standard ingredientA standard added magnesium (mineral) supplement.
16Choline Chloride▾
● Standard ingredientCholine chloride: a standard added nutrient for normal cell and nerve function.
17TaurineTaurine (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.
18DL-Methionine▾
● Contextual noteAn essential amino acid commonly added to pet food. Also functions as a urinary acidifier (lowers urine pH). Veterinary sources note it should be used with caution in pets with kidney disease, pancreatic disease, or liver insufficiency. Not recommended for kittens.Sources: VCA Animal Hospitals · PetMD veterinary reference · NRC 2006
19Calcium Carbonate▾
● Standard ingredientA standard added calcium (mineral) supplement.
20Zinc Amino Acid ComplexChelated / organic minerals▾
● Beneficial (supported)Chelated (organic) mineral forms are associated with better bioavailability compared to inorganic forms in published research.Sources: Spears 1996 · NRC 2006Position on the ingredient list suggests a small inclusion level.
21Iron Amino Acid ComplexChelated / organic minerals▾
● Beneficial (supported)Chelated (organic) mineral forms are associated with better bioavailability compared to inorganic forms in published research.Sources: Spears 1996 · NRC 2006Position on the ingredient list suggests a small inclusion level.
22Vitamin E SupplementVitamin E▾
● Standard ingredientA standard added vitamin with antioxidant function.
23Niacin (Vitamin B3)Niacin▾
● Standard ingredientNiacin (vitamin B3): a standard added B vitamin.
24Copper Amino Acid ComplexChelated / organic minerals▾
● Beneficial (supported)Chelated (organic) mineral forms are associated with better bioavailability compared to inorganic forms in published research.Sources: Spears 1996 · NRC 2006Position on the ingredient list suggests a small inclusion level.
25d-Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5)Pantothenic acid▾
● Standard ingredientPantothenic acid (vitamin B5): a standard added B vitamin.
26Manganese Amino Acid ComplexChelated / organic minerals▾
● Beneficial (supported)Chelated (organic) mineral forms are associated with better bioavailability compared to inorganic forms in published research.Sources: Spears 1996 · NRC 2006Position on the ingredient list suggests a small inclusion level.
27Sodium Selenite▾
● Standard ingredientA standard added selenium (mineral) supplement.
28Riboflavin SupplementRiboflavin▾
● Standard ingredientRiboflavin (vitamin B2): a standard added B vitamin.
29Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1)Thiamine▾
● Standard ingredientThiamine (vitamin B1): a standard added B vitamin.
30Vitamin B12 SupplementVitamin B12▾
● Standard ingredientVitamin B12: a standard added B vitamin.
31Vitamin A SupplementVitamin A▾
● Standard ingredientA standard added vitamin involved in vision and immune function.
32Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6)Vitamin B6▾
● Standard ingredientVitamin B6 (pyridoxine): a standard added B vitamin.
33Cobalt Sulfate▾
● Standard ingredientA trace mineral supplement providing cobalt, which is a component of vitamin B12.Sources: NRC 2006
34Calcium Iodate▾
● Standard ingredientA standard added iodine (mineral) supplement.
35Folic Acid▾
● Standard ingredientFolic acid (vitamin B9): a standard added B vitamin.
36Vitamin D3 SupplementVitamin D3▾
● Standard ingredientA standard added vitamin involved in calcium metabolism and bone health.
37Mixed 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.
38Rosemary 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
39Tea 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.
40Spearmint 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