Pet Food Ingredients Uncovered!
Ever wonder what your pet's food is really made of? What exactly are some of these ingredients listed on the side of the package? Which ingredients you should look for which should you stay away from? Hopefully this will provide you an insight on a quality food that is healthy and full of nutrition for your pet.
Glancing at the ingredient list can cause more questions than it provides answers. Things like Ferrous Sulphate, Inositol, or Menadione Sodium can seem like a foreign language. It's almost impossible to know what they all are without a little research. Here are the descriptions on some of the ingredients found in pet food.
Animal Fat is fat obtained from the tissue of mammals and/or poultry in the commercial process of rendering or extracting.
Ascorbic Acid is an organic acid with antioxidant properties, it is also a source of Vitamin C which helps prevent common diseases, anemia, and hemorrhages. It can be used as a preservative for longer shelf life.
Beef Tallow is fat derived from beef.
Beta-Carotene is substance from plants that the body converts into Vitamin A, it also acts as an antioxidant and an immune system booster.
BHA,
Butylated Hydroxyanisole, is an artificial fat preservative permitted only at relatively low levels. In animals evidence has been found that carcinogen, it has been associated with liver damage, fetal abnormalities and metabolic stress.
BHT,
Butylated Hydroxytoluene, is an artificial fat preservative permitted only at relatively low levels. It is also used to preserve food odor, color, and flavor. BHT has been associated with liver damage, fetal abnormalities and metabolic stress, it also had questionable relationship with cancer.
Borage Oil is an essential fatty acid, maintaining cell structure and producing energy, it's a source of important nutrients. Examples would be phtosterols and beta-sitosterin as well as phopholipids which aid in digestion of fats.
Brewers Rice are small fragments of rice kernels that have been separated from the larger kernels of milled rice.
Brewers Yeast is the dried non-fermentive, non-extracted yeast that results as a by product of the brewing of beer and ale. It is a rich source of thiamine (vitamin B1) and folate, and is taken as a nutritional supplement to increase energy levels.
Brown Rice is the unpolished rice left over after the kernels have been removed.
Calcium Carbonate is the pure form of limestone that is ground into powder. It is a source of calcium, necessary for bones and teeth to help prevent osteoporosis. Also it can be used as an antacid for temporary relief of indigestion.
Calcium Propionate is an artificial preservative which is used as a source of calcium which is easier to absorb than conventional caustic calcium sources.
Carob is rich in complex sugars, minerals and vitamins. It is said to help the digestive track and also with diarrhea.
Chicken By-Product Meal consists of the ground, rendered and clean parts of carcass of slaughtered poultry such as necks, feet, endeveloped eggs and intestines without feathers. Chicken by products are less expensive and less digestible than the chicken muscle meat. The composition of each batch can vary drastically in ingredients (heads, feet, bones etc.) as well as quality, thus the nutritional value is also not consistent. By-products consist of any parts of the animal other than meat.
Chicken Fat is obtained from tissue of chicken. It is a source of energy and high quality fat providing 20% to 30% essential fatty acids utilized for a healthy skin and coat.
Citric Acid is the natural preservative that is widely found in fruits.
Corn Gluten Meal is a by product of the corn milling process.
Corn Meal is what is left after being dried, cleaned, steamed and having the outer hull removed.
D-activated Animal Sterol is a source of Vitamin D3. This helps the absorption of calcium and phosphorous necessary for healthy teeth and bones.
Dehydrated Chicken is fresh chicken that has been removed from the carcass that has been dried clean. This meat is free of skin, bones, heads, feet, feathers, and entrails.
Dicalcium Phosphate is a natural supplement that provides the calcium and phosphate requirements of dogs and cats.
DL-methionine is an essential natural amino acid which serves as a urinary acidifier and maintains liver function.
Dried Cayenne is a dried fruit that is used as a stimulant to increases blood flow, tone the nervous system, revive appetite, and help respiration.
Dried Corn Fermentation (soluble product) is a source of added enzymes in the form of Bacillus Subtilis, Aspergillus Niger and Aspergillus Oryzae.
- Aspergillus Niger is one of the most common species of fungus in the genus Aspergillus. This causes black mold to form on certain fruits and vegetables. It is reported to be allergenic.
- Aspergillus Oryzae is used in food fermentations. It's used in the production of saki, shoyu, miso, and soy sauce, and as a source of industrial enzymes. This fungus should be considered allergenic. No toxic or invasive diseases have been documented to date.
- Bacillus Subtilis is a Gram-positive, catalase-positive bacterium commonly found in soil.
- Catalase is a common enzyme found in nearly all living organisms. Its functions include catalyzing the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide to water and oxygen.
Dried Dandelion when used in combination with turmeric and fenugreek reduces the risk of diabetes. It also helps control excess weight when combined with turmeric. The dried dandelion is an excellent tonic and detox agent, it can also help heal skin problems such as eczema.
Dried Fennel The seeds and occasionally the roots and stems are utilized. Helps gas evacuation, and is also mild expectorant and diuretic.
- Diuretic is a substance that elevates the rate of bodily urine excretion.
- Expectorant is a substance that helps bring up mucus and other material from the lungs, bronchi, and trachea.
Dried Fenugreek is used to help in treating anaemia, diabetes and weight loss.
Dried Ginger can help gas evacuation produced by gastrointestinal fermentation. Also ginger helps prevent vomiting caused by nausea. Ginger may also help to decrease joint pain from arthritis, so far studies on this have been inconsistent.
Dried Rosemary is known for the essential oils it contains, these oils have antioxidant properties. They help to detoxify cardiovascular and liver systems and they also increases urine production.
Dried Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Fermentation Extract provides important modulators of gastrointestinal health by removing harmful bacteria from the gastrointestinal tract. It also enhances the digestive functions and stimulates the immune system.
Dried Turmeric protects the liver, increases bile secretion, and helps to prevent gall bladder stones. It is also an antinociceptive (pain-relieving) agent. In a study turmeric was shown to reduce joint inflammation, and possible alleviate arthritis symptoms.
Ethoxyquin is an antioxidant and a preservative that is used to prevent spoiling of fats. There have been some questions on the effects of ethoxyquin in pet foods. The U.S. Food and Drug Association (FDA) has only found a verifiable connection between ethoxyquin and buildup of protoporphyrin IX in the liver, as well as elevations in liver-related enzymes in some animals. In some cases it causes mortality in fish.
Ethylenediamine Dihydriodide is a water soluble salt of ethylenediamine and hydrogen iodide. It is a used to prevent an iodine deficiency. Iodine is essential for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland, which regulates the metabolism.
Ferrous Sulphate this provides iron needed by body to produce red blood cells. It is often used to help treat iron deficiency anaemia.
Fish Meal is made from the whole fish, bones, and entrails from processed fish.
Flax Meal is used to enhance the metabolism, benefit the heart, and possess anti-cancer properties. It may also lessen the severity of diabetes by helping to stabilize blood-sugar levels.
Fructooligosaccharides, FOS, also called oligofructose or oligofructan is an artificial sweetener. It increases the overall health of the gastrointestinal tract. FOS also promote calcium absorption in the animal's gut.
Glucosamine is an amino sugar. This is commonly used for the treatment of osteoarthritis. Glucosamine is a compound with anti-inflammatory properties and it may also help to rebuild cartilage and treat arthritis.
Ground Corn is the entire cleaned corn kernel that is ground.
Ground Wheat is the entire cleaned wheat kernels including bran, germ and starch that are grounded.
Ground Whole Grain Barley is the entire barley kernel which is ground.
Ground Whole Grain Sorghum is the grain of the sorghum plant which is ground.
Guar Gum also called Guaran is a water soluble fiber. It is thought to promote regular bowel movements and relieve constipation. It promotes colon health because it speeds up the removal of waste and bacteria. It is also able to absorb toxic substances such as bacteria that cause diarrhea.
Inositol is primarily used in the treatment of liver problems, depression, panic disorder and diabetes. It also aids in the breakdown of fats and helps to reduce blood cholesterol.
Iron Proteinate is a source of chelated iron, it is important for cellular respiration.
L-arginine is an amino acid that increases growth hormone production.
L-carnitine helps to reduce body fat and increase lean tissue mass.
L-lysine is an amino acid that is a necessary building block for all protein in the body. It has a major role in calcium absorption, building muscle protein, and the production of hormones, enzymes, and antibodies.
L-tryptophan is an amino acid that functions as a biochemical precursor to Serotonin and Niacin.
- Serotonin plays an important role as a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. It is also responsible for the regulation of anger, aggression, body temperature, mood, sleep, sexuality, and appetite as well as stimulating vomiting.
- Niacin derivatives are involved with detoxification of xenochemicals, chemicals that do not naturally occur on earth. It also aids in DNA repair and the production of steroid hormones in the adrenal gland.
Lecithin can lower blood cholesterol levels.
Lutein is essential for proper eye functionality and vision. It also serves as an antioxidant.
Manganese Proteinate is a chelated source of manganese. Manganese has an important part in protein synthesis and fatty acid metabolism. It is also necessary for normal skeletal development and for pituitary gland activity.
Manganous Oxide is another source of manganese.
Meat By-Products are clean and ground from slaughtered mammals. These include, but are not limited to, lungs, spleen, kidneys, brain, liver, blood, bone, partially defatted low temperature fatty tissue, and stomachs and intestines freed of their contents. It does not include hair, horns, teeth and hoofs.
Menadione Sodium is a source of Vitamin K activity.
Peanut Hulls are the outer hull of the peanut shell, doesn't contain any nutrients.
Phosphoric Acid is used to acidify foods, has been linked to lower bone density.
Potassium Iodide contains iodine which is essential for proper functioning of the thyroid gland. It is also a source of potassium which is important in controlling the activities of the heart, muscles, andnervous system.
Poultry By-Products are clean parts of slaughtered poultry such as heads, feet, and internal organs such as the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, abdomen, and intestines. It does not contain feathers.
Propyl Gallate is an antioxidant which is added to foods that contain oils and fats to prevent oxidation.
Pyridoxine Hydrochloride is a source of vitamin B6. It assists in the balancing of sodium and potassium. It also promotes red blood cell production.
Riboflavin is also known as vitamin B2 and is has a key role i maintaining health in animals. It has an important role in energy metabolism. It is required for the metabolism of fats, keytone bodies, carbohydrates, and proteins.
Rosemary Extract is an essential oil and is recognized for its antioxidant properties.
Sodium Hexametaphosphate is a chemical used for teeth whitening.
Sorbitol also known as glucitol, is a sugar alcohol that the body metabolizes slowly. It is a sugar substitute which is commonly found it diet foods.
Sorbic Acid is a natural organic compound that is used as a food preservative. It is used to prevent the growth of mold, yeast and fungi in food and drink.
Soybean Meal is obtained by the grinding of flakes which are left after the removal of most of the oil from the soybeans. This is a poor quality protein filler.
Taurine is an organic acid. Is essential to cat health since cats can't synthesize this compound. A depravation of taurine can cause a cat's retina to slowly degenerate, causing eye problems and eventually blindness. A lack of taurine in cats can also lead to hair loss and tooth decay.
Thiamine or thiamin, also known as vitamin B1. Thiamine is needed to help the body metabolize carbohydrates and fats to produce energy. It is essential for normal growth and development. Thiamine also helps to maintain proper functioning of the heart, nervous system, and digestive system.
Tocopherols are a class or organic compounds, many of which have vitamin E activity. They are fat soluble antioxidants.
Vegetable Oil is derived from vegetables by extracting the oil from seeds of the oilseed plant.
Vitamin A plays an important role in vision, gene transcription, immune function, embryonic development and reproduction, bone metabolism, skin health, reducing the risk of heart disease and cancer.
Yeast Culture is used for improved gastrointestinal functions by converting the indigestible and insoluble proteins, starches and grains into a more digestible form for a better energy release.
Yucca Schidigera Extract is used to lower ammonia gases in animal waste.
Zinc Oxide is added as a a source of the necessary nutrient zinc.
Zinc Proteinate is a source of chelated zinc. It is needed to convert carbohydrates into energy. It is also required for proper healing of wounds, healthy immune system, growth and reproduction.
There are many other ingredients out there, if you know of any and want to have them added please post a reply with any that are missing. If you have something to add to one of the ingredients that is already listed please let us know.
