Pet Food Ingredients Glossary

Amino acids are the main components of protein. "Essential" amino acids must be provided by a pet’s diet. In the ingredients list on a label, amino acids can be contained within an animal or plant protein source that's listed, or they can be added on their own and will appear in the ingredients list. There are 10 essential amino acids for both cats and dogs, plus one more that is essential for cats: Arginine, Histidine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Threonine, Tryptophan, Valine Taurine (essential for cats) Nonessential amino acids may still be added to ensure that the food is nutritionally complete and promotes certain health aspects. Other commonly added amino acids include: L-carnitine (for maintaining a healthy body weight), L-lysine monohydrochloride, L-cysteine , DL-methionine, Taurine (can be added to dog food)

Rendered (or processed) product from animal tissues, excluding hair, hooves, horn, hide, manure, or gastrointestinal (GI) contents.

Materials resulting from chemical or enzymatic degradation of clean animal tissue, excluding hair, horns, teeth, hooves, and feathers.

These can show up on labels with a specified source (e.g., chicken, beef, pork, etc.) or as unspecified (e.g., “animal fat” or “poultry fat”). Mammals and poultry sources tend to be higher in omega-6 fatty acids, whereas a fish source is higher in omega-3s.

One of the 10 essential amino acids for both cats and dogs. Essential amino acids are those that must be provided by a pet’s diet. They can be contained within animal or plant protein sources, meaning you won’t see them listed, or they can be added on their own, in which case you will see them listed.

Preservatives are added to pet foods to maintain quality, palatability, and shelf-life longevity. Available as artificial additives or natural, but natural tend to be less effective, meaning that the product will have a shorter shelf life if no artificial preservatives are used. Some artificial Preservatives include ethoxyquin, BHA, and BHT.

Vitamin C; used as a natural preservative in pet foods.

Beet pulp is the fibrous by-product left over from sugar beet processing. It is a good source of both insoluble and soluble fiber, providing good fecal consistency and beneficial volatile fatty acids.

An artificial preservative.

An artificial preservative.

A type of bacteria that's common in probiotic formulations for dogs. The goal of adding beneficial bacteria to pet food is to promote a healthy GI tract by preventing and treating gastroenteritis and inflammatory bowel disease, and mitigating food allergies.

This is the outer layer of the grain, just under the hull. Present in long-grain or brown rice and removed in processing to make white rice. Good source of fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals.

A natural preservative; the calcium salt of propanoic acid.

A natural ingredient extracted from red seaweed that acts as a thickening agent. Gums are sources of soluble fiber that increase the bulk and water content of the feces and increase production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). SCFAs are important sources of energy for the cells of the colon, and they help promote water and electrolyte absorption in the large intestine.

Cassava root is cooked, dried, and ground to produce a fine powder flour. This provides a carbohydrate source for energy and a source of minerals, including iron, manganese, and zinc. Often used in grain-free diets.

A thickening agent that comes from the endosperm of legumes Senna obtusifolia and Senna tora. Gums are sources of soluble fiber that increase the bulk and water content of the feces and increase production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). SCFAs are important sources of energy for the cells of the colon, and they help promote water and electrolyte absorption in the large intestine.

Often referred to as “powdered cellulose,” it’s derived from the pulp of fibrous plants and provides a good source of insoluble fiber. This adds bulk to the diet, which offers satiation (the feeling of being full after a meal). Cellulose is also added to cat foods to minimize hairball formation. It draws water into the GI tract and helps hair, consumed while grooming, to move along and be excreted in the feces.

A mineral supplement that is attached, or chelated, to a carrier compound, like an amino acid (e.g., zinc methionine, ferrous sulfate).

An oil extracted by pressing the white "meat" of coconuts. Research has revealed the benefit of these “medium-chain triglycerides” in diets for aging dogs, particularly those with canine cognitive dysfunction, as they promote memory and the ability to focus.

Corn can be included in pet foods in these forms: whole corn, ground corn, cornmeal, corn flour, cornstarch, and corn gluten. When properly milled, corn provides a source of easily digestible carbohydrates that are used by dogs for energy. The finer the product is ground, the more easily digested it is. It goes from whole corn at one end, to ground, to meal, to flour being the most finely ground. All of these forms also provide protein and amino acids, linoleic acid (omega-6 essential fatty acid), and antioxidants (beta-carotene, vitamin E).

Very finely ground corn that provides a source of easily digestible carbohydrates that are used by dogs for energy. Corn flour also provides protein and amino acids, linoleic acid (omega-6 essential fatty acid), and antioxidants (beta-carotene, vitamin E).

A type of protein found in the endosperm of corn, after the starch has been removed. Corn gluten provides an available and low-cost and viable source of protein in pet food. For example, 1 gram of corn gluten meal contains approximately 50% more protein than 1 gram of chicken. It does not contain true gluten.

Made from the starchy part of the corn kernel, it can be used as a thickening agent for dog foods and is reported to be the least allergenic form of corn.

Eggs that have been separated from the shell and dried provide an excellent complete source of protein and fat, containing all essential amino acids and fatty acids.

A type of bacteria that's common in probiotic formulations for dogs. The goal of adding beneficial bacteria to pet food is to promote a healthy GI tract by preventing and treating gastroenteritis and inflammatory bowel disease, and mitigating food allergies.

An artificial preservative that prevents fats and oils from becoming rancid.

Fats are necessary and pose many benefits in pet food. They serve as a good source of energy; provide 2.25 times more calories than protein or carbohydrates; help with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, E, D, and K; supply essential omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids; and add palatability to the food.

Can have a specified source, like salmon oil, or show up as “fish oil” on a pet food label. Fish oils provide more omega-3 fatty acids that can benefit the skin, haircoat, and joints. These consist of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and the quantities may be specified in the Guaranteed Analysis on a pet food label.

A type of protein found in the endosperm of grains, after the starch has been removed, that provides an available and low-cost source of protein in pet food. For example, 1 gram of corn gluten meal contains approximately 50% more protein than 1 gram of chicken.

A carbohydrate derived from fats and oils that is added to help retain moisture in soft (semi-moist or canned) diets.

Common grains in pet foods include: barley, corn, oats, rice, rye, and wheat. Grains are categorized as either “whole grain,” meaning all parts of the grain are present (germ, bran, and endosperm), or “refined,” meaning they are processed with the germ and bran removed. The grain endosperm contains gluten and starch. These various parts of the grain can be used as ingredients in cat food and dog food, and each provides a different purpose and set of nutrients. These are important when considering certain pet health issues. For example, in diabetes, minimizing starch (found in endosperm) to reduce blood sugar spikes is the goal. And when managing obesity, it is important to optimize dietary fiber sources to help the pet feel full without providing additional calories. A grain "meal" or "flour," such as cornmeal or corn flour, is a ground grain (whole or refined), where meal is a coarser grind than flour. If it comes from refined grains, meaning the bran and germ are removed, the meal/flour will have a high starch content.

A thickening agent extracted from guar beans. Gums are sources of soluble fiber that increase the bulk and water content of the feces and increase production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). SCFAs are important sources of energy for the cells of the colon, and they help promote water and electrolyte absorption in the large intestine.

Sources of soluble fiber that increase the bulk and water content of the feces and increase production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). SCFAs are important sources of energy for the cells of the colon, and they help promote water and electrolyte absorption in the large intestine. Common gums in pet food include: carrageenan, cassia gum, guar gum, and xanthan gum.

One of the 10 essential amino acids for both cats and dogs. Essential amino acids are those that must be provided by a pet’s diet. They can be contained within animal or plant protein sources, meaning you won’t see them listed, or they can be added on their own, in which case you will see them listed.

Hard outer covering of the grain that provides a source of insoluble fiber/roughage. Insoluble fibers increase the bulk and firmness of the feces but absorb water.

A rich-source protein derived from either vegetable sources (soy, corn, wheat) or poultry feathers. The source ingredient is heated and chemically processed to generate a low-molecular-weight protein source that is: highly digestible, easily absorbed, and readily bioavailable. Hydrolyzed proteins are found in hypoallergenic pet foods. The use of hydrolyzed poultry feathers has an added benefit of providing a sustainable protein option.

One of the 10 essential amino acids for both cats and dogs. Essential amino acids are those that must be provided by a pet’s diet. They can be contained within animal or plant protein sources, meaning you won’t see them listed, or they can be added on their own, in which case you will see them listed.

A type of bacteria that's common in probiotic formulations for dogs. The goal of adding beneficial bacteria to pet food is to promote a healthy GI tract by preventing and treating gastroenteritis and inflammatory bowel disease, and mitigating food allergies.

A source of vitamin C.

A nonessential amino acid that may be added to a pet food to ensure that the food is nutritionally complete and promotes certain health aspects. L-carnitine is added for maintaining a healthy body weight.

Common legumes in pet foods include peas, lentils, soy, and beans, and they are often used as substitutes for grains in grain-free pet food diets.

One of the 10 essential amino acids for both cats and dogs. Essential amino acids are those that must be provided by a pet’s diet. They can be contained within animal or plant protein sources, meaning you won’t see them listed, or they can be added on their own, in which case you will see them listed.

One of the 10 essential amino acids for both cats and dogs. Essential amino acids are those that must be provided by a pet’s diet. They can be contained within animal or plant protein sources, meaning you won’t see them listed, or they can be added on their own, in which case you will see them listed.

Animal products added to pet foods can provide a valuable source of protein and amino acids, and in sufficient quantity, meet the protein requirement of dogs and cats. The pet food industry utilizes many parts of animals that are not consumed by people but are still highly nutritious and commonly consumed by animals in the wild. This helps the overall production of meat to be a more sustainable practice.

Rendered (or processed) product from mammal tissues and bones, excluding hair, hooves, horn, hide, manure, or GI contents.

Clean, non-rendered (not processed) parts of mammals other than muscle, usually consisting of organs, blood, and bone and not including hair, horns, teeth, and hooves.

Rendered (or processed) product from mammal tissues, excluding hair, hooves, horn, hide, manure, or GI contents.

A source of vitamin K.

One of the 10 essential amino acids for both cats and dogs. Essential amino acids are those that must be provided by a pet’s diet. They can be contained within animal or plant protein sources, meaning you won’t see them listed, or they can be added on their own, in which case you will see them listed.

Small particles created during the grain milling process that are low in starch and good sources of protein, fiber, phosphorus, and other nutrients. Example: wheat middlings

The mineral requirements of dogs and cats may not be completely met by cat or dog food ingredients, so individual minerals are often added to supplement the diet. There are seven macro-minerals: calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chloride, and sulfur. There are 11 trace minerals: iron, zinc, copper, manganese, molybdenum, selenium, iodine, cobalt, fluorine, chromium, and boron. Many mineral supplements are provided as chemical compounds (e.g., calcium carbonate) or as chelated (attached) to a carrier compound like an amino acid (e.g., zinc methionine, ferrous sulfate).

A natural preservative that is also a good source of vitamin E.

Natural flavors are added to pet foods to enhance palatability and can include spices, broths, and yeast.

Preservatives are added to pet foods to maintain quality, palatability, and shelf-life longevity. Available as artificial additives or natural, but natural tend to be less effective, meaning that the product will have a shorter shelf life if no artificial preservatives are used. Some common natural preservatives include calcium propionate, mixed tocopherols (source of vitamin E), vitamin C (ascorbic acid), and plant extracts (e.g., rosemary).

A plant oil that comes from the seed, or kernel, of the oil palm Elaeis guineensis. Research has revealed the benefit of these “medium-chain triglycerides” in diets for aging dogs, particularly those with canine cognitive dysfunction, as they promote memory and the ability to focus.

Derived from ground pea hulls and provides a good source of both insoluble and soluble fiber.

A protein concentrate extracted from peas that provides iron and many of the essential amino acids, including lysine. Iron and lysine are both important for healthy muscles and a healthy immune system.

This is the starch component of the pea, separated from the protein component and hull. Provides a readily available source of energy and iron.

One of the 10 essential amino acids for both cats and dogs. Essential amino acids are those that must be provided by a pet’s diet. They can be contained within animal or plant protein sources, meaning you won’t see them listed, or they can be added on their own, in which case you will see them listed.

White potatoes or sweet potatoes commonly provide a source of carbohydrate or starch, often used in grain-free pet food diets.

A protein concentrate extracted from white potatoes. Good source of protein for limited-ingredient prescription pet foods.

Potato starch is added to grain-free diets as an alternative to grain. It is considered a “resistant starch,” meaning it is resistant to digestion in the small intestine, which may be beneficial for intestinal cell health and promote a healthy population of intestinal bacteria (“prebiotic”). However, these health benefits have not been proven yet in dogs and cats.

Clean muscle (skeletal, tongue, diaphragm, heart, esophagus) from chickens, with or without the accompanying fat, skin, nerves, and blood vessels.

Rendered (or processed) product from poultry tissues; can include necks, feet, undeveloped eggs, organs, and whole body, but excludes feathers.

Clean parts of poultry carcass, including head, feet, organs, and whole carcass.

Rendered (or processed) product from poultry tissues, excluding head, feet, organs, and feathers.

Preservatives are added to pet foods to maintain quality, palatability, and shelf-life longevity. Available as artificial additives or natural, but natural tend to be less effective, meaning that the product will have a shorter shelf life if no artificial preservatives are used.

Beneficial bacteria that is added to pet food. The goal of adding probiotics is to promote a healthy GI tract by preventing and treating gastroenteritis and inflammatory bowel disease, and mitigating food allergies. Common bacteria in probiotic formulations for dogs include species of: Lactobacillus, Bifidobacteria, and Enterococcus.

It is added in some veterinary prescription diets to promote thirst and water consumption. This helps to generate a less concentrated, or more “watered-down,” urine, which is beneficial in diseases of the urinary tract, like kidney disease or to help treat bladder stones.

It is added in some veterinary prescription diets to promote thirst and water consumption. This helps to generate a less concentrated, or more “watered-down,” urine, which is beneficial in diseases of the urinary tract, like kidney disease or to help treat bladder stones.

The portion of the soybean leftover after the oil has been removed and the soybeans are ground into a fine powder. Soybean flour is a good source of protein, containing many essential amino acids, fiber, fatty acids, some B vitamins, and minerals like potassium.

The other component of grain endosperm, aside from gluten. Starch is a readily available carbohydrate that provides a source of energy.

One of the 11 essential amino acids for cats. Essential amino acids are those that must be provided by a pet’s diet. They can be contained within animal or plant protein sources, meaning you won’t see them listed, or they can be added on their own, in which case you will see them listed. Taurine can also be added to dog food.

One of the 10 essential amino acids for both cats and dogs. Essential amino acids are those that must be provided by a pet’s diet. They can be contained within animal or plant protein sources, meaning you won’t see them listed, or they can be added on their own, in which case you will see them listed.

One of the 10 essential amino acids for both cats and dogs. Essential amino acids are those that must be provided by a pet’s diet. They can be contained within animal or plant protein sources, meaning you won’t see them listed, or they can be added on their own, in which case you will see them listed.

One of the 10 essential amino acids for both cats and dogs. Essential amino acids are those that must be provided by a pet’s diet. They can be contained within animal or plant protein sources, meaning you won’t see them listed, or they can be added on their own, in which case you will see them listed.

Can have a specified source, like canola, sunflower, or safflower oils, or show up as “vegetable oil." Vegetable oils generally provide more omega-6 fatty acids.

Depending on the ingredients of the pet food, vitamins may be added to ensure that the dog’s and/or cat’s nutrient requirements are met and/or to promote certain health aspects. Most of the names of added vitamins are straightforward on the pet food label, like vitamin B7 (biotin). However, a few vitamin names can be more obscure, such as L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (source of vitamin C), mixed tocopherols (source of vitamin E), or menadione sodium bisulfate complex (source of vitamin K).

Common whole grains in pet foods include: whole barley, whole corn, whole oats, brown rice, whole-grain rye, and whole wheat. Grains are categorized as either “whole grain,” meaning all parts of the grain are present (germ, bran, and endosperm), or “refined,” meaning they are processed with the germ and bran removed.

A polysaccharide, or complex carbohydrate, that is used as a thickening agent. Gums are sources of soluble fiber that increase the bulk and water content of the feces and increase production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). SCFAs are important sources of energy for the cells of the colon, and they help promote water and electrolyte absorption in the large intestine.