Glossary > Red Ingredient Glossary

Generally made of that portion of an animal other than muscle meat.

A non-spcific animal fat that can come from a single species or multiple species and can change every time the food is made.

That portion of an animal that is chemically broken down. It is a non-specific ingredient that can be from multiple renders animals.

Used as a flavoring in pet foods. A starting material for many pesticides, dye, and drugs.

Chemical preservatives are not natural substances and they are very controversial, and some may be toxic at certan levels. . Examples include: Benzoic acid, Erythorbic acid, Thiodipropionic acid, Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), Calcium sorbate, Ethoxyquin, Dilauryl thiodipropionate, Methylparaben, Potassium bisulfite, Potassium metabisulfite, Propylene glyco, lPropylparaben, Sodium metabisulfite, Sodium propionate, Sodium sorbate, Sodium sulfite, Stannous chloride, Sulfur dioxide, and TBHQ – Tertiary butylhydroquinone.

Chemical preservatives that may cause cancer and are banned in parts of the world.

A synthetic preservative

Non-specific ground bone from a single animal or multiple animals and can change every time the food is made.

A chemical preservative

An simple sugar that is unnecessary in a diet, treat, or supplement for a pet.

The poorly digested protein portion of corn.

A lower quality soluble fiber source.

The highly processed soluble fiber portion of corn found in lower quality pet foods.

Animal digest is non-specific hydrolyzed animal protein. It is used to enhance palatability in edible pet products.

A chemical preservative that may cause cancer.

Sodium Erythrobate is used in meat in human food to help cure, maintain freshness and colour. Has the potential to provide excess sodium to the diet of senior pets with heart issues which can be detrimental.

A non-specific ingredient that can change every time a product is made.

A simple sugar that is unnecessary in a food, treat or a supplement for pets.

Synthetic colouring agents like Yellow 5, and Blue 2.

A non-specific meal that can be made from any gland or combination of glands and can change every time a product is made.

A chemical detergent used in toothpaste as an anti-stain whitener.

Rendered fat from an animal, often treated with bleaching and deodorizing agents. Chemical preservatives are often added.

A poorly absorbed source of magnesium.

By-products of processing whole grains. They may cause a spike and then drop in blood sugar, causing a pet to be hungry again soon after consuming it. Overconsumption of these by-products may lead to weight gain, obesity, and diabetes. Whole grains are far superior.

A synthetic vitamin K? usually used in animal feed, can be added up to levels as high as 1,000 times the dietary requirement without seeing any adverse effects in animals, except when injected in horses.

A non-specific, low quality animal protein source.

A flavor enhancer used in human foods. MSG is unnecessary in an animal protein focused pet food.

Like poultry meal and meat meal. Every ingredient should be specific to ensure the food, treat or supplement is made the same every time it is produced.

A human food additive used to improve colour and taste. In pet foods, they are used a chemical preservative. Over time it can accumulate in the body and cause health concerns.

A chemical preservative.

May act as a laxative and cause digestive issues.

An insoluable fiber that can cause an irritation to the gut.

This non-specific ingredient is the dried residue of potato pieces, peelings and culls from the manufacturer of human processed potatoes.

A Synthetic, chemical preservative.

A synthetic petroleum derivitave and a close relative to antifreeze.

A chemical preservative.

Known as “Forever Chemicals” because they are resistent to breaking down. Used a coatings for packaging. Harmful to the enviornment.

An insoluble fiber that can be irritating to the gut.

A synthetic food dye.

A chemical additive used to preserve processed meats for humans.

A chemical preservative.

A chemical additive used to preserve processed meats for humans

Low quality fractions of whole grains that are highly processed.

A common allergen used as a low quality protein source used in some pet foods. May cause gas and digetive issues in pets.

A refined carbohydrate that is unnecessary in a pet’s diet.

A chemical used to enhance the brilliance of colors and provides whitening. It is approved for use in the US; however, it has recently been banned by the European Union (EU).

A chemical emulsifier seen in cat foods to improve palatability.

An artificial chemical dye also known as FD&C or yellow dye 5

Tallow is fat that has been rendered down into a more stable form and offers no nutritional value.

A non-specific oil that can be made from a single vegetable of a variety and can change each time it is made. Vegetable oils are a source of Omega 6 fatty acids and may cause inflammation in the body.

A by-product of processing whole wheat. They can cause a spike and then drop in blood sugar, causing a pet to be hungry again soon after consuming it. Overconsumption of these by-products can lead to weight gain, obesity, and diabetes. Whole grains are far superior in nutritional value.

A poorly digested protein portion of wheat, a known allergen.

A synthetic food colouring.

A synthetic food colouring.

Artificial sweeteners are not necessary in pet foods. These sweeteners are used in chewing gum and food products. Xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs and cats.