Dog Food Ingredient Glossary

Crustaceans

Crustaceans (shrimps, crabs etc) are the most popular source of the joint supplement glucosamine due to the very high concentration found in their shells. They are sometimes added directly to dog foods, in which case they are labelled simply as 'crustaceans' or the glucosamine can be extracted through hydrolysis in which case it will appear on the label as 'glucosamine', 'glucosamine sulphate' or 'hydrolysed crustaceans'.

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Fish and fish derivatives

The EC defines 'fish and fish derivatives' as "Fish or parts of fish, fresh or preserved by appropriate treatment, and derivatives from the processing thereof".

Although broad terms like this attract a lot of criticism, it must be noted that they do not necessarily indicate the presence of low grade ingredients. Fish and fish derivatives for example encompasses all fish products, from the very best to the very worst. For example, some producers of good foods use broad terms in order to not give away their 'secret formula' and some imported foods list very high quality fish as 'fish and fish derivatives' simply because the laws or customs in their home country are different. At the opposite end of the scale, the term can be used for very low-grade fish derivatives including some that are nutritionally very poor. Also, because the type of fish isn't specified, manufacturers using this term are able to change their fish source between batches depending on what is available at the time.

Because it is impossible to know what this refers to, we would suggest assuming the worst and avoiding foods with this ingredient. This is particularly important if your dog is prone to dietary intolerance as identifying and eliminating problem ingredients is impossible unless you know exactly what you are feeding.

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Fish Meal

Fish meal is a fine, dry powder formed by rendering and grinding both whole fish and the bones and offal from processed fish. It can be listed in a number of ways, with or without the fish species used. For example, meat meal from cod could be called 'fish meal', 'ocean fish meal', 'white fish meal', 'cod meal', 'dehydrated cod' or 'dried cod'. Fish meal usually carries a strong smell which dogs love but some dog owners dislike.

How much the rendering process affects the nutritional quality of the fish is a matter of some debate but most nutritionists agree that fish meal is unlikely to be quite as nutritionally beneficial for dogs as fresh fish ingredients.

It is, nevertheless, still an excellent source of natural, bio-appropriate amino acids (the building blocks of proteins), fats and certain minerals and vitamins. Furthermore, because fish meal is only around 5-7% water, it is far more concentrated than fresh fish (which contains roughly 70% water) and as a result much less is needed. For example, 20% fresh fish would only equate to around 6.5% fish meal. This is an important consideration when comparing the meat contents of dry dog foods. Fish meal from oily fish (as opposed to whitefish) also contains abundant fish oils including several omega-3 and omega-6 oils.

If the species of fish is not specified, the general term 'fish meal' means that it could have come from any combination of fish species. Broad terms like this are often used by dog food manufacturers instead of naming each ingredient either because the recipe regularly changes and/or because naming the ingredients might not be as appealing for the customer.

Antioxidants must be added to fish meal during its production in order to prevent it from becoming rancid. These antioxidants can be natural (such as vitamin E, Vitamin C and rosemary oil) or artificial. In the case of artificial antioxidants, the most commonly used in fish meals are the highly controversial and potentially harmful chemicals BHT, BHA and Propyl gallate.

The main issue here is that, since the antioxidants are added to the fish meal at the fish rendering plant long before it arrives at the dog food factory, the manufacturer does not need to declare them on the label. In fact, a food can contain any number of ingredients that have been pre-treated with artificial additives by the ingredient suppliers and can still legally say that their food has 'no added artificial additives' just as long as they don't add any more themselves! For this reason it's always important to look for foods that are guaranteed 'free from artificial additives' (rather than 'free from added artificial ingredients') or, if you are in any doubt, to ask the manufacturer directly. pollock

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Fish Oil

Fish oil comes from the processing of oily fish like tuna, sardines, salmon and mackerel. As well as providing energy, fish oil contains abundant essential omega-3 and omega-6 oils which have wide ranging health benefits. Fish oils are have been recommended for the prevention and treatment of a whole host of health conditions including joint problems, skin conditions, cardiovascular disease and even cancer. Fish oil is also rich in several vitamins including vitamins A, B3 and D.

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Fresh Fish

'Fresh fish' is a highly nutritious and palatable protein source for dogs. It can be made of any parts of any fish but usually consists of the leftovers from human-grade fish, such as viscera, which is minced into a fine paste before being added to the food. All fish, but particularly oily fish like tuna, mackerel, herring and salmon, contains fish oils, which is high in health promoting omega-3 essential oils.

Fresh fish is widely used in wet dog foods and is also becoming increasing popular in dry foods. When comparing the fish contents of dry foods it is important to remember that since fresh fish contains roughly 70% water (compared to just 8% in fish meal) it is far less nutritionally concentrated than meal and so more is required. For example, in order to provide the same levels of protein and fat as 20% fish meal a dry food would need 72% fresh fish!

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Barley

Barley is commonly used in dog food in a variety of forms. Once cooked it is easily digested by dogs and provides abundant fibre and several micronutrients including selenium and copper. Whole grain barley is the best form as it retains most of its nutrients.

In humans, barley gluten has been indicated as a problem ingredient for celiacs so if you are looking for a gluten free food, it would probably be best to steer clear of barley as well as wheat.

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Cereals

The general terms 'cereals' and 'grains' can refer to any product of any cereal including wheat, rice, oats, barley, maize etc.

Although the term 'cereals' attracts a lot of criticism, it must be noted that it does not necessarily indicate the presence of low grade ingredients as it encompasses all grains, from the best to the very worst. For example, some producers of good foods use broad terms like this in order to not give away their 'secret formula' and some imported foods list very high quality grains as 'cereals' simply because the laws or customs in their home country are different. At the opposite end of the scale, the term can be used for very low-grade grain products including some that are nutritionally very poor and others that have been linked to dietary intolerance. Also, because the type of cereal isn't specified, manufacturers are able to change their grain source between batches depending on what is available at the time.

Because it is impossible to know what 'cereals' refers to, we would suggest assuming the worst and avoiding foods with this ingredient. This is particularly important if your dog is prone to dietary intolerance as identifying and eliminating problem ingredients is impossible unless you know exactly what you are feeding.

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Maize / Corn

Maize (or corn to us Brits) is widely used in dry dog foods as an alternative to grains like rice, oats and barley. Of all of the grains used in dog food, maize is certainly amongst the most controversial, with vocal critics and supporters in equal measure.

It has to be said though that many of the most ardent supporters of maize are from within the pet food industry. They correctly argue that maize is a good quality, nutritious carbohydrate source with a comparable nutritional profile to grains like oats and barley.

Critics of maize, on the other hand, claim that it is harder for dogs to digest and is therefore much more likely to lead to food intolerance or allergies. Many canine nutritionists and some vets now recommend avoiding maize based diets altogether.

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Maize germ

Like wheat germ and rice germ, maize germ is the part of the grain that would grow into the new plant. Relative to the whole maize grain, the germ is tiny making up only about 10% of the total weight, but it contains the vast majority of the grain's non-carb nutrients including a very high level of essential omega-6 oils and other healthy unsaturated oils along with a good dose of vitamin E, A and K.

Many canine nutritionists believe that the carbs in maize are more difficult to digest than those in many other grains making it more likely to lead to dietary intolerance. Maize germ, on the other hand, does not include any of the starchy endosperm (the source of virtually all of the grain's carbohydrates and gluten) which makes it much less likely to lead to any adverse reaction.

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Maize gluten

Maize gluten (sometimes called maize gluten meal, corn gluten or prairie meal) is a by-product of maize processing and can be used to top-up the protein levels of dog foods, usually as an alternative to more expensive meat-proteins. Unfortunately, maize gluten protein is not as easy for dogs to deal with as protein from meat sources and as a result it can lead to health issues like skin problems and hyperactivity. For this reason, we would recommend steering clear of maize gluten, especially with sensitive dogs.

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Millet

Millet is a grain that is relatively easy for dogs to digest and is rich in B vitamins, iron and potassium. Millet is also gluten free and so makes a useful carbohydrate choice for hypoallergenic diets.

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Oats

Oats are used very widely in dog foods. They are a good source of dietary fibre as well as a host of micronutrients including manganese, selenium, vitamin B1, magnesium and phosphorus. Once cooked, oats are relatively easily digested by dogs.

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Rice - brown / whole grain

Rice comes in many forms, from long grain and basmati varieties to shorter forms like pearl rice and short-grain rice. The nutritional characteristics of most forms of rice is very similar, and most varieties can be found in both their whole, brown form and their polished, white form.

Brown rice (or whole-grain rice as it is also known) is widely regarded as a 'superfood' for humans and as long as it is well cooked, it is easily digested by dogs. It contains a whole host of natural nutrients including three B vitamins, iron, manganese, selenium, magnesium and omega-3 oils. It is also a good source of dietary fibre which is important in maintaining intestinal health. It is the grain of choice for most British natural dog food producers.

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Rice - white

Rice comes in many forms, from long grain and basmati varieties to shorter forms like pearl rice and short-grain rice. The nutritional characteristics of most forms of rice is very similar, and most varieties can be found in both their whole, brown form and their polished, white form.

White rice is simply brown rice that has been milled and polished to remove outer bran, germ and aleurone layers. Unfortunately, these layers contain the vast majority of the grain's nutrients and once removed the remaining white rice is almost entirely starch.

On ingredient lists, white rice is often listed simply as 'rice'. In general, unless it specifically says that the rice is brown or whole grain, it is usually safe to assume the rice being used is white.

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Rice bran

During the production of white rice, the outer layers of the grain are removed as a by-product known as rice bran. Without the starchy white part of the rice, rice bran is incredibly nutritious, with abundant vitamins B1, B3 and B6, iron, manganese, selenium, magnesium and omega-3 oils as well as health-promoting natural antioxidants. Rice Bran is an excellent source of high-quality fibre which is important for over-all digestive health.

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Rice germ

Before processing, rice grains are made up of four parts: the hard outer hull, the inner seed coat or pericarp, the starchy endosperm (which goes on to make white rice) and the embryo or germ. The germ is a fairly insubstantial part of the whole grain, comprising only about 2% of the whole, but it is this tiny bud that would grow into a new rice plant, using the endosperm as its food source.

Despite it's small size, the germ contains a very large proportion of the rice grain's vitamins and is very rich in several B vitamins, particularly thiamine.

Rice bran is made up of the pericarp and the germ.

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Rye

Rye is a high quality grain with a nutritional profile fairly similar to that of barley. It is one of the three 'gluten-grains' (the others being wheat and barley) making it unsuitable for celiac dogs or many dogs with grain intolerance. As with all grains, rye is best in its whole grain form as it retains much more of its nutrients.

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Sorghum

Sorghum is a grass and its grain is widely used in dog foods as an inexpensive alternative to traditional grains. Sorghum grain is high in starch and has a similar nutrient profile to maize. Like maize, it does not compare well against higher-quality grains like rice, oats and barley. Unlike maize though, sorghum is gluten free so it is often recommended for dogs that are prone to food intolerance.

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Spelt

Spelt is an ancient variety of wheat which has been cultivated by people since the bronze age. It provides a much broader range of nutrients than common wheat and is a good source of B vitamins, magnesium and fibre. Probably because it has been with us and our dogs for so long, many dogs and people that are intolerant to wheat seem to have no problems with spelt. Spelt does however contain wheat gluten and so should not be fed to coeliac dogs.

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Spelt protein

Spelt is an ancient variety of wheat which has been cultivated by people since the bronze age. It is about 17% protein and contains a broad range of amino acids. For this reason, isolated spelt protein is sometimes used to top up a food's protein content. Probably because it has been with us and our dogs for so long, many dogs and people that are intolerant to wheat protein seem to have no problems with spelt protein. Spelt protein does however include gluten and so should not be fed to coeliac dogs. As always, we recommend sticking with foods with a good source of meat proteins as, from our experience, vegetable and grain proteins can be harder for dogs to digest.

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Wheat

Wheat is a common staple in many lower-grade dry dog foods as it is inexpensive and is ideal for forming biscuits and kibbles. It is, however, regularly linked with dietary intolerance in dogs which makes it a highly controversial ingredient.

In wheat intolerant dogs (also called celiacs), the gluten protein contained in the grain damages the lining of the small intestine and prevents it from absorbing parts of food that are important for staying healthy. Wheat intolerance can therefore lead to wide-ranging health problems most commonly affecting the skin, coat and digestive system.

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Wheat feed

Although finding a strict definition is quite difficult, wheat feed appears to be the general term used for wheat that does not meet meet the standards necessary for human consumption. It is therefore only suitable for animal feed - usually for farm animals like horses, cows and pigs.

Since wheat is widely regarded as a problematic ingredient for dogs and since this is the dregs of the wheat industry, wheat feed is certainly well worth avoiding.

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Alfalfa / Lucerne

Alfalfa (or lucerne as it is often called in the UK) is part of the legume family of plants making it a cousin of clover, peas and beans and, depending on how much there is in a food, it can be good or bad.

In it's whole form, alfalfa is widely regarded as a superfood for humans and, in small amounts, can be very beneficial for our dogs. It is a good, natural source of a whole host of nutrients including plenty of vitamins and minerals - most notably iron, magnesium, manganese, vitamin A, C, E and several B vitamins, as well as good quality fibre.

Since alfalfa also contains a fairly high proportion of protein, it can also be used in larger amounts as a protein supplement. Since dogs generally do a lot better on meat proteins than vegetable-derived forms, this is not something we recommend.

As a rule of thumb, if you see alfalfa listed in the top half of the ingredients list, chances are it is there as a cheap source of protein and is probably best avoided. In the bottom half, it is much more likely that it is just a small amount to provide valuable micronutrients and is no cause for concern.

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Barley grass

Barley grass is made from the leaves of barley plants and is becoming popular as a health supplement for both humans and dogs. It contains a high density of a wide range of nutrients and is sometimes suggested as a natural anti-oxidant and anti-inflammitory. Like oat grass and wheatgrass, barley grass does not contain the sometimes problematic proteins found in barley grains and so it can be given to cereal sensitive dogs.

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Carrots

Carrots are excellent sources of vitamin A (which is used in the eye to maintain healthy vision), as well as numerous minerals, soluble fibre and abundant natural anti-oxidants. Once cooked, carrots are relatively easily digested by dogs.

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Chicory

Chicory is a plant with bright blue flowers that grows wild across Europe and North America. Various forms are cultivated for their leaves or their buds but the form most often used in dog food is grown for its large tuberous roots.

Chicory root is rich in simple sugars and the polysaccharide inulin. Studies suggest that inulin can have a beneficial effect on the gut's 'good bacteria' which is making it increasingly popular as a prebiotic and as a source of soluble dietary fibre. Inulin is also fairly sweet making it a popular natural dog food flavour enhancer.

Inulin is often extracted from the chicory root and may therefore be listed as chicory extract, chicory root extract or occasionally as chicory syrup.

It has also been suggested that some of the oils naturally found in chicory can help to eliminate a dog's intestinal worms.

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Derivatives of vegetable origin

Defined as "derivatives resulting from the treatment of vegetable products, in particular cereals, vegetables, legumes and oil seed", 'derivatives of vegetable origin' can refer to an extremely wide range of ingredients, from some of the best to some of the worst.

Although 'derivatives of vegetable origin' does not necessarily refer to a bad ingredient, it could and there's no way of knowing. It's vagueness also allows the manufacturer to change formula from one batch to another depending on what vegetable products are available at the time.

Because it is impossible to know what 'derivatives of vegetable origin' refers to, it is usually best to assume the worst and treat it with caution. This is particularly important if your dog is prone to dietary intolerance as identifying and eliminating problem ingredients is impossible unless you know exactly what you are feeding.

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Garlic

As many dog owners know, very large doses of garlic can be dangerous for dogs - a fact that has led to garlic being omitted from most dogs' diets for decades, but what most dog owners don't know is that small amounts of garlic can actually be extremely beneficial.

Basically, garlic helps to keep your dog free from all sorts of nasties: it is an effective anti-fungal and anti-bacterial, it helps to eliminate intestinal worms and it acts as a deterrant to skin parasites like ticks. For these reasons, garlic can be a real help for dogs with all sorts of ailments and infections caused by bacterial, fungal or parasitic infection. And it's benefits don't stop there. Garlic has been linked with lowering blood sugar in diabetics, to aiding joint mobility and even to lowering blood cholesterol!

Some dog foods are now starting to include garlic in their recipes but if you would like to add your own, roughly one clove per 10kg of body weight per day is a good place to start. Toxic doses really have to be quite huge (as much as two whole bulbs per day for an extended period) so don't be too concerned about over feeding garlic.

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Lentils

Over the last decade or so, lentils and other legumes have become increasingly popular in pet foods as alternatives to grains.

Lentils have been cultivated by humans for over 11,000 years giving rise to dozens of different forms all over the world. It's therefore reasonable to assume that they have been at least some part of the diet of domesticated dogs for around the same length of time.

In moderation, lentils are a great source of nutrients for dogs. As well as abundant fibre and protein, they provide a rich source of numerous nutrients including B vitamins, phosphorus, iron, zinc and carotenoids amongst others.

Their low starch content and high fibre make lentils a useful option for diabetic dogs and since they tend to leave a dog feeling fuller for longer, they can also help take the edge off for very hungry dogs.

Lentils are, however, not without their controversies. First off, too much lentil in any food and it starts looking less like a healthy addition chosen for its nutritional value and more like a filler chosen for its relatively low cost.

Then there's the question of lectins - a group of potentially problematic proteins found in lentils and other legumes. Take a look at our article here for more information on lectins and how to mitigate any risks they may pose to your dog.

And lastly is the recent highly questionable association of legumes including lentils with the DCM heart condition in pets. Although this has caused a certain amount of hysteria in some parts of the pet community, at this stage (Feb 2020) there really is no evidence to support these claims. You can find lots more information on the matter here.

While these factors may put many off of feeding diets containing lentils to their dogs, at this stage and with the knowledge currently available I think the benefits of lentils still outweigh any potential risks.

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Maca

Lepidium meyenii, known as maca or Peruvian ginseng, is an edible herbaceous biennial plant of the family Brassicaceae that is native to South America in the high Andes mountains of Peru and Bolivia.

Maca has been seen to have various health benefits, such as boosting libido, increasing fertility, boosting energy and improving mood.

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Oat grass

Oat grass is less well known than barley grass or wheatgrass but nevertheless still offers many of the same beneficial nutrients. Oat grass is rich in a wide range of both vitamins and minerals. Like barley grass and wheatgrass, oat grass does not contain the sometimes problematic proteins found in oat grains making it suitable for cereal sensitive dogs.

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Pea flour

Pea flour is a powder milled from roasted peas. In small amounts, pea flour can be a good dog food ingredient as it is rich in iron and calcium and is also high in fibre.

Pea flour also contains a high proportion of protein and is sometimes used in higher proportions as a protein supplement. Unfortunately, dogs cannot digest plant proteins as well as those found in meats so, as far as we're concerned, they should never take the place of good quality meat ingredients.

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Pea protein

Pea protein is a byproduct of pea processing and is used as a protein source in some dog foods. Although it is far less expensive, we don't think pea protein should be used as an alternative to meat in dog foods since the quality and digestibility of vegetable proteins tend to fall a long way short of those found in meats.

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Peas

Peas have been a common dog food ingredient for years but the recent rise of grain free foods has seen their popularity skyrocket.

In moderation, whole peas (as opposed to refined pea protein or pea flour) are a great source of health-promoting antioxidants as well as a wide spectrum of nutrients including vitamins C, K and B1, manganese, fibre and folate, all of which are highly beneficial to dogs. They also contain a relatively high level of protein which, while not nearly as desirable as animal protein, may help to shore up any amino acids that may otherwise be lacking in the diet.

Peas are, however, not without their controversies. First off, too much pea in any food and it starts looking less like a healthy addition chosen for its nutritional value and more like a filler chosen for its relatively low cost.

Then there's the question of lectins - a group of potentially problematic proteins found in peas and other legumes. Take a look at our article here for more information on lectins and how to mitigate any risks they may pose to your dog.

And lastly is the recent highly questionable association of legumes including peas with the DCM heart condition in pets. Although this has caused a certain amount of hysteria in some parts of the pet community, at this stage (Feb 2020) there really is no evidence to support these claims. You can find lots more information on the matter here.

While these factors may put many off of feeding diets containing peas to their dogs, at this stage and with the knowledge currently available I think the benefits of peas still outweigh any potential risks.

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Potato protein

Potato protein is a byproduct of potato processing and is used as a protein source in some dog foods. Although it is far less expensive, we don't think potato protein should be used as an alternative to meat in dog foods since the quality and digestibility of vegetable proteins tend to fall a long way short of those found in meats.

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Potato starch

Potatoes are becoming more popular in dog foods as anti-grain sentiment continues to increase. Potato starch often forms the all important binding agent in grain-free dry foods, without which the biscuits simply wouldn't form.

Unfortunately, while whole potatoes contain a range of healthy nutrients, pure potato starch contains... well, pure starch and many nutritionists still have doubts over whether dogs can digest significant amounts of starches efficiently.

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Potatoes

Potatoes are becoming more popular in dog foods as anti-grain sentiment continues to increase. Potatoes are predominantly made up of starch, although some varieties like russet potatoes are especially starchy. There is some debate over the ability of dogs to digest starch efficiently but where it is digested it is broken down into its constituent simple sugars. For this reason, starchy foods like potatoes may not be the best choice for diabetic dogs. Potatoes do however also contain some dietary fibre as well as vitamin C, vitamin B6 and potassium.

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Sugar Beet

Beet pulp (the fibrous material from sugar beets which is left-over after sugar production) is used in dog food as a dietary fibre supplement. The sugar is almost completely removed leaving behind an excellent source of both soluble and insoluble fibre. Fibre helps to promote general digestive health in dogs. Nevertheless, beet pulp continues to be a topic of debate with many critics arguing that it is little more than a filler and an un-natural food for dogs. With little solid evidence either way, the jury is still out on beet pulp.

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Sweet Potatoes

Not a true potato at all, the sweet potato is nutritionally quite different from common potatoes. It contains much more fibre, it is an fantastic source of vitamin A, and is also rich in vitamins C and B6 and several minerals.

It is also much higher in sugar than common potatoes but despite this, recent studies have shown that sweet potatoes might actually be beneficial for diabetics since they can help to stabilize blood sugar levels and lower insulin resistance.

For both humans and dogs, sweet potatoes are generally regarded as a very high quality carbohydrate source.

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Tapioca

Tapioca (sometimes called cassava) is a starch extracted from the root of the cassava plant. It is often used as a carbohydrate source in grain free dog foods but due to its general lack of all nutrients other than starch, it is generally regarded as a low grade filler for dogs.

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Tomatoes

Tomatoes are an excellent natural source of health-promoting vitamins A, C and K as well as high quality dietary fibre. They also contain plenty of minerals and other micro-nutrients including molybdenum, potassium, chromium and manganese.

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Vegetable fibre

'Vegetable fibre' can refer to any fibre from a vegetable but is commonly used as a more consumer friendly term for sugar beet pulp. Fibre is a necessary part of a dog's diet and helps to promote general digestive health.

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Vegetable oil

Vegetable oil is a general term used for any oil of plant origin. In general it is used to refer to lower-quality oils like rapeseed, palm or corn oil. It is added to some dog foods as an alternative to more expensive (and more nutritious) fats and oils like animal fat, olive oil or sunflower oil. As always, it is best to look for a food where each ingredient is accurately identified.

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Vegetable protein extracts

Vegetable protein extract (or isolate) is another term that doesn't shed any real light on what is in the food. It gives no indication of which vegetables are used, nor does it say how the protein is extracted, although the most common methods involve chemical reactions that are far from what most people would regard as 'natural'.

For dogs, vegetable proteins are nutritionally inferior to those found in meat. Common sources of vegetable protein include soya, maize and wheat which have all been linked to dietary intolerance and, in our opinion, should be avoided with sensitive dogs.

Some nutritionists have also speculated that vegetable protein extracts might also be a pseudonym for MSG (monosodium glutamate), the controversial food additive that some believe to be mildly addictive.

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Vegetables

This general term can be used for all vegetables and legumes. Although most vegetables are excellent additions to dog foods, this term may also be used for less appealing ingredients like sugar beet, potatoes or even soya beans! Broad terms like this also allow the recipe to be altered from batch to batch so it is always best to look for foods that identify each ingredient being used.

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Wheatgrass

Wheatgrass is packed with beneficial nutrients from vitamins and minerals to amino acids and enzymes. It is a common nutritional supplement for people and has been linked with various curative properties. Although wheatgrass is made from the leaves and stems of the wheat plant, it contains no wheat gluten and so is suitable for wheat sensitive dogs.

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Borage oil

Like evening primrose oil, borage oil is an excellent source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) which has an anti-inflammatory effect and is often recommended in the natural treatment of arthritis as well as certain skin conditions.

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Cranberries

Cranberries are rich in vitamin C and health-promoting antioxidants. They have also been widely recognised as helping to prevent urinary tract infections (UTI's) by preventing the harmful bacteria and fungi from latching on to the wall of the urinary tract.

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Evening Primrose Oil

Evening primrose is a plant that is native to North America but now grows wild all over the world. Its name comes from the fact that its yellow flowers tend to bloom in the evening.

Oil from the seeds of the evening primrose is used as a supplement for humans and pets due to its high concentration of the essential oil gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). Essential oils like GLA are needed by the body to remain healthy but since they cannot be made by the body, they have to be obtained from the diet.

Evening primrose oil is most commonly recommended as a natural anti-inflammatory for dogs with skin problems and joint issues and is also sometimes suggested for digestive upsets like colitis and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

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Grape Seed Extract

Grape seed extract is a strong antioxidant that helps to support the immune system. It can also have an anti-inflammatory effect and so is often recommended for dogs with allergic skin conditions.

Unlike whole grapes, grape seed extract is not toxic to dogs.

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Linseed

Linseed is also known as flax or flaxseed. The seeds contain high levels of good quality dietary fiber, lignans (natural antioxidants) and an abundance of other micronutrients.

Linseed's main benefit though is its high proportion of health-boosting omega-3 fatty acids. Although these aren't quite of the same standard as the omega-3's found in fish oils, they are still fantastic for your dog's health. The oils can be extracted from the seeds and added to foods as linseed (or flaxseed) oil.

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Lupini beans

Lupini beans, or lupin, are a less allergenic alternative to soya beans. They are added to some dog foods as an inexpensive protein source but, like all vegetable derived proteins, lupin is a poor substitute for good quality meat.

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Olive oil

Olive oil is a high quality food supplement with proven benefits to the coat and to the heart. It contains numerous antioxidants and is a good source of vitamin E.

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Psyllium

The husks of psyllium seeds are sometimes added to dog foods as a source of soluble fibre which is important for maintaining digestive health.

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Quinoa

Quinoa is a pseudo-grain. Unlike true grains, it is not part of the grass family but is made from the seeds of a spinach like plant.

As you might expect, quinoa is first and foremost a carbohydrate providing almost the same percentage of carbs as white rice. Nevertheless, it is also packed with protein, fibre and micronutrients making it a surprisingly beneficial ingredient for dogs.

Although plant proteins are generally no substitute for those from meat sources (for dogs at least), quinoa does arguably come close. It contains a high proportion of protein and includes all 10 canine essential amino acids making it one of the few non-meat complete proteins.

Quinoa also contains a high proportion of fibre which plays an important part in digestive health.

To round off quinoa's impressive nutrient profile, it also provides Omega-3 fatty acids as well as a wide array of micronutrients including manganese, copper, phosphorus, magnesium and several B-complex vitamins.

Quinoa is becoming increasingly popular in sensitive diets since most dogs have never eaten it which means they haven't had opportunity to develop any kind of reaction. The rule is, you can't be allergic to something you have never been exposed to.

As with most seeds and grains, quinoa must be cooked before it can be properly digested by dogs so you won't find it in any raw pet foods.

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Rapeseed oil

For a long time rapeseed oil was only used for industrial purposes as its relatively high levels of the toxin erucic acid made it suitable for human or animal consumption. But then, in the 1970's, varieties were developed with low erucic acid levels and human-grade rapeseed oil (often branded as 'canola') began to make its way into both human and animal food industries.

Nowadays, human-grade rapeseed oil is everywhere. It is most often sold as 'vegetable oil' in supermarkets and is also used widely in pet foods. On the label, it can be listed as rapeseed oil, canola, vegetable oil or simply under the umbrella term 'oils and fats'.

Although rapeseed oil can still contain some erucic acid (currently up to 5% in the UK and Europe), the levels are reportedly far too low to cause any health problems.

Compared with other vegetable oils, rapeseed oil measures up well. It is low in saturated fats and has a high content of linolenic acid (omega-3 oils). It also tolerates high temperatures well which is especially important for oils used in extruded biscuits (which account for most dry pet foods).

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Soya

Soya beans (soya, soybean protein, soya meal) are high in protein and are often added to foods as a low-cost meat substitute. Unfortunately, the proteins in soya are much less bio-available to dogs than normal meat proteins meaning that far less can be digested and used. Soya has also been consistently linked by veterinarians to food intolerance and allergies and is therefore best avoided if your dog is very sensitive.

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Soybean oil

Soybean oil, like all vegetable oils, is cholesterol free but as it contains more saturated fat than most other vegetable oils it is generally regarded as a lower-grade option. Soya oil is free from soya proteins and therefore does not upset dogs with soya intolerance.

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Devil's Claw

Harpagophytum, or devil's claw as it is more commonly known, is a plant that grows in the deserts of southern Africa. It has been used in the treatment of arthritis for centuries and clinical trials have shown that it is as effective as many arthritis medicines in reducing joint pain and easing mobility. It is, however, rarely used in dog foods due to its relatively high cost.

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Green Tea

Green tea and its extract contains powerful health-promoting antioxidants called catechins which have wide-ranging benefits but are particularly good for the cardiovascular system.

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Herbs

The general terms 'herbs', 'culinary herbs', 'herbal mix' and so on can refer to any plants with leaves, seeds, or flowers used for their flavour, aroma, nutritional constituents or medicinal properties. This obviously includes a great number of ingredients with very different attributes and qualities. General terms like these are often used by dog food manufacturers to disguise the true contents of the food. This may be because the mixture changes from batch to batch or because an accurate list would put customers off or occasionally to prevent competitors from getting hold of the recipe.

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Calcium Carbonate

Calcium carbonate is widely used in dog foods as a calcium supplement and less frequently as an acidity regulator, colouring, anti-caking agent or stabiliser. It can be derived from a number of sources including bone meal, oyster shells, limestone, and dolomite (clay). Calcium carbonate can also help to ease symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) but excessive calcium can have serious side effects so adding extra to a complete food is generally not recommended.

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Calcium phosphate

Calcium phosphate refers to a family of minerals that are usually derived from cow milk and are added to dog foods as a source of calcium and phosphorous. Calcium phosphate is the primary constituent of bone and tooth enamel.

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Chondroitin

Chondroitin sulphate is a naturally occurring molecule which is well known for easing the symptoms of osteoarthritis and other joint conditions. It acts as a natural anti-inflammatory and also blocks the enzymes that attack the joints during osteoarthritis.

Chondroitin is a component of animal cartilage and meat and is therefore present in small amounts in virtually all dog foods. Many dog foods, especially those designed for older dogs or large breed dogs, have added chondroitin to provide additional joint support. Supplemented chondroitin sulphate is manufactured from animal sources, such as cow cartilage.

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Copper sulphate

Dogs need copper but they cannot make it themselves so it must be taken in through the diet. Although all dog foods naturally contain a certain amount of copper from the raw ingredients, additional copper is routinely added to ensure there is enough for the dog's requirements.

While there are several forms of copper supplement available to pet food manufacturers, copper sulphate has been their number one source for near on 80 years. It is approved by both AAFCO in the US and FEDIAF in Europe and its use in pet food has never been directly associated with any pet illnesses. Despite this fact, though, copper sulphate remains a somewhat controversial ingredient with some parties claiming that copper sulphate is 'moderately poisonous' or even 'toxic' to pets.

Much of the criticism stems from the fact that pure copper sulphate is not a particularly pleasant substance. In the EU, for example, it is classified as 'harmful' and 'dangerous to the environment' as well as being an 'irritant'. Naturally, these are not the kind of terms you want to see linked with pet food ingredients but it is important to note that the amounts found in pet foods are absolutely tiny - far below the amounts that would be needed to cause harm.

Nevertheless, some manufacturers prefer to err on the side of caution and opt for less contentious forms of copper supplements like copper gluconate, copper carbonate or chelated copper (often listed as copper amino acid complex or copper proteinate and widely regarded as the safest and most absorbable form of copper supplement).

As a standard mineral supplement, copper sulphate is not required to be mentioned on the label so if you would prefer to avoid it, the only way to be sure is to contact your pet food manufacturer directly.

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D,L-methionine

Methionine is an amino acid - a building block of protein. It is naturally found in a wide range of foods but extra is sometimes added to dog foods as it reduces the pH of the urine which helps prevent damage to lawns.

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FOS

Fructo-oligo-saccharide (FOS) is a nutritional supplement which is becoming more popular in dog foods due to its beneficial pre-biotic effect. It encourages the growth of 'friendly bacteria' in the large intestine which promotes over-all gastro-intestinal (GI) health. FOS is extracted from fruits and vegetables such as chicory and some grains like barley and wheat.

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Glucosamine

Glucosamine sulphate (often just called glucosamine) is widely recommended for sufferers of joint problems (especially osteoarthritis) and is one of the most common non-vitamin, non-mineral, dietary supplements for both humans and dogs.

Although it's not clear exactly how glucosamine works, or even if it works, most scientists believe that it helps to prevent the break down of the joint cartilage. Unfortunately, in clinical trials, results have been mixed and glucosamine's effectiveness is still in question.

Glucosamine can be found naturally in animal bones and bone marrow and so is present in small amounts in all meat-based dog foods. Nevertheless, many dog foods, especially those designed for older dogs or large breed dogs, have added glucosamine to provide additional joint support. Commercially manufactured glucosamine usually comes from the hydrolysis of the shells of crustaceans (shrimps, crabs etc) where it is particularly abundant.

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L-Carnitine

Carnitine (L-Carnitine) is an amino acid (one of the building blocks of proteins) which as a supplement is widely recommended for dogs with heart disorders and dogs on weight loss programs. It is naturally produced by animal cells and is therefore found in small amounts in virtually all dog foods. L-carnitine has a central role in the metabolism of fats and so extra carnitine is often added to weight-loss diets as it helps to break down body fat while maintaining lean muscle mass.

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Lysine

L-Lysine is a necessary building block for all protein in the dog's body. It is an essential amino acid which means that it cannot be made by the dog and so must be eaten. Lysine is present in a wide range of foods, particularly meats, and so is present in all dog foods. Nevertheless, some dog food manufacturers top up the lysine levels with a nutritional supplement.

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MOS

Mannan-oligo-saccharide (MOS) is a nutritional supplement which is becoming more popular in dog foods due to its beneficial pre-biotic effect. It encourages the growth of 'friendly bacteria' in the large intestine which promotes over-all gastro-intestinal (GI) health. MOS is derived from the cell wall of yeasts.

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MSM

Methyl-sulphonyl-methane (MSM) is a natural derivative of pine bark which has been recommended for the treatment and prevention of osteoarthritis and other joint problems due to its anti-inflammatory effect. Studies on the medicinal effects of MSM have, however, been inconclusive.

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Nucleotides

Nucleotides are the building blocks of DNA and RNA and are essential for all kinds of life. They are found in all foods and are readily synthesised within the dogs body. Some dog food producers do however add additional nucleotides to their foods with the claim that they are beneficial to digestion and help recovery after an injury.

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Potassium Chloride

Potassium chloride is a naturally occurring mineral that is sometimes added to dog foods as a potassium supplement.

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Sodium selenite

Selenium is essential for our dogs' good health. Its deficiency can be extremely damaging so complete foods must contain at least some selenium. It can come as a natural part of the ingredients (for example, sunflower seeds, many whole grains and most meats contain some selenium) but much more commonly, it is added as a supplement.

In the EU, only two forms of selenium supplements are permitted in pet foods - sodium selenite and inactivated selenised yeast (or organic selenium). While organic selenium is widely reported as more bioavailable and despite the fact that sodium selenite is classified by the European Union and the FDA as a toxic chemical, sodium selenite is far cheaper than organic selenium and therefore remains the selenium supplement of choice for the vast majority of pet food producers.

Of course, these companies will argue that the dosages of sodium selenite found in pet foods are much lower than those that have found to cause problems in lab animals (lung, kidney and liver damage and in some cases death) and they would be right. However, since no studies have been carried out on the effects of long term exposure to selenium selenite (it is, after all, given to many pets in every meal for their entire life) and since another, much safer alternative is widely available, we can't see any justification for the continued use of sodium selenite in pet foods.

Please note that sodium selenite is a mineral supplements and can therefore be listed under the general term 'minerals' or may not be listed at all. To find out if your dog's food contains sodium selenite, be sure to contact the manufacturer directly.

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Taurine

Taurine is an amino acid (one of the building blocks of proteins) that can be found naturally in all sorts of foods and especially in seafood and meat. Even when it is not found in abundance in a dog's diet, the dog can produce its own making it a non-essential nutrient for most dogs.

A number of studies have, however, shown that taurine supplementation can help in the treatment of heart problems. For this reason some dog food manufacturers have started to add extra taurine to their foods as a health supplement.

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Threonine

Threonine is a necessary building block for many of the proteins in the dog's body. It is an essential amino acid which means that it cannot be made by the dog and so must be eaten. Threonine is present in a wide range of foods, particularly meats, and so is present in all dog foods. Nevertheless, some dog food manufacturers top up the threonine levels with a nutritional supplement.

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Agar-agar

Agar-agar (E406) is a gelling agent derived from seaweed. In pet food, it is primarily used to help create the characteristic firm consistency of paté and loaf type wet foods.

Agar-agar is becoming popular as an alternative to its controversial cousin, carrageenan.

As with any ingredient, it is possible for a dog to develop an allergic reaction to agar-agar, but so far at least, it certainly looks like a safer option than some of the alternatives [1].

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Alginate

Alginates (E401) are long chain molecules occurring naturally in brown algae. They may also be listed as alginic acid, algin gum or sodium/potassium alginate. When mixed with water, alginate forms a viscous gel, which has led to its inclusion in a lot of wet paté type foods as a gelling agent to help provide their firm consistency.

While alginate is certainly less contentious than some alternative gelling agents, it has been linked to skin irritation and respiratory sensitivity [1] so if your dog is experiencing either of those problems on a food containing alginate, it may be worth trialling an alternative that doesn't contain the ingredient.

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Artificial colourings

As any parent will testify, certain foods can have a dramatic effect on a child's behaviour. As early as the 1950's, artificial colourings were being linked with behavioural issues amongst other health problems in people and several recent scientific trials have shown a clear link between food additives and ADD (attention deficit disorder) and hyperactivity in children. Unfortunately, the effects of these ingredients seem to be exactly the same for our dogs with reduced attention spans and hyperactivity regularly reported.

Common artificial colourings found in dog foods include sunset yellow, tartrazine, ponceau 4r, patent blue V and titanium dioxide, although they may also be listed by their E numbers or simply as 'colourings'. They are often derived from petroleum products and often persist in the environment for many years or even decades.

It is also worth mentioning that most studies indicate that dogs are largely colourblind so the only role of the colourings is to appeal to the owner and not to the dog.

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Artificial flavourings

Many pet foods are listed as "free from artificial flavours". Actually, artificial flavours are rarely used in pet foods since their natural counterparts (fats, digest, sugars etc.) are both cheap and effective. Nevertheless, a number of artificial flavours have found their way into the pet food market. Smoke and bacon flavours are fairly popular in some brands of treats and a few foods also incorporate liquid artificial meat flavours. Whether this is to provide a better taste for the dog or a more appealing smell for the owner is questionable. Synthetic flavours, like many other artificial additives, have been linked to averse reactions in people and animals and since there's really no good reason for their use in pet food, we recommend steering well clear.

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Artificial preservatives and antioxidants

A preservative is any ingredient added to a food to slow down spoilage. The preservatives used in pet foods can be grouped into two general types: antimicrobials that block growth of bacteria, moulds or yeasts and antioxidants that slow the oxidation of fats and lipids that leads to rancidity.

Both preservatives and antioxidants can come from natural sources (such as vitamin E and rosemary oil) or be artificially created. Here we will talk only about artificial preservatives and antioxidants. To find out more about natural preservatives and antioxidants in pet food, click here.

Artificial preservatives and antioxidants are far more widespread in pet food than most people imagine and although they certainly work at slowing down decomposition (in some cases giving pet foods a shelf life of over four years!), there are a whole host of concerns regarding their effects on health.

BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole or E320) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene or E321) are amongst the most common artificial antioxidants used in pet foods and are particularly worrying. One study at the University of Hamburg concluded that "all published findings agree with the fact that BHA and BHT are tumour promoters"[1] and the Department of Health and Human Studies in the US found that BHA consistently produces tumours in both rats and fish [2]. And the potential side-effects aren't just physical with one study finding a whole host of behavioural problems including increased aggression and "a severe deficit in learning" linked to BHA and BHT consumption in mice [3]. Despite all of the evidence, both BHA and BHT are currently permitted in pet food (and human food) in both the US and in Europe.

Propyl Gallate (E310), an artificial preservative that is often used in conjunction with BHA and BHT, has also been linked with tumour formation in rats [4].

Another common preservative, Potassium Sorbate (E202) is listed as a skin, eye and respiratory irritant, has been shown to damage white blood cells and may also contribute to tumour formation [5].

One piece of good news for European pet owners is that Ethoxyquin or E324 (which was once one of the most widespread artificial antioxidants in pet foods and has a long history of connections with allergic reactions, skin disease, behaviour problems and far worse conditions) was 'suspended' by the European Food Safety Authority in April 2017 on the basis that it may cause damage to DNA and lead to cell mutation [6]. This is, however, just a suspension and not a ban meaning that it could well return in time. Ethoxyquin is still widely used outside of the EU.

As you can see, chemical preservatives include some of the most controversial additives around and since there are good natural alternatives, there really is no justification for their continued use in pet foods.

How to avoid artificial preservatives and antioxidants

Unfortunately, avoiding artificial preservatives and antioxidants isn't easy. Over the years manufacturers have found more and more ways to hide their use of these highly contentious ingredients.

Look beyond the ingredients list

When a pet food manufacturer adds preservatives to its products, they have to be declared on the label. Oddly, though, they don't necessarily have to be listed alongside the other ingredients and can instead be buried within the typical analysis or elsewhere in the 'statutory statement' (the area on the label with all of the legally required info like ingredients, typical analysis, best before date etc) so you do need to keep your eyes peeled.

Word games

Terminology on ingredients list is somewhat of an art form. The law does provide rules for how ingredients should be listed but there is still plenty of wiggle room for manufacturers to add some spin here and there. So rather than simply stating that a food is, for example, 'preserved with BHA, BHT and propyl gallate', which might put off customers, they are much more likely to use far less worrying phrases like 'contains EU permitted antioxidants'. In fact, for some dog owners I have spoken to, 'EU permitted antioxidants' actually conjures images of the kind of good, natural antioxidants that have recently become popular for humans like goji berries and fresh blueberries. As we have established above, when you see antioxidants listed on a pet food and it is not accompanied by the word natural, it is not referring to anything good.

Let's play spot the artificial preservatives!

"No added preservatives"

Unfortunately, even if you find a food with no mention of artificial preservatives or antioxidants anywhere on the label, that's still not a guarantee that the food is free from them.

The sad truth is that it is actually impossible to say from the packaging alone whether some foods might contain artificial preservatives or not. This is because, while additives added by the manufacturers themselves have to be declared on the packaging, there is a legal loophole allowing artificial additives that were added to the ingredients before they reached the pet food factory to go undeclared. In fact, even if a food is littered with ingredients that have been individually treated with artificial preservatives before reaching the factory, the manufacturer can still legally claim that the food has 'no added preservatives' as they technically didn't add any!

Meat meal is a particular problem in this respect as it routinely has artificial preservatives added before it reaches the pet food factories - a fact that very few manufacturers manage to communicate to their customers.

So the only way to be 100% sure if your pet food is completely free from artificial preservatives and antioxidants (including any added by their ingredient suppliers) is to look for foods clearly labelled as free from artificial preservatives or to ask the manufacturer directly.

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Carrageenan

Carrageenans (E407) are a group of long, flexible polysaccharide chains (a type of carbohydrate) that are extracted from red edible seaweeds and have been used as a food additive for hundreds of years.

Its curling, helical structures allows carrageenan to form a gel at room temperature which has led to its widespread use as a gelling agent in both the human and pet food industries. In human food, carrageenan can be found in all sorts of foods from soy milk and yogurt to ready-meals and deli meats. In pet food, carrageenan is generally only found in firm wet foods like patés and 'loaf' foods.

Usage

Carrageenan is used as a gelling agent to give paté and loaf type wet pet foods their characteristic firm consistency. While there are a number of alternative gelling agents (agar-agar, konjac and alginate), carrageenan is by far the most popular amongst wet pet food producers.

Carrageenan is often used in conjunction with thickeners like cassia gum, guar gum or locust bean gum. These thickeners enhance the strength of gelling agents like carrageenan.

Safety

Despite its widespread use and long heritage, carrageenan has attracted considerable criticism from certain quarters of the scientific community.

A number of studies [1][2][3] have linked food grade carrageenan (also known as un-degraded carrageenan or just CGN) to gastrointestinal inflammation as well as higher rates of intestinal lesions, ulcerations, and even tumours. Degraded carrageenan (sometimes called poligeenan or dCGN), though, is far more potent. It is a known carcinogen and is routinely used to induce inflammation in lab animals so that scientists can test anti-inflammation drugs. While degraded carrageenan is not permitted in pet food, there is concern that some food grade carrageenan may be contaminated with dCGN [4] and also that the acid environment of the stomach may degrade food-grade carrageenan to form dCGN [1].

HOWEVER, for every study suggesting carrageenan could be problematic, there is another indicating that it is perfectly safe. Although many of the more pro-carrageenan studies are funded by and in many cases directly carried but by carrageenan producers (Celtic Colloids, FMC) or their affiliates (Toxpertise, Iontox), they are still subject to peer review and not without merit. In particular, a comprehensive review carried out in 2014 concluded that no studies to date had adequately demonstrated any carcinogenic, tumour promoter, genotoxic, developmental or reproductive effects from consuming food grade carrageenan [5][6].

Most significantly, in 2018 the European Food Safety Authority carried out its own investigation into carrageenan and found no adverse effects from carrageenan in rats all the way up to 7,500 mg/kg of body weight per day, which is WAY more than is found in pet foods and was the highest dose tested [7]. They did, however, express some uncertainties over the general lack of reliable information on the additive's effects and suggested more work was necessary before they could be 100% sure of its safety.

Which foods contain carrageenan?

As mentioned above, carrageenan is generally only used in paté and loaf type wet pet foods.

Unfortunately, without your own lab, figuring out whether any specific paté or loaf food contains carrageenan can be very difficult.

Firstly, since it is a technological additive and only needs to be added in very small amounts, carrageenan does not have to be declared by the manufacturer so just because it is not on the label does not mean it's not in the food. The manufacturer is also under no obligation to tell you, even if you ask them directly.

Secondly, the pet food company itself might not even know that its foods contain carrageenan. This is because many wet food producers outsource their manufacturing to third party factories who may add carrageenan (most often as a component of the vitamin and mineral premix) without specifically notifying the producer. Some factories even actively withhold information like this from their client companies.

We have tried to find out which paté and loaf wet foods do and do not contain carrageenan and we have added each brand's response to its product review pages. Where the information was not forthcoming, we have added the phrase 'not guaranteed carrageenan free by the manufacturer'. Unfortunately, though, we have the same problems in verifying this information as anyone else so while we can pass on their responses in good faith, we cannot guarantee their veracity.

Our advice

Carrageenan is certainly not the worst additive in pet food and for most dogs, the very small amount used is not likely to cause any upsets at all but we do still think caution is warranted. If your dog has a history of digestive upsets, it may well be best to look for a food that is free from carrageenan and other similarly controversial ingredients. Changing the diet up every so often would also help to limit the chances of carrageenan or any associated issues from building up in the dog's system over time.

If you do decide to avoid carrageenan, due to the total lack of transparency over its usage, the only way to be 100% sure would be to steer clear of firm wet foods like patés and loaf foods altogether.

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Cassia gum

Cassia gum (E427 in human food, E499 in pet food) is widely used as a thickener in wet pet foods to enhance the strength of gelling agents. It is made from the seeds of the senna (also known as cassia) plant

Controversy

According to our sources in wet pet food manufacturing, cassia gum is only ever used in conjunction with gelling agents, some of which are also controversial and do not need to be declared on the label.

As far as we're concerned, the potential risks of cassia gum far outweigh the benefits, so we would recommend giving it a wide berth.

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EC permitted additives

The EU has listed over 4000 artificial additives which may be added to foods and 'EU permitted additives' covers them all. Although many are harmless or even beneficial, it also includes chemical flavourings and colourings (many of which have been linked to behavioural problems and other health concerns) and artificial preservatives like BHA and BHT which have been identified as possible causes of cancer. For many nutritionists, 'EU permitted additives' is the number one ingredient to avoid.

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Gelling agents and thickeners

Some types of wet pet food and most notably paté / loaf type foods require special additives known as thickeners and gelling agents in order to bind the ingredients and allow the food to maintain its firm consistency.

While the inclusion of some thickeners and gelling agents must be declared on the pet food label, many can be used without any declaration. This can be extremely problematic for some pet owners as several thickeners and gelling agents have been linked to adverse reactions and ill health in pets.

For more information on why finding out what gelling agents and thickeners a dog food contains is so difficult, check out our post here.

Gelling agents

When added to water, gelling agents, which are typically powders, dislove to create a gel like structure. All paté and loaf type foods contain some form of gelling agent.

Currently, the most common gelling agents available to pet food producers include:

• Agar-Agar (E406)
• Konjac (E425)
• Carrageenan (E407)
• Alginate (E401)

Thickeners

Thickeners are often used in conjunction with one of the above gelling agents in order to enhance gelling strength.

• Guar gum (E412)
• Locust bean gum / carob gum (E410)
• Cassia gum (E427/E499)

According to our sources, these thickeners serve absolutely no purpose in a food unless one of the above gelling agents is also present so if you see them on a wet pet food label without an associated gelling agent, it's reasonable to assume one or more undisclosed gelling agents are also present.

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Guar gum

Guar gum (E412) is a thickener extracted from guar beans. It is essentially a flour that is often used in conjunction with gelling agents to enhance their gelling strength.

Guar gum is certainly a lot less contentious than the alternative cassia gum but it is not entirely without controversy with some studies suggesting that it may reduce the digestibility of the rest of the food and particularly the protein [1].

It's also important to note that according to our sources in wet pet food manufacturing, thickeners like guar gum are only ever used with gelling agents, some of which are somewhat controversial and do not need to be declared on the label. If in doubt, ask your wet food manufacturer what gelling agents they use directly.

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Konjac

Konjac (E425) powder is a strong gelling agent made from the fibre root of the konjac plant. It is widely used in human food and is becoming increasingly popular in the wet pet food industry as a less contentious alternative to carrageenan. Like carrageenan, it helps to bind the ingredients of paté type wet foods to provide their characteristic firm texture.

Although studies on the safety of konjac for pets are few and far between, especially when fed for extended periods, one study showed that some people eating 3 grams of konjac per day began to experience abdominal discomfort, diarrhoea and constipation after 12 weeks [1]. This led the European Food Safety Authority to recommend a maximum total daily intake of konjac for people of 3g per day - around 40 mg of konjac per kilo of body weight per day. With no recommended daily dose figures for pets, this is currently the best rule of thumb we have.

One study [2] also suggested that konjac may interfere with vitamin E and cholesterol absorption.

While konjac is certainly less contentious than some alternative gelling agents, its safety is not 100% assured. For that reason, if your dog is experiencing unexplained digestive problems on a food containing konjac, it may be worth trialling an alternative that doesn't contain the ingredient.

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Locust bean gum / carob gum

Locust bean gum (or carob gum as it is also known) is a thickener extracted from the seeds of the carob tree. It is used in conjunction with gelling agents to enhance their gelling strength.

Compared to some of the other thickeners out there, locust bean gum appears to be one of the safest with several authorities verifying its safety over the years [1].

Note, though, that according to our sources in wet pet food manufacturing, thickeners like locust bean gum are only ever used with gelling agents, some of which are somewhat controversial and do not need to be declared on the label. If in doubt, ask your wet food manufacturer what gelling agents they use directly.

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Natural colourings

Despite the fact that numerous studies have indicated that dogs are largely colourblind, many manufacturers feel the need to add colours to their foods. Although many pet food manufacturers still use artificial colours, more and more are turning to natural alternatives as the anti-additives movement gains ground.

Natural colours are much less vibrant than their synthetic counterparts and are much more sensitive to environmental conditions like heat, light and pH. Common natural colorants include beetroot, caramel, paprika, grape and turmeric and although none are at all harmful to dogs, they also aren't at all beneficial.

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Natural preservatives and antioxidants

A preservative is any ingredient added to a food to slow down spoilage. Antioxidants are an important branch of preservatives as they inhibit the oxidisation process which turns fats rancid. Virtually all dry foods contain some form of preservatives. Some continue to use highly controversial artificial preservatives but increasingly, manufacturers are turning to natural alternatives.

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Phosphoric Acid

Phosphoric acid (E338) is a clear, colourless liquid that is added to foods primarily as an acidifier but is also used effectively as a flavouring, emulsifier and to prevent discolouration. It is best known as an additive in cola drinks.

Studies have linked phosphoric acid to reduced bone density in humans making it a fairly controversial ingredient for both people and dogs. Although more work is necessary to confirm the link, we would recommend playing it safe in the meantime and steering clear of foods with high levels of phosphoric acid.

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Propylene glycol

Propylene glycol is a synthetic compound that absorbs water and can therefore be used to keep semi-moist dog foods and treats semi-moist. It also has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties making it suitable as a preservative.

Although propylene glycol has been approved as safe for both humans and dogs (but not cats due to its links to the feline condition Heinz body anaemia), it remains a source of controversy. This is partly due to regular links to asthma and allergic reactions and partly because propylene glycol's other commercial uses (including car antifreeze and in de-icing aircraft) don't inspire too much confidence in dog owners.

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Sodium hexametaphosphate

Sodium hexametaphosphate (also known as sodium HMP or E452i) is added to some dog foods because of its effect of softening and reducing tooth tartar.

Although consuming large amounts is not recommended, the kind of concentrations found in pet foods are regarded as safe.

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Sodium Tripolyphosphate (STPP)

Sodium Tripolyphosphate (also called STPP or E451) is added to dog foods as a preservative and to help moist foods to retain moisture so that they appear fresher for longer.

Although STPP is generally recognised as safe, it has been listed by the US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health as a possible neurotoxin and is widely recognised as a mild skin irritant. We therefore recommend steering clear of foods containing STPP, especially if your dog is prone to skin problems.

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Brewer's Yeast

Brewer's yeast is one of the best sources of natural B vitamins including B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), B7 (biotin) and B9 (folic acid). These vitamins have a wide range of functions in dogs including aiding digestion, supporting of the nervous system and keeping the skin, hair, eyes, mouth, and liver healthy.

Yeast is also a good source of protein. It is known as a 'complete protein' since it contains all nine of the essential amino acids needed by dogs.

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Cellulose

In food, cellulose is the scientific term for dietary fibre. It can be found in the cell walls of all plants and is almost entirely indigestible for dogs which is actually a very good thing as its undigested form provides a wide range of benefits.

However, while cellulose per-se is good for dogs, it's usually not a great thing to see it listed as an ingredient. This is because pure cellulose or lignocellulose powder is quite different from the fibre found in whole fruit and veg. It is a white, odourless powder that is most often produced as a low value byproduct of agriculture (e.g. corn stover, sugarcane bagasse, straw) or as waste material from saw mills and paper mills (it really is!).

Cellulose is most often found in light diets since it helps to bulk out the diet whilst providing almost zero calories.

As fibre supplements go, cellulose powder is probably the most controversial and many nutritionists recommend avoiding it altogether.

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Charcoal

Charcoal absorbs excess gas and is often recommended for relieving wind and bloating in dogs. Unlike charcoal for barbeques, the edible form must be 'activated' with high temperatures and steam before it can be eaten. Activated charcoal can come from a number of sources including wood, coconut shells, peat and bamboo.

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Diatomaceous earth

Diatomaceous earth (also labelled as diatomite or siliceous earth or by its German name, kieselgur) is a form of soft, highly porous, sedimentary rock made from the fossilised remains of diatoms, a type of hard-shelled algae. In dog food it performs a similar function to charcoal in absorbing toxins in the gut and reducing the incidence of wind. It is also mildly abrasive so it may also help to remove tooth plaque.

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Glycerin

Glycerin, glycerine, glycerol and E422 all refer to the compound, propane-1,2,3-triol. It is found throughout nature as an essential part of tri-glyceride fats. It is not, however, found on its own which has led some more ardent natural feeding advocates to label isolated glycerin as 'unnatural'. Pure glycerin is non-toxic and is generally regarded as safe. It is generally produced as a byproduct of soap manufacture and it has found a wide range of applications in the food and cosmetic industries. It is regularly found in pet foods (especially treats) as a humectant - that is it helps keep foods moist without allowing the moisture to speed up the food's decomposition. It also has a sweet taste which makes any foods it is added to more appealing to dogs.

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Gravy / sauce

Gravy (or sauce) in pet food is an ill-defined and poorly regulated term.

While it may refer to actual gravy, as you or I would understand it (a separately formulated sauce of meat fat and juices with stock and seasoning), it can equally be used for little more than water made to look a little like gravy with colourings and thickeners or anything in-between.

When gravy is listed without a breakdown of its sub-components, it can also be used as a vehicle for adding other, less marketable ingredients like salt, digest or additives to a food without them having to be declared.

In dry foods, the term gravy can also refer to a natural flavouring that is sprayed on to the biscuits at the end of manufacturing. In this case it is usually made up of a combination of meat (usually ) and oils.

If you are at all unsure about the ingredients of your dog food, it is always best to contact the manufacturer directly.

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Insect Meal

As our regular visitors will know, we are fans of meat for our dogs. We thoroughly believe that it is the best source of nutrition for dogs and therefore we have always insisted that it should make up the core of any good dog food. But as you're no doubt aware, meat is also becoming a huge problem for the planet. As global demand for meat increases, the meat industry is responsible for ever increasing levels of habitat destruction (to clear land for meat animal rearing and for growing the crops that feed them) and carbon emissions that contribute to climate change. Add to that the awful animal welfare that most factory-farming entails and it's easy to see why meat alternatives are rapidly becoming one of the hottest topics in the pet food world.

Chief amongst the potential alternatives to meat in pet food are insects. There are currently a dozen or so candidates for insect protein sources including housefly pupae, crickets, mealworm larvae, black soldier fly larvae and cockroaches. They are all easy, quick and relatively inexpensive to produce with far lower carbon emissions or required space than conventional meat farming. Some, like the black soldier fly, can even be raised entirely on waste human food, making them an even better choice for the environment.

And while it might seem odd to feed your four legged friends on some six legged bugs, it's not actually all the weird at all. Right now, a whole host of human cultures across the world consume nearly 2000 species of insects on a daily basis and wild forms of both cats and dogs commonly eat insects as part of their day to day diets.

In terms of palatability, insects can be a bit of a mixed bag. Different species have entirely different flavours and a lot also depends on what the insects themselves have been fed on and how they have been cooked or otherwise prepared.

Insects for use in pet foods are generally dried and ground to form a powder called insect meal.

And the key question: is insect meal actually any good for our dogs? Well, although studies on insect derived nutrition for pets is still a little limited, the data that is available is actually very positive. Insect meal is typically very rich in protein (from 37 to 63% dry matter) and its amino acid profile generally scores very well for both cats and dogs, often roughly in line with fish meal and poultry meal. Again, the exact composition of amino acids and digestibility varies a lot from species to species and also depending on what the insects have eaten. For example, housefly pupae have a very high amino acid score and a digestibility just below that of poultry meal while yellow mealworms don't score quite as well for their amino acids but have a very high digestibility, above even that of poultry meal.

Of course, these comparisons are only with poultry meal and fish meal, both of which have plenty of their own critics. It is not known how insect meal compares with the 'fresh' meats used in dry pet foods nor with raw meats.

It is also worth noting that some insect meals, particularly that made from black soldier fly larvae (which is used in foods like Yora), contains relatively high levels of saturated fat which may not be ideal for all pets.

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Natural flavourings

The term natural flavouring can be used for any extract from any food whose significant function is flavouring rather than nutritional. This is clearly very broad and could refer to anything from herbs or meat meals to more questionable ingredients like digest.

In dry pet foods, natural flavourings sometimes refers to a combination of fresh meat and oils which is sprayed on to the food in the final stages of manufacturing.

If you are at all unsure about the ingredients of your dog food, it is always best to contact the manufacturer directly.

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Oils and Fats

In nutritional terms, oils and fats are two words for the same thing. The broad term 'oils and fats' encompass all oils and fats from any plant or animal source.

Like all animals, dogs need a certain amount of fat from their diet to survive. Fat is found naturally in many types of foods but because dogs find fats so irresistible, extra is often added to dog foods. For fussy dogs it is often a good idea to look for foods with higher fat levels but be careful as too much fat can lead to the same kind of problems as in humans.

Umbrella terms like 'oils and fats' can make choosing the right food for your dog difficult as it gives very little indication of what is actually in the food. It could, for example, refer to beneficial oils or high quality animal fats, or it could be used for low grade, potentially harmful or highly processed oils.

Because it is impossible to know what oils or fats are included, we generally recommend assuming the worst and avoiding foods with this ingredient. This is particularly important if your dog is prone to dietary intolerance as identifying and eliminating problem ingredients is impossible unless you know exactly what you are feeding.

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Salt

Salt, or sodium chloride as it is often listed, is commonly added to pet foods as a flavour enhancer.

While salt is a necessary mineral, it is generally present in sufficient quantities in the raw ingredients of pet foods. However, since dogs, like humans, enjoy the taste of salt, extra is regularly added to dog foods to make them more appealing. Unfortunately, excessive salt has the same health implications for dogs as for us and should be avoided. This is particularly important if your dog has a history of heart problems or high blood pressure.

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Seaweed

Seaweed is a popular nutritional supplement in natural dog foods. Although there are a wide variety of edible seaweeds, kelp is the most common one used in dog food.

Seaweed is a good source of a huge range of minerals including calcium, iron, magnesium and many more. They are also rich in the rare mineral iodine which is necessary for healthy thyroid function (please note that too much iodine can be harmful so large amounts of seaweed should be avoided).

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Special ingredients

Legally, UK dog food producers are obliged to state roughly what is in their products. However, if divulging some of the ingredients is likely to result in a competitive disadvantage - for example, if it gives away a companies 'secret formula', this obligation can be waived.

The problem for dog owners is that terms like 'special ingredients' could refer to literally anything, which makes choosing the right food very difficult. As always, where ingredients are unclear, we would recommend assuming the worst and looking elsewhere.

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Stock / broth

Stock or broth in pet food is another often-misleading term.

While it may refer to actual stock as you or I would understand it (meat, bones or vegetables simmered in water for an extended period of time possibly with herbs or other aromatics for flavour), 'stock' can and is used by some manufacturers to refer to water. Literally just water!

When listed in conjunction with a meat or vegetable (chicken broth or vegetable stock, for example) the ingredient should have some relation to that ingredient but monitoring and regulation is almost non-existent.

To make things worse, some manufacturers have started bracketing stock and broth ingredients with their meat ingredients, allowing them to make quite misleading claims like 'Chicken 50% (chicken meat 25%, chicken stock 25%)'.

If you are at all unsure about the ingredients of your dog food, it is always best to contact the manufacturer directly.

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