Ingredient Guide
Independent analysis of 155 common dog food ingredients, from quality protein sources to controversial additives.
Meat
Protein Sources
Animal Proteins HydrolysedBroken-down animal proteins that are highly digestible but may contain unspecified sources.Found in 138 productsBeefA red meat protein that is nutrient-dense and highly palatable for most dogs.Found in 380 productsBeef OffalFound in 34 productsBeef TripeFound in 31 productsChickenA lean poultry protein that is highly digestible and commonly used as a primary protein source in dog food.Found in 1239 productsCodFound in 1 productDuckA poultry protein that is less common and often used as a novel protein for dogs with allergies.Found in 200 productsEggFound in 56 productsFishA general fish protein source that provides high-quality amino acids and omega fatty acids.Found in 475 productsFish MealA concentrated protein made from fish processing byproducts, providing protein and minerals.Found in 120 productsGoatFound in 3 productsHaddockFound in 6 productsHareFound in 1 productLambA red meat protein often used as an alternative for dogs with chicken or beef sensitivities.Found in 287 productsMackerelFound in 3 productsPea ProteinA plant-based protein extracted from peas, commonly used in grain-free dog food formulas.Found in 172 productsPheasantFound in 2 productsPorkFound in 50 productsPotato ProteinA plant-based protein extracted from potatoes, used in grain-free and limited ingredient formulas.Found in 111 productsRabbitFound in 19 productsSalmonA fatty fish protein rich in omega-3 fatty acids, beneficial for skin and coat health.Found in 772 productsSardineFound in 1 productSpratFound in 2 productsTroutFound in 18 productsTunaFound in 8 productsTurkeyA lean poultry protein similar to chicken, often used as an alternative protein source for dogs with sensitivities.Found in 469 productsVenisonFound in 36 productsWild BoarFound in 1 product
Vegetables
ArtichokeFound in 1 productAsparagusFound in 20 productsBeetrootFound in 1 productBroccoliA cruciferous vegetable providing vitamins, minerals, and beneficial plant compounds.Found in 188 productsCarrotA vegetable rich in beta-carotene and fiber, often included for nutritional benefits and natural sweetness.Found in 586 productsCauliflowerFound in 4 productsChickpeasA legume providing plant protein and fiber, commonly used in grain-free dog food formulas.Found in 122 productsCourgetteFound in 5 productsGreen BeansA low-calorie vegetable providing fiber and nutrients, often used in weight management formulas.Found in 47 productsKaleFound in 16 productsLentilsFound in 17 productsParsnipFound in 14 productsPeasA legume vegetable providing carbohydrates, fiber, and plant-based protein in dog food.Found in 988 productsPotatoA carbohydrate source that is gluten-free and commonly used in grain-free dog food formulas.Found in 761 productsPumpkinFound in 52 productsRed PepperFound in 2 productsSpinachA nutrient-dense leafy green vegetable providing vitamins and minerals for overall health.Found in 297 productsSquashFound in 44 productsSugar BeetFound in 9 productsSwedeFound in 1 productSweet PotatoA nutrient-dense carbohydrate source high in vitamins and fiber, often preferred over grains in premium formulas.Found in 596 productsSweetcornFound in 1 productTapiocaFound in 1 productTomatoFound in 41 products
Fruits
AppleA fruit providing fiber, vitamins, and natural flavor to dog food formulas.Found in 406 productsBlackberryFound in 1 productBlueberryA fruit rich in antioxidants and vitamins, beneficial for immune function and cognitive health.Found in 165 productsCranberryA fruit known for supporting urinary tract health and providing antioxidants.Found in 307 productsMulberryFound in 3 productsOrangeFound in 4 productsPapayaFound in 2 productsPearFound in 20 productsPomegranateFound in 2 products
Grains & Cereals
BarleyA whole grain carbohydrate with a lower glycemic index and good fiber content.Found in 241 productsBrown RiceA whole grain form of rice with more fiber and nutrients than white rice, often preferred in premium formulas.Found in 186 productsMaizeCorn used as a carbohydrate and protein source; commonly used but sometimes considered a filler ingredient.Found in 439 productsOatsA whole grain carbohydrate rich in fiber and beta-glucans, beneficial for digestive health.Found in 289 productsPea StarchThe starch extracted from peas, used as a carbohydrate source in grain-free formulas.Found in 130 productsRiceA highly digestible grain carbohydrate commonly used as a primary carb source in dog food.Found in 654 productsSoya BeanFound in 1 productWheatA grain carbohydrate source that is a common allergen for some dogs and often avoided in sensitive formulas.Found in 270 productsWhite RiceA refined grain carbohydrate that is highly digestible and commonly used in dog food.Found in 87 products
Fibre Sources
AlfalfaA legume providing fiber, vitamins, and minerals, often used as a natural fiber source.Found in 235 productsBeet PulpA byproduct of beet sugar extraction that provides soluble and insoluble fiber for digestive health.Found in 914 productsChicory RootA plant root providing inulin (prebiotic fiber) for digestive health and beneficial bacteria.Found in 703 productsPea FibreThe fibrous portion of peas providing bulk and digestive support without significant protein.Found in 117 products
Oils
Animal FatA generic rendered fat of unspecified animal origin, considered less desirable due to lack of transparency.Found in 86 productsBorage OilFound in 2 productsChicken FatA rendered poultry fat providing energy and omega-6 fatty acids for coat health.Found in 378 productsCoconut OilA plant-based oil with medium-chain triglycerides, sometimes used for skin health and energy.Found in 39 productsFish OilAn oil derived from fish providing omega-3 fatty acids beneficial for joint and cardiovascular health.Found in 364 productsLinseed OilAn oil derived from flaxseeds providing alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) for skin and coat support.Found in 74 productsPoultry FatA rendered fat from poultry providing energy and fatty acids, though sourcing may be unclear.Found in 234 productsSalmon OilAn oil derived from salmon providing omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) for coat and skin health.Found in 689 productsSoya OilAn oil derived from soybeans providing omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, though soy is a common allergen.Found in 87 productsSunflower OilA plant-based oil providing omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E as an antioxidant.Found in 207 products
Fats
Oils & Fats
Minerals
Calcium CarbonateA mineral supplement providing calcium for bone health and proper calcium-phosphorus balance.Found in 88 productsMineralsEssential minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium required for bone and metabolic health.Found in 1316 productsPotassium ChlorideAn electrolyte mineral that supports heart function and muscle health in dogs.Found in 123 productsSodium ChlorideCommon salt providing sodium and chloride, essential electrolytes for dogs in appropriate amounts.Found in 163 productsVitaminsEssential vitamins including A, D, E, and B vitamins required for overall health and immune function.Found in 288 products
Supplements
ChondroitinA compound that works with glucosamine to maintain joint cartilage and support joint flexibility.Found in 626 productsFOSFructooligosaccharides, a prebiotic that promotes digestive health and beneficial gut bacteria.Found in 612 productsGlucosamineAn amino sugar that supports joint cartilage health and mobility in dogs, especially older or large breeds.Found in 685 productsGlucosamine HydrochlorideA stabilized form of glucosamine for enhanced joint support and bioavailability.Found in 49 productsGreen Lipped MusselA shellfish supplement rich in glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3s for joint and immune health.Found in 174 productsL-CarnitineAn amino acid derivative that supports fat metabolism and weight management in dogs.Found in 46 productsMOSMannanoligosaccharides, a prebiotic derived from yeast that supports immune and digestive health.Found in 526 productsMSMMethylsulfonylmethane that supports joint health and may reduce inflammation in arthritic dogs.Found in 242 productsNucleotidesFound in 1 productPrebioticsNon-digestible compounds that promote beneficial bacteria growth for digestive health.Found in 137 productsProbioticsBeneficial live bacteria that support digestive health and immune function in dogs.Found in 56 productsTaurineAn amino acid essential for heart health and vision, particularly important for certain dog breeds.Found in 27 productsYucca SchidigeraA plant extract that may reduce stool odor and support digestive and immune function.Found in 703 products
Controversial Ingredients
CerealsA generic term for grain sources that lacks specificity and may include lower-quality grain byproducts.Found in 110 productsCorn GlutenA protein concentrate from corn that is high in protein but low in digestibility for some dogs.Found in 100 productsMeat and Animal DerivativesA vague term for unspecified meat byproducts of unknown origin and quality, considered a low-quality ingredient.Found in 185 productsSoyaA legume that provides plant protein but is a common allergen and often avoided in premium formulas.Found in 143 productsWheat GlutenA protein concentrate from wheat, a common allergen for sensitive dogs and sometimes associated with low quality.Found in 30 products
Other
AlgaeFound in 2 productsBarley GrassFound in 4 productsBasilFound in 2 productsBilberryFound in 6 productsBrewer's YeastA nutritional yeast byproduct providing B vitamins and possibly supporting coat health and immunity.Found in 400 productsBurdock RootFound in 6 productsFlaxseedSeeds providing alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), fiber, and lignans for skin and digestive health.Found in 145 productsGingerA root providing anti-inflammatory compounds that may support digestive and joint health.Found in 110 productsGreen Tea ExtractA natural antioxidant that may support immune health and cognitive function in dogs.Found in 113 productsHerbs & BotanicalsFound in 118 productsKelpA seaweed extract rich in iodine and minerals, supporting thyroid function and coat health.Found in 219 productsLignocelluloseFound in 1 productLinseedAn alternative name for flaxseed, providing omega-3 fatty acids and fiber.Found in 671 productsMilk ThistleFound in 33 productsPrebiotic MOSFound in 2 productsRosemary ExtractA natural preservative derived from rosemary providing antioxidant properties.Found in 81 productsSage LeavesFound in 6 productsSeaweedA marine plant providing iodine, vitamins, and minerals for thyroid and overall health.Found in 615 productsShiitake MushroomFound in 4 productsSodium HexametaphosphateFound in 0 productsSpirulinaFound in 12 productsTurmericA spice containing curcumin with anti-inflammatory properties, beneficial for joint health.Found in 257 productsVegetable GravyFound in 2 products
herb
AniseedFound in 1 productChamomileFound in 6 productsDandelionFound in 1 productDillFound in 6 productsFennelFound in 6 productsFenugreekFound in 1 productGinsengFound in 2 productsMarigoldFound in 9 productsMarjoramFound in 0 productsMintFound in 4 productsNettleFound in 2 productsOreganoFound in 0 productsParsleyFound in 5 productsPeppermintFound in 2 productsThymeFound in 0 products