Pet Food Ingredient Glossary
Choosing the right food for your pet can feel overwhelming—especially when the ingredient label is full of unfamiliar terms. This pet food glossary was created to help make those labels easier to understand.
Here, you’ll find clear, simple, veterinarian-reviewed explanations of the ingredients most commonly used in dog and cat food—from proteins and grains to vitamins and minerals. Each entry explains what the ingredient is, why it’s included, and how it may benefit your pet.
Keep in mind that an ingredient’s impact depends on its quality, how much is included, and the food’s overall formulation. Always work with your veterinarian when adding or changing any ingredient in your pet’s diet.
Whenever possible, we’ve also added links to helpful articles from FurPetVo Education and furpetvo.com so you can learn more. Our goal is to help you feel confident making informed choices about what’s going into your pet’s bowl.
A
Acerola cherry powder
A fruit-derived vitamin C source used for antioxidant support—often featured in “natural” recipes.
Agar-agar
A seaweed-derived gelling agent used to thicken and stabilize wet foods. Helps create a consistent texture without adding many calories.
Alfalfa meal
Finely ground dried alfalfa containing fiber, vitamins, minerals, and plant proteins. May be included in small amounts.
Algae oil (DHA)
A vegetarian source of omega-3 fatty acids—including DHA—made from marine microalgae. Supports brain, eye, skin, and coat health, and is often used instead of or alongside fish oil.
Amaranth
A gluten-free ancient grain that contains protein and fiber. Sometimes used in natural or alternative recipes.
Ammonium bicarbonate
A leavening agent used in baked treats to help them rise and stay light.
Ammonium chloride
An acidifier used (mostly in cat diets) to help maintain a healthy urine pH.
Anchovy hydrolysate
Enzymatically broken-down anchovy protein that may be used as a savory additive to boost appetite.
Anchovy meal
Heat-processed and ground anchovies that provide concentrated protein and omega-3 fatty acids—often used in fish-based kibble.
Anchovy oil
Oil pressed from anchovies, a source of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids that support skin, joint, brain, eye, and heart health.
Animal digest
A flavor enhancer made from enzymatically broken-down animal tissues. Used to improve aroma and taste without significantly altering nutrition.
Animal fat
Fats sourced from various animal species. Provides calories and improves palatability.
Animal plasma (spray-dried)
A concentrated protein derived from animal blood plasma, used in small amounts as a highly palatable, functional binder that contributes to texture and taste.
Anise seed
An aromatic spice used in small amounts in some treats for flavor and aroma.
Annatto extract
A natural colorant derived from achiote seeds, used in tiny amounts to enhance appearance.
Apple
Provides natural fiber, vitamin C, and other nutrients. Adds antioxidants and mild sweetness when used in treats or foods.
Learn more: Can dogs eat apples? | Can cats eat apples?
Apple cider vinegar
A natural additive that creates a sour taste—used in very small amounts for pH control, flavor, and product stability.
Apple fiber
Dried fiber from apples that may support healthy digestion and stool quality. Adds natural bulk.
Apple pectin
Apple-derived soluble fiber that acts as a prebiotic and supports stool quality. Also helps gel wet foods.
Apple pomace
The leftover pulp from apple juice production. Adds fiber and a touch of natural sweetness.
Arrowroot flour
A grain-free starch used as a binder and texture aid in treats and some limited-ingredient diets.
Artificial flavors
Synthetically made flavor ingredients—used in very small amounts to enhance aroma and taste and make food more appealing.
Ascorbic acid (vitamin C)
An antioxidant used to help preserve nutrients in foods and support immune health—often part of a vitamin pre-mixture.
Ascorbyl palmitate
A fat-soluble form of vitamin C used as an antioxidant to help protect fats and flavors from degradation.
Ascorbyl polyphosphate
A stable, feed-grade (intended for animals only) form of vitamin C added to help preserve nutrients—and provide antioxidant and immune support.
Asparagus
Occasionally appears in pet foods, treats, and recipes. Provides fiber and other nutrients in small amounts.
Learn more: Can dogs eat asparagus?
Aspergillus niger fermentation extract
A source of enzymes (e.g., amylase and protease) and prebiotics added to aid digestion and gut health.
Aspergillus oryzae fermentation extract
A source of enzymes (e.g., amylase and protease) and prebiotics added to aid digestion and gut health.
Astaxanthin
A carotenoid antioxidant found in microalgae, krill, and other aquatic species—added in small amounts for antioxidant support.
Autolyzed yeast
Yeast that has been broken down to release natural nutrients and flavor compounds (nucleotides and peptides). A common additive used to enhance flavor in kibbles and treats.
Avocado
A plant-based source of fat and other nutrients. Some recipes use avocado in small amounts.
Learn more: Can dogs eat avocado? | Can cats eat avocado?
B
Bacillus coagulans (dried fermentation product)
A resilient probiotic strain added to support a healthy gut microbiome and stool quality.
Bacillus licheniformis (dried fermentation product)
A hardy probiotic added to support a balanced gut microbiome.
Bacillus subtilis (dried fermentation product)
A spore-forming probiotic used for digestive support. Survives kibble processing better than many live cultures.
Bacon
A pork ingredient used mostly in treats for its savory flavor and aroma. Adds protein and fat—typically included sparingly.
Learn more: Can dogs eat bacon?
Bamboo fiber
A mostly insoluble fiber that helps support regularity and stool firmness.
Banana
An ingredient that provides potassium, fiber, and natural sweetness—often included in small amounts.
Learn more: Can dogs eat bananas? | Can cats eat bananas?
Banana powder
Dehydrated banana most often used for flavor and gentle fiber in treats.
Barley
A whole grain rich in fiber and carbohydrates. Supports digestive health and provides sustained energy.
Barley flakes
Lightly processed barley that adds texture, fiber, and sustained energy.
Barley grass
The young leaves of a barley plant—rich in chlorophyll, fiber, and antioxidants.
Barley malt extract
A lightly sweet, malted-barley syrup that adds flavor and coloring to foods or treats.
Beef
A classic animal protein that provides amino acids, iron, and a flavor many pets love—formulated in both dry and wet foods.
Beef bone broth
Simmered beef bones to add moisture, minerals, and other nutrients. Adds a meaty aroma in wet foods and food toppers.
Beef broth
A savory liquid that boosts aroma and palatability in wet foods and toppers—adds moisture with minimal calories.
Beef fat (tallow)
Heat-processed beef fat that supplies energy and improves the palatability of the food.
Beef kidney
Organ meat that contributes protein, iron, B vitamins, and other nutrients.
Beef liver
Nutrient-dense organ meat high in vitamin A, iron, and protein—used for flavor and nutrient profile.
Beef meal
Heat-processed ground beef muscle and associated tissues that concentrates protein while removing moisture—boosts protein levels in kibble.
Beef pizzle
Single-ingredient chew made from the penis of a bull or steer—then processed into a bully stick. Provides high protein and a long-lasting chew experience. More common in treats than in complete diets.
Beet powder
Dehydrated and finely ground beet used mainly for natural color and a touch of fiber.
Learn more: Can dogs eat beets?
Beet pulp
A moderately fermentable fiber from sugar beets—commonly included to support digestive health and stool consistency.
