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Tapioca Starch – Same as Potato starch in its application in extruded pet foods.Rice Bran – Source of fiber and contains some starch and protein.
Tomato Pomace – Source of fiber and contains significant levels of unsaturated fats. Because of the fat levels, care must be taken in long-term storage as far as guarding against rancidity.
Potato Protein - The protein portion from the refining of potatoes for starch. Due to its level of protein, it is a good binder as is pea protein.
Pea Protein – As in any vegetable protein in concentrated form, pea protein used with quality starches, is a good binder in many diets. Caution needs to be brought up here regarding vegetable proteins. One must remember that dogs, though not true carnivores like cats, ferrets and other carnivores animals, still need/require meat protein. It is advisable not to have vegetable proteins make up more than 25% of the total protein in any of these diets.
Brewers Dried Yeast – A good source of natural B-Vitamins in any type of diet. Also have apprecaiable levels of fiber.
Beet Pulp – Quality source of nutritional fiber in pets. Sugar level should never exceed 5 – 8% as it can cause loose stools. This is equivalent to rice bran, vegetable Pomace, and tomato Pomace, all things being equal.
Egg Product – Probably the best source of animal protein in pet foods. It should be used in all quality pet diets as a balanced source of amino acids.
Vegetable Pomace – See above. It has the added advantage as being a “label friendly” ingredient in those products where marketing is emphasizing such ingredients.
Poultry Meals (chicken meal) – When from a quality supplier, this is one of the best source and best value protein sources available to the pet food industry. Due to its source and make-up, it supplies all of the essential amino acids as well as whole proteins needed by carnivorous pets. It also supplies a quality energy source from the retained fat and the macro minerals of Ca, P, K, Na, Mg are also in good proportion when “low ash” meal is used.
Catfish Meal – As with Poultry, this is also one of the highest value proteins available in the pet food industry. Omega 3 fats are also a benefit in catfish meal, which comes form the fat inherent with this product.
Menhaden Fish Meal – Like catfish meal fishmeal supplies essential proteins, fats, minerals and growth factors essential for normal health.
Menhaden Fish Oil – This is an excellent source of a number of essential unsaturated omega 3 fatty acids. It also acts as a positive palatant in most pet foods.
Salmon Meal – Same as Fish meal only a specific species. It usually contains a higher level of fat and a slightly different profile on omega 3 and 6. Has a stronger smell than menhaden.
Duck Meal – Similar in protein quality as chicken, but higher in fat than chicken usually and lower in availability. Usually used in specialty diets.
Lamb Meal – At one time, some 25 years ago, this was a very unique protein source for pets, and was recommended by vets for dogs with suspected protein allergies. It is now in almost every brand of pet food so its specialty is not effective. Some dogs really like the taste of lamb, while others do not. It is usually a lower quality than beef or chicken but when used in high fresh meat diets along with other animal protein sources, it can be a good quality diet. It is also generally higher in fat than chicken and higher in ash unless it is a “low ash” meal
Venison Meal – Unique protein source, excellent alternative protein, low in fat and high in cost with limited suppliers. Must be from good supplier to assure it is really venison and not a blend of other meats.
Turkey Meal – On par with chicken in nutrient quality and palatability and is considered preferable by some animals over chicken or lamb.
Canola Oil – Unsaturated fat similar to other vegetable fats, and high in unsaturated omega 6 fatty acids.
Glucosamine – Used in most high-end diets along with Chondroitin as a precursor to cartilage formation. Little defendable data in pet or human nutrition but a great deal of anecdotal information as to noticeable benefits, especially in older animals.
Chondroitin Sulfate – Generally used in conjunction with Chondroitin as stated above. A ratio of about 4:1 to 10:1 of Glucosamine:Chondroitin is recommended.
Chicken Cartilage – Considered to be a “natural” form of the precursors and a substitute for Glucosamine and Chondroitin for an anti-inflammatory ingredient. Again, not much data on its efficacy. Can add ash and is more available than shark cartilage.
Inulin – A major constituent of chicory root and is used as a pro-biotic.
FOS – A popular pro-biotic and is more effective than MOS in promoting intestinal bacteria culture.
Chicken Fat – A major source of essential energy in all pet foods. It is a positive palatant in dog, cat and ferret foods. It is a major source of omega 6 fatty acids and some omega 3. When used in conjunction with fish oil an optimum balance can be achieved in the omega 6:3 ratios.
