The Deciphering the Babble series, takes a look at the most common ingredients found on the commercial pet food bags, cans and other container labels that we all struggle not only pronouncing but knowing what the heck its even doing in there. The following takes a look at these ingredients, what their purpose is and if they are an artificial or natural product. In addition it takes a look at possible health risks of these ingredients and what whole food, natural and raw options there are for providing them.
The project has taken almost a year to complete. Although there seems to be similar databases out there, we have not found one that is as extensive or as inclusive as The Nutrition Code’s. We have examined almost all the major and sub major pet food brands out there including dry, wet/canned, freeze dried and raw products. If you do not see an ingredient please contact us so we can add it!
Anything labelled in green indicates a natural product. Anything labelled in red is an artificial or synthetic product.
Biotin-a B complex that aids in producing fatty acids and glucose. eggs, liver
Calcium Pantothenate-an artifically created version of Vitamin B5 needed for hormone and energy production as well as other biological processes. can cause stomach upset/irritation, diahrrea, nausea. egg yolks, fish, liver, kidney
Chicory Inulin-an commerically created alternative sweetener considered a prebiotic and energy source for colon cells. weight loss, drug interactions with some cardiac medications. not needed in the diet
Copper amino acid complex-are minerals that are chemically combined with amino acids making mineral absorption easier. stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, difficulty concentrating, unexplained sleepiness, mood swings, dizziness, and muscle aches. May cause zinc levels to become unbalanced. Can cause fluctuations in blood sugar level in diabetics. shellfish, organ meats (liver and kidney), veal, beef
Copper Proteinate-the result of chelation of a soluble salt with amino acids. shellfish, organ meats (liver and kidney), veal, beef
Cyanocobalamin-form of B-12. cautionf or those with blood and heart disorders, history of cancer, gastro problems. liver, fish, red meats, eggs, chicken
d-alpha tocopherol-vitamin E. in excess decreased blood clotting. Do not give if heart disease or diabetes, may increase chances of stroke. krill oil, fish
d-Calcium Pantothenate-an artifically created version of Vitamin B5 needed for hormone and energy production as well as other biological processes. stomach irritation, appetite loss, nausea, diarrhea. egg, beef, turkey, duck, chicken, salmon, organ meat
DL-methionine-synthetic version of methionine which is important for skin and coat, as well as heart and eye health. It is also a precursor to important amino acids. Vomitting, diahrrea, loss of appetite, Heinz body anemia in cats. Should not be given to animals with liver, pancreatic or kidney disease, or those with urate kidney or bladder stones. fish, tukey, pork, lamb, beed, shellfish, eggs
Dried Aspergillus Niger Fermentation Extract-an enzyme resulting from extracting and precipitating the water-soluble materials from a fermentation process, digestive aid. not needed in the diet
Dried Aspergillus Oryzae Fermentation Product-an enzyme resulting from extracting and precipitating the water-soluble materials from a fermentation process, digestive aid. not needed in the diet
Dried Bacillus Licheniformis Fermentation Product-an enzyme resulting from extracting and precipitating the water-soluble materials from a fermentation process, digestive aid. not needed in the diet.
Dried Bacillus subtilis Fermentation Extract-an enzyme resulting from extracting and precipitating the water-soluble materials from a fermentation process, digestive aid. not needed in the diet
Dried Bifidobacterium Longum Fermentation Product-an enzyme resulting from extracting and precipitating the water-soluble materials from a fermentation process, digestive aid. not needed in the diet
Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product-an enzyme resulting from extracting and precipitating the water-soluble materials from a fermentation process, digestive aid.not needed in the diet
Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product-an enzyme resulting from extracting and precipitating the water-soluble materials from a fermentation process, digestive aid. not needed in the diet
Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product-an enzyme resulting from extracting and precipitating the water-soluble materials from a fermentation process, digestive aid. not needed in the diet
Dried Lactobacillus Lactis Fermentation Product-an enzyme resulting from extracting and precipitating the water-soluble materials from a fermentation process, digestive aid. not needed in the diet
Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product-an enzyme resulting from extracting and precipitating the water-soluble materials from a fermentation process, digestive aid. not needed in the diet
Dried Pediococcus Acidilactici Fermentation Product-an enzyme resulting from extracting and precipitating the water-soluble materials from a fermentation process, digestive aid. not needed in the diet
Ethylenediamine Dihydriodide-iodine supplement. stomach upset, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, skin rash and salivary gland swelling, numbness, pain or weakness in hands or feet, unusual fatigue, weakness or heaviness of legs, fever, and edema of neck or throat. Thyroid adenoma. fish, poultry, egg
Folic Acid-a synthetic version of Vitamin B9, used for proper brain function.taken long term abdominal cramps, diarrhea, rash, irritability, confusion, nausea, stomach upset, behavior changes, skin reactions, seizures, gas, excitability. Liver, rabbit, chicken, turkey, pork, lamb, goat, ostrich, buffalo, egg, beef, salmon, halibut, haddock, sardine
Green Lipped Mussel-a shellfish used as an anti-inflammatory. diarrhea, nausea, and intestinal gas, can cause liver damage in rare case. Green Lipped Mussel
Iron proteinate-source of iron see iron amino acid chelate. Constipation; darkened or green stools; diarrhea; loss of appetite; nausea; stomach cramps, pain, or upset; vomiting. liver, shellfish, beef, sardines, turkey, chicken, veal
L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate-aka Vitamin C which aids in immunity. not needed in the diet
Lecithin-fatty substance used an emulsifier Natural but extracted with harsh chemicals. likely contains pesticides and chemcials as well as GMOs, cognitive impairment. not needed in the diet
Manganese amino acid complex-are minerals that are chemically combined with amino acids making mineral absorption easier. fish, egg, poultry, beef, pork
Manganese Proteinate-source of manganese. fish, egg, poultry, beef, pork
Manganous Oxide-Oxide form of manganese. may cause abdominal pain and nausea, reproductive and developmental concerns. fish, egg, poultry, beef, pork
Mixed Tocopherols-a natural preservative often made of vitamin E. in excess decreased blood clotting. Do not give if heart disease or diabetes, may increase chances of stroke. liver, brain, kidney, fish, egg, bison
Montmorillonite Clay-a trace mineral clay as an anti caking agent. Dioxin Accumulation, immunosuppression, affect fertility, cancer. not needed in the diet
Niacin-synthetic Vitamin B3 for circulatory and skin health, increasing energy and help with digestion. in excess itchy, dry skin, upset tummy. poultry, pork, lamb, bison, egg, beef, fish
Nicotinic Acid-a vitamin B supplement for niacin. in excess itchy, dry skin, upset tummy. chicken, tuna, veal, turkey, organ meats
Pyridoxine Hydrochloride-a synthetic form of vitamin B6 important for the metabolism of protiens into amino acids, the production of blood cells and neurotransmitters. may cause nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite, sleepiness. tuna, salmon, turkey, chicken, pork, beef
Potassium Bicarbonate-source of potassium. nausea, vomitting diarrhea, rash, anxiety, confsion, irregular heartbeat, tiredness. poultry, pork, lamb, bison, egg, beef, fish
Pyridoxine-Vitamin B6, important for metabolizing fatty acids. nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite, headache, sleepiness. liver, heart, kidney, rabbit, poultry, pork, lamb, egg, beef, fish
Riboflavin-a synthetic version Vitamin B2 essential for producing red blood cells and anitbodies, maintain muscous membranes and absorption of other vitamins and minerals. increase in blood, tissue, and urine levels of free riboflavin, liver and cell damage. beef, lamb, mackerel, eggs, pork
Dried Ground Fenugreek-a seed common in indian food it aids in digestion, skin and coat ingreity. It is also a flavor enhancer and source of several vitamins and minerals. safe in medicinl amounts up to 6 months Side effects can include diarrhea, stomach upset, bloating, gas, and a "maple syrup" odor in urine. Can cause nasal congestion, coughing, wheezing, facial swelling, and severe allergic reactions in some, may lower blood sugar. not needed in the diet
Iron Amino Acid Complex-source of iron see iron amino acid chelate. liver, shellfish, beef, sardines, turkey, chicken, veal
Sodium Phosphate Monobasica- laxative. considered a hazardous substance by OSHA, vomiting, tiredness, fever, diarrhea, low blood pressure, slow pulse, cyanosis, spasms of the wrist, coma and severe body spasms. not needed in the diet
Sodium Selenite-aka Vitmin B2 for red blood cell production, growth and reproduction. bodily harm. Liver, heart, kidney, rabbit, chicken, turkey, pork, lamb, goat, ostrich, buffalo, egg, beef, salmon, halibut, haddock, sardine
Taurine-an amino acid, essential in cats for heart health, insulin and immune function. excess can result in negative nitrogen balance and kidney strain. chicken, beef liver, chicken liver, shrimp
Thiamin-vitamin B1 for nervous system and muscle function. nausea, feeling warm, rash or itching, restless, coughing up blood or vomit. liver, rabbit, poultry, pork, lamb, bison, egg, beef, fish
Thiamine Mononitrate-a synthetic nitrate salt form of thiamine used as a supplement. Thiamine is needed to handled stress. fats soluable, fat accumalation in liver= liver damage, cellular death. pork, organ meats, eggs
Tricalcium Phosphate-a supplement in which calcium binds to phosphorus to act as a firming agent and to maintain alkaline/acid balance. digestive upset, vomiting, diarrhea, nausea and abdominal cramping. calcium: sardines, eggs, chicken phosphorus: beef, chicken, pork
Tripe-first or second stomach of a cow or other ruminant used as food. Ruminant animals stomach lining like beef or lamb
Vegetable Glycerin-used as a sweetener but also helps prevent mold. diarrhea, excessive urination and dehydration, nausea, vomiting not needed in the diet
Vitamin A Palmitate-source of vitamin A. caution for those with blood and heart disorders, history of cancer, gastro problems liver, heart, kidney, rabbit, poultry, pork lamb, bison, egg, fish
Vitamin B12 Supplement-a vitamin in the B family needed for cognitive function.caution for those with blood and heart disorders, history of cancer, gastro problems. liver, heart, kidney, rabbit, poultry, pork lamb, bison, egg, fish
Vitamin D3 Supplement-aka Vitamin D aids in uptake of calcium and helps to prevent muslce weakness, diabetes, heart issues and skin conditions. elevations in phosphorus and calcium, tissue hardening in kidneys, intestines and heart. liver, salmon, mackerel, egg yolks, beef
Vitamin E Acetate-Vitamin E mixed with acetic acid, source of vitamin E. krill oil, fish
Vitamin K1-Vitamin K needed for clotting blood. can lower blood sugar. naturally made in the intestines
Zealand Green-Lipped Mussel-a shellfish used as an anti-inflammatory. diarrhea, nausea, and intestinal gas, can cause liver damage in rare case. Green Lipped Mussel
Zinc Amino Acid Complex-source of zinc. rabbit, poultry, pork, lamb, bison, egg, beef, fish
Zinc Proteinate-a supplement resulting from the bond between zinc with an amino acid. rabbit, poultry, pork, lamb, bison, egg, beef, fish
Zinc Sulfate-a cobination of zinc and sulfur used as a source of zinc to prevent zinc deficiency (not natural) cancer, interferes with hormone function, bioaccumulation. rabbit, poultry, pork, lamb, bison, egg, beef, fish
A few notes:
Many of these effects are seen in humans, but many things are first tested on animals.
Some of these vitamin and mineral supplements may be ok in short term use but not in long term use as in consumption on a daily basis for 10 years
Many ingredients especially when giving everyday multiple times a day for many years has a cumulative effect
Even if a side effect is NOT noted does not mean one does not exist. Some products have not been fully researched.
Many supplements in your pets' food is more than they need to make up for degredation and so the food can be given to all breeds and sizes of dogs this is where the a concern arrises
There is added concern for vitamins and mineral supplements that are made in the lab as many contain petroluems and tars or extracted with harsh chemicals
All fruits, veggies and grain heavily tax the pancreas, contribute to inflammtion including cancer, contain lots of sugar which contribute to weight gain and diabetes
Side effects and symptoms may not appear in all animals
Deciphering the Babble:
Freeze Dried Cat Food