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.
Ascorbic Acid-a synthetic version of Vitamin C it is a natural preservative essential for collagen formations and immune support. in excess: intestinal irritation, kidney calculi. liver, kidney, heart, fish.
Beta Carotene-Source of Vitamin A. In excess, death, risk of cancers. chicken, pork, egg, fish, liver, kidney, brain
Biotin-a B complex that aids in producing fatty acids and glucose. eggs, liver
Calcium Carbonate-a cheap source of calcium needed for bone structure, blood clotting and helps conduct nerve signals. It also is used as a preservative and for color retention. in excess other vitamin deficiencies, hip dysplasia, abrasive in toothpaste. salmon, tuna, trout, sardines
Calcium Citrate-found in calcium supplements, also used for preservation and flavor. nausea, vomiting, decreased apeitie, constipation, increased thirst, increased urination. salmon, tuna, trout, sardines
Calcium Iodate-a combination of calcium needed for bone growth and iodine needed for thyriod function which regulates growth and development. according to MSDS hazardous if ingested. canned fishes, egg, cod, turkey
Chicory Inulin-an indigestible fiber source. weight loss, drug interactions with some cardiac medications.not needed in the diet
Choline Chloride-synthetic source of choline which is essential for the fat layers in cell membranes, components of specfici neurotransmitters and fat utilization. is excess sweating, a fishy body odor, gastrointestinal distress, diarrhea, and vomiting. eggs, liver
Citric Acid-natural preservative and antioxidant. can cause abdominal pain, attacks metal, tooth erosion. not needed in the diet
Copper Amino Acid Chelate-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 Amino Acid Complex-a source of copper where a metal ion is combined with an amino acid. 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
Copper Sulfate-a source of copper. According to the CDC abdominal pain Nausea. Vomiting. Diarrhoea. Shock or collapse, kidney, hemolytic anemia, kidney damage liver damage. shellfish, organ meats (liver and kidney), veal, beef
Cyanocobalamin-vitamin B12. caution for those with blood and heart disorders, history of cancer, gastro problems. liver, heart, kidney, rabbit, poultry, pork lamb, bison, egg, fish
d-alpha tocopherol-source of vitamin E and used to preserve fat. in excess decreased blood clotting. Do not give if heart disease or diabetes, may increase chances of stroke. liver, brain, kidney, fish, egg, bison
D-Calcium Pantothenate-see Calcium Pantothenate. stomach irritation, appetite loss, nausea, diarrhea. egg yolks, fish, liver, kidney
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 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 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
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 Pediococcus Acidilactici Fermentation Product-an enzyme resulting from extracting and precipitating the water-soluble materials from a fermentation process, digestive aid. not needed one 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
Ferrous Sulfate-an iron supplement. Iron is important for production of red blood cells, digestion and immune system support. may cause upset stomach and constipation as well as staining of the teeth. chicken, fish, beef, lamb
Folic Acid-a synthetic version of Vitamin B9. 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
Inulin-*Chicory Inulin. bloating, abdominal cramping, loose stool, gas, more frequent waste. not needed in the diet
Iron Amino Acid Chelate-are minerals that are chemically combined with amino acids making mineral absorption easier. Constipation, diarrhea, stomach cramps, or upset stomach may occur. liver, shellfish, beef, sardines, turkey, chicken, veal
Iron Amino Acid Complex-a source of iron where a metal ion is combined with an amino acid. Constipation, diarrhea, stomach cramps, or upset stomach may occur. liver, shellfish, beef, sardines, turkey, chicken, veal
Iron Proteinate-source of iron see iron amino acid chelate. Constipation, diarrhea, stomach cramps, or upset stomach may occur. liver, shellfish, beef, sardines, turkey, chicken, veal
Iron Sulfate-iron supplement. may cause upset stomach and constipation as well as staining of the teeth. liver, shellfish, beef, sardines, turkey, chicken, veal
L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate-aka Vitamin C which aids in immunity. not needed in the diet
Lecithin-emulsifier, moiturizer and preservative to prevent fats from separating. likely contains pesticides and chemcials as well as GMOs, cognitive impairment. not needed in the diet
Manganese-essential mineral. not for those with iron deficiency or liver disease, may cause tremors. fish, egg, poultry, beef, pork
Manganese Amino Acid Complex-a source of manganese where a metal ion is combined with an amino acid. not for those with iron deficiency or liver disease, may cause tremors.fish, egg, poultry, beef, pork
Manganese Proteinate-source of manganese. not for those with iron deficiency or liver disease, may cause tremors. fish, egg, poultry, beef, pork
Manganese Sulfate-a combination of manganese and sulfur used as a source of manganese to prevent manganese deficiency. not for those with iron deficiency or liver disease, may cause tremors. 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
New Zealand Green-Lipped Mussel-a large mussel used often for it's anti-inflammatory. diarrhea, nausea, and intestinal gas, can cause liver damage in rare case. Green Lipped Mussel
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
Organic Kamut-an ancient wheat like grain. contains gluten. not needed in the diet
Organic Spelt-an ancient wheat like grain. contains gluten. not needed in the diet
Potassium Bicarbonate-source of potassium
Potassium Chloride-a synthetic supplement designed to provide potassium. Diarrhea; gas; nausea; stomach discomfort; vomiting. poultry, pork, lamb, bison, egg, beef, fish
Potassium Iodate-add iodine to salt and used to protect against radiation. potential digestive irritant. poultry, pork, lamb, bison, egg, beef, fish
Pyridoxine-Vitamin B6, important for metabolizing fatty acids. nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite, headache, sleepiness. tuna, salmon, turkey, chicken, pork, beef
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
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
Rosemary Extract-natural anti-oxidant and preservative. Seizures. not needed in the diet
Selenium Yeast-source of selenium produced by yeast. can interaction with certain medications and increase the risk of certain illnesses, in excess vomiting, nausea, a drop in energy. fish, turkey, liver, beef, chicken, eggs
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-an inexpensive delivery method of selenium. bodily harm. Pork, beef, turkey, chicken, fish, shellfish, egg
Summer Savory-a botanical herb. may slow blood clotting, may cause skin problems. not needed in the diet
Taurine-an amino acid. 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 Monohydrate-source of Vitamin B1. liver, rabbit, poutrly, pork, lamb, bison, egg, beef, fish
Tocopherols-compounds that compose vitamin E often used as a fat preservative. in excess decreased blood clotting. Do not give if heart disease or diabetes, may increase chances of stroke. liver, brain, kidney, fish, egg, bison
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
Turmeric-an indian spice know for antiinflammatory, antioxidant and other beneficial properties. may decrease blood sugar, may slow blood clotting, may reduce fertilitiy in males, can prevent the absorption of iron. not needed in the diet
Vegetable Glycerin-a binder, preservative, and a sweetener. diarrhea, excessive urination and dehydration, nausea, vomiting not needed in the diet
Vitamin A Acetate-form of vitamin A. banned in cosmetics in Germany, interfere with cellular signaling, cause mutations, lead to cell death and may be implicated in cardiovascular disease. Tumor formation at low doses. chicken, pork, egg, fish, liver, kidney, brain
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-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-a form of Vitamin E often used as an antioxidant. in excess decreased blood clotting. Do not give if heart disease or diabetes, may increase chances of stroke. liver, brain, kidney, fish, egg, bison
Zinc Amino Acid Chelate-the binding of a substance that enhances zinc absorption to zinc. although rare…illness of digestive system, dcreased white blood cells, anermia, feeling of vomiting, indigestion, cramps. rabbit, poultry, pork, lamb, bison, egg, beef, fish, rabbit, poultry, prok, lamb, bison, egg, beef, fish
Zinc Amino Acid Complex-a source of zinc where a metal ion is combined with an amino acid. abdominal discomfort, constipation, diarrhea. rabbit, poultry, pork, lamb, bison, egg, beef, fish
Zinc Proteinate-a supplement resulting from the bond between zinc with an amino acid. can damage the intestinal wall, prevent absorption of certain minerals, inhibit production and function of red blood cells. 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. cancer, interferes with hormone function, bioaccumulation. rabbit, poultry, prok, 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 Dog Food