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!

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Anything labelled in green indicates a natural product. Anything labelled in red is an artificial or synthetic product.

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Calcium Pantothenate-an artificially 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

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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

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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

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Choline Chloride-synthetic source of choline which is essential for the fat layers in cell membranes, components of specfici neurotransmitters and fat utilization. in excess sweating, a fishy body odor, gastrointestinal distress, diarrhea, and vomiting. eggs, liver

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Copper Proteinate-are minerals that are chemically combined with amino acids making mineral absorption easier. shellfish, organ meats (liver and kidney),veal, beef

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Copper Sulfate-the result of chelation of a soluble salt with amino acids. 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

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Dicalcium Phosphate- an ingredient that adds texture to pet foods. According to the NIH nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation, stomach pain, thirst, dry mouth and increased urination. Can increase symptoms of diarrhea, parathyroid disease, lung disease, kidney stones or other stomach-related problems. not needed in the diet

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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

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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

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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

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Dulse-red edible seaweed high in iodine as well as calcium, magnesium, potatssim, iron, manganese, zinc and many vitamins. avoid with hyperthyroidism. not needed in the diet

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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. liver, shellfish, beef, sardines, turkey, chicken, veal

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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 

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Gelatin-source of protien from amixture of protiens and amini acid compounds. It contains glycine and can prevent seizures, inflammation and supports skin, coat cell growth etc. bloating, burping, potential contamination depending on animal source. not needed in the diet

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Gizzard-a muscular, thick-walled part of a bird's stomach for grinding food, typically with grit. poultry

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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

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Iron 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. liver, shellfish, beef, sardines, turkey, chicken, veal

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Maltodextrin-Artificial sugar. increases blood sugar, supresses growth of probiotics, made from GMO corn. not needed in the diet

 

Manganese Gluconate-source of manganese made from salt of manganese combined with gluconic acid. in excess chemical imbalance, anxiety, pset stomach, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting, interfere with nutrient absorption. fish, egg, poultry, beef, pork

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Manganese Proteinate-source of manganese. mental status changes, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, hypotension, acute hepatic and renal failure, metabolic acidosis, multiorgan system failure and death. fish, egg, poultry, beef, pork  

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Manganese Sulfate-source of manganese. mental status changes, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, hypotension, acute hepatic and renal failure, metabolic acidosis, multiorgan system failure and death. fish, egg, poultry, beef, pork  

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Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex-synthetic Vitamin K that often is reported as cancer causing as well as lung, kidney and liver toxicity. toxic to liver cells, weak immune system, anemia, skin/mouscus membrane irritation, mutagenic. beef, pork, duck, goose, chicken liver

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Montmorillonite Clay-a trace mineral clay as an anti caking agent. Dioxin Accumulation, immunosuppression, affect fertility, cancer. not needed in the diet

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Niacin-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 

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Niacinamide-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 

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Organic Glandular Supplements-suuplements made from a variety of animals organs and tissues to aid the corresponding organ. nausea and vomiting, promotes testosterone growth including in females can increase irritability, anxiety and restlessness

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Potassium Chloride-a synthetic supplement designed to provide potassium. Diarrhea; gas; nausea; stomach discomfort; vomiting. poultry, pork, lamb, bison, egg, beef, fish

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Psyllium Husk Powder-a source of fiber made of a powdered form of a portion of the seed from the Plantar ovate. gas, stomach cramps, not needed in the diet

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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. liver, heart, kidney, rabbit, poultry, pork, lamb, egg, beef, fish

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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. liver, heart, kidney, rabbit, poultry, pork, lamb, bison, egg, beef, fish

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Silicon Dioxide-aka silica used as an anti caking agent. can allow harmful substances into the brain. Autoimmune and kidney disease, not needed in the diet

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Sodium Phosphate Monobasic-a 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

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Sodium Selenite-an inexpensive delivery method of selenium. bodily harm bodily harm. Pork, beef, turkey, chicken, fish, shellfish, egg

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Taurine-essential amino acid needed for heart function, and eye sightartifically in commercial foods. excess can result in negative nitrogen balance and kidney strain. heart, thigh meat

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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. chicken, beef liver, chicken liver, shrimp

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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. krill oil, fish

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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

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Zinc Proteinate-a supplement resulting from the bond between zinc with an amino acid. cancer, interferes with hormone function, bioaccumulation. rabbit, poultry, pork, lamb, bison, egg, beef, fish

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Zinc Sulfate-a source of zinc. cancer, interferes with hormone function, bioaccumulation. rabbit, poultry, pork, lamb, bison, egg, beef, fish

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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 inflammation including cancer, contain lots of sugar which contribute to weight gain and diabetes

Side effects and symptoms may not appear in all animals