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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Beef Tripe-first or second stomach of a cow or other ruminant used for it's digestive enzyme content. cow, lamb

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Bilberry Powder-a fruit that originally was used for  treating/preveting diarrhea, eye problems, poor circulation and cancer. may lower blood sugar.not needed in the diet 

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Biotin-a B complex that aids in producing fatty acids and glucose. eggs, liver

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Bone Meal-bone that is cooked and ground down into a powder as a bone replacement and calcium substitute. may contain contaminants like heavy metals. bone of animal animal

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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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Calcium Iodate Anhydrous-source of iodine. according to MSDS hazardous if ingestedcod, tuna, turkey breast, eggs

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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, nauseaegg yolks, fish, liver, kidney

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Carob Powder-chocolate alternative, sweetener, source of fiber and several nutrients. not needed in the diet

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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. is excess sweating, a fishy body odor, gastrointestinal distress, diarrhea, and vomiting. eggs, liver

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Choline Chloride 60-is a powder of Choline Chloride exclusively for pet food. is excess sweating, a fishy body odor, gastrointestinal distress, diarrhea, and vomiting. eggs, liver

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Citrus Fiber-orange pulp and peel, source of fiber. diarrhea, gas, and loose stools. not needed in the diet

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Cobalt Carbonate-source of cobalt. skin irritation. fish, poultry, red meat, eggs

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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

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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 acidsArtifical

cultured wheya 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

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Cupric Sulphate Pentahydrate-a source of copper. increased bowel movements, nausea, thirst, bloating, cramps, reduced appetite, tiredness. shellfish, organ meats (liver and kidney), veal, beef

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D-Calcium Pantothenate-see Calcium Pantothenate. Abdominal pain. Diarrhoea. Nausea. Vomiting. Shock or collapse. shellfish, organ meats (liver and kidney), veal, beef

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d-a-tocopheryl Acetate- vitamin E. stomach irritation, appetite loss, nausea, diarrhea.  egg yolks, fish, liver, kidney

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d-alpha Tocopherol-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

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Dextrose-source of vitamin E and used to preserve fat. do not us on diabetics, increases blood sugar (hyperglycemia), increases fat storeage, hypoglycemia. liver, brain, kidney, fish, egg, bison

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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 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

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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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Ethylenediamine Dihydriodide-source of iodine. 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. not needed in the diet

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Fermented Decaffeinated Green Tea-fermenting sweet tea with a culture of yeast and bacteria. can cause stomach upset and constipation, can reduce absorption of iron,  may make anemia worse, may increase anxiety, increase risk of bleeding, may affect blood sugar, increase pressure in the eyes, increase the amount of calcium flushed form the body and in rare cases liver problems. fish, poultry, egg

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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 .chicken, fish, beef, lamb

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Ferrous Sulphate Monohydrate-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

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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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Folic Acid Supplement-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

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Grape Seed Extract-source of omega 6, anti inflammatory and antioxidant. itchiness, nausea, may cause issues with bleeding disorders or high blood pressure. not needed in the diet

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Inulin-an indigestible fiber source, bloating, abdominal cramping, loose stool, gas, more frequent waste. not needed in the diet

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Iron Amino Acid Chelate-are minerals that are chemically combined with amino acids making mineral absorption easier. Constipation, diarrhea, stomach cramps, or upset stomach. liver, shellfish, beef, sardines, turkey, chicken, veal

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Iron Proteinate-source of iron see  iron amino acid chelate. Constipation, diarrhea, stomach cramps, or upset stomach. liver, shellfish, beef, sardines, turkey, chicken, veal

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Linseed Meal-by product from extracting oil from flaxseed. bloating, gas, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, stomachache, and nausea, can slow clotting,lower blood sugar. not needed in the diet

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Magnesium Chelate-are minerals that are chemically combined with amino acids making mineral absorption easier. miarrhea, nausea, stomach pain, upset stomach, (more severe) depression, feeling tired or irritable. eggs, fish, beef, lamb, chicken, turkey, rabbit, veal, tripe

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Manganese Polysaccharide Complex-source of manganese . do not use in those with liver disease, iron deficiency. fish, egg, poultry, beef, pork

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Manganese Proteinate-source of manganese. do not use in those with liver disease, iron deficiency. 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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Manganous Oxide-Oxide form of manganese may cause abdominal pain and nausea, reproductive and developmental  concerns. fish, egg, poultry, beef, pork

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Manganous Proteinate-Oxide form of manganese. do not use in those with liver disease, iron deficiency. fish, egg, poultry, beef, pork

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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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New Zealand Green Mussel--a shellfish used as an anti-inflammatory.  diarrhea, nausea, and intestinal gas, can cause liver damage in rare case. not needed in the diet

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Niacin-ynthetic 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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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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Potassium Iodate-add iodine to salt and used to protect against radiation. potential digestive irritant. cod, tuna, turkey breast, eggs

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Pyridoxine HCL-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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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. beef, lamb, mackerel, eggs, pork

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riboflavin supplement-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

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Selenised Yeast Inactivated-source of selenium produced by fermenting yeast in selenium, may increae the risk of diabetes, can make hypothyroidism and autoimmune dseases worse. Vomiting, nausea and a drop in energy. fish, turkey, liver, beef, chicken, eggs

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Selenium Yeast-source of selenium produced by fermenting yeast in selenium, may increae the risk of diabetes, can make hypothyroidism and autoimmune dseases worse. Vomiting, nausea and a drop in energy. fish, turkey, liver, beef, chicken, eggs

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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 harmbodily harmPork, beef, turkey, chicken, fish, shellfish, egg

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Spirulina-an algae containing lots of trace nutrients, it contaminated or low quaility: liver damage, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, weakness, thirst, rapid heartbeat, shock, and death. Liver, heart, kidney, rabbit, chicken, turkey, pork, lamb, goat, ostrich, buffalo, egg, beef, salmon, halibut, haddock, sardine 

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Taurine-an amino acid essential to cats for porper eye and heart health, excess can result in negative nitrogen balance and kidney strain. chicken, beef liver, chicken liver, shrimp

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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-cmpounds 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

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Tomato Pomace-the pulpy remains after pressing for juice including skin, pulp, seeds and stems. The skin can hold pesticides and makes up most of the pomace, may contain pesticides sprayed ont eh skin of fruits/veggiesnot needed in the diet

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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

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Vitamin B 12-a vitamin in the B family needed for cognitive function. caution for those with blood and heart disorders, history of cancer, gastro problems. calcium: sardines, eggs, chicken phosphorus: beef, chicken, pork

 

Vitamin D2 source of vitamin D, caution for those with blood and heart disorders,  nausea/vomiting, constipation, loss of appetite, increased thirst, increased urination, mental/mood changes, unusual tiredness. liver, salmon, mackerel, egg yolks, beef

 

Vitamin D3-aka Vitamin D aids in uptake of calcium and helps to prevent muslce weakness, diabetes, heart issues and skin conditions,  nausea/vomiting, constipation, loss of appetite, increased thirst, increased urination, mental/mood changes, unusual tiredness. liver, salmon, mackerel, egg yolks, beef

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Yucca Extract-added to reduce fecal odor and may reduce joint pain, hemolysis (burst of red blood cells), and overdose may cause loose stool and bleeding. liver, salmon, mackerel, egg yolks, beef

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Zinc Methionine-a source of zinc, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, kidney and stomach damage, can decrease copper absorption. rabbit, poultry, pork, lamb, bison, egg, beef, fish

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Zinc Oxide-a source of zinc, may interact with chemotherapy drugs, diarrhea, kidney problems, lethargy, chills and fever, yellowing of the whites of your eyes. rabbit, poultry, pork, lamb, bison, egg, beef, fish

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Zinc Proteinate-a supplement resulting from the bond between zinc with an amino acid, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, kidney and stomach damage, can decrease copper absorption  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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Zinc Sulphate Monohydrate-a combination of zinc and sulfur used as a source of zinc to prevent zinc deficiency (not natural), cancer, interferes with hormone function, bioaccumulation.rabbit, poultry, prok, 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 inflammtion including cancer, contain lots of sugar which contribute to weight gain and diabetes

Side effects and symptoms may not appear in all animals