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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Agar-Agar- made from seaweed as a thickener. itchiness. not needed in the diet

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Betaine-an ammonium salt used to replace some or all choline chloride.  nausea, stomach upset, and diarrhea also available as a prescription drug meanting it contains active chemicals. Should not be used in animals with kidney disease. turkey, veal, beef, fish, lamb

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

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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, iver,kidney

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Calcium Phosphate-a combination of calcium and phosophorus used as an anti caking as well as a source of calcium. allergic reaction, stomach upset, increased thirst and urination, lethargy aches and pain

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Carrageen-anthickening agent from seafood. cancer, may slow blood clotting, lower blood pressure. not needed in the diet

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Cassia Gum-thickening and gelling agent. reproductive concerns, absorbs moisture in the digestive tract, is a sugar, decrease is apetite and digestive processes. not needed in the diet

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Cellulose-a structural component of most plants typically used in weight management, diabetes and hair ball control diets, anti caking agent. 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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Cobalt Amino Acid Chelate-are minerals that are chemically combined with amino acids making mineral absorption easier. fish, poultry, red meat, eggs

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Cobalt Glucoheptonate-source of cobalt. fish, poultry, red meat, eggs

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Cobalt Proteinate-result of colbalt combined with amino acids, source of cobalt. 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. shellfish, organ meats (liver and kidney), veal, beef

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Copper Proteinate-the result of chelation of a soluble salt with amino acids. shellfish, organ meats (liver and kidney), veal, beef

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Copper Sulfate-a  synthetic source of copper which is essential for enzyme formation, blood cell creation, color/pigmentation, nervous seem function. According to the CDC abdominal pain Nausea. Vomiting. Diarrhoea. Shock or collapse, kidney, hemolytic anemia, kidney damage liver damage. organ meats (liver, kidney)

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Copper sulfate pentahydrate-sulfate salt of copper, source of copper. According to the CDC abdominal pain Nausea. Vomiting. Diarrhoea. Shock or collapse, kidney, hemolytic anemia, kidney damage liver damage. organ meats (liver, kidney)

 

Cysteine-an amino acid.  stomach pain and diarrhea. beef, lamb, chicken, turkey, pork, fish,eggs 

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D-Calcium Pantothenate-see Calcium Pantothenate, stomach irritation, appetite loss, nausea, diarrhea. egg yolks, fish, liver,kidney

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Dextrose-a form of glucose, do not us on diabetics, increases blood sugar (hyperglycemia), increases fat storeage, hypoglycemia.not needed in the diet

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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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DL-alpha tocopherol acetate-cheaper synthetic vitamin E. Vitamin E is required as antioxidant, immune system booster, aid in red blood cell formation and help the body utilize vitamin k. 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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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

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Ergocalciferol-vitamin D2.  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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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

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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 sulfate monohydrate-iron supplement. 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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Glycine-an Amino Acid used to sweeten pet foods and mask bitter and sour tastes. nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, and drowsiness. pork, chicken, ostrich, fish, veal, bison

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Guar Gum-a thickening ingredient found in guar beans, too also improve shelf life of food. It's primarily benefits include blood sugar stablization and benefits that fiber provide. gas production, diarrhea, and loose stools, may lower blood sugar and blood pressure. not needed in the diet 

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Inositol-aka Vitamin B8. Necessary for glycogen for energy, activates energy for the muscles and contributes to nerve impulses. nausea, tiredness, and dizziness. liver, eggs, fish, organ meat

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Inulin-* see Fructooligosaccharides. 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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L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate-aka Vitamin C which aids in immunity. not needed in the diet. 

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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

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Locust Bean-thickening and gelling agent. not needed in the diet

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Manganese Amino Acid Chelate-are minerals that are chemically combined with amino acids making mineral absorption easier. diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain, pset stomach, (more severe) depression, feeling tired or irritable. fish egg, poultry, beef, pork

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Manganese Sulfate-a combination of manganese and sulfur used as a source of manganese to prevent manganese deficiency. mental status changes, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, hypotension, acute hepatic and renal failure, metabolic acidosis, multi-organ system failure and death. fish, egg, poultry, beef, pork

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Manganese sulfate monohydrate-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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Marigold Extract-anti-microbial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. not needed in the diet

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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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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

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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-Lipped Mussel-a shellfish used as an anti-inflammatory.  diarrhea, nausea, and intestinal gas, can cause liver damage in rare case. Green Lipped Mussel

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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

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Nicotinic Acid-a vitamin B supplement for niacin. in excess itchy, dry skin, upset tummy. chicken, tuna, veal, turkey, organ meats 

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Papain-protein-digesting enzyme obtained from unripe papaya fruit, used to tenderize meat and as a food supplement to aid digestion. potential throat damage, reported severe allergic reactions, increase bleeding in those with blood disorders. not needed in the diet

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Porcine Plasma-pig blood with red blood cells removed. Pork blood (and other animals)

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Potassium Chloride-a salt made of potassium and chloride, source of potassiumArtifical

potassium iodidesource of potassium. Diarrhea; gas; nausea; stomach discomfort; vomiting. poultry, pork, lamb, bison, egg, beef, fish

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Pyridoxine Hydrochloride-Vitamin B6. 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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Rosemary extract-natural anti-oxidant and preservative. seizures. not needed in the diet 

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Sage Extract-natural preservative. restlessness, vomiting, vertigo, rapid heart rate, tremors, seizures, and kidney damage. not needed in the diet

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Sodium Caseinate- texturizer. not intended to be consumed in large amount, cancer, respiratory problems, more susceptible to hay fever, asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, colds, runny noses, ear infections and the common allergy to dairy. 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

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Sodium Tripolyphosphate-preservative as well as an oral health product. suspected neurotoxin, internal inflammation. not needed in the diet

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Tapioca-inferior starch sources used to replace carbohydrates in grain free pet foods. potential cyanide poisoning if poorly prepared. not needed in the diet

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Taurine-an amino acid. 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. pork, organ meats, eggs

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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. calcium: sardines, eggs, chicken phosphorus: beef, chicken, pork

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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

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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

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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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Xanthan Gum-thickening anf emulsifying agent. intestinal gas (flatulence) and bloating, might lower blood sugar levels. not needed in the diet

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Yucca schidigera extract-a natural herbal plant known ato have nti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory properties, reduce stool smell. hemolysis (burst of red blood cells), and overdose may cause loose stool and bleeding.hemolysis, loose stool and bleedingnot needed in the diet

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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, prok, lamb, bison, egg, beef, fish

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Zinc Oxide-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, prok, lamb, bison, egg, beef, fish

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Zinc Sulfate-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, pork, lamb, bison, egg, beef, fish

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Zinc sulfate heptahydrate-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 inflammtion including cancer, contain lots of sugar which contribute to weight gain and diabetes

Side effects and symptoms may not appear in all animals