Ingredient index
Every ingredient the catalogue references, what it does, and why it might matter. 891 entries.
evidence: low
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Soothing / moisturizing agent
Safe as topical inner-leaf gel, but ingestion of aloin-containing whole-leaf material causes GI upset in dogs and cats. Labels rarely specify which fraction is used, so the actual risk can't be determined from the ingredient name alone.
evidence: moderate
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Fat source and energy, preserved naturally
evidence: moderate
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Beneficial
evidence: low
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Named muscle-meat protein; high-quality primary protein source
One of the more commonly reported food allergens in dogs, largely because it's such a widely used ingredient. Relevant only for dogs with a diagnosed chicken sensitivity — not a concern for most.
evidence: high
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Neutral
evidence: low
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Essential nutrient; source of choline for liver and nervous-system function
evidence: high
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Beneficial
evidence: low
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Neutral
evidence: low
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Neutral
evidence: low
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Added mineral premix supplying essential macro- and trace minerals required for complete nutrition
Gagné et al., J Am Vet Med Assoc (2013)
evidence: high
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Palatability enhancer to improve taste
A non-specific term — it doesn't disclose the exact source of the flavoring. Generally safe, but less transparent than a named flavor like "chicken liver flavor."
evidence: moderate
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Source of potassium, an essential mineral; also used to balance electrolytes
evidence: high
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Beneficial
evidence: low
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Neutral
evidence: low
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Surfactant / foaming agent
Saponins can irritate skin and mucous membranes, and are poorly tolerated if ingested in quantity. FDA GRAS clearance for Quillaja extract is limited to use as a foaming agent in specified food categories at defined levels, not a blanket safety clearance.
evidence: moderate
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Neutral
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Binder / carbohydrate source
Highly digestible with negligible resistant starch, so it offers no prebiotic benefit and is rapidly absorbed. Its presence high in an ingredient list signals a formula leaning on refined carbohydrate for structure rather than nutrition.
evidence: moderate
evidence: low
evidence: low
Beneficial
Fragrance / antimicrobial agent
Toxic to dogs and cats at low doses. A 2014 review of over 400 cases found the majority of poisonings resulted from products applied deliberately for therapeutic reasons, not accidental ingestion — meaning the exposure route is the product itself. High-risk in any leave-on or cat-accessible formulation.
evidence: high
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Fat / energy source
The unnamed source makes the omega-6 load impossible to assess. An association with adverse food reactions has been observed in dogs, though causality is not established.
evidence: low
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Added vitamin premix supplying essential vitamins required for complete nutrition
evidence: high
evidence: low
Neutral
evidence: low
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Astringent / cleansing agent
Alcohol-based formulations can dry or dehydrate skin, so it's a poor fit for already-dry conditions; products made with isopropyl alcohol are toxic if ingested. Vegetable-glycerin-based versions avoid that risk.
evidence: moderate
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Nothing matches that filter.
Read this before you trust the number
This application is intended for educational purposes only. Scores are generated using publicly available product information and are not veterinary advice. We are not veterinarians. Always consult your veterinarian regarding medical decisions.
A high score does not mean a product is right for your pet, and a low score does not mean it is dangerous. An individual animal can react to an ingredient that scores well here, and a product with a mediocre score may be exactly what your vet recommends.
The score reads ingredients one at a time. It cannot account for how ingredients interact with each other, with other products you use, or with your pet's medications and conditions. Two ingredients that are each fine on their own may not be fine together. A score is a starting point for questions, not a substitute for professional judgment.