AAFCO U.S. organization defining pet food nutrition profiles and labeling standards.

Ancestral Diet Diet concept based on evolutionary feeding habits of pets’ wild ancestors.

Antioxidants Compounds that protect cells from oxidative damage.

Aroma The smell of pet food, often a key factor in pet acceptance.

Ash Content The mineral content left after burning pet food, indicating total mineral levels.

BARF Diet Biologically Appropriate Raw Food; a raw feeding philosophy for pets.

Biotin B vitamin important for healthy skin and coat.

Bone Broth Slow-cooked broth from bones, rich in collagen and minerals.

By-Products Secondary animal parts used for nutritional value.

Caloric Control Managing calorie intake for healthy weight maintenance.

Caloric Density Calories per gram or serving of food.

Canned Food Wet food sold in sealed containers, often palatable and hydrating.

Chelated Minerals Minerals bound to amino acids for better absorption in the body.

Chondroitin Works with glucosamine to maintain cartilage.

Citric Acid Organic acid used as a natural preservative and pH stabilizer.

Cold-Pressed A low-temperature production method retaining nutrient integrity.

Complete and Balanced Food that provides all essential nutrients in appropriate ratios for a pet’s life stage.

Crude Fat The fat content of food, critical for energy and absorption.

Crude Protein The total protein content in food, listed on packaging.

Cross-Contamination Transfer of allergens or bacteria during food production.

Cognitive Health Diets supporting brain function, especially in aging pets.

Collagen Structural protein supporting joints, skin, and digestion.

DHA Omega-3 aiding cognitive and visual development.

Dental Health Pet foods designed to reduce plaque and tartar.

Digestive Support Food enriched to promote healthy digestion and gut flora.

Elimination Diet Used to identify food allergies or intolerances by removing suspected ingredients.

EPA Omega-3 with anti-inflammatory benefits.

Ethical Sourcing Practice of acquiring ingredients with social and environmental responsibility.

Feeding Guidelines Manufacturer suggestions based on weight, age, and activity.

Feeding Trial Method to assess food adequacy by observing pets over time.

FEDIAF European body offering guidelines for pet food formulation and labeling.

Fiber Indigestible plant matter aiding digestion and stool quality.

Food Recalls Withdrawal of pet food from market due to contamination or errors.

Freeze-Dried Moisture is removed by sublimation, preserving raw nutrients.

Glucosamine Joint support compound included in senior and large-breed diets.

Grain-Free Diet excluding grains, often replaced by legumes or tubers.

Guaranteed Analysis Mandated label showing nutrient content minimums and maximums.

High-Protein Diet Diets with elevated protein for active or working pets.

Hypoallergenic Foods designed to minimize allergic reactions.

Human Grade Indicates food is made in facilities approved for human consumption.

Ingredient Statement Legal list of all ingredients in descending order by weight.

Immune Support Food formulated to strengthen immune defenses via antioxidants and nutrients.

Kibble Dry, extruded food shaped into bite-sized pieces.

L-Carnitine Aids fat metabolism and supports healthy weight.

Life Stage Nutrition Formulations tailored for puppies, adults, and seniors.

Limited Ingredient Diet Diets with few ingredients to simplify nutrition and reduce allergens.

Low-Fat Diet Formulations with reduced fat for weight loss or medical issues.

Meal Topper Nutrient-rich additive to enhance meals’ flavor and nutritional value.

Meat Meal Rendered product from animal tissues, used as a protein source in pet foods.

Mixed Tocopherols Natural preservatives and vitamin E sources used to stabilize fats.

Moisture Content Percentage of water in pet food.

MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) Anti-inflammatory compound supporting joint function.

Nutraceuticals Products that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition.

Nutritional Adequacy Statement Label claim that food meets AAFCO/FEDIAF nutritional standards.

Natural Denotes food with no synthetic chemicals or artificial ingredients.

Non-GMO Indicates absence of genetically modified organisms in ingredients.

Novel Proteins Uncommon protein sources like venison or kangaroo used for food trials.

Omega Fatty Acids Essential fats beneficial for skin, coat, and overall health.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids Essential fats supporting skin, coat, and joint health.

Omega-6 Fatty Acids Fats aiding skin barrier function and cellular integrity.

Organic Food made with USDA-certified organic ingredients.

Palatability Measure of how appealing food is to pets.

Prebiotics Fibers that feed beneficial gut bacteria.

Probiotics Live beneficial bacteria that aid digestion.

Pumpkin Fiber-rich vegetable aiding in digestion and stool quality.

Pumpkin Fiber-rich vegetable aiding in digestion and stool quality.

Protein (covered under Crude Protein above)

Raw Diet Feeding uncooked meat, bones, and organs — controversial but natural.

Rosemary Extract Herbal antioxidant and preservative used in natural pet food.

Safe Handling Proper storage and handling practices to avoid contamination.

Selenium Trace mineral essential for antioxidant function and immune support.

Semi-Moist Food Pet food with moisture content between dry and wet food, often more palatable.

Skin and Coat Health Formulations supporting healthy fur and skin, often with fatty acids.

Sweet Potatoes Nutritious carbohydrate alternative often used in grain-free foods.

Taurine Essential amino acid especially critical for cats.

Texture Physical feel of pet food (crunchy, soft, chewy) influencing palatability.

Traceability The ability to track ingredients from source to final product.

USDA Organic Label signifying USDA-certified organic ingredients and production.

Veterinary Diet Prescription-only food for managing medical conditions.

Vitamin E Fat-soluble antioxidant supporting immune health.

Wet Food Canned or pouch pet food with high moisture content.

Zinc Proteinate A chelated mineral form of zinc for improved absorption.