ThriveVenison Complete Wet Dog Food

A plant oil with the source unspecified, usually soybean, canola or a blend. It supplies the omega-6 fat linoleic acid, which dogs and cats need for skin and coat. The unnamed source means it can change between batches, which matters little nutritionally since the common vegetable oils are similar. Its omega-3 is the plant form, which pets convert poorly, so a food relying on it will add fish oil or flaxseed for balance.

A staple of grain-free recipes, supplying starch, fiber and plant protein. Peas were common in the diets examined in a federal investigation into heart disease in dogs; the investigation did not establish a cause and no ingredient was banned. Pea protein high on a list can inflate the protein number with a plant source. Pea allergy is rare. Not a problem, but worth noticing when it appears in several forms in one recipe.

A vegetable that contributes a little fiber and beta-carotene and a lot of label appeal. In dry food it is usually present in small amounts well down the list. It is not an allergen of concern and not a meaningful protein or calorie source. Fine to see; not a reason to choose one food over another.

A root vegetable used as a carbohydrate source, especially in grain-free foods. It supplies energy, fiber and beta carotene and is well digested by dogs. There is no good evidence it beats rice or oats nutritionally, though it is a reasonable choice for pets that do poorly on grains. Like any starch, a food that lists it high is a starch-heavy food.