Ingredient A-Z

Carrageenan

thickener and gelling agentalso called: Irish moss extract, E407

What it is

A polysaccharide extracted from red seaweed, used to bind and thicken wet food so it holds structure in the can.

Why it gets discussed

Widely discussed in pet food communities. Much of the concern traces to studies on a chemically distinct degraded form that is not permitted in food. Both proponents and critics agree the discussion is more contested than the evidence base comfortably settles.

Where it sits on the label

Small inclusion, usually near the end of the list. Its removal is a common marketing claim on premium wet foods.

Foods in our database that list carrageenan

• Gravy Lovers Ocean Whitefish & Tuna Feast Pate in Gravy by Fancy Feast
• Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe Flaked Trout Feast by Blue Buffalo
• Pate Salmon Dinner by Friskies
• Extra Gravy Pate With Tuna in Savory Gravy by Friskies

Foods in our database that do not list it

• Fresh Ground Bird / Smooth Bird by Smalls
• Fresh Pulled Bird by Smalls
• Fresh Ground Other Bird / Smooth Other Bird by Smalls
• Fresh Pulled Other Bird by Smalls
• Fresh Smooth Fish by Smalls
• Fresh Ground Cow / Smooth Cow by Smalls
• Fresh Smooth Pig by Smalls
• Fresh Smooth Bird & Fish Dish by Smalls
• Grilled Chicken Feast in Gravy by Fancy Feast
• Wilderness Chicken Recipe (Adult Dry) by Blue Buffalo
• Seafood Sensations (Salmon, Tuna & Shrimp Flavors) by Friskies
• Tender & Crunchy Combo (Chicken, Beef, Carrots & Green Beans Flavors) by Friskies
• Land & Sea Adventures (Chicken & Ocean Fish Flavors) by Friskies
• Gravy Swirlers (Chicken, Salmon & Gravy Flavors) by Friskies
• Meaty Bits With Ocean Fish in Sauce by Friskies

"Do not list" means the ingredient does not appear on the label text we transcribed for that product. It is not a certification, and recipes change - always confirm on the current packaging.