Xanthan
gum is a «Generally Recognized
as Safe» (GRAS)
food additive in the US, Canada, Europe, and many other countries.
Manufactured pet
foods can contain umectants like sugar / sucrose, corn syrup, sorbitol and molasses; antimicrobial preservatives like propionic, sorbic and phosphoric acids, sodium nitrite, sodium and calcium propionate and potassium sorbate; natural coloring agents like iron oxide and caramel, and synthetic coloring agents like coal - tar derived azo - dyes such
as Yellow 5, Red 40, Yellow 6, and Blue 2; emulsifying agents used
as stabilizers and thickeners, such
as seaweed, seed, and microbial
gums,
gums from trees, and chemically modified plant cellulose like citrus pectin, xanthan and guar
gum, and carrageenan; flavor and palatability enhances include «natural» flavors, «animal digest», and even MSG (monosodium glutamate); natural fiber like beet pulp, and miscellaneous
additives like polyphosphates that help retain natural moisture, condition and texture of manufactured pet
foods.
We love the absence of any
food additives (including natural thickeners such
as guar
gum and gelling agents such
as carrageenan that are commonly found in all - natural super premium brands).