A little curiosity comes naturally when we choose something for our dogs. What is that ingredient? Why is it there? And does it really need such a long name?
Behind each Crown Crest chew is a combination of ingredients with different jobs. Some provide nutrients, others contribute to the formula’s particular focus, and some help make the finished chew soft and enjoyable.
Here is a straightforward guide to the ingredients across our Joint Care, Calming and Skin & Coat formulas.
Inside Joint Care
From enthusiastic morning walks to finding the perfect spot on the sofa, movement is part of a dog’s everyday life. Our Joint Care formula brings together ingredients chosen with joint comfort, cartilage and connective tissues in mind.
Green lipped mussel powder
This marine ingredient comes from the mussel Perna canaliculus. It provides naturally occurring fats, proteins and other compounds used in joint nutrition, contributing nutritional support for comfortable movement.
Avocado soybean unsaponifiables
Thankfully, we can call these ASU. They are particular components extracted from avocado and soybean oils, studied for their role in maintaining cartilage. Cartilage is the smooth cushioning tissue at the ends of bones that helps joints move comfortably.
Boswellia serrata extract
Boswellia comes from tree resin and contains compounds called boswellic acids. These are studied for their role in supporting joint comfort and helping dogs move more easily.
Curcuma longa extract
You probably know this as turmeric. It contains curcuminoids, compounds studied for their role in joint comfort and protecting cells from everyday damage.
Egg shell membrane powder
This comes from the delicate membrane inside an egg shell. It contains proteins and other components found in connective tissues, contributing materials associated with the structure and flexibility of joints. A rather useful job for something so thin.
Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid helps hold water and contributes to the slippery quality of healthy joint fluid. Within the body, that fluid helps the moving surfaces of a joint glide smoothly.
Dried Haematococcus pluvialis algae
A long name for a tiny organism. This algae provides astaxanthin, a pigment with antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help protect cells from damage caused by unstable molecules produced during everyday body processes.
Manganese sulphate monohydrate
This provides manganese, a mineral the body needs in small amounts. It helps the body build and maintain connective tissues, including those associated with cartilage.
Black pepper
Black pepper accompanies the turmeric extract. Compounds within it have been studied for their ability to help the body absorb curcuminoids, with the effect depending on the preparation and amount used.
Inside Calming
Some days bring new places, unfamiliar sounds or a change to the usual routine. Our Calming formula brings together nutrients and botanical ingredients as part of thoughtful everyday support.
Green tea dried concentrate
This provides theanine, an amino acid studied in relation to relaxation and a more settled response to everyday situations. Think carefully selected ingredient, rather than putting the kettle on for your dog.
L tryptophan
Tryptophan is an essential amino acid, one of the building blocks used to make proteins. The body also uses it to make serotonin, a chemical messenger involved in mood and behaviour.
Lemon balm leaves extract
Lemon balm is a leafy herb from the mint family, traditionally associated with relaxation. It forms part of our botanical blend, chosen to complement the formula’s focus on calm behaviour.
Magnesium glycinate
Magnesium helps nerves carry messages and muscles work normally. Glycinate is the name of the form used to provide this mineral. Its role is supporting the everyday functioning of the nervous system and muscles.
Ashwagandha
Also known as Withania somnifera, ashwagandha is a botanical ingredient studied in relation to how the body responds to stress. It forms part of our blend for supporting dogs through everyday challenges.
Melon juice concentrate
This concentrated fruit ingredient is included as an antioxidant supporting component of the blend, contributing to the formula’s approach to everyday wellbeing.
Inside Skin & Coat
A coat we love to stroke begins with the skin beneath it. Our Skin & Coat formula combines nutrients, oils and ingredients chosen with skin maintenance and the gut environment in mind.
Mannan oligosaccharides
Usually shortened to MOS, these carbohydrates commonly come from yeast cell walls. They are used in animal nutrition to support the gut environment, bringing a digestive dimension to the formula.
Dried Pediococcus acidilactici fermentation product
This ingredient is made through fermentation using the microorganism Pediococcus acidilactici. It contributes components from that process, selected for their role in supporting the gut environment and normal immune function. Quite a mouthful to say, even before it goes into a chew.
Brewers’ yeast
Brewers’ yeast provides a variety of nutritional components, including B vitamins and substances from yeast cell walls. These contribute to everyday nutrition, while its flavour also helps make the chew appealing.
Dried spirulina
Spirulina provides proteins, nutrients and antioxidant compounds. These contribute to everyday nutrition and help protect cells from damage.
Flaxseed
Flaxseed provides fibre and plant fats, including the omega 3 fatty acid ALA. Its fats contribute to normal skin maintenance, while its fibre plays a part in the digestive side of nutrition.
Evening primrose oil
This seed oil provides omega 6 fatty acids, including linoleic acid and gamma linolenic acid. These fats contribute to normal skin structure and function, including the protective barrier that helps keep moisture in.
Zinc glycinate
Zinc helps the body make proteins and renew cells. These everyday jobs are important for maintaining skin and coat. Glycinate identifies the form used to supply it.
Biotin
Biotin is a B vitamin that helps the body process fats, carbohydrates and amino acids. Those processes support everyday maintenance throughout the body, including the skin and hair.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E helps protect cells, including the fats in their outer layers, from damage during everyday body processes.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C helps the body form collagen and contributes to antioxidant protection. Collagen gives skin and other connective tissues strength and structure.
The ingredients that make a soft chew
A formula also needs ingredients that bring it together. Texture, flavour and freshness all matter, especially when your dog has appointed themselves chief taste tester.
Algal oil
Used in Joint Care and Skin & Coat, algal oil provides the omega 3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. These contribute to normal cell function and have roles in skin and joint health. The oil also forms part of the finished chew’s texture.
Chickpea flour and sweet potato flour
These provide part of the chew’s base, helping give it structure and consistency.
Tapioca starch
Tapioca starch helps bind the mixture and give the chew body, holding the ingredients together in a practical serving.
Vegetable glycerine
Glycerine helps retain moisture, contributing to the soft texture of the chew.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil helps give the chew a pleasant texture and makes it more appealing to eat.
Yeast extract
Yeast extract adds savoury flavour. It has a different role from the brewers’ yeast included in Skin & Coat.
Natural flavour
Natural flavour makes the chews more appealing and helps them fit into a daily routine. Because even a carefully considered recipe has to pass the sniff test.
Sunflower lecithin
Sunflower lecithin helps the ingredients mix evenly, including the oils. It contributes to a consistent mixture throughout the chew.
Tocopherol extracts from vegetable oils and rosemary extract
These help keep the oils fresh and maintain the chew’s quality during storage.
A little understanding goes a long way
Some ingredients provide nutrients used in everyday body functions. Others are included for a particular nutritional purpose, while the chew base brings the recipe together.
What matters is the whole formula, including the form and amount of each ingredient and how it fits your individual dog’s needs. Research into an ingredient helps inform its use, while the finished product and feeding directions provide the practical context.
Our chews are complementary feeds, designed to accompany a suitable daily diet. Follow the label instructions and speak to your vet about persistent discomfort, itching or changes in behaviour.
At Crown Crest, we believe understanding what we give our dogs is part of caring for them. The names may sometimes need explaining. The reason for asking is simple: they mean the world to us.
Further reading
Merck Veterinary Manual: Nutritional Requirements of Small Animals
Cornell University: Understanding Joint Supplement Ingredients
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