IMBY Plant-Based Dog Food

Peas are widely used in animal nutrition as a plant-based protein and fiber source. Their protein can be highly digestible depending on processing, and peas can also contribute fermentable fiber that supports normal stool quality. Wang et al., 2022

Brewer’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) is a functional yeast ingredient naturally rich in nutrients and yeast-derived compounds such as beta-glucans, mannan-oligosaccharides, and fermentation metabolites. These components are studied for their role in supporting digestive health, immune function, and overall wellbeing in dogs.

In canine studies, Saccharomyces cerevisiae products have been shown to positively influence the gut microbiota, including increased beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium, while also supporting immune markers and normal inflammatory balance.

Research in dogs also links Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation products to skin and coat support, including effects on skin sebum, antioxidant status, and immune responses. This makes brewer’s yeast especially relevant in formulations aimed at supporting gut health, skin resilience, and coat quality (Jouany et al., 2009; Davenport, 2023; Lin, 2019; Wilson, 2022).

Chicoryroot isrich in inulin-type fibers that act as prebiotics, feeding beneficial gut bacteria. In dog feeding research, chicory root powder has been studied for effects on gut health indicators and immunological status, supporting its use as a digestive-friendly fiber ingredient. For sensitive dogs, prebiotics are often best introduced gradually to avoid gas or loose stools. ScienceDirect

Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is an aromatic herb known for its high concentration of phenolic compounds such as carvacrol and thymol (Plants, 2018). These compounds have been widely studied for their interactions with microbial populations.

Maintaining a balanced microbial environment in the digestive tract is an important aspect of gastrointestinal health. Ingredients that support microbial balance may contribute to maintaining digestive stability and gut comfort.

Because of its bioactive compounds and traditional use in digestive formulations, oregano is sometimes included in nutritional strategies aimed at supporting gut health and microbial balance in animals with sensitive digestion (Veenstra & Johnson, 2019).

Broccoli and especially broccoli sprouts provide precursors to sulforaphane, a plant compound known for activating the body’s natural “cell protection” systems. This matters for longevity support because sulforaphane helps switch on pathways linked to healthy aging, including antioxidant defenses and normal cell repair processes. 

It can also support hormonal health indirectly by promoting healthy liver detox activity, which is important for how the body processes and clears hormones. In animals, research has shown that sulforaphane from broccoli sprout supplements is absorbed and converted into measurable metabolites after oral intake, meaning they can actually use these compounds. Curran KM et al., 2018, Kubo E et al., 2017; Verhelst, 2025

Nettle (Urtica dioica) leaves are valued for their dense nutritional profile, providing plant protein and a wide range of naturally occurring minerals including iron, calcium, magnesium, and silica. These nutrients play an important role in the maintenance of bones, connective tissues, and normal musculoskeletal function. Gülçin I. et al., 2004

Minerals such as calcium and magnesium contribute to normal bone metabolism, while silica is associated with connective tissue integrity, including ligaments and tendons. Because of this nutrient composition, nettle leaves have traditionally been included in animal nutrition to support the musculoskeletal system during growth, aging, or periods of increased physical workload.
Halder & Sharma, 2017

For horses exposed to repetitive joint loading, such as sport horses, as well as growing foals or older horses, providing adequate mineral support is an important part of maintaining healthy bones and connective tissues and supporting comfortable movement.

Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) is a leafy green vegetable valued for its high concentration of vitamins, minerals, and plant antioxidants. It provides nutrients such as vitamin A precursors, vitamin C, vitamin K, iron, and magnesium that contribute to normal metabolic processes.

The antioxidant compounds found in spinach, including carotenoids and flavonoids, help support the body’s natural defense against oxidative stress and contribute to maintaining healthy tissues.

Because of its nutrient density, spinach is often included in pet nutrition to provide additional micronutrients and plant compounds that support overall vitality and balanced nutrition (Verhelst, 2025).

Cranberry is used to support urinary tract health in dogs and cats because it contains proanthocyanidins (often called PACs) that can make it harder for certain bacteria, especially E. coli, to stick to the bladder wall. When bacteria cannot attach as easily, they are more likely to be flushed out during normal urination. This is why cranberry is mainly positioned for prevention support in pets that are prone to recurring urinary issues, not as a stand-alone solution for an active infection. 

In practice, cranberry works best as part of a broader urinary plan, alongside good hydration and regular toilet breaks for dogs. It should not replace veterinary care if a pet shows signs of a UTI such as frequent urination, straining, accidents, blood in the urine, pain, or lethargy. Cats in particular can have urinary problems that are not bacterial (for example stress-related inflammation), so getting the right diagnosis matters. Chou HI et al., 2016, Olby et al., 2006 

Blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum) are well known for their high concentration of polyphenols, particularly anthocyanins. These plant compounds are widely studied for their antioxidant activity and their role in protecting cells from oxidative stress. Verhelst, 2025

Antioxidants contribute to maintaining healthy tissues and supporting the body’s natural defense systems. In animal nutrition, antioxidant-rich ingredients are often included to help support overall vitality and healthy aging.

Because blueberries provide both micronutrients and beneficial plant compounds, they are commonly used in pet nutrition to support balanced nutrition and natural antioxidant protection.

Glucosamine is a naturally occurring amino monosaccharide that serves as a building block for glycosaminoglycans and other structural molecules in the body. Glycosaminoglycans are important components of connective tissues such as cartilage and also contribute to the structure of mucosal surfaces throughout the body.

These molecules help maintain the strength, elasticity, and structural integrity of connective tissues. In biological systems, glucosamine participates in pathways that support the synthesis and maintenance of these structural components, which are essential for maintaining normal tissue function.

Glycosaminoglycans and related molecules also contribute to the protective mucosal layers found in the gastrointestinal tract. These layers help maintain barrier integrity and support the interaction between the intestinal lining and the microbiome, which is important for digestive stability and overall physiological balance.

Because of its role as a structural precursor in connective tissues and mucosal systems, glucosamine is often included in nutritional formulations aimed at supporting tissue maintenance, gastrointestinal integrity, and overall physiological resilience. ScienceDirect

Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo) is valued in pet nutrition for its naturally high fiber content and balanced nutritional profile. It contains both soluble and insoluble fibers that help support normal digestive processes and contribute to healthy intestinal function.

Soluble fibers can help nourish beneficial gut bacteria, while insoluble fibers support normal intestinal movement and stool consistency. Maintaining a balanced gut microbiome is an important factor in overall digestive health and nutrient absorption.

Pumpkin also provides micronutrients such as beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A, together with other vitamins and antioxidants that contribute to overall nutritional balance. Because of these properties, pumpkin is commonly included in dog food formulations to support digestive wellbeing and overall vitality.

White rice (Oryza sativa) is widely used in pet nutrition because it is a highly digestible source of carbohydrates that provides readily available energy. Its mild composition and low fiber irritants make it gentle on the digestive system.

Because rice starch is efficiently digested in the small intestine, it can help support digestive comfort and consistent nutrient absorption. For this reason, rice-based ingredients are commonly included in diets designed for animals with sensitive digestion (ScienceDirect, 2003; Frontiers, 2023; Zoran, 2008).

When combined with other natural ingredients and protein sources, white rice contributes to balanced nutrition while helping maintain stable energy levels and digestive wellbeing.

Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) provide dietary fiber together with important micronutrients such as vitamin C and carotenoids including beta-carotene and lycopene. These nutrients contribute to maintaining normal metabolic functions and healthy tissues.

Dietary fiber supports digestive function by helping regulate intestinal activity and contributing to a balanced gut environment. At the same time, antioxidant compounds in tomatoes help protect cells from oxidative stress and support the body’s natural defense mechanisms.

Because digestive balance and antioxidant intake are important for overall vitality, tomato-based ingredients are sometimes included in pet nutrition to support healthy digestion and tissue maintenance (Waisundara et. al., 2017).

Sugar beet pulp is a highly fermentable fiber often used in horse diets to support healthy hindgut fermentation and provide steady energy without the starch load of many grains. Research in horses has evaluated beet pulp inclusion for digestibility and metabolic responses, supporting its reputation as a useful “super fiber” for condition, older horses, and horses needing more calories from fiber. It must be introduced gradually and balanced within the full ration. ScienceDirect

Oatmeal derived from oats (Avena sativa) provides a dense source of essential nutrients including zinc, iron, and B vitamins (European Journal of Nutrition). These micronutrients play important roles in metabolic pathways involved in normal hormone production and reproductive physiology.

Zinc and iron contribute to enzymatic processes that are important for cellular metabolism and tissue development, while B vitamins support energy metabolism and the synthesis of hormones and signaling molecules. Maintaining adequate levels of these nutrients is particularly important for broodmares before breeding and during pregnancy, when nutrient demands increase to support both the mare and the developing foal. (Kelleher, S.L., 2009)

Because of its balanced nutritional profile and high digestibility, oatmeal is often included in equine breeding rations to help maintain metabolic balance and support overall reproductive nutrition.

Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is a nutrient-rich herb commonly used in pet nutrition for both its functional and sensory benefits. It naturally contains vitamins such as vitamin C and vitamin K, along with antioxidant compounds that help support normal cellular function.

Parsley is well known for its role in supporting fresh breath. Its natural plant compounds can help neutralize odor-causing substances, making it a popular ingredient in dental-focused products such as chews and treats.

In addition, parsley contributes to overall wellbeing by providing micronutrients and supporting normal physiological processes, making it a versatile ingredient in both daily nutrition and oral care formulations (Verhelst, 2025).

Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays an essential role in regulating calcium and phosphorus metabolism. These minerals are important for maintaining normal bone formation and overall structural support.

Beyond its role in mineral metabolism, vitamin D3 also contributes to immune system regulation. Immune cells contain vitamin D receptors, and adequate vitamin D levels support normal immune responses and physiological balance.

Vitamin D is also involved in cellular growth and differentiation, including in tissues such as the skin. These processes contribute to maintaining skin integrity and overall tissue health.

Because of its role in immune function, skin health, and metabolic balance, vitamin D3 is commonly included in nutritional formulations designed to support overall wellbeing and resilience in dogs (Chrobak-Chmiel, 2023; Dogru, 2017; Hattangdi-Haridas, 2019; Mostafa, 2015).

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an important antioxidant involved in many metabolic processes in the body. It helps neutralize reactive oxygen species and supports the body’s natural defense against oxidative stress, which can increase during exercise, growth, and other physiologically demanding periods (Garcia, 2022).

Vitamin C also plays a key role in collagen synthesis, a process essential for the formation and maintenance of connective tissues such as tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and skin. These tissues are important for movement, flexibility, and overall structural support.

Because of its combined role in antioxidant defense and connective tissue metabolism, vitamin C contributes to maintaining normal mobility, recovery, and overall physiological balance in horses (Curely, 2025).

Vitamin E (D-alpha-tocopherol) is an essential fat-soluble antioxidant that helps protect cell membranes from oxidative stress. Because these membranes are rich in fatty acids, they are particularly sensitive to oxidative damage, making antioxidant protection important for normal cellular function (ScienceDirect, 2014).

Vitamin E plays an important role in maintaining muscle cell integrity and supports normal nerve function. It also contributes to immune function and helps maintain healthy tissues such as skin and coat (Fagan, 2018).

Horses naturally obtain vitamin E from fresh grass, but intake can be limited when pasture access is restricted, making additional supply relevant (University of California, 2019).

Vitamin E can occur in different forms (tocopherols), each with specific antioxidant properties. A combination of these forms provides broader antioxidant support compared to a single form alone. As a fat-soluble vitamin, delivering vitamin E in an oil-based form supports its natural absorption (Quigley, 2021).

Zinc is an essential trace mineral involved in hundreds of enzymatic reactions throughout the body. It plays a key role in cellular metabolism, immune function, and tissue maintenance.

In the skin, zinc contributes to normal cell turnover and supports the structural integrity of skin tissues. Adequate zinc intake is therefore important for maintaining healthy skin and coat condition.(Schwartz et. al., 2006; Glutsch et. al., 2019).

Zinc is also involved in immune system activity and antioxidant defense mechanisms that help protect tissues from oxidative stress. Because of these roles, zinc is commonly included in pet nutrition to support immune balance, skin health, and overall physiological function (Animals, 2021).