Ziziphus
3 foods contain this ingredient
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About Ziziphus
Ziziphus, commonly known as jujube, is a fruit added to some pet treats as a source of fiber, natural sugars, and plant polyphenols.
Ziziphus (commonly jujube) fruit or extracts are used in pet foods and treats as a natural source of soluble fiber, flavor and antioxidant phytonutrients. They can contribute dietary fiber and polyphenols that support digestive health and antioxidant defenses in dogs and cats, but are relatively high in natural sugars and should be used sparingly (avoid in diabetic animals) and without seeds or untested botanical concentrates that could cause gastrointestinal upset or other adverse effects.
Related ingredients
- Derived from
- Ziziphus jujuba fruit (jujube)
- Primary role
- fiber and antioxidant fruit ingredient
Why it's used
The jujube fruit is a source of dietary fiber and polyphenolic antioxidants, and it has been studied in laboratory settings for antioxidant and antimicrobial activity in extracts made from its pulp and seed. In pet products, the fruit pulp is included mainly to add fiber, flavor, and phytonutrient content rather than as a protein or primary energy source.
Common concerns
- Seeds and pit Sources describing jujube for dogs consistently advise removing the seed and pit before feeding, since the hard pit poses a choking or GI obstruction risk and the seed itself is not intended for consumption.
- Natural sugar content Jujube fruit, especially when dried, is relatively high in natural sugars, which is a consideration for diabetic animals or those on calorie-restricted diets.
- Limited controlled research in pets Most available research on Ziziphus jujuba's antioxidant and bioactive properties comes from in vitro or human-focused studies rather than controlled feeding trials in dogs or cats.
2 sources cited
- Extracts from jujube (Ziziphus jujuba) seed and pulp show antioxidant and antimicrobial activity in laboratory testing, while showing no cytotoxic activity against the cell lines tested
- Sources on feeding jujube to dogs advise removing the seed and pit before offering the fruit and note it is high in sugar, especially dried
Common Questions
What category is Ziziphus?
Ziziphus is categorized as a herb ingredient in the KibbleLab database.
Is Ziziphus part of an allergen group?
No allergen group is linked to Ziziphus in the KibbleLab database.
Which foods contain Ziziphus?
3 foods in the KibbleLab database contain Ziziphus, including NaturVet.
Foods with Ziziphus
Alphabetical by brand. Scores run 0 to 10, higher is better, on published veterinary science.
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