Peanut Butter, Pumpkin & Papaya Hearty Selects Treats

Oats are commonly used in pet foods as a digestible carbohydrate and source of soluble fiber (beta‑glucans), plant protein, B vitamins and minerals, which can support healthy digestion and help moderate blood glucose and cholesterol. They are generally well tolerated by dogs and can be included sparingly for cats, but owners should avoid flavored or sweetened preparations (and ingredients like xylitol or raisins), be mindful of possible grain sensitivities or cross‑contamination with gluten, and prefer cooked oats for better digestibility and portion control due to caloric content.

Potato is commonly used in pet foods as a digestible carbohydrate source and functional binder, supplying starch, fiber, and modest amounts of vitamins (B6, C) and potassium—often included as cooked or dehydrated flakes, starch, or protein concentrates. While it provides energy and helps formulate grain‑free recipes, potatoes are not a primary protein for dogs or cats (and are not nutritionally required for obligate‑carnivore cats), can contribute to excess calories or affect blood glucose in diabetic animals, and must be cooked and free of green skins or sprouts to avoid solanine toxicity; allergies are uncommon but possible.

Pea is a plant-based ingredient used in pet foods as a source of protein, soluble and insoluble fiber, and micronutrients (often included as whole peas, pea flour, or pea protein concentrate) to boost protein content and improve texture. While peas can provide digestible carbohydrates, fiber, and some plant protein useful especially for dogs, they are not a complete protein for obligate carnivores like cats and — when overused, particularly in concentrated forms or as a major component of grain‑free diets — have been scrutinized for a possible association with canine dilated cardiomyopathy and can contribute to nutrient imbalances or excess calories, so balanced formulation and compliance with AAFCO nutritional profiles are important.

Coconut glycerin is a plant-derived glycerol used in pet foods as a humectant and mild sweetening/texture agent to retain moisture, improve mouthfeel and palatability, and serve as a solvent or mild preservative in soft treats, toppers, and wet formulas. It provides easily metabolized calories and is generally safe for dogs and cats in small amounts, but high levels can cause gastrointestinal upset or laxative effects, so manufacturers should ensure purity, account for added calories, and note that it is not the dog-toxic sweetener xylitol.

Cane molasses is a viscous sweetener and palatability enhancer used in pet foods and treats to add simple carbohydrates, help bind ingredients, and contribute trace minerals like iron, calcium, potassium and magnesium along with small amounts of B vitamins. It can improve taste and texture but is high in sugars and calories, so it should be used sparingly—excessive intake can contribute to weight gain, dental issues, or unstable blood glucose in diabetic or obese pets.