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Phytochemicals in Pet Foods

Phytochemicals are sometimes referred to as “phytonutrients; these terms are used interchangeably.

In broad terms, they are said to be any chemical or nutrient derived from a plant source. However, in common usage, they have a more limited definition. They are usually used to refer to compounds found in plants that are not required for normal functioning of the body but that nonetheless have a beneficial effect on health or an active role in the improvement of disease Thus, they differ from what are traditionally termed “nutrients”  in that they are not a necessity for normal metabolism, and their absence will not result in a deficiency disease -- at least not on the time normally attributed to such issue. For example, they may promote the function of the immune system, act directly against bacteria and viruses, reduce inflammation.
Many phytochemicals are antioxidants that impart bright colors to fruits and vegetables. Lutein makes corn yellow, lycopene makes tomatoes red, carotene makes carrots orange and anthocyanin makes blueberries blue, for example. Phytochemicals naturally occur in vegetables and fruit.

Examples of Phytochemicals


flavonoids blueberries, garlic, rosemary, apples, yucca, carrots, ginger
isothiocyanates vegetables such as broccoli and kale, garlic
monoterpenes citrus peels, essential oils
organosulfur compounds chives, garlic, onions
saponins beans, cereals, herbs, yucca, alfalfa
capsaicinoids chile peppers
phytosterols vegetable oils