Functional Ingredients for Pet Wellness: What to Include and How to Source Them Responsibly

Selecting functional ingredients for pet wellness is one of the most important steps in developing effective, high-performing pet supplements and treats. As more pet parents demand transparency and health-forward formulas, brands must balance scientific efficacy, ingredient safety, and sustainable sourcing. At Green Mountain Animal, LLC, we help pet brands formulate with purpose—ensuring every ingredient delivers measurable benefits and aligns with consumer expectations.

Top Functional Ingredients in Pet Wellness Products

The most sought-after wellness ingredients support areas such as joint health, digestion, immunity, skin and coat, and cognitive function. Commonly used and highly effective ingredients include:

Glucosamine & Chondroitin: Essential for joint support, especially in senior pets or active breeds
Probiotics & Prebiotics: Help maintain gut balance, support digestion, and improve immune response
Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA & DHA): Promote skin, coat, brain, and cardiovascular health
L-Theanine, Chamomile, and Valerian Root: Used in calming formulations for stress and anxiety
Milk Thistle & Turmeric: Popular in liver detox and anti-inflammatory blends
Mushroom Extracts (Reishi, Turkey Tail, Cordyceps): Support immunity and antioxidant defense
Collagen & Hyaluronic Acid: Boost joint mobility and skin elasticity

These ingredients are often combined strategically in multifunctional chews or powders to offer comprehensive wellness support in a single product.

Criteria for Responsible Ingredient Sourcing

Using high-quality ingredients is not just about effectiveness—it’s also about safety, traceability, and sustainability. Green Mountain Animal, LLC follows rigorous standards when selecting ingredient suppliers. We focus on:

Verified Supply Chains: All ingredients are sourced from vetted, GMP-certified vendors with full documentation and traceability.
Clean Labels: We avoid artificial preservatives, colors, and unnecessary fillers to support label transparency and consumer trust.
Sustainably Harvested Inputs: When possible, we choose eco-conscious options like wild-caught fish oils or organically grown botanicals.
Species-Specific Safety: Every ingredient is evaluated for its safety in dogs, cats, or other target species, ensuring proper dosage and tolerability.
Stability & Potency: We source standardized extracts and encapsulated nutrients to protect bioavailability throughout shelf life.

Responsible sourcing not only improves product performance but also strengthens your brand’s credibility in a highly educated and health-conscious marketplace.

Delivery Format Considerations

Different functional ingredients work better in specific formats. We help you determine the best delivery method for your formula, including:

Soft chews: Great for calming, mobility, and multifunctional wellness
Powders: Ideal for probiotics, multivitamins, and mix-in supplements
Liquids & tinctures: Useful for fast-acting calming or immune support formulas
Baked treats: Suitable for light wellness support with a flavor-forward approach

Each delivery format affects ingredient interaction, shelf life, and palatability—factors we optimize during formulation and production.

How We Support Your Wellness Product Development

At Green Mountain Animal, LLC, we offer turnkey support for pet wellness products that prioritize ingredient integrity and responsible sourcing. Our services include:

Custom formulation with trending and proven nutraceuticals
Ingredient sourcing with full COAs and batch traceability
Regulatory guidance for AAFCO, FDA, and NASC compliance
Palatability testing and flavor masking solutions
Sustainable packaging options for eco-conscious brands

Whether you’re creating a single-ingredient calming chew or a multifunctional supplement blend, our team ensures every ingredient performs—and aligns with your brand’s wellness mission.

Functional Ingredients for Pet Wellness: Conclusion

Formulating with the right functional ingredients for pet wellness is the cornerstone of a successful, trusted pet brand. By selecting ingredients that are clinically backed, species-safe, and responsibly sourced, you set your product apart in a competitive market. At Green Mountain Animal, LLC, we help brands bring high-impact wellness products to life—formulated with purpose and manufactured with care.

Contact Green Mountain Animal, LLC

Looking to launch a wellness-focused pet product with functional ingredients that make a difference? Let’s build something exceptional together.

Green Mountain Animal, LLC
75 Catamount Drive
Milton, Vermont 05468
Phone: 802-752-4738

Formulate with confidence. Source responsibly. Manufacture with a partner who shares your values.