Every Ingredient Has a Name, an Origin, and a Reason to Be Here

Most pet supplement brands list their ingredients in small print and hope you don't look too closely. We built this page because we think you should.

Below is every active ingredient in Dr. Ferg's products — what it is, where it comes from, what the science says, and exactly why it's in the formula. No filler. No borrowed credibility. Just the full picture.

What's Inside Our Mobility Joint & Hip Soft Chew

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS AT A GLANCE

FULL INGREDIENT LIST

(Listed in descending order by weight, as required)

Glycerine, Water, Beef Liver, Gelatine, Modified Starch, Sorbitol, Citric Acid, Bone Powder, Beef Cartilage, Greenshell Mussel (defatted), Pectin.

All beef ingredients: NZ grass-fed, free-range cattle Greenshell Mussel: Sustainably farmed, New Zealand All raw materials: Human food-grade

NZ Greenshell Mussel (Perna canaliculus) — 32mg per chew

Source: Marlborough Sounds, South Island, New Zealand Also known as: Green-lipped mussel, GLM Form used: Defatted powder

What it is: Greenshell Mussel is a shellfish species found only in the coastal waters of New Zealand. It is one of the most comprehensively studied natural ingredients in veterinary joint health, and one of the very few validated in randomised, double-blinded clinical trials in dogs.

What the science says: Greenshell Mussel contains a unique combination of bioactive compounds — including omega-3 fatty acids (ETA and EPA), glycosaminoglycans, and antioxidants — that work together to reduce joint inflammation, support cartilage integrity, and improve mobility. The specific fatty acid profile of New Zealand Greenshell Mussel is not found in any other mussel species in the world. You cannot replicate it, and you cannot source it anywhere else.

Peer-reviewed veterinary studies have shown statistically significant improvements in mobility and reductions in chronic joint pain in dogs with osteoarthritis following Greenshell Mussel supplementation.

Why it's in our formula: Because the evidence supports it. We use defatted Greenshell Mussel powder — the concentrated, fat-removed form that maximises the bioactive compound content per milligram. Sourced from sustainably farmed aquaculture operations in the Marlborough Sounds, one of the most pristine marine environments on earth. Every batch is traceable to its harvest date and location.

Collagen Type II (from NZ Grass-Fed Beef Cartilage) — 30mg per chew

Source: Grass-fed, free-range cattle, New Zealand

What it is: Type II Collagen is the primary structural protein found in joint cartilage — the specific collagen type that makes up the cushioning tissue in your dog's joints. It is distinct from Type I Collagen, which is found in skin and bone.

What the science says: Undenatured Type II Collagen (UC-II) works through a mechanism called oral tolerance. When ingested, it interacts with immune cells in the gut to reduce the autoimmune response that drives cartilage breakdown in dogs with joint disease. Clinical studies in dogs have demonstrated significant improvements in overall pain, pain upon limb manipulation, and exercise tolerance.

At 30mg per chew, one chew per day delivers the clinically studied dose for dogs under 50 lbs. Dogs 50 lbs and over receive two chews — 60mg daily — providing full coverage across all size ranges.

Importantly, UC-II has been shown to outperform glucosamine and chondroitin in head-to-head studies in dogs — the two ingredients that have dominated the joint supplement category for decades.

Why it's in our formula: Type II Collagen is the hero ingredient in our Mobility Chew. We selected it because the clinical evidence in dogs is specific, rigorous, and reproducible. Every milligram is derived from New Zealand grass-fed cattle cartilage and manufactured to human-grade standards.

Calcium (from NZ Grass-Fed Bone Powder) — 30mg per chew

Phosphorus (from NZ Grass-Fed Bone Powder) — 12mg per chew

Source: Grass-fed, free-range cattle, New Zealand

What it is: Calcium and phosphorus are the two primary minerals in bone tissue, essential for skeletal health, muscle function, and nerve signalling in dogs. Our formula delivers both as part of a whole bone powder complex — not as isolated mineral salts — at a natural ratio of approximately 2.5:1 calcium to phosphorus per chew.

What the science says: Whole-food mineral sources — where calcium and phosphorus exist together in their natural matrix alongside collagen and bone proteins — consistently demonstrate superior bioavailability compared to isolated calcium carbonate or calcium citrate supplements. The natural ratio of calcium to phosphorus is critical: an imbalanced ratio can impair absorption of both minerals simultaneously.

Why it's in our formula: Joints don't exist in isolation — they're supported by bone, tendon, and connective tissue. Delivering bioavailable, naturally balanced calcium and phosphorus from whole bone powder supports the skeletal foundation that healthy joint function depends on.

Collagen Type I (from NZ Grass-Fed Bone Powder) — 24mg per chew

Source: Grass-fed, free-range cattle, New Zealand

What it is: Type I Collagen is the most abundant collagen in the body, found primarily in bone, tendons, skin, and connective tissue. Our Type I Collagen is derived from microcrystalline hydroxyapatite (MCHC) bone powder — a naturally occurring calcium phosphate complex that mirrors the mineral and collagen structure of actual bone tissue.

What the science says: MCHC is a whole-food bone matrix that delivers Type I Collagen alongside calcium, phosphorus, growth factors, and bone proteins — in the natural ratios and structures found in living bone. This complete matrix approach is significantly more effective at supporting bone density and connective tissue integrity than isolated collagen peptides alone.

Why it's in our formula: Combined with Type II Collagen from cartilage, Type I Collagen from bone powder gives our formula comprehensive coverage of the full joint structure — cartilage, bone, and connective tissue — rather than targeting just one component.

Glycosaminoglycans (from NZ Grass-Fed Beef Cartilage) — 16mg per chew

Source: Grass-fed, free-range cattle, New Zealand Also known as: GAGs, chondroitin

What it is: Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are long-chain carbohydrate molecules that are essential structural components of joint cartilage and synovial fluid — the lubricating fluid that cushions your dog's joints during movement. Chondroitin sulphate is the most well-known GAG in joint supplementation.

What the science says: GAGs maintain the water content, elasticity, and compressive strength of cartilage. As dogs age, natural GAG synthesis declines, leading to cartilage thinning and increased joint friction. Supplementing with natural GAGs from whole bovine cartilage supports the body's ongoing cartilage maintenance and repair processes.

Why it's in our formula: Rather than using synthetic chondroitin sulphate — the isolated compound found in most mass-market joint supplements — we deliver glycosaminoglycans as part of a whole bovine cartilage matrix alongside Type II Collagen. This means your dog receives the full spectrum of cartilage-supporting compounds working together, not a single extracted component working alone.

Free-Range Grass-Fed Beef Liver (NZ)

Source: North Island beef farms, New Zealand Role in formula: Natural palatant and nutrient contributor

What it is: New Zealand grass-fed beef liver is one of the most nutrient-dense whole foods on earth. In our Mobility Chew it serves as the primary natural flavouring — making the chew highly palatable and ensuring your dog takes it consistently. Consistency is everything with a joint supplement; a chew your dog loves to eat is a chew that actually works.

What the science says: Beef liver is exceptionally rich in bioavailable protein, preformed Vitamin A (retinol), B vitamins (particularly B12 and folate), haem iron, zinc, and copper. As a flavouring ingredient it outperforms artificial alternatives on every measure — palatability, safety, and nutritional contribution.

Why it's in our formula: We use human-grade, free-range, grass-fed New Zealand beef liver because it is the highest quality source available. The same beef liver used in our dog products is used as the raw input for human liver supplements. Not inspired by. Not similar to. The actual same product. We think that says everything about the standard we hold ourselves to.

FUNCTIONAL BASE INGREDIENTS

The remaining ingredients in our Mobility Chew form the soft chew base — the matrix that holds everything together and gives the chew its texture. Here's what each one is and why it's there:

Glycerine (24%) — A natural humectant derived from plant sources. Keeps the chew soft and moist without the need for artificial preservatives.

Water (19%) — Used in the manufacturing process to achieve the correct chew consistency.

Gelatine (12.6%) — A natural protein derived from bovine sources. Provides the chew's structure and texture, and contributes to the overall protein content.

Modified Starch (12.6%) — A natural binder that holds the chew together. Used widely in human food manufacturing.

Sorbitol (8.8%) — A naturally occurring sugar alcohol found in fruits. Acts as a secondary humectant to maintain softness and extend shelf life naturally. Safe for dogs at the levels used.

Citric Acid (3.6%) — A natural preservative derived from citrus. Maintains pH stability and freshness without synthetic preservatives.

Pectin (0.29%) — A natural plant fibre derived from fruit. Used as a gelling agent and texture modifier.

Note: Every base ingredient in our formula is present for a functional reason. Nothing is in there to add bulk, colour, or artificial appeal.

What's Inside Our Single Ingredient Beef Liver Treats

Freeze-Dried New Zealand Beef Liver

Source: North Island beef farms, New Zealand Ingredient list: Beef Liver (100%)

What it is: One ingredient. The best version of it.

Our beef liver treats contain nothing but 100% free-range, grass-fed New Zealand beef liver — freeze-dried to lock in every gram of protein, Vitamin A, and iron without the need for preservatives, binders, or additives of any kind.

What the science says: Freeze-drying preserves the nutritional integrity of raw ingredients far more effectively than heat-based processing methods. The result is a shelf-stable treat that retains the full nutrient profile of fresh liver — including highly bioavailable haem iron, preformed Vitamin A (retinol), and a complete amino acid profile.

Why it exists: Because single-ingredient treats are the most honest product in pet nutrition. You know exactly what your dog is getting. We know exactly where it came from — a North Island beef farm, grass-fed and free-range, raised to a standard we'd stake our name on.

WHAT WE NEVER USE

No shortcuts. No fillers. No nonsense.

We formulate every Dr. Ferg's product around what should be there — not what's cheap, convenient, or designed to catch your eye on a shelf. Here is what you will never find in a Dr. Ferg's product:

• No artificial colours — dogs can't see most of them anyway
• No artificial flavours — including fake smoke, bacon, or vague "natural flavour" catch-alls
• No artificial preservatives — we use natural humectants and pH stabilisers instead
• No imported bulk protein from unverified sources — every animal ingredient is traceable to its farm of origin
• No ingredients that aren't human grade — if we wouldn't eat it, it's not in there
• No vague claims — if we say something works, we can show you the study