Wet pet food typically uses thickeners to control texture and moisture distribution. Common options: carrageenan (controversial due to inflammatory concerns), guar gum (legume-derived), xanthan gum (microbial fermentation), locust bean gum, agar-agar. The plant gums are generally considered safe and are widely accepted in human food; carrageenan is the only common pet food thickener with documented health concerns. Some premium wet brands specifically advertise "carrageenan-free," usually substituting guar or xanthan.