Some of the most remarkable trends include:

 

  • Natural and organic ingredients: Brands are increasingly choosing high-quality, natural, organic ingredients to avoid artificial additives (colorants, palatants, and preservatives), antioxidants, and by-products.
     
  • Alternative proteins: Alternative protein sources are studied (e.g., insects or vegetable proteins), which are more sustainable and digestible for pets.
     
  • Processing technologies: Technologies, such as extrusion, dehydration, freeze-drying, and cooling allow the production of food with better nutrient retention and long shelf life.
     
  • Functional supplementation: Functional ingredients that promote integral pet health are being incorporated, for example, probiotics, omega-3s, and antioxidants. 
     
  • Personalized diets: With technological advancements, some companies offer personalized food based on the specific needs of pets, considering breeds, age, and size. Most importantly, contemplating health conditions without options on the market.
     
  • Sustainable packaging: Sustainability is also reflected in packaging that tries to reduce plastic by replacing it with recyclable or biodegradable materials. In past issues, we developed this topic.


A pet's diet can significantly influence their behavior. An accurate, balanced diet not only contributes to physical health but also their emotional well-being and behavior in the family. 

Enhancing the way nutrients are obtained from raw materials for pet feeding involves different strategies:
 

  1. Raw materials selection: Selecting high-quality ingredients with a balanced nutritional profile. Prioritize highly digestible proteins.
     
  2. Efficient processing: Optimizing processing methods, such as baking or dehydration, to preserve nutrients.
     
  3. Nutrient analysis: Carrying out regular analysis of raw materials and final products to ensure quality and consistency.
     
  4. Research and development: Investments in research to develop new formulas and enhance existing ones. This includes studies on ingredients' digestibility and palatability.
     
  5. Consumers' feedback: Gather opinions of pet parents about their pet's acceptance and health after consuming certain products.


Generally, pet parents want to know about the food characteristics they are giving to pets, for example:

1. Ingredients: to know their components, assuring they are of high quality and accurate.

2. Nutritional value: to understand the amount of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals it contains. In addition, if it meets pet-specific needs.
 

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3. Portion recommendations: to know the amount of food you should give to your pet, according to their size, age, activity, and general health. 

4. Allergies and intolerances: identify if the pet is allergic to some ingredients and choose hypoallergenic food, if needed. 

5. Benefits for health: understanding its origin can contribute to dental health, skin, coat, and pets' overall health.

6. Origin and manufacturing: to be informed about its precedence and manufacturing methods. Be sure that they are secure and ethical.

These aspects help you guarantee accurate and healthy nutrition for your pets.


'What you don't know, you must know'

To sum up, providing transparency to pet parents inspires more trust and loyalty. Most importantly, to give our close friends better nutrition, for them: dogs and cats in their homes.
 

By Dr. Ma. Candela Bonaura
Source: All Pet Food Magazine

About the author

Candela Bonaura

Candela is a Veterinary Medical Doctor, ex CONICET researcher, Research Analyst and Scientific Communication, and FCV-UNLP Professor in different subjects, such as General Pathology, Small Animal Clinic, Electron Microscopy Service, Pig Production, and Animal Reproduction. She conducted numerous individual and group research projects on distinct species, such as cattle, horses, pigs, marine fauna, and felines. Speaker in graduate and postgraduate courses in Nutrition and small animals' reproduction, teaching courses, and personalized advice to veterinary clinics. Online service and on-site events coordination.


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