10/07/2025

Challenges in Batching in Animal Nutrition Plants

Batching is a critical process in the manufacturing of animal nutrition, impacting product consistency, efficiency, cost management, and overall quality. A proper batching 'system' (or process) ensures that raw materials are combined in the correct proportions to produce consistent, high-quality products that meet industry standards and consumer expectations. This relates to collecting and weighing all bulk, major, micro and nano ingredients and mixing them until the mix is ready for the next steps in the process.   In this whitepaper, you will learn: The Critical Role of Batching: Why batching is fundamental to consistent product quality, cost control, and operational efficiency in animal nutrition plants. Key Industry Challenges: Insights into ingredient variability, labor shortages, and manual errors that impact production in feed, pet food, and premix manufacturing.  Automation and Smart Systems: How advanced batching systems, including feeders, weighers, and control software, improve accuracy, flexibility, and traceability. Best Practices for Optimization: Actionable strategies for reducing downtime, improving mixing efficiency, and maintaining compliance with regulatory standards. Cost of Poor Batching: A breakdown of the hidden costs - from waste and recalls to brand damage - and how proper systems mitigate these risks.   Click here to download it   Source: KSE Group

10/09/2024

Innovating together: A new development for the premix pet food industry

The customer's choice of the CS-WP solution   An American-based customer of KSE, operating in the premix industry, selected the CS-WP solution due to an urgent need to optimize space utilization in their production facility. This innovative solution enabled them to save significant vertical space, with reductions of 4 to 5 meters compared to a conventional weighing system. Additionally, the CS-WP system offers direct separation of contaminants for all raw materials, ensuring the entire facility remains free from contamination.   Another customer in Spain, a leading manufacturer in the food additive industry, has also expressed interest in the CS-WP solution because of their stringent contamination control requirements. The CS-WP system allows macro ingredients to be safely transported in dedicated containers, ensuring clean and flexible distribution to three separate mixing lines.   Exploration of market-based alternatives   The customer explored two alternative solutions. Initially, a traditional pneumatic conveying system was considered but dismissed due to hygiene issues and excessive energy consumption. The second option involved a container concept relying on AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicle). Ultimately, KSE's CS-WP concept emerged as the most fitting and seamlessly integrable solution, enabling the maintenance of the desired compact building height.   Future expansion and developments   The client positions the CS-WP project as the ''Next Generation Plant'', hinting at the possibility of establishing future plants based on the same concept. This marks the inaugural joint project for the Spanish customer and KSE, with aspirations to extend this concept to other facilities, thereby assuming a pioneering role in the Spanish food additive industry.   A breakthrough solution   The CS-WP emerged as a groundbreaking weighing solution within the ACT (Automatic Container Transfer) framework, renowned for its internal transport capabilities. Manufacturers are seeking space-saving solutions in their plants while aiming to achieve minimal contamination by dispensing products directly into containers. Tailored to accommodate a wide dosing range, this solution stands out for its versatility.   Intensive development process   The concept promptly resonated with our customers' needs and industry demands, particularly in sectors like premix and pet food. The development process of the CS-WP entailed tackling several design challenges, such as achieving optimal balance in the setup. With dimensions of approximately 1.5 meters x 1.5 meters and a height of 5 to 6 meters, this resulted in a column four times as tall as it is wide. This configuration posed potential tipping hazards, especially when the system was in motion while carrying weight at the top. To prevent this, rollover safeguards were implemented, and extensive testing was performed.   Another crucial aspect involved a meticulous examination of the system's extraction process. Customers typically invest in an ACT system to maintain a pristine working environment with minimal contamination. However, if dust escapes through open joints during each movement, this objective is compromised. Moreover, the extraction process must not interfere with the weighing signal during the dosing process, ensuring that accuracy is not compromised.   Following extensive consultation and collaboration with suppliers, multiple concepts were devised and executed by the mechanical, electrical, and software teams. Presently, two variants are available: one where dust from the filters returns with the product, minimizing contamination but ensuring all product accompanies it through processing, and another where dust extraction directs waste to a remote unloading point, eliminating contamination but resulting in waste. The selection between these variants depends on the customer's specific needs and requirements.   The operational phase   During the implementation phase of industrial solutions, addressing technical challenges is only part of the equation; understanding real-world usage is equally vital. Hence, KSE engages its service department from the beginning of a project to ensure that aspects, such as cleaning positions, accessibility, and installation safety are meticulously accounted for. This approach establishes a robust groundwork for a successful project, enhancing both efficiency and safety.   By: KSE Process Technology   Source: All Pet Food Magazine

29/08/2024

Great News: Josera Integrates KSE’s Cutting-Edge ALFRA Technology

We are pleased to share the installation of several advanced ALFRA machines at the Josera petfood factory, a member of the ERBACHER the food family group. In addition to our renowned ALFRA dosing and weighing systems and a movable bulk mixer for finished products, the scope includes our Automatic Contrainer Transfer (ACT) system.   Our ACT systems fit perfectly with Josera's commitment to innovation, quality and sustainability. They further streamline their internal transfer processes, increase efficiency and precision in their operations, and maintain contamination-free processes. To ensure seamless integration and optimum performance, in addition to supervision, commissioning, training is provided by one of our own Bartosz Piechota who is on site on a regular basis.   This project is being carried out with industry partners H. Wolking Mühlen- und Maschinenbau GmbH & Co. KG and Intermont construction to achieve the desired plant for Josera. Together, we're driving innovation, quality and sustainability in the animal nutrition and pet food industries, and our shared commitment to common values ensures precision, efficiency and environmentally friendly practices.   We are excited about the future and the opportunities that this new plant will bring Josera. The successful integration of KSE Group's advanced machinery is a testament to the strength of our partnership and our shared dedication to excellence. As construction continues, we look forward to providing further updates and sharing our progress with you.   Follow us HERE, for more detailed information about the individual machines and solutions implemented in this project and how they might benefit you.
 
Source: KSE Process Technology

04/09/2026

Pet Fair South East Asia 2026 to Bring the Global Pet Industry Together in Bangkok

BANGKOK, Thailand — Pet Fair South East Asia, Southeast Asia's premier business-to-business trade exhibition for the pet industry, will hold its fifth edition from October 28–30, 2026, at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC).

Jointly organized by VNU Exhibitions Asia Pacific and Globus Events — organizer of Pet Fair Asia in Shanghai and owner of the Pet Fair Network, a portfolio of pet industry trade exhibitions across Asia — the 2026 edition is set to further strengthen Bangkok's position as a key meeting point for the international pet trade.

Johannes Kraus, Senior Project Manager of Pet Fair South East Asia, said:

'This edition reflects how far Pet Fair South East Asia has come in just a few years — not only as a leading pet trade platform for Southeast Asia, but as a truly international meeting point for the industry. Bringing exhibitors and buyers from more than 80 countries together in one place creates opportunities for business, sourcing and partnerships that are difficult to replicate anywhere else in the region.'
A Global Show floor, Rooted in Southeast Asia
Pet Fair South East Asia 2026 is forecast to bring together 450 exhibitors from 40 countries, covering the full pet industry value chain from established brands and private label manufacturing to ingredients, technology, packaging, machinery and other supply chain solutions.

The exhibitor base is expected to comprise approximately 30% local and 70% international companies, reflecting the increasingly international character of the exhibition and its role as a regional sourcing and business development platform.

Adding to this international presence, the show will feature dedicated country pavilions from the United States, Italy, Spain, China, India, Japan, Thailand and other Southeast Asian markets, providing visitors with a structured way to discover exhibitors by market and giving participating countries a focused platform to showcase their pet industry capabilities.
  The exhibition will also feature a strong lineup of leading international and regional exhibitors, showcasing products, technologies and solutions across the pet industry. Key exhibitors include Sea Value, i-Tail, Thai Awesome, Absolute Nutrition, Kaniva, (all Thailand), Animonda (Germany), Gimborn, My Family (Italy), and many more, representing major segments such as pet food, pet health and wellness, accessories, technology, OEM and private label manufacturing.

The international reach extends to the visitor audience. Pet Fair South East Asia expects to welcome 12,500 trade visitors from more than 80 countries, within a strictly B2B show concept focused on business opportunities across distribution, retail and sourcing. The show is designed exclusively for trade professionals, including distributors, importers, wholesalers, retailers, private-label buyers, manufacturers and veterinarians.

The 2025 edition welcomed trade visitors from 80 countries, with particularly strong representation from East Asia, Oceania, the Middle East, Europe and the United States, alongside the wider Southeast Asian region.

Visitors are expected to include distributors, importers, wholesalers, retailers, private label buyers and veterinarians, reflecting the show's role as a professional sourcing and partnership platform rather than a consumer-focused event.

With pet ownership and pet care spending continuing to grow across Southeast Asia, Bangkok offers a strategic location for companies seeking to enter or expand across the region's fast-growing markets. Its extensive air connectivity also makes the city an accessible meeting point for international buyers and exhibitors from across Asia and beyond.
Show at a Glance: Exhibitor Profile
Pet Fair South East Asia brings together exhibitors from across the pet industry supply chain. Pet brands account for the largest share of the show floor at 44%, followed by OEM and private label manufacturers at 42%, highlighting the exhibition's dual role as a destination for both brand discovery and sourcing.

The remaining exhibitor base includes ingredient suppliers, packaging suppliers and machinery suppliers, giving visitors access to a broad range of products, services and solutions across the pet industry under one roof.

By product category, pet food and pet treats and snacks lead the showfloor, forming the backbone of the exhibition. A strong wellness segment follows, covering pet hygiene and pet healthcare, alongside ingredients, pet accessories, grooming, toys, pet technology, furniture and apparel.

Together, these categories reflect the breadth of products and solutions shaping today's rapidly evolving pet care industry.
Program: Matchmaking, Conference and Sourcing
Beyond the exhibition floor, Pet Fair South East Asia 2026 will offer a comprehensive online and on-site matchmaking program, connecting exhibitors and qualified buyers before and during the show to facilitate targeted business meetings and maximize face-to-face networking opportunities.

The event's conference program will span two dedicated stages, bringing together industry experts from around the world to discuss trends, innovation and business strategy across the pet industry value chain.

More information about the conference program is available at www.petfair-sea.com.

Together, the exhibition, matchmaking and conference programs create a comprehensive platform for companies looking to explore new markets, identify sourcing opportunities, develop distribution partnerships and stay ahead of the latest developments in the global pet industry.
Free Entrance for Pre-Registered Visitors
Pre-register online for FREE entry to Pet Fair South East Asia 2026 (Note on-site registration fee: THB 300).

Registration is available online at www.petfair-sea.com and directly at  https://eventpassinsight.co/el/to/pfsea6-08
To get a visual impression of what to expect in Bangkok from October 28–30, watch the official show preview video:

Source: Pet Fair South East Asia
About Pet Fair South East Asia
Pet Fair South East Asia is Southeast Asia's only fully business-to-business trade exhibition dedicated to the pet industry. Held annually at BITEC in Bangkok, the show serves as a regional gateway for companies seeking to develop business across some of the world's fastest-growing pet markets and provides a sourcing platform for private label, brand and supply chain solutions.

The exhibition brings together exhibitors and trade visitors from more than 80 countries to source products, discover innovations and build strategic partnerships across distribution, retail and sourcing.

Pet Fair South East Asia is jointly organized by VNU Exhibitions Asia Pacific and Globus Events, organizer of Pet Fair Asia in Shanghai and owner of the Pet Fair Network.
Pet Fair South East Asia Organizing Committee
Email: petfairsea@vnuasiapacific.com

03/09/2026

Smaller Markets Gain Around and Challenge the Logic of Growth in the Latin American Pet Food Industry

Brazil, Mexico and Argentina continue to concentrate the largest markets in Latin America in terms of production and consumption. However, when the analysis incorporates indicators such as consumption growth and demand evolution, countries such as Colombia, Peru and Ecuador begin to occupy strategic positions on the industry's radar.

This change in perspective reinforces a trend observed across different sectors of the economy. While mature markets remain fundamental because of the scale they offer, developing markets can represent more attractive opportunities for new investments and regional expansion.
So, where are the greatest growth opportunities in Latin America?
Answering this question requires looking beyond market size.
 
The analysis by All Pet Food Market Insights shows that Brazil remains the region's undisputed leader, with apparent local consumption of 4,042.4 thousand tonnes in 2025. Despite the size of the market, consumption grew 1.4% compared with 2024, a pattern characteristic of consolidated and highly competitive markets.

Mexico ranks second, with a market of 1,697.8 thousand tonnes consumed in 2025. Compared with the previous year, consumption increased by 2.2%, maintaining a balance between scale and expansion.

In Argentina, apparent local consumption reached 1,057.0 thousand tonnes in 2025. Compared with 2024, the market grew 0.6%. Although its evolution is more moderate, the country continues to hold a strategic position thanks to its industrial capacity, production tradition and relevance to regional trade in companion animal food.

At first glance, these figures could lead to the conclusion that the best opportunities remain concentrated in the largest markets. However, the study reveals a different scenario.

Chile occupies an intermediate position within the Latin American market. With apparent local consumption of 776.3 thousand tonnes in 2025, the country recorded growth of 2.6% compared with the previous year. It also stands out for its high per capita pet food consumption, a factor that supports the development of premium categories and higher value-added products.

Meanwhile, other markets are beginning to stand out precisely because of their growth rate.

Colombia, for example, combines an estimated market of 700.0 thousand tonnes with 4% growth compared with 2024, positioning the country among those that best balance market size and expansion potential.

Peru and Ecuador present a different scenario. Although they have smaller markets, estimated at 382.1 thousand tonnes and 400.5 thousand tonnes, respectively, they recorded the highest growth rates in the study compared with 2024. 11.4% for Peru and 27.3% for Ecuador.

More than a matter of volume, these results reflect markets that are still undergoing consolidation, with room to expand supply, attract new manufacturers, and strengthen higher value-added categories.
Growth and maturity move at different speeds
The data also highlights another important aspect of decision-making in the pet food industry. Growth and maturity do not necessarily move together.

Consolidated markets such as Brazil and Mexico tend to offer greater predictability, developed infrastructure and a high level of professionalization. On the other hand, they also face more intense competition and slower growth.

Developing economies such as Colombia, Peru and Ecuador may offer a more favorable environment for new investments, particularly when pet population growth, rising income and changing consumption habits drive demand for industrialized food and premium products.

Therefore, analyzing only the size of a market can lead to incomplete interpretations of its true potential.
Market intelligence as a strategic tool
Beyond identifying which countries concentrate on the largest pet food consumption, understanding the structural differences between markets has become a competitive advantage for manufacturers, suppliers and investors.

The All Pet Food Market Insights study demonstrates that indicators such as projected growth, competitiveness, production structure, trade flows and consumption profile provide a broader view of the opportunities available across the region.
 
In an increasingly dynamic Latin American market, strategic decisions will depend less on the size of a country and more on the ability to interpret the signals that indicate where the best growth opportunities are. Source: All Pet Food Market Insights, All Pet Food's market intelligence platform

28/08/2026

Pet Fair Asia 2026 Connects the Global Pet Industry Ecosystem at Record Scale and International Participation

The show broke new records, spanning 320,000 sqm with more than 2,600 exhibitors and attracting 130,000+ professional visitors. In particular, international visitation grew by 23%, with visitors coming from 102 countries, the highest number to date. Visitation from emerging regions such as Southeast Asia and South America surged, while mature Western markets, including the US and EU, also grew above the overall average. These figures underscore the event's growing international reach and influence on the global scene. The final two public days attracted more than 400,000 pet lovers.
    The defining strength of Pet Fair Asia came into sharper focus: its comprehensive coverage of the entire pet ecosystem - from all types of finished products to the entire value chain, as well as trends and emerging sectors - offering a unique 360-degree view of where the pet industry is heading.
  The show also hosted 80+ themed summits, forums, and events. Despite the scale and intensity of the exhibition, these sessions were exceptionally well attended, reflecting the players' eagerness to learn and stay ahead of emerging trends. In particular, the International Pet Industry Summit (IPIS) - ASEAN CEO Summit, held the day before the show, brought together 25 speakers and 760 delegates.
  Pet Fair Asia will return to the Shanghai New International Expo Centre from 18–22 August 2027. Ahead of it, the Pet Fair Asia Network will continue bringing Asia's fast-growing markets closer to the global pet industry through Pet Fair Southeast Asia (Bangkok), Pet Fair South China (Guangzhou) and Pet Fair Beijing. In April 2027, Pet Fair Asia will also debut in Shanghai at the West Bund Dome - a landmark destination in the heart of the city - spotlighting high-quality niche and cross-industry brands of premium pet products and human-pet living solutions.   A More Powerful Global B2B Platform
Building on last year's commitment, the show addressed key trade-environment challenges and introduced targeted upgrades to create a more efficient B2B experience.
  For the first time, the opening day was designated VIP B2B Day, welcoming international visitors and invited domestic professionals, alongside 60+ Chinese buyer groups organized through partners and industry stakeholders. International participation was further strengthened by 100 handpicked buyers from 22 countries and delegations from Brazil, Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia.
  Marco Gioso, China Vet Connection – the organizer of the Brazilian delegation, said: 'Pet Fair Asia was an extraordinary experience for the entire group. We were deeply impressed by the scale, organization, innovation, and quality of the show. It was an unforgettable experience, and we return to Brazil inspired, with new ideas, new connections, and an even stronger desire to build bridges between Brazil and China. Many are asking for the next one."
  Invitation-only access and visitor screening alongside the targeted matchings and guided tours, created a more focused business environment, with concentrated negotiations and active buyer–exhibitor engagement. The VIP B2B Day received strong recognition from both exhibitors and professional visitors.
International Exhibitors and Brands in the Spotlight
International brands accounted for 20% of the total, representing 32 countries outside China. Country pavilions were particularly strong, with larger returning pavilions from South Korea, Japan, New Zealand, the USA and Poland, the Canada Pavilion making a strong return after six years and the Thailand Pavilion making its debut.
  Under the 'Global Premier' umbrella, Pet Fair Asia gave greater visibility to international brands and country pavilions, helping brands from around the world access new business opportunities and reach young, dynamic Chinese and wider Asian pet parents, whose demand for premium products continues to grow.
  'Thailand is currently the world's second‑largest exporter of pet food and China is an extremely important trading partner.  The Thailand pavilion at Pet Fair Asia provides an excellent opportunity to showcase Thailand's potential, quality, standards, creativity, and our commitment to being a trustworthy producer. It also serves as a platform for business expansion and the establishment of new partnerships, marking an important step towards the stable and sustainable growth of Thailand's pet food industry,' said H.E. Mr. Watcharaphon Khaokham, Thailand's Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives at the inauguration ceremony of the Thailand Pavilion.   A Showcase of Innovation and a Glimpse into the Future
Asia, and China in particular, will remain central to the future of the pet industry, as China continues to grow as a major pet market, manufacturing base and source of innovation. Chinese companies are also increasingly moving beyond contract manufacturing to develop their own brands and expand overseas.
  For these reasons, innovation remains at the heart of the show. This year, the newly launched World Debut platform showcased more than 100 first-launch products, not yet seen elsewhere, offering a glimpse into future consumer trends across the industry.
  'We saw strong interest from a growing number of international buyers and attendees in our AI-powered connected pet care ecosystem. During the event, we introduced our first AI-powered water fountain with clean-and-waste water separation, further expanding PETKIT's product portfolio and strengthening our smart pet care ecosystem. Events like Pet Fair Asia are among the most valuable opportunities for us to listen, learn, and better understand how pet care is evolving.' – said Michael Li, Co-founder of PETKIT, a Chinese brand pioneering the use of AI in pet products.
  Looking ahead, Pet Fair Asia will continue evolving from a conventional exhibition into a global industry platform, bringing together businesses, markets, innovation, knowledge and the wider pet ecosystem. With greater emphasis on international participation and B2B engagement, it will continue identifying emerging trends and growth opportunities while anticipating the industry's next direction.
    For more information about Pet Fair Asia visit: www.petfairasia.com  Source: Pet Fair Asia

07/09/2026

AI & Digital Transformation Seminar to Help Manufacturers Turn AI Strategy into Practical Action

SABETHA, Kan. — Manufacturers looking to move beyond the AI hype and implement practical digital transformation strategies will have the opportunity to do just that at the AI & Digital Transformation Seminar, taking place September 16–18, 2026, at Prairie Band Casino & Resort and NorthWind Technical Services Headquarters in Sabetha, Kansas.

Designed for manufacturing professionals across the food, beverage, animal feed, pet food, grain, plastics, and related process industries, the seminar focuses on actionable education rather than product demonstrations. Attendees will hear directly from industry experts, technology partners, and manufacturers who are applying artificial intelligence and digital technologies to improve operations, reduce downtime, and increase productivity.

This year's event features a distinguished lineup of speakers and organizations at the forefront of industrial innovation, including Rockwell Automation, Palantir, and the Clean Energy Smart Manufacturing Innovation Institute (CESMII), alongside real-world case studies from manufacturers actively executing digital transformation initiatives.

Featured Session Highlights Include: Unified Namespace — John Dyck, CESMII
A deep dive into connected plant architectures and the role of the Unified Namespace in enabling smart manufacturing at scale.
  Digital Transformation Starts Small — In this panel, three manufacturers share their account of the single step that started their digital transformation journey, what it delivered for their business, and what they're tackling next. 
  Digital Transformation Journey Case Study — Stephen Dubatowka, Saint-Gobain Life Sciences & Robert Lee, NorthWind Technical Services
A real-world implementation story from Saint-Gobain Life Sciences, sharing lessons learned and measurable outcomes from their digital transformation journey.
  Machine Learning for Preventative Maintenance — Udaya Kumar, Rockwell Automation An exploration of how machine learning is being applied today to predict equipment failures, reduce unplanned downtime, and extend asset life.
  AI Guided Troubleshooting — Ben Bosworth, NorthWind Technical Services
 practical session on how AI-assisted tools are transforming how maintenance and operations teams diagnose and resolve issues on the plant floor.
  Building Robust AI for the Future — Will Rees, Palantir
Insights from Palantir on building scalable, enterprise-grade AI systems that deliver lasting value in manufacturing environments.
  The AI & Digital Transformation Seminar is designed to provide attendees with practical knowledge they can apply within their own facilities.

"Manufacturers are no longer asking if AI belongs in their operations, they're asking where to start and how to achieve measurable results," said Matt Lueger, Executive Vice President of NorthWind Technical Services. "This seminar was created to provide practical guidance, real-world examples, and meaningful conversations that help manufacturing leaders make informed decisions about their digital transformation journey."

In addition to classroom-style educational sessions, attendees will participate in networking events, technology demonstrations, and an open house at NorthWind's headquarters, offering an inside look at modern automation, controls engineering, and digital manufacturing solutions.

The seminar is intended for plant managers, operations leaders, engineering managers, maintenance professionals, IT and OT leaders, executives, and others responsible for improving manufacturing performance through technology.

For additional event information and registration, visit events.northwindts.com. Source: Northwind Technical Services

About the company
NorthWind Technical Services is a system integrator specializing in industrial automation, process controls, Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), and AI-enabled manufacturing solutions. The company partners with manufacturers worldwide to improve operational performance through innovative technology and engineering expertise.

04/08/2026

Circular Economy in Pet Food: How Recovered Packaging Creates Environmental and Social Impact

In the pet food industry, sustainability is no longer an additional attribute but an increasingly important management criterion. The need to reduce waste, optimize resources, and respond to consumers who are more aware of environmental impact is leading companies to review their processes, materials, and the way they engage with the community. In this context, the circular economy emerges as a concrete tool to turn a recurring industry challenge —the management of post-consumer packaging— into an opportunity with both environmental and social value.

Agroindustrias Baires, an Argentine company specialized in the production of dog and cat food and responsible for the brands Old Prince, Kongo, and Fawna, has been developing different initiatives aimed at strengthening a more responsible production model. The company, which currently feeds more than 2 million dogs and cats per month, integrates actions related to the use of renewable energy, operational efficiency, and material recovery, with the goal of reducing the impact of its activity and responding to a growing market demand: companies are expected not only to produce, but also to become actively involved in environmental care.

'We believe that animal welfare and environmental care must go hand in hand. That is why we work to incorporate sustainable practices at every stage of our production process, promoting actions that generate a positive impact both on animals and on the communities that support them,' stated representatives from Agroindustrias Baires. This vision is reflected in projects that seek to organize environmental management from the source, while also creating participation tools for consumers, customers, shelters, and organizations.

One of the main pillars of this work is Comunidad Baires, a triple-impact program that combines recycling, food donations, and support for shelters and organizations dedicated to animal care. The initiative aims to give a second life to empty Old Prince, Kongo, and Fawna bags, preventing them from becoming waste and reincorporating them into a recovery circuit. The mechanism is simple and effective: shelters and collection points gather the packaging from the mentioned brands, and the company exchanges each package for 1 kilo of balanced pet food.
 
In this way, a material that often represents a challenge for the industry is transformed into a resource with positive impact. Agroindustrias Baires is responsible for collecting the recovered packaging, carrying out the corresponding exchange, and delivering the bags to Creando Conciencia, a cooperative located in Benavídez, in the district of Tigre. There, the materials are processed and transformed into new products, such as urban furniture, compost bins, benches, tables, hangers, school supplies, and other items made from recycled plastic.
This model makes it possible to close the packaging cycle while also strengthening the work of organizations that provide care and assistance to animals in vulnerable situations. Each recovered bag activates a value chain that reduces waste, promotes employment linked to the circular economy, and translates into food for shelters throughout the country. In a context where sustainability requires measurable actions, these types of programs make it possible to connect environmental management with direct social impact.

Between January and June 2026, Comunidad Baires enabled the donation of approximately 150,000 kilos of balanced pet food to shelters and organizations across different provinces. During the same period, more than 150,000 packages from the Old Prince, Kongo, and Fawna brands were recovered and reincorporated into the production circuit through recycling. Today, the program's network includes more than 320 registered shelters and organizations, which actively participate in the collection of bags and in the actions promoted by the company.

The partnership with Creando Conciencia also adds a key component: social inclusion through cooperative work. With more than two decades of experience, the cooperative promotes comprehensive waste management and the transformation of recovered materials into everyday-use products. This process extends the useful life of plastics, reduces waste generation, and contributes to the development of genuine employment, reinforcing the value of collaborative models within the sustainability chain.

For the dog and cat food industry, initiatives such as Comunidad Baires show how packaging management can be approached from a broader perspective than final disposal. The recovery of bags, their transformation into new products, and the incentive for shelters and organizations to participate in the process help build a system in which each actor plays a role: the company manages and supports, the organizations collect and receive food, the cooperative recycles, and the community gets involved.

In a market where purchasing decisions are increasingly influenced by quality, traceability, and environmental responsibility, companies that are able to integrate sustainability into their business model strengthen their relationship with consumers, customers, and organizations. In the case of Agroindustrias Baires, the circular economy becomes a concrete way to connect responsible production, animal welfare, and social commitment. Sustainability is no longer seen as an isolated action, but rather as part of the company's day-to-day operations.

The challenge going forward will be to continue scaling these initiatives, expand community participation, and further strengthen material recovery within the value chain. The experience of Comunidad Baires shows that when sustainability is translated into concrete processes and measurable results, an empty bag can become food, employment, and a new opportunity to build a more responsible pet food industry. Source: Agroindustrias Baires

20/04/2026

Safeguarding Circularity: European Pet Food Industry Calls for Coherent EU Bioeconomy Policies  

The paper, Towards a coherent EU Bioeconomy: Safeguarding Sustainable Access to Category 3 Animal By-Products for Pet Food, highlights growing competition for these limited resources as demand from subsidised biofuels and biogas production increases under EU renewable energy policies.
  Category 3 ABPs—safe materials not consumed by humans but suitable for animal nutrition—are a cornerstone of the circular economy. The European pet food sector transforms these resources into nutritious products for around 300 million companion animals across Europe while supporting the rendering industry and reducing food waste.
  However, policy incentives linked to renewable energy frameworks are increasingly directing these materials toward energy recovery. According to FEDIAF, this risks undermining both circularity and the efficient use of biomass.
  'Category 3 animal by-products are a finite resource and play a critical role in pet nutrition and animal welfare,' said Franco Garbelotto, Deputy Secretary General of FEDIAF. 'EU policies should ensure that these valuable materials remain available for their highest-value uses within the feed chain before being directed to energy applications.'
  The position paper warns that diverting feed-grade animal fats and other ABPs toward energy may create unintended consequences. If these ingredients become less available, pet food manufacturers could be forced to rely more heavily on alternative raw materials with potentially higher environmental footprints and greater dependency on imports.
  FEDIAF therefore calls on EU policymakers to reinforce the cascading use principle, ensuring biological resources are used where they generate the greatest societal and environmental value. The association also stresses the importance of aligning renewable energy incentives with broader EU objectives on circularity, food security and sustainable resource management.
  The publication comes at a critical moment for EU policymaking. Several forthcoming initiatives—including discussions around the EU Bioeconomy Strategy, the development of a Circular Economy Act, and the ongoing implementation and future review of renewable energy frameworks such as the Renewable Energy Directive and sectoral fuel regulations—will shape how biomass resources are prioritised across Europe's economy.
  FEDIAF believes these policy processes offer an opportunity to ensure greater coherence between energy, agricultural and food-chain legislation. The association proposes measures such as improved monitoring of biomass flows, more transparent traceability of ABP use, and balanced incentive structures that avoid subsidising the use of feed-grade materials for energy.
  'The pet food industry is a reliable partner in Europe's circular bioeconomy,' Garbelotto added. 'With coherent policies and transparent data, Europe can simultaneously support climate ambitions, safeguard feed and food security, and strengthen the competitiveness of its bio-based industries.'
  FEDIAF stands ready to work with EU institutions, Member States and stakeholders across the value chain to ensure biological resources are used efficiently and sustainably as Europe advances its climate and circular economy goals. Source: FEDIAF

27/04/2026

Inflexible Formulations: What Vitamin & Amino Acid Supply Disruption Could Mean for Pet Food  

Recent discussions around vitamin and amino acid supply chains highlight a critical issue: these nutrients are not optional in pet food. Like the animal protein sector, they are foundational to animal health, but for pet food they are also integral to product integrity and regulatory compliance. For the pet food sector, even small disruptions can have outsized impacts.   The Nutritional and Formulation Challenge
Pet food is governed by strict nutrient requirements. In the U.S., dog and cat foods must meet defined nutrient profiles that specify minimum levels of essential vitamins and amino acids per pound of product. This means formulation is not simply about substituting ingredients; it is about maintaining precise nutritional balance. When supply disruptions occur, nutritionists are forced into complex reformulation decisions, which I describe as, 'solving a Rubik's Cube' -- adjusting one component inevitably affects multiple others. 
  Ingredient shifts can alter digestion, stability and overall product performance. When key vitamins or amino acids become scarce, manufacturers may need to modify formulations, and those changes carry real risk. Nutrient imbalances may impact gut health, skin and coat quality or long-term wellness. Changes in ingredient composition can also affect palatability and food intake, which pet owners will quickly notice. At the same time, reformulations may jeopardize label claims, certifications or even patented formulations. 
  Pets, particularly cats, have unique nutritional requirements that heighten the stakes of supply disruption. Taurine, for example, is essential for cats, and inadequate levels can lead to serious health conditions such as dilated cardiomyopathy. Nutrient interactions, such as those involving thiamine and amino acid balance, can create cascading formulation challenges. Certain dog breeds also require careful amino acid fortification to avoid health complications. These sensitivities mean that even temporary shortages can have real biological consequences if not managed carefully. 
  The risks become even more pronounced in veterinary therapeutic diets, which are designed as part of a broader health management plan; for example, renal diets for kidney support. When supply disruptions force the use of alternative or endogenous nutrient sources, unintended consequences may arise, including the introduction of unwanted co-nutrients, reduced bioavailability or conflicts with the intended therapeutic outcome. In these cases, formulation changes are not just technical, they are clinical decisions with direct implications for animal health. 
  Alternative ingredient strategies often rely on endogenous sources or complex co-products. While these can help bridge supply gaps, they introduce new uncertainties around nutrient availability, digestibility and additional nutrients that must be managed. In pet food, even small ingredient swaps can significantly alter the overall formula, increasing the risk to product design and performance.    A Supply Chain Issue with System-Wide Implications
One of the most important realities is that pet food does not operate in isolation. The same supply chains that support livestock production and human nutrition also supply companion animal diets. 
  As a result, disruptions in vitamin and amino acid production affect multiple sectors simultaneously. Increased costs or limited availability upstream in protein production ultimately translate into higher costs and tighter constraints downstream in pet food. This interconnectedness underscores a broader point: pet food is part of a larger food security system in North America. 
  While rising costs are a concern, the more fundamental challenge is maintaining supply stability. Pet food formulations are not easily or frequently changed due to regulatory requirements, labeling and packaging constraints, product claims and certifications and intellectual property considerations. Because of these constraints, the industry cannot simply adjust on the fly. Stability in ingredient supply is essential to maintaining consistent, safe and compliant products. 
  Ensuring a stable supply of vitamins and amino acids is critical to the future of the pet food industry. This will require coordinated efforts across agriculture, ingredient manufacturing and regulatory systems. Without that stability, the industry faces increasing pressure on formulation integrity, product performance and ultimately animal health. 
  The question is not just how to respond to disruption, but how to build a more resilient supply chain that supports pets, producers, and consumers alike.  Source: IFEEDER

11/07/2023

Nutritional needs of cats and dogs

Pet food can be complete or complementary. Complete pet food is nutritionally complete: providing all the nutrients in the amounts and proportions your pet needs. Complementary pet food (e.g. treats) is designed to be only a part of the diet and it won't meet the nutritional requirements when fed alone. Pet food manufacturers have developed the nutritional expertise to ensure pet food contains the right ingredients in the right amounts to supply the needed nutrients. They often work together with independent nutrition scientists or follow guidelines which have been developed by a group of scientists working together. The broadening knowledge of pet nutrition and food technology has transformed the pet food industry remarkably over the years. It is now widely recognised by the veterinary profession and other stakeholders that improved nutrition is an important factor which helps pets to live longer, healthier lives. Besides water there are 5 key nutrients: Proteins Carbohydrates Fats Vitamins Minerals
The first 3 provide the energy your pet needs for e.g. growth, digestion, temperature regulation and of course activity. Proteins Proteins are made up of amino acids. There are hundreds of different amino acids, but a number of these are required for dogs and cats. Pets can produce some amino acids themselves; those are the so-called non-essential amino acids which do not need to be present in the diet. Others are essential and need to be part of the pet food: for dogs there are 10 essential amino acids, for cats there are 11. Proteins are the building blocks of organs, muscles, bones, blood, immune system and hair and nails. Proteins in pet food can come from various different ingredients, both from animal and vegetable origin like poultry, beef, pork, fish, eggs, corn, rice, peas or soybeans. It's important that the pet eats the right amount of proteins and that the protein can be easily digested and absorbed, which is influenced by the source of the protein and the processing of the food. In prepared pet food, manufacturers generally select a variety of ingredients to provide the required amount and type of proteins/amino acids. Excess proteins which are consumed by the pet are not stored in the body and also not used to make even more muscle tissue. Feeding extra protein in excess of the amount that your pet requires provides no health benefit to your pet. Carbohydrates Carbohydrates are used by the body to provide immediate energy for activities and are stored in the liver and muscle as glycogen. Energy use is needed for various body functions like metabolism and the function of the brain and nervous system. There exists no minimum level of carbohydrates which needs to be in pet food, but carbohydrates provide a concentrated source of dietary energy and dietary fibre. There are two types: digestible carbohydrates (starches and sugars) which provide energy and indigestible carbohydrates (fibre) which are important for stool quality and gut motility. Fibres can help in weight management because they are low in calories and help provide the feeling of satiety. The ingredients providing carbohydrates are mainly plant ingredients like corn, barley, peas, rice, wheat and potatoes. Dietary fibre sources include for instance dried beet pulp, wheat bran or soybean hulls. Many sources of carbohydrates also provide other nutrients like protein, fat or vitamins. Because of the manufacturing process of grinding and cooking the carbohydrates become easily digestible. A genetic change in the ancestors of our modern dogs (compared with wolves) allowing them to thrive on a diet rich in starch was a crucial step in their early domestication. Also cats can utilise glucose from digesting starch in their diet. A key exception is the pet's ability to digest lactose (milk sugar) because they have lower levels of the enzyme lactase required to split the lactose into individual sugars. Dietary fat Fats in pet food are a source of essential fatty acids which are needed to make certain hormones and maintain the cell membranes. Certain vitamins (A, D, E and K) can only be absorbed, stored and transported by fat. Dietary fats improve palatability and add texture for greater enjoyment of the food. And of course, fats are a great source of energy because they provide about 2 ½ times the level of energy that proteins or carbohydrates can provide. So especially for active animals fats are important, while at the same time we need to be careful with the fat intake for many indoor pets where controlling fat intake helps them not become overweight or obese. Fats in pet food come from animal and vegetable sources. Two key fatty acid families are the omega-3 and omega-6 (or n-3 and n-6) families. Omega-3 fatty acids are needed for cell membranes and reduces inflammation. Good sources of omega-3 fatty acids are fish, shellfish and flaxseed. Omega-6 fatty acids are important to aid in the process of repairing tissue and are found in vegetable oils. Minerals & Vitamins The major or macro minerals needed in the body are calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, chloride and magnesium. The amounts needed of the trace elements are much smaller and these include for instance iron, copper and selenium. Vitamins are nutrients needed in very small amounts, but they enable many functions in the body. Dogs and cats cannot make all the vitamins they need; so these must be supplied by the food. Minerals and vitamins are partly provided by the ingredients which deliver the major nutrients of protein, carbohydrates and fat and the other minerals and vitamins are added to the recipe. by FEDIAF 

09/06/2023

How important is choline for cats

Choline is a vitamin-like component that plays an important role in liver health and nerve transmission, and thereby also cognitive function and muscle function in cats. As said above, cats produce some choline naturally, but due to its importance, pet food brands are advised to add this nutrient into the food. Krill – a natural source of phosphatidylcholine Choline is available in various forms, choline chloride, lecithin, or choline bitartrate. The commonly used one is choline chloride which is 12 times less bioavailable than the choline found in krill (phosphatidylcholine) Krill meal is made from Antarctic krill (Euphausia Superba), which is a crustacean related to shrimp. The choline found in krill is all-natural and in form of phosphatidylcholine. Krill is also rich in phospholipid omega-3s, marine proteins, and astaxanthin. herefore, one of the ways to increase choline intake in cats is to include in their diet a pet food with krill meal, which provides choline. Choline - an essential nutrient for cats In 2018, a survey of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention estimated that 60% of cats and 56% of dogs in the United States were overweight or obese. This has serious health consequences for pets, including fat accumulation in the liver. A balanced, healthy diet for cats accompanied by regular physical activity is essential for overall health. In addition, nutritional supplements may help to reduce the risk of weight-related issues or optimize nutrition for cats. One way to do that is to provide cats with pet food with krill meal containing choline in the form of phosphatidylcholine. Phosphatidylcholine is one of the most fundamental molecules that make up the living cell. Being an essential component of the cell membrane, it is also the most abundant in a class of phospholipids known as 'essential phospholipids', as it forms the structural barrier that surrounds the cell. Choline and its metabolites have multiple physiological roles in the body which are important for the building of cell membranes, liver fat transport to prevent fatty liver, nerve impulse transmission in brain and muscles, and provision of methyl groups that maintain liver, heart, and kidney health.  What is choline essential for? 1. Building of cell membranes Phosphatidylcholine is an integral part of almost every cell in the animal body, being a major constituent of cell membranes. It's also important for normal cellular membrane composition and repair. Its role in cell membrane integrity is vital to all basic biological processes such as the information flow within cells from DNA to RNA to proteins. 2. Liver fat transport to prevent fatty liver Choline improves and maintains a healthy liver function and can aid in the proper metabolism of fat. In other words, choline is very important for the proper functioning and regulation of the liver and gallbladder. This vitamin-like substance aids in hormone production and minimizes fat accumulation in the liver by regulating fat and cholesterol metabolism. 3. Nerve impulse transmission in the brain and muscles Choline is needed for the proper transmission of nerve impulses and is a constituent of acetylcholine, the major neurotransmitter. This is essential in supporting brain development, the learning process, the nerve transmitters and affects the overall mental well-being of pets. 4. Providing methyl groups that maintain liver, heart, and kidney health Being a structural element of cell membranes (as phosphatidylcholine), choline supports lipid transport and acts as a source of methyl groups (after it is transformed into betaine) for various chemical reactions in the body. By controlling protein function and gene expression, choline is important for the proper function of the heart and blood vessels, nerve system, liver and reproduction. Therefore, we can say that choline in the form of phosphatidylcholine is an essential nutrient that cats require for a healthy and happy life. It supports muscle function, cognitive function and memory, it helps maintain normal cholesterol values, and protecting the liver from toxicity (without phosphatidylcholine, fat and cholesterol accumulate in the liver due to reduced low-density lipoprotein levels). Moreover, choline can prevent the appearance of the fatty liver syndrome and also support normal liver function. It can reduce insulin requirements in cats with diabetes, and diminishes seizure frequency, being important in the treatment of epilepsy. By Qrill Pet   

01/07/2026

Raw Materials and Real Value in Pet Food

This shift in perspective is redefining how pet food is designed, formulated, and communicated. Advances in nutritional science, technological development, and a deeper understanding of canine and feline physiology have driven a more precise approach: animals do not require specific ingredients, but rather essential nutrients in adequate amounts and with high bioavailability.

Raw materials remain fundamental—they are the starting point in the production of balanced diets. Their quality, digestibility, safety, and stability directly influence the final product. However, evaluating a diet solely based on the origin of its ingredients may lead to incomplete interpretations. Two diets formulated with different raw materials can deliver equivalent nutritional profiles. In other words, raw materials are the vehicle, while nutrients are the target.

This concept becomes particularly relevant when analyzing micronutrients, where chemical origin and molecular form can significantly influence absorption and metabolic utilization.

The 'real value' of a pet food product can be understood as its ability to meet the animal's physiological requirements efficiently, safely, and consistently. An ingredient that appears attractive on the label may not deliver optimal nutritional performance if its digestibility is low or if its nutrients are not bioavailable. On the contrary, less 'marketable' ingredients may provide highly digestible proteins, essential amino acids, or key micronutrients.

Modern nutritional evaluation is increasingly focused on what the animal actually absorbs and utilizes, rather than what is simply listed in the formulation. Dogs and cats require a specific combination of essential nutrients to support normal metabolic function, growth, tissue maintenance, reproduction, and immune function—such as essential amino acids, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and trace minerals.

Regulatory bodies such as the Association of American Feed Control Officials and the European Pet Food Industry Federation establish nutritional profiles that serve as benchmarks to ensure pet food products meet the physiological needs of dogs and cats at all life stages.

Trace minerals—including zinc, copper, iron, manganese, selenium, and iodine—play critical roles in enzymatic activity, tissue formation, energy metabolism, immune function, skin and coat health, and antioxidant processes. Although required in relatively small amounts, both deficiency and excess can have significant physiological consequences. For this reason, the type of mineral source used in formulation can directly influence the real nutritional value of the product.

Historically, the feed industry has relied on inorganic minerals as sources of trace elements, including forms such as sulfates, oxides, and carbonates. Sulfates, for example, have been widely used due to their availability and relatively low cost. However, advances in nutritional research have shown that some of these forms present limitations in bioavailability or may interact with other dietary components. Within the gastrointestinal environment, inorganic minerals can dissociate easily and participate in reactions that reduce their absorption or create antagonisms with other nutrients. These interactions may affect the overall nutritional efficiency of the diet and even influence the stability of sensitive ingredients, such as vitamins or lipids.

In response to these limitations, the industry has developed organic minerals, also known as chelated minerals or mineral complexes. In these forms, the mineral is bound to an organic molecule (often amino acids or peptides), which may facilitate its transport and absorption in the digestive tract. The concept behind these sources is that minerals can be absorbed through transport mechanisms associated with organic nutrients, reducing competition with other minerals and improving bioavailability. The most commonly used forms include bis-chelated minerals, amino acid chelates, protein-mineral complexes, peptide-bound minerals, and organic selenium derived from yeast.

Several studies have demosntrated that these sources can improve mineral retention and reduce excretion compared to some inorganic forms under certain conditions. The use of trace elements in organic forms has been associated with potential benefits in animal nutrition, including enhanced bioavailability and reduced interaction with other nutrients. Organic minerals may also be less reactive within the feed matrix or in the digestive tract. Lower chemical reactivity can help preserve sensitive nutrients during processing and storage. In addition, improved absorption efficiency may reduce mineral excretion, contributing to more sustainable nutrition strategies.

It is important to note that the performance of these sources depends on multiple factors, including the type of mineral complex, the overall diet formulation, and the animal's physiological condition.

The transition from inorganic to organic minerals clearly illustrates the paradigm shift currently shaping pet nutrition: moving from an ingredient-focused approach to one centered on nutrients and bioavailability. In this context, modern formulation aims to optimize not only nutrient inclusion but also how those nutrients are delivered to the organism. Raw materials remain essential, but their value is increasingly assessed based on their actual contribution to the nutritional profile of the diet. This approach also enables the development of more precise diets tailored to different life stages, breed sizes, and specific physiological conditions.

As nutritional science continues to advance, pet food development is likely to move further toward precision nutrition strategies, where ingredient selection, nutrient chemical form, and processing technologies work together to maximize nutritional efficiency. In this scenario, the concept of 'real value' will continue to gain relevance. Beyond marketing trends or consumer perception, the true indicator of product quality will be its ability to deliver essential nutrients in a bioavailable, safe, and consistent manner. The transition toward more advanced mineral sources, such as organic trace elements, represents just one example of how the industry is integrating science, technology, and nutrition to improve pet well-being.
Conclusion
Ultimately, understanding that animals require nutrients, not specific ingredients, enables the development of more efficient, sustainable formulations aligned with the principles of modern nutrition. By MVZ Armando Enriquez de la Fuente Blanquet
Source: All Pet Food Magazine

By Armando Enriquez de la Fuente Blanquet

10/06/2026

Gleditsia Amorphoides as a Source of Saponins and Bioactive Compound for Pet Food

Gleditsia amorphoides   In recent years, new plant-based sources of saponins have been investigated to expand the functional benefits of these compounds, with Gleditsia amorphoides emerging as a promising alternative. This tree species, belonging to the Fabaceae family, is native to temperate and subtropical regions and has traditionally been used for timber and industrial purposes. Gleditsia amorphoides presents a high saponin content (approximately 22%, compared to 7–15% in Yucca schidigera) and a relevant profile of bioactive compounds, including galactomannans and polyphenols (Perduca et al., 2013; Lu et al., 2024).

Although studies are still limited, initial evidence—mainly from in vitro experiments—suggests that gleditsia extract can modulate the intestinal microbiota by promoting saccharolytic bacteria, reducing microorganisms associated with proteolytic fermentation, and increasing the production of metabolites with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential (Francis et al., 2002; Sparg et al., 2004; Sittikijyothin et al., 2005). To further investigate this potential, a study was conducted in adult dogs to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with Gleditsia amorphoides and Yucca schidigera extracts on intestinal fermentation, fecal metabolites, and systemic biomarkers related to inflammation and antioxidant status.   Gleditsia amorphoides
Source: Wikimedia Commons   Study on Gleditsia amorphoides in Dogs
Materials and Methods The study was carried out at the canine nutrition laboratory (LENUCAN) at the Federal University of Parana (UFPR) in Brazil and was approved by the institution's Animal Ethics Committee (protocol no. 013/2024). Eighteen healthy adult beagle dogs (10 males and 8 females), approximately two years old and with an average body weight of 12.2 ± 1.33 kg, were randomly assigned to three experimental groups (six dogs per group): control (unsupplemented diet), diet supplemented with 200 g/ton of Yucca schidigera extract, and diet supplemented with 200 g/ton of Gleditsia amorphoides extract (Sapcor®, Bioaromas do Brasil)  Diets differed only in the inclusion of the additives. Dogs were fed experimental diets twice daily for 20 days.

At the end of the experimental period, fresh fecal samples were collected to evaluate fecal characteristics and metabolites associated with intestinal fermentation. Fasting blood samples were also collected to assess systemic physiological responses to dietary treatments. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Tukey's test when significant differences were identified. Non-parametric data were evaluated using the Kruskal–Wallis test, considering statistical significance at p < 0.05.
Results
No adverse reactions to feeding—such as vomiting, diarrhea, or feed refusal—were observed during the experimental period, indicating good acceptance.
Intestinal Fermentation Metabolites
Dietary supplementation with Gleditsia and Yucca influenced several metabolites associated with intestinal fermentation (Table 1). Dogs fed diets containing Yucca schidigera or Gleditsia amorphoides showed lower fecal ammonia concentrations compared to the control group (P < 0.05), suggesting reduced proteolytic fermentation in the gut. However, only dogs supplemented with Gleditsia showed: more fecal concentrations of propionate, higher total short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), and lower concentrations of 4-methylvalerate compared to the Yucca group (P < 0.05).

Propionate is a characteristic metabolite of saccharolytic fermentation and has been associated with potential anti-inflammatory effects in the gastrointestinal system, including inhibition of the Toll-like receptor 4 accessory protein CD14. This results in reduced activation of NF-κB-mediated inflammatory pathways and decreased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (Hoyles et al., 2018).
  Table 1 – Mean fecal concentrations (dry matter basis) of ammonia, short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), and branched-chain fatty acids (BCFA) in dogs from Control, Gleditsia, and Yucca groups.
  Note: SEM: Standard error of the mean. P: Probability.
a,b Different letters indicate statistical difference according to the Tukey test (P < 0.05).
  Additionally, fecal concentrations of histamine and spermidine were lower in the Gleditsia group compared to the control group (P < 0.05, Figure 1). These compounds are derived from microbial amino acid degradation and are associated with proteolytic fermentation, which may exert harmful effects on intestinal mucosa and liver function when present at high concentrations (Brito et al., 2010; Souza et al., 2025).   a,b Different letters indicate statistical difference according to the Tukey test (P < 0.05).
Figure 1: Fecal concentrations (dry matter basis) of biogenic amines in dogs from Control, Gleditsia, and Yucca groups.
These effects may be related to the composition of Gleditsia extract, which combines triterpenoid saponins with galactomannans that may exert prebiotic activity (Lu et al., 2024). This combination may promote a shift in microbial fermentation patterns—from predominantly proteolytic to more saccharolytic pathways—as also suggested by in vitro studies using human fecal microbiota exposed to Gleditsia extracts (Wang et al., 2023). Furthermore, saponins may contribute to the reduction of proteolytic metabolites through different mechanisms, including inhibition of bacterial urease activity, direct binding to nitrogenous compounds, and modulation of the intestinal microbiota (Dos Reis et al., 2016; Zhang et al., 2023).
Systemic Biomarkers
Dogs receiving diets supplemented with Gleditsia amorphoides or Yucca schidigera showed: lower lipid peroxidation (LPO) and higher catalase (CAT) activity compared to the control group (P < 0.05, Figure 2), indicating improved antioxidant status. Additionally, dogs in the Gleditsia group showed lower alkaline phosphatase activity compared to the control group (Control: 45.10 U/L; Gleditsia: 33.30 U/L; P < 0.05). These systemic effects may be partially associated with reduced production and absorption of proteolytic metabolites in the intestine, which can trigger inflammatory and oxidative responses (Souza et al., 2025). Additional antioxidant effects may also be linked to polyphenolic compounds present in Gleditsia, such as quercetin derivatives, which have been shown to activate the Nrf2 oxidative stress response pathway in canine hepatocyte cultures (Lu et al., 2024).     a,b Different letters indicate statistical difference according to the Tukey test (P < 0.05).
Figure 2: Lipid peroxidation (LPO, mmol/mL) and catalasa (CAT, mU/mL) in dogs from Control, Gleditsia, and Yucca groups.
Overall, these findings suggest that dietary supplementation with Gleditsia amorphoides may contribute to improving intestinal fermentation patterns and antioxidant status in dogs, indicating potential functional benefits for canine nutrition.
Conclusion
The study conducted at UFPR indicates that dietary supplementation with Gleditsia amorphoides beneficially modulates intestinal fermentation metabolites in dogs. These changes were accompanied by improvements in systemic antioxidant markers, including reduced lipid peroxidation and increased catalase activity. Overall, these findings suggest that botanical additives containing saponins and associated bioactive compounds may contribute to intestinal functionality and systemic health in dogs. By Vanessa R. Olszewski, Danieli Z. Cypriano and Ananda P. Félix – BioAromas
Source: All Pet Food Magazine
  References
Brito, C., Félix, A., Jesus, R., França, M., Oliveira, S., Krabbe, E., & Maiorka, A. (2010). Digestibility and palatability of dog foods containing different moisture levels, and the inclusion of a mould inhibitor. Animal Feed Science and Technology, 159, 150–155. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2010.06.001 
Dos Reis, J. S., Zangerônimo, M. G., Ogoshi, R. C. S., França, J., Costa, A. C., Almeida, T. N., Dos Santos, J. P. F., Pires, C. P., Chizzotti, A. F., Leite, C. A. L., Saad, F. M. O. B. (2016). Inclusion of Yucca schidigera extract in diets with different protein levels for dogs. Animal Science Journal. 87: 1019–1027. https://doi.org/10.1111/asj.12535. 
Francis, G.; Kerem, Z.; Makkar, H. P. S.; Becker, K. The biological action of saponins in animal systems: a review. British Journal of Nutrition, Cambridge, v. 88, n. 6, p. 587–605, 2002. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1079/BJN2002725.
Hoyles, L., Snelling, T., Umlai, U. K., Nicholson, J. K., Carding, S. R., Glen, R. C., McArthur, S. (2018). Microbiome–host systems interactions: protective effects of propionate upon the blood–brain barrier. Microbiome. 6, 55. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40168-018-0439-y. 
Lu, G., Ren, T., Zhao, Z., Li, B., & Tan, S. (2024). Chemical component differences in the endosperm of Gleditsia species seeds revealed based on comparative metabolomics. Food Chemistry: X, 21, 101060. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fochx.2023.101060. 
National Research Council (NRC). (2006). Nutrient requirements of dogs and cats. National Academies Press.
Perduca, M. J. et al. Gleditsia amorphoides galactomannans: physicochemical properties and industrial applications. In: RAMAWAT, K. G.; MÉRILLON, J. M. (eds.). Polysaccharides: bioactivity and biotechnology. Cham: Springer International Publishing, 2013.  DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-03751-6_39-1.
Sittikijyothin, W.; Torres, D.; Gonçalves, M. P. Modelling the rheological behaviour of galactomannan aqueous solutions. Carbohydrate Polymers, Oxford, v. 59, n. 3, p. 339–350, 2005. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2004.10.005.
Sparg, S. G.; Light, M. E.; Staden, J. Biological activities and distribution of plant saponins. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Amsterdam, v. 94, n. 2-3, p. 219–243, 2004. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2004.05.016.
Souza, R. B. M. S., Fernandes, E. L., Santos, L. N. A., Lima, L. S., Silva, H. L., Putarov, T. C., Oliveira, S. G., Felix, A. P. (2025). Effects of yeast beta-1,3/1,6-glucans on nutrient digestibility, intestinal functionality, and immune and antioxidant variables in growing dogs submitted to spay or neutering surgery. Plos One. 20(9): e0331843. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0331843. 
Wang, H., Lai, C., Tao, Y., Zhou, M., Tang, R., Yong, Q. (2023). Evaluation of the enzymatic production and prebiotic activity of galactomannan oligosaccharides derived from Gleditsia microphylla. Fermentation. 9(7), 632. https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation9070632. 
Zhang, Y., Wang, L., Chen, X., Liu, Y., & Li, J. (2023). Quillaja saponaria extract modulates gut microbiota and reduces proteolytic bacteria in dogs: A dose-response study. Veterinary Microbiology, 276, 109634. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vetmic.2023.109634. 

19/05/2026

Holistic Stability with Functional Ingredients and Real Value

3A BIOTECH and Real Value: You Don't Buy It, You Protect It
The value of a raw material is not defined only by its specification sheet, but by its ability to remain stable over time. Pet food is a living system, exposed to chemical changes, sensory alterations and microbiological hazards during processing, storage and transport—and finally when the pack is opened at home. Throughout that journey, stability determines whether the formulation delivers on its promise.

How to Prevent Loss of Real Value    
Fats and oils, meals and proteins are core pillars of metabolisable energy, palatability and the supply of essential nutrients. At the same time, they are the components most vulnerable to degradation. Lipid oxidation generates free radicals and peroxides that damage vitamins and other fat-soluble compounds, alter aroma and reduce the food's actual bioavailability. These processes begin as soon as the raw material is exposed to air and continue throughout the entire shelf life.

The consequences are direct: a drop in real energy delivery, loss of palatability, the formation of undesirable secondary compounds and reduced aroma stability. In practice, the lipid profile the animal consumes may no longer match what is declared. That is why oxidative stability is a central parameter of real value: if an ingredient oxidises easily, its nutritional and functional value diminishes long before it reaches the consumer.

Moreover, oxidation is not only a sensory issue. Certain compounds derived from rancidity can contribute to digestive imbalances. In pet food—where tolerance and the microbiome matter—protecting against oxidation also protects the nutritional experience.
3A BIOTECH and Microbiological Safety: The Other Pillar of Real Value
Alongside oxidative loss comes microbiological instability. Animal-origin raw materials and certain cereals can promote the growth of moulds and bacteria if not properly controlled. The challenge is compounded by the potential presence of heat-stable mycotoxins, which can survive processing and compromise final product safety.

Even moderate microbial loads can accelerate degradation and shorten shelf life in ways that are not immediately visible. For that reason, microbiological quality is a critical component of real value: it determines safety, stability and formulation performance, and it also influences batch-to-batch consistency.

Beyond Price: Technological Efficiency and Functional Value 
In a market that has historically competed in cost, more and more manufacturers recognise that differentiation is not only about purchase price, but about true functional value: what an ingredient delivers, what it preserves, and what it guarantees. Evaluation moves beyond '€/tonne' and starts to include stability, digestibility, control of wastage, sensory consistency and fewer issues/complaints.

This evolution reflects a more demanding end consumer seeking premium, natural products with tangible benefits. It also pushes the industry towards integrated systems that not only protect raw materials but also provide technological and biological functionality.
3A BIOTECH Functional Ingredients: Protect, Complement, Optimise
A functional ingredient—typically natural in origin, derived from plants, microorganisms or bioactive extracts—provides additional benefits either to the organism or to the formulation itself. In pet food, this translates into improvements, such as gut-health support, immune reinforcement, oxidative stabilisation, microbiota modulation, cellular protection against oxidative stress, and improved digestibility.

From a technological perspective, functional ingredients extend product stability, preserve organoleptic integrity and reduce degradation during storage. They can also help optimise texture, stabilise emulsions, minimise unwanted reactions and support preservation, by reducing variability and enabling more consistent nutritional claims.
Holistic Stability with 3A BIOTECH: Antioxidants + Preservatives, By Design
To preserve real value, the industry relies on carefully designed antioxidant and preservative systems. Antioxidants work by preventing free-radical formation and protecting lipid integrity. In parallel, preservatives based on organic acids help keep microbial loads under control, avoiding deterioration that would reduce the initial nutritional value.

When these systems are formulated with an integrated approach—synergy, correct dosing and process compatibility—they stop being 'additives' and become functional ingredients: they influence stability, safety and overall formula performance.
3A BIOTECH in Dry and Wet: Two Challenges, One Goal
In dry foods, the risk of rancidity increases when oxidation-susceptible meals are combined with oils applied as coatings. Processing and storage time can intensify degradation, affecting aroma, flavour and acceptance by the animal.

In wet foods, although wax coatings can help minimise drying out—particularly relevant for cats due to their more fragmented feeding pattern—it remains essential to stabilise emulsions and control oxidative and microbiological degradation. Here, emulsion physical stability is key to maintaining texture, appearance and palatability: small variations can trigger defects visible to the consumer.
3A BIOTECH TOCOTYROSOL: Stability + Functionality in One Solution
A balanced combination of antioxidant protection and functional support is found in formulations such as TOCOTYROSOL by 3A BIOTECH. This solution is developed using natural antioxidants—tocopherols and extracts of rosemary, olive and green tea—and is designed to integrate efficiently into manufacturing processes for both dry and wet foods.

Its antioxidant synergy helps preserve sensory and nutritional stability from production through to consumption, supporting lipid profile integrity, palatability and product consistency. In addition, it incorporates a prebiotic angle that supports the intestinal microbiota and digestive efficiency, aligning with the growing demand for more functional formulations.

From the manufacturer's perspective, these solutions deliver value at the technological stage (oxidation control, stability, preservation and reduced variability) and help sustain formulation performance over time. In other words, they enable the final product to fulfil the brand promise—batch after batch.
Conclusion: Raw Material, Real Value
The pet food industry no longer competes to be the cheapest, but to be the most efficient, stable and functional. In a sector where every ingredient is an investment, ensuring raw materials retain their real value is a strategic decision: it improves final quality, reduces issues and strengthens consumer trust.

At 3A BIOTECH, we help brands protect that value with natural solutions based on functional ingredients and holistic stability systems. 

Would you like to validate it on your own line? Request a technical assessment or a pilot trial with TOCOTYROSOL and see how well-designed protection can translate into greater stability, a better consumption experience and a more consistent product. By 3A BIOTECH
Source: All Pet Food Magazine

26/06/2026

World Leading Petfood manufacturer chooses Samplex CS90 for Chinese Feed Factory.  

The Samplex CS90 is a versatile and efficient device that can sample a variety of products, such as grains, oilseeds, powders and pulses, and pellets. It is used in high throughput facilities worldwide, such as ports, terminals, mills and silos.
  The Samplex CS90 will help them to ensure the quality and safety of their pet food products, as well as to meet the ISO 24333:2009 (E) standards for sampling.
  The Samplex CS90 has a patented spear design that ensures product enters the spear under gravity, providing a truly representative sample, which is vital for quality testing.
  Mars Petcare is the leading pet food company in the world, with annual revenue of USD 37 billion. It owns several well-known brands, such as Pedigree, Whiskas, Royal Canin, and Iams. The company operates in more than 80 countries and employs over 85,000 people.
  China is one of its key markets, and it is committed to providing high-quality and nutritious pet food to Chinese consumers.
  They are investing in innovation and sustainability to meet the changing needs and preferences of pet owners.
  The Samplex CS90 truck probe is exclusively manufactured in the UK by TekPro Ltd., a company that specializes in sampling and insect detection systems for the agricultural industry. The company has been in business since 1989 and has exported its products to in excess of 60 countries around the world


For more information about Samplex CS90 truck probes or other products from TEKPRO, visit their website at www.tekpro.com or contact them by email at info@tekpro.com. Source: Tekpro

03/06/2026

The Invisible Cost of Low-Cost Raw Materials: Their Impact on Profitability

In practice, the unit price rarely reflects the total cost of using an ingredient. Factors such as stability, standardization, technological performance, and supply chain reliability have a direct impact on industrial efficiency and the consistency of final products. Overlooking these variables results in a series of invisible costs that, over time, compromise operational profitability.
The Limits of Price-Based Comparison
Traditionally, many procurement processes are still based on direct price-per-kilogram comparisons. This approach assumes that equivalent ingredients can be evaluated solely based on their purchase cost. However, seemingly similar raw materials may present significant differences in parameters, including particle size, moisture content, purity, active compound concentration, or functional behavior within the formulation.

These differences often go unnoticed during commercial negotiations but become evident during production. When an ingredient shows variability between batches, industrial operations must constantly adapt to maintain process stability. Adjustments in temperature, pressure, moisture, or inclusion rates become necessary to compensate for unexpected variations in the original formulation.
Variability: One of the Main Hidden Costs
Variability is one of the most relevant hidden costs associated with lower-priced raw materials. In extrusion lines, for example, small differences in water absorption capacity or physical behavior can affect kibble expansion, product texture, or final density. These effects require frequent operational corrections and reductions in production predictability.

Another common impact is related to industrial performance. Ingredients with lower levels of standardization may increase the generation of fines, reduce pellet durability, or result in a higher proportion of out-of-spec material. In some cases, this leads to reprocessing or partial product discard, which increases energy consumption and reduces line efficiency.
When the Cheapest Ingredient Requires Higher Inclusion Rates
This is a frequent phenomenon in the industry. Low-digestibility protein sources may require higher inclusion levels to achieve the same nutritional value, reducing the initially perceived savings. Similarly, mineral ingredients with lower concentrations of active compounds may demand higher inclusion rates to deliver equivalent nutritional contributions.

Functional extracts or technological additives lacking proper standardization may also deliver inconsistent performance, requiring frequent formulation adjustments or operational corrections.
In more evident cases, these variations impact the performance of the final product—whether in palatability, appearance, or consistency—leading pet owners to perceive a decline in quality and directly affecting brand trust and satisfaction.
The Technical Cost of Corrective Formulation
Beyond direct production impacts, there is also a frequently underestimated technical cost: the time dedicated to corrective formulation. Regarding raw materials with high variability, R&D and quality teams need time for analysis, internal testing, and specification adjustments. This effort is rarely accounted for as part of the ingredient cost, yet it represents a significant allocation of specialized resources.
Traceability and Supply Chain Reliability
Another relevant factor is raw material traceability. The pet food industry faces growing demands related to supply chain transparency, food safety, and regulatory compliance. Ingredients with unclear origin or limited technical documentation may be challenging during audits, raise regulatory concerns, and generate uncertainty in specification standardization.

In this context, supplier reliability and control over the production chain become strategic factors. Batch-to-batch consistency, availability of analytical data, and clarity regarding the raw material source contribute to reducing operational risks and ensuring more predictable formulation performance.
Redefining the Concept of Value
This reality reinforces the expansion of the concept of value applied to ingredients in the pet food industry. For a long time, purchase price was considered the main selection criterion. Today, the true value of raw material clearly lies in its ability to deliver stability, functionality, and safety throughout the entire production process.

When an ingredient behaves consistently, formulations can be precisely executed, reducing the need for operational adjustments. It results in more stable production lines, better use of industrial capacity, and greater predictability in final product quality.
A New Question for the Industry
In this scenario, evaluating the total cost associated with an ingredient—not just its purchase price—becomes increasingly important. Instead of asking how much an ingredient costs per kilogram, the more relevant question may be: how much does the variability it introduces cost? 

Companies adopting this broader perspective are better positioned to build more stable supply chains, reduce operational risks, and develop more efficient production processes. In the long term, this approach contributes to more predictable margins and stronger brand trust. By Ludmila Barbi Trindade Bomcompagni – All Pet Food
Source: All Pet Food Magazine

By Ludmila Barbi T. Bomcompagni

29/04/2026

Pet Food Testing Moves From the Kennel and Into the Home  

Kennel-based pet food testing may have been an industry standard for decades, but Netherlands-based startup Pet Panel is making the case for why that needs to change.
  It argues that while the approach produces reliable results, these do not necessarily translate to real-world conditions. 
  Founded two years ago by Evelien Bos, a research associate in animal nutrition at Wageningen University & Research (WUR), Pet Panel offers independent in-home trials designed to generate more representative data for pet food producers and ingredient suppliers.   Kennel-based testing: 'Precise but not accurate'
The central issue with kennel-based testing, according to Bos, is that the animals used are experienced testers. 
  To demonstrate the point, she explained that in a two-bowl preference test (where a pet chooses between two products), kennel animals perform reliably because they are tested routinely. 
  However, they do not represent the broader population of pets that will eventually eat the product.
  'In a kennel, you can have a very precise measurement, but it does not reflect the real-life situation,' Bos told Fi Global Insights. 'I always say it is precise but not accurate.'   Kennel-based testing fails to capture pet–owner interactions
Bos pointed to one customer who spent €200,000 on kennel-based testing, only to find that a subsequent in-home trial produced a different conclusion. The kennel data failed to predict how the product would perform with everyday pets and their owners, she explained.
  Owner behaviour is a variable that kennel testing cannot capture. In Pet Panel's trials, owner feedback has revealed cases where a pet readily consumed a product, but the owner found it unpleasant and would therefore be unlikely to repurchase it.
  "In the end, an animal can think something, but if the owner does not agree, it will not be bought again," said Bos.
  Alongside data quality is a growing ethical dimension. Bos said kennel-based testing is increasingly difficult to reconcile with the humanisation, premiumisation, and transparency expectations that now define the pet food market. 
  How a product is tested, she argued, is part of that story too.   Blind trials and a 20-animal threshold
Pet Panel conducts two types of palatability tests: a one-bowl acceptance test (yes or no) and a two-bowl preference test (A or B). 
  All trials are blinded, which means pet owners do not know the brand, composition, or ingredients of the products they receive.
  For digestibility testing, the company adds an indigestible marker to the test food and measures its concentration in both the food and faeces, allowing digestibility values to be calculated without total collection of intake and output (a practical requirement in an uncontrolled home setting).
  Modelling from Bos's doctoral research at WUR informed Pet Panel's standard of 20 animals as its minimum sample size for reliable outcomes. She explained that precision significantly improved between five and 20 animals, but flattened beyond that point. 
  The same research found that shorter test periods can produce more representative results: day one palatability data predicted day 10 outcomes, because pets that disliked a product dropped out over time, progressively skewing the remaining measurements.
  Pet owners join the panel voluntarily, receive test products free of charge, and can opt in or out of individual trials.
  'We test a lot of different products, so people don't have to participate in every test,' she said. 
  'Every week we send out [correspondence saying]: 'We have these tests this week, who wants to participate?' And if they say 'it's not a good time this week', they can skip. 
  'Some people only participate in snack tests. They don't want to change the daily foods, but they would love to have a snack test.' 
  Independent data for pet food ingredient suppliers
Pet food ingredient suppliers are among Pet Panel's most active customer segments. 
  With a growing range of ingredients entering pet food, such as freeze-dried functional yoghurt, chitosan, and even black soldier fly larvae protein, Bos said a supplier looking to sell a novel ingredient to a producer needs more than published literature to support its case.
  She explained that suppliers need independent, real-world evidence that the ingredients in their formulations are palatable, support digestibility, or deliver a measurable health benefit in the animal.
  'They need data to back up their sales and their communication,' she said. 'If they want to sell their ingredients to a pet food producer, they need a story.'
  Pet Panel operates from its own facility in Wageningen, which includes a logistics centre, laboratory, and offices. Bos said that as of March 2026, the company employs 17 people. 
  Long-term plans include international expansion. Currently, participants and panellists are sourced from the Netherlands and Belgium. 
  Pet Panel is also planning to move beyond its two core testing pillars (digestibility and palatability) into health-focused trials covering gut health, skin and coat, mobility, dental health, and urinary health, which would open a new testing route for functional ingredient and nutraceutical suppliers seeking efficacy data in companion animals. 
  With alternative formats and novel ingredients like insect-based feeds, plant-based formulations, and even functional drinks for dogs reaching Pet Panel's testing pipeline, Bos said the priority now is building the evidence base for health-focused ingredient claims. By Tessa Wiles
Source: FI Global Insights

04/12/2023

Countdown to Pet Food Conveyor Launch: Starting Up On Time and With Confidence

To move delicate pet food products or powders, most processors do extensive homework before purchasing a tubular drag cable conveyor to ensure that it meets their needs in terms of function and price. After the purchase, the conveyor must be expertly assembled and tested to ensure smooth production startup and continued performance. The challenge is that the typical third-party contractors installing various plant systems might need to become more familiar with specialized pet food conveyors and, thus, are more prone to make costly errors. A more prudent choice is using the OEM's team of experienced technicians. The OEM's experts have the advantage of designing the specialized conveyor and understanding its installation, operational requirements, and potential problem areas. 'If a tubular drag cable conveyor is installed incorrectly by a third party, it often needs to be completely pulled apart and rebuilt, which is costly and time-consuming. If the conveyor is run incorrectly, damage will occur, and components must be replaced. All this only delays startup,' says Terry Derby, Director of Parts and Field Service for Automated Handling Solutions (AHS). AHS is the service-focused subsidiary of Cablevey Conveyors, an Oskaloosa, Iowa-based conveyor manufacturer that has been designing, engineering, and servicing enclosed cable and disc tube conveyors for 50 years and is in more than 65 countries. As a solution, pet food processors seeking superior conveyor performance from the start rely on expert-supervised installation and commissioning to ensure they will be ready to run products on time, at the necessary volumes. Today, a tubular drag cable conveyor requires considerable expertise to install. These systems gently move material through a sealed tube using a coated, flexible, stainless-steel drag cable pulled through on a loop. Solid circular discs (flights) attach to the cable, pushing the product through the tube without air.  'This type of conveyor is uniquely engineered to transport delicate materials gently. The tubes form a continuous loop that must be carefully assembled for a tight fit to ensure no misalignment or gaps between sections. While the modular components lend great flexibility to system design, each component must act in concert with the rest for proper conveyor functionality,' explains Derby. After selecting and purchasing a conveyor, the pet food processor's next step is installing it, which often requires professional assistance. Reliability Starts with Supervised Installation Whether relying on internal staff members for installation or contracting the job to an outside team of millwrights or skilled pipefitters, supervised conveyor installation can ensure proper system installation. Getting expert assistance is still essential during installation, even with the manual that has detailed instructions and QR-code links to videos for each conveyor component. 'Supervised installation is important to ensure that your system is installed properly so you don't run into maintenance problems due to an improper install,' says Derby. Derby insists that 'supervised installs are probably the most important support service we offer.' This step is often neglected when a less experienced third party performs the installation, which can escalate costs. At this point, AHS is frequently asked to complete final preparations and correct any problems before production startup, a process known as commissioning.  'When a processor brings us to their facility after declining a supervised installation, we often have to work backward for a day or two to correct issues. Having us there for supervised installation eliminates the need for correction and any idle contractors waiting on us for the repair, so it pays for itself,' says Derby. In the case of AHS, the company's technicians have logged hundreds, if not thousands, of hours on-site in various manufacturing facilities worldwide. This singular focus gives them the knowledge and expertise to streamline the installation process and prevent issues that can lead to system inefficiencies, product loss, or complete system failure. As part of the supervised installation, skilled technicians ensure the correct positioning of the conveyor's hangers and the proper torque for couplings. The system is properly cleaned to remove any metal fragments or foreign contaminants introduced during installation. In addition, the technician confirms that all conveyor inlets are in place and that all discharges are functioning. Even seemingly minor gaps or misaligned areas in the conveyor tubing can become a severe issue. 'If gaps are in the conveyor's tubes, the discs will 'catch' when crossing the joint, causing excessive wear on the cable and motor. If not corrected, this could lead to premature failure, production downtime, and added repair and replacement costs,' says Derby. According to Derby, another common wear item in tubular drag cable conveyors is sweeps, areas where the tube changes direction. He explains that sweeps are where the cable is under the most significant tension and where the discs rub inside the tube. Since sweeps show the first signs of wear, proper installation can reduce the wear and significantly prolong tube and cable life, simplifying maintenance. 'With a supervised install, processors can ensure that their conveyor is assembled correctly to enable seamless startup, reliable production, optimal output, and greater longevity for the system and its parts. Our reputation is on the line to get it right from the start,' says Derby. In addition, a supervised installation includes a full report outlining actions to correct any issues found. Due to the attention to detail, a supervised installation also preserves the standard warranty for the system's components. Of course, operators also play a critical role in conveyor performance. For this reason, having experts onsite can be one of the best ways to train the operators and maintenance crew on properly running, cleaning, and maintaining the system.    Reliable Production Requires Expert Commissioning When the installation is complete, the next step is to schedule commissioning. The average commissioning visit for a single-system installation usually lasts an entire day.  The onsite commissioning process readies the conveyor for total production and identifies any immediately correctable issues to keep the startup on schedule. At this point, the system must be installed entirely, including all mechanical and electrical components. The conveyor material must also be ready for introduction to the system. This is where a botched installation by a third party can come to light without supervised installation by the OEM. 'We are often asked to 'fix' poor installations by third-party contractors. We have had to tear whole systems apart. This frequently requires a complete rebuild and replacement of damaged parts, which adds cost, creates downtime, and delays startup,' says Derby. In the case of AHS's commissioning service, the technician conducts an inspection using a camera that runs through the entire system layout to ensure that everything is correctly assembled and ready for testing. The technician then performs a test run of the product, from the inlet feed through the sweeps to the discharge outlet, and verifies that it flows at the desired speed. 'Tailoring the conveyor to the material conveyed can require adjustments to fine-tune the process. With the commissioning, the goal is to increase efficiency, production volume, and reliability,' says Derby. He adds that 'checking the system's health' also uncovers any issues that might arise, which technicians can address to prevent production downtime. He points out that commissioning also extends Cablevey's standard warranty. As a final step in the commissioning process, the technician issues a report for the processor that documents all findings from the full-system inspection. Completing conveyor installation, commissioning, and start-up is only the start of the OEM's and processor's relationship since the system's lifespan can be decades. In addition to traveling on-site for emergency service calls, the company offers an annual service visit to conduct a detailed system inspection and address any issues, identify worn parts, ensure predictive maintenance is being conducted, and provide any additional training needed. This complete system audit aims to extend the conveyor's lifespan and prevent unexpected downtime. 'Our mission is to provide conveying equipment and ensure it performs as required, with minimal downtime and maintenance. Once a pet food processor buys a system, they become part of our family. We will continue to support them every way we can, even as their needs evolve,' concludes Derby. By Del Williams is a technical writer based in Torrance, California. Source All Pet Food

27/11/2023

Mobile 'Smart Cart' Automates Food Conveyor CIP for Pet Food Manufacturers

To promote food safety and sanitary compliance, pet food manufacturers are increasingly seeking the ability to clean-in-place (CIP), an automated method of cleaning the interior surfaces of tubular drag conveyors without disassembly. Now, with the advent of mobile tools like an innovative 'smart cart' that quick-connects to any tubular conveyor and enables simple, customizable 'single button cleaning recipes,' CIP is becoming easier, faster, less labor-intensive, more repeatable, and almost fully automated. Tubular drag conveyor systems gently move product through a sealed, enclosed tube using a drag cable and circular discs pulled through on a loop, so they are ideal for delicate items. Designed to handle a variety of different forms and sizes, from kibble to seeds or pellets and nutrients, tubular conveyors maintain both quality and proper proportions. In a wet CIP process, the system is flooded with water, flushed, rinsed, cleansed, and thoroughly sanitized. Although the process is very effective, streamlining its automation and simplifying the process for all a facility's tubular drag conveyors has been a priority for leading innovators in the industry. 'The standard system required port hookups to water lines and installing piping. The processor also had to make decisions, such as which water temperatures to utilize, or whether to use a cleaning solvent - and the correct amount to add manually,' says John Adair, Engineering and Quality Director for Cablevey Conveyors, an Oskaloosa, Iowa-based conveyor manufacturer that has designed, engineered, and serviced enclosed cable and disc tube conveyors for 50 years, and is in more than 65 countries. To simplify the wet cleaning process, Adair and his engineering team at Cablevey have developed a small, mobile 'smart cart' with integrated water line hookups that a single technician can easily take to any tubular drag conveyor in a facility. The cart is specifically designed to be a fraction of the size of similar carts on the market to facilitate mobility. When the cart is in position and connected to water lines, the CIP process is automated and controlled by a programmable logic controller (PLC) that reduces the need for manual labor and virtually eliminates the risk of improper cleaning. 'Once it is set up, all you do is press a button, and it will bring in the required amount of water at the correct temperature with the necessary amount of solvent for cleaning,' says Adair. The smart cart is designed to store and utilize pre-programmed CIP recipes to flush various residual materials from the tubular drag cable conveyors in a facility before new production runs. The cleaning recipes enable even those with very little training to use the cart, which is helpful in today's tight labor market and allows the technician to move on to other tasks once the cleaning process begins. The use of easily executable recipes ensures a superior, repeatable clean that essentially 'error-proofs' the process. This is particularly important when the technician may be new or less familiar with the production equipment. 'Depending on the product conveyed, sometimes all you need is a wet rinse or a specific cleaning solvent. All that information is saved, so after the first cleaning, it can be automatically repeated. Just push a button to start the appropriate recipe, whether you have one conveyor running multiple products or dozens of conveyors running various products,' says Adair. To meet strict compliance standards, the smart cart also documents all critical CIP information, such as water volume and temperature, chemicals used, and cleaning time by date, in an easily retrievable data log. Since decreasing production downtime between conveyor cleanings is a priority for pet food manufacturers, Cablevey provides new capabilities with the cart that expedites the CIP process. Currently, the CIP process floods the tubular conveyor system but is not designed to clean the discs specifically. 'Operators would manually clean each disc and advance the system disc by disc when the discs had to be cleaned of particularly viscous substances,' says Adair.   Once it is set up, all you do is press a button and it will bring in the required amount of water at the correct temperature with the necessary amount of solvent for cleaning.   Now, as an option on the cart, a disc washer can be integrated with the conveyor turnaround to spray a pressurized cleansing solution on the discs. This helps to remove stickier substances that could remain after routine CIP cleaning. 'The disc washer sprays high-pressure water directly on the discs, so it acts like an automatic car wash. At the push of a button, the discs and cable are run through, and spray cleaned, which reduces CIP time and eliminates the need to manually clean the discs,' says Adair. To further reduce downtime, Cablevey also offers a new sanitary blower option. 'After the wet CIP process, a sanitary blower attachment on the smart cart can dry the discs and other parts of the system 75% faster than typical air drying,' says Adair. He points out that the faster the conveyor is cleaned and dried after a product change, the sooner it can be put back into service, which improves profitability. According to Adair, Cablevey's Mobile Smart Cart was already available since it was officially unveiled at Pack Expo, a premier packaging and processing show held at the Las Vegas Convention Center in September. The event featured full-scale setups of machinery in action. The company also offered traveling demo smart cars to customers in September for free so clients could test drive the units. Pet food manufacturers can now purchase the demonstration unit used in their facilities, with hands-on training available immediately. While the pet food manufacturing industry is aware that automated CIP can improve conveyor system production uptime, barriers to implementation have slowed adoption. Utilizing a mobile smart cart with integrated water hookups will help manufacturers easily implement CIP in tubular drag conveyors throughout their facilities: expediting conveyor cleaning, production changeover, and sanitary compliance. By: Del Williams - Technical writer based in Torrance - California Source: All Pet Food Magazine

29/08/2023

New German test facility allows processors to try solutions before they buy

These systems come as an investment, making it crucial for manufacturers to understand what they're buying before pulling out the company credit card. This is where OEM test facilities come into play, which offer processors the opportunity to try before they buy, often supported by the expertise of seasoned process engineers and salespeople who represent the supplier and its solutions. Testing, testing According to Emmanual Ricohermoso III, Ph.D., testing and facility manager at Automated Handling Solutions (AHS) Germany GmbH, parent company of Cablevey, testing equipment before making a purchase is a progressive approach that can optimize design and material selection for durability, efficiency and environmental impact. 'From the client's perspective, conducting product testing offers them the valuable opportunity to experience the device firsthand before making a purchase commitment,' Ricohermoso added. 'It allows them to assess the device's performance, functionalities and suitability for their specific needs without the obligation of buying it outright. Additionally, during the testing phase, clients can engage directly with our knowledgeable team, leveraging their technical expertise to address any questions or concerns they may have. 'This interactive experience fosters better communication and understanding between our team and the clients,' he added. 'Ultimately, seeing the device in action reinforces the clients' belief and confidence in its capabilities, validating the effectiveness of the solution being offered, or simply, 'to see is to believe.'' The company's 645-square-meter (6,942-square-foot) testing facility is centered around a test workshop equipped with product transfer systems from brands that fall under the AHS and Advanced Material Processing (AMP) umbrella, including Cablevey, Spiroflow, Kason and Marion. The test workshop itself accounts for 71% of the total space. According to Ricohermoso, the German test facility was designed to not only enable testing of conveyors and material transfer systems from point A to point B, but to also integrate relevant processing steps including bag conditioning, bulk bag discharging and filling, dewatering, sieving, mixing and drying. 'Additionally, the test facility boasts a cutting-edge, in-house laboratory dedicated to material characterization,' he noted. 'This enables our engineers to gain a deep understanding of the material properties, allowing them to design tailored solutions that meet the specific needs of our customers. The Friedrichsdorf test facility is now up and running and saw its first customer in early May 2023. Ben Ayrton, managing director and vice president of operations and supply chain for AHS and AMP in Europe, noted that the facility is now fully operational and offers more than 50 products for customer trials and testing across all four brands.  'We are immensely proud to have the most comprehensive testing facility in Continental Europe,' Ayrton said. 'Our expansion and future is exciting, as in addition we are looking forward to introducing a brand new 5,500 m square production facility in the UK in the first half of 2024.' The Friedrichsdorf facility will serve multiple AHS and AMP brands for testing, spare parts, European engineering and sales, as well as aftermarket spare parts and maintenance teams. Prioritizing positive client experiences Understanding why clients want to test or compare equipment performance is the No. 1 consideration when developing a test plan. For example, Ricohermoso said one of the main focuses for today's pet food processors is throughput. Once he has a better idea of a client's priorities, Ricohermoso requests a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) to better understand the handing requirements and potential risks related to the product or material in question. He also asks for cleaning, process flow integration, and tolerance information to create a comprehensive test plan for the client. 'If the client's primary objective is to observe the operation without specific test requirements, I take the initiative to design the test plan myself,' Ricohermoso said. 'The clients are then given time to review the plan internally and communicate any concerns they may have. 'By following this streamlined process, we ensure that the test day runs smoothly, with clear communication and alignment between our team and the clients.' Leaning on OEM expertise Cablevey operates in more than 66 countries and has delivered its solutions for the food, pet food, coffee, powder, nut and frozen food industries for over 50 years. Such equipment includes enclosed cable and disc tube conveyors. 'Cablevey provides a gentle conveying solution, making it particularly suitable for products that are sensitive and have low tolerance for breakage,' Ricohermoso said. 'Its unique conveying method ensures that fragile products can be transported without compromising their integrity or quality.' At Cablevey's stateside test facility — which is located in Oskaloosa, Iowa — the company recently launched a 360-degree immersive experience enabling virtual visits in real time. A Zoom-meeting format developed during the COVID-19 pandemic now allows Cablevey to showcase test runs of its machinery in-person and online simultaneously, which provides convenience for those unable to travel or larger work groups, according to the company. Ricohermoso noted the company plans to add this capability to the German test facility over the next few months.  

01/09/2026

Circularity Without Compromising Performance: Engineering Solutions for Flexible Pet Food Packaging

Far from being competing objectives, circularity and performance can reinforce one another when packaging is analyzed as an integrated functional system, designed to meet specific technical requirements throughout the value chain, from packaging to final consumption.
Circularity Does Not Mean Substitution: It Is Redesign
When discussing circularity in flexible packaging, several strategies are often mentioned: downgauging, weight reduction, incorporation of recycled content, migration toward mono-material structures, implementation of more efficient processes, and waste reduction initiatives. While all of these are valuable tools, they are insufficient when applied in isolation.

Every component within a flexible package serves one or more specific technical functions. Consequently, any structural modification has technical implications that must be analyzed and addressed. The most common mistake is attempting to simplify a package without understanding why it was designed that way in the first place.

In the pet food segment, where products present unique challenges related to stability, logistics, and consumer use, this approach becomes particularly critical. Pet food—especially dry formulations with high fat content—is highly sensitive to oxidation, moisture uptake, and aroma loss, all of which directly impact the consumer's acceptance.
The Starting Point: Understanding Packaging's Technical Function 
Every effective redesign begins with a deep understanding of the package's primary function. In pet food applications, packaging plays a fundamental role in preserving product quality, shelf life, and user experience.

Its key technical functions include:
  Oxygen barrier: Essential for preventing fat oxidation and preserving palatability. 
  Water vapor barrier: Necessary to avoid caking, nutritional degradation, and microbial growth. 
  Mechanical resistance: Required to withstand impacts, stacking loads, and intensive logistics handling. 
  Seal integrity: Critical to ensuring hermetic protection throughout the product's shelf life. 
  Consumer functionality: Including controlled opening features and resealable systems that help reduce product waste. 
Packaging performance does not depend on a single material but rather on the balance among all of these functions. This is precisely where technological innovation plays a decisive role.
Product Protection: New Architectures for Long-Standing Challenges
Regarding barrier and product protection, advances in coextrusion technologies have enabled the development of polyethylene-based structures with enhanced functional properties that significantly reduce grease migration, oxygen transmission, and aroma exchange. These solutions rely on multilayer architectures in which different resins perform specific functions within the structure.

Incorporating barrier copolymers such as EVOH, even at relatively low concentrations, allows manufacturers to achieve protection levels comparable to those of traditional multi-material structures. Historically, materials, such as BOPET and BOPA, have been used to provide rigidity and barrier performance, but they require lamination with polyethylene to deliver sealability and mechanical strength. While technically effective, these combinations present significant challenges for recycling.

Multilayer polyethylene structures can now integrate barrier performance, mechanical strength, sealing properties, optical characteristics, and processability within a single system, advancing toward mono-material configurations that are more compatible with mechanical recycling streams and with the design-for-circularity guidelines increasingly adopted by global brands.

Likewise, the development of machine-direction orientation (MDO) processes applied to high-density polyethylene has created the potential to replace traditionally oriented films, such as BOPP, while maintaining adequate stiffness and further improving overall package circularity.
Mechanical Strength and Seal Integrity: Beyond Packaging Thickness 
When discussing sustainability, thickness reduction is often one of the first strategies considered. However, reducing gauge without redesigning the structure is a reliable recipe for failure. In pet food packaging, resistance to tearing, puncture, and deformation is critical to maintaining package integrity throughout its entire life cycle.

The phenomenon known as dimpling—the deformation of the package caused by kibble pressure, particularly in bags located at the bottom of a pallet—requires structures to absorb loads without compromising package integrity or seal performance. These stresses are not always replicated in standard laboratory tests, making it essential to consider real-world storage and distribution conditions.

This requires not only a robust film structure but also reliable seals to withstand demanding stacking, transportation, and handling environments. Furthermore, during storage and distribution, the friction coefficient of the outer surface becomes increasingly important for maintaining stable pallet loads and preventing slippage or pallet collapse.

Multilayer coextruded architectures allow functions to be redistributed among layers, incorporating engineered resins where needed, compensating for gauge reductions, and optimizing costs without sacrificing performance.
Functionality and Waste Reduction
Circularity extends beyond packaging materials—it also encompasses how consumers interact with the package. In this regard, controlled-opening and resealable closure systems play a key role in reducing food waste by helping preserve product quality after opening and extending shelf life in the home.

Today, a variety of front, perimeter, and traditional closure solutions are available, along with easy-open systems designed to enhance the consumer experience without compromising package integrity or recyclability. Integrating these features from the initial design stage, rather than adding them later, is essential for achieving the right balance between usability, technical performance, and sustainability.
Conclusion: Circularity as an Engineering Discipline
In this context, it is essential that packaging redesign decisions be made through a multidisciplinary approach. Industry experience consistently shows that the best results emerge when development, quality, production, procurement, and marketing teams work simultaneously, aligning technical, commercial, and environmental objectives from the earliest stages of a project.

It is equally important to validate proposed changes through technical testing and real-world performance evaluations. Barrier testing, sealability assessments, mechanical resistance analysis, pallet stability studies, and distribution performance trials anticipate deviations and refine designs before industrial implementation. This preventive approach reduces operational risks and avoids unnecessary costs.

Advancing toward more circular packaging solutions in the pet food industry is neither a trend nor a marketing exercise. Above all, it is a technical challenge that requires expertise, sound judgment, and a systemic understanding of packaging. When redesign is approached through engineering—analyzing functions, interactions, and consequences—it becomes possible to develop solutions that effectively protect products, meet logistical requirements, and align with the principles of the circular economy.

The good news is that the necessary technological tools already exist. The real differentiator lies in how they are applied. By Pablo Petinatto, Petropack
Source: All Pet Food Magazine

08/05/2024

Siegwerk’s new coatings enable recyclable monomaterial pet food packaging

Printing ink and coatings leader Siegwerk has announced a breakthrough in sustainable pet food packaging. Partnering with printing machine manufacturer Windmöller & Hölscher and bag-making and machine producer B&B, Siegwerk has developed a fully recyclable monomaterial pouch for dry pet food using its CIRKIT functional coatings. This innovation addresses increasing pressure from EU regulations on packaging circularity.   'New approaches are needed to meet the upcoming regulatory requirements for circular packaging,' said Belal Habib, head of Brand Owner Collaboration at Siegwerk. 'The challenge is to find a recyclable design that also meets the respective performance requirements of the packaging.'   Pet food packaging needs to be food-safe and have specific barrier properties such as grease resistance, in order to maintain freshness and structural integrity. Traditionally, these requirements meant complex, non-recyclable multimaterial structures with metallised layers.   'The problem: they are not recyclable,' added Habib. 'This is where innovative barrier coatings applied in thin layers and inline with regular printing inks can help to switch from an incompatible multimaterial structure to a fully recyclable monomaterial solution in the sense of a circular economy.'   The solution utilises two CIRKIT coatings: CIRKIT GreaseBar: An inline-printable grease barrier coating. CIRKIT HeatGuard: A coating that enhances sealing efficiency and heat resistance on film surfaces, also inline-printable.   These coatings, combined with full polyurethane inks suitable for mechanical recycling, enable the mono-polyethylene bag to achieve the same performance as traditional multimaterial structures while being fully recyclable. Importantly, the inks and coatings are solvent-based, deinkable, and inline-printable without sacrificing print quality.   'Together, we have succeeded in developing an innovation that is circular, delivers on performance and maintains current process efficiencies due to inline and high-speed conversion,' said Habib. 'This shows that, by joining forces, we are in a position to make recyclable monoplastic packaging a reality and thus counter the still wide presence of multimaterial laminated structures with future-oriented flexible packaging solutions made for circularity.'   Siegwerk's expertise spans the entire packaging life cycle, from raw material selection to recycling. This allows it to partner with companies to redesign packaging structures for sustainability according to current guidelines.   Source: Packaging Gateway.

11/10/2023

Purina calls on consumers to recycle pet food cans

The #PurinaRecyclesChallenge encourages pet owners to take aim at the recycling bin — rather than the trash can — when disposing of their used pet food cans. According to the Can Manufacturers Institute, the pet food industry utilizes roughly 7 million metal food cans annually. Approximately 25% of these are steel and typically used for dog food, and 75% are aluminum and normally used for cat food. While these cans are infinitely recyclable, there is ample room for improvement in their recycling rates, including among pet owners. An estimated 32% of American consumers recycle, according to the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) 2019 American Community Survey. The US Energy Information Administration claims the use of recycled aluminum cans to manufacture new cans requires 95% less energy than creating new cans from raw materials. 'We launched the #PurinaRecyclesChallenge to show just how easy it is to make an impact, and to help break down some of the barriers that keep people from recycling their pet food cans,' said Gopi Sandhu, vice president of environmental sustainability at Purina. 'Aluminum and steel are infinitely recyclable, and given the billions of cans produced in the United States each year, a seemingly small act of recycling can make a big difference.' The challenge invites pet owners to film a 'trick shot' of them banking a pet food can into the recycling bin and share on Instagram and/or TikTok with the hashtag #PurinaRecyclesChallenge. The company will donate $10 for every original post and $1 for every like, share or comment on those posts to The Recycling Partnership to support recycling education and infrastructure across the United States. The campaign will run through Dec. 15. Aside from this can recycling initiative, Purina has also committed to improving packaging sustainability across its entire portfolio. According to the company, almost 90% of its plastic packages used for pet food are designed to be recycled, a figure it hopes to increase to 95% by 2025. By Jordan Tyler - Pet Food Processing

20/08/2026

The Most Underrated Tool In Pet Nutrition

Trace minerals are involved in most health outcomes nutritionists aim to influence and pet parents care deeply about: immune resilience, skin and coat health, antioxidant defense, mobility, cellular function, vitality and whole-body health.

They're not acting in isolation. They work behind the scenes, supporting the biological systems that help every other nutritional strategy perform effectively.

For today's pet food brands, every ingredient must justify its place in the diet — not only the high-inclusion ingredients, the ones with easy consumer stories or the ones that look innovative on paper. Every ingredient. That is where I see an opportunity.

Innovation is not always what comes next, it is expecting more from what is already there.

Because trace minerals are foundational, they can become familiar and often treated as 'already solved', receiving less strategic evaluation than newer or more visible ingredients.

Mineral programs can remain unchanged for years. Familiarity creates comfort. Comfort creates confidence.

Yet, source, structure and delivery influence how effectively a trace mineral supports animal health. When those components are optimized, a mineral moves from simply meeting a requirement to supporting broader formula performance and pets' wellbeing. 

That distinction matters. 

At Zinpro Corporation, we've spent more than five decades studying trace minerals across species, generating research behind our performance minerals. One lesson continues to stand out: biology is remarkably consistent. Cells still require nutrients to function. Tissues still need support to repair and respond. 

In livestock, performance is evaluated through productivity, efficiency, disease resistance, and profitability. In pets, focus shifts to quality of life, longevity, overall well-being and human-animal bond. Outcomes measured may look different, but the underlying mechanisms don't change. 

It is time to start expecting more from what is already there and stop leaving opportunity on the table — for brands, for formulas and for the pets counting on us.  By Allison Millican, PhD
Source: Zinpro Corporation

14/06/2023

What Nutrients are Essential for My Pet?

 Here's a breakdown of all the essential nutrients according to the  Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) that are required for foods to be called complete and balanced for adult and growing cats and dogs. Included are also links to other blog posts that describe some of these nutrients and why they're essential. Protein and Amino Acids While the amount may differ between dogs and cats, and between adults and seniors, all pets have a minimum requirement for protein to make muscle in the body and help in many important body functions. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and there are approximately a dozen essential amino acids in addition to a minimum of overall protein that all pets need: Arginine Histidine Isoleucine Leucine Lysine Methionine Cystine Phenylalanine Threonine Tryptophan Valine Taurine (cats)
  Fats and Fatty Acids All pets have a minimum amount of total fat that they need in their diet and there are also some specific types of fatty acids that are also required for different lifestages. Overall fats and specific types of fatty acids help your pet maintain a healthy skin/coat, regulate inflammation, and aid in development in growing pets. Linoleic Acid Arachidonic Acid (cats) Alpha-Linoleic Acid (growth) EPA + DHA (growth)
  Minerals  Minerals, some of which are also called electrolytes, are critical to keeping fluid balance, growing and maintaining bones, and helping to regulate many processes running in a pet's body, such as movement of muscles. The amounts required can vary between growing and adult animals, and there is also a required ratio of certain minerals such as calcium and phosphorus for optimal health, especially for growing large breed puppies. Calcium Phosphorus Potassium Sodium Chloride Magnesium Iron Copper Manganese Zinc Iodine Selenium
  Vitamins  Cats and dogs require many of the same vitamins as we do (except for Vitamin C, which they can make themselves!), but the amounts can be very different. One example is Vitamin D, where dogs need less than 1/10th the amount that humans do, so we have to be very careful about using human products (or any supplements for that matter!) in pets to avoid toxic amounts of vitamin D. Vitamins perform many functions in the body from supporting the immune system to breaking down food for energy, and are either water soluble (the B vitamins) or fat soluble (vitamins A, D, E and K). The essential vitamins for dogs and cats are listed below with common alternate names that you may see on your pet food ingredient lists. Vitamin A (retinol) Vitamin D (cholecalciferol) Vitamin E (tocopherol) Vitamin K (phylloguinone, cats) Thiamine (Vitamin B1) Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) Niacin (Vitamin B3) Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5) Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) Folic Acid/Folate (Vitamin B9) Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) Choline
   Where Can I Go To Learn More?  If you'd like to learn more about the exact amounts required of these nutrients in different lifestages and species, booklets are also available online from the National Resource Council with more details on each of these essential nutrients for dogs and cats. How Do I Know My Pet Is Getting All These Nutrients? Foods that have AAFCO nutritional adequacy statements that state they are complete and balanced have to include all these essential nutrients and stay between the minimum requirements and any maximums. Providing extra through supplements may actually harm your pet because you may unknowingly be providing a toxic amount of some nutrients that have narrow safety ranges! We recommend only giving supplements with any of these essential nutrients when recommended specifically by your veterinarian. by Deborah E. Linder, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Nutrition)

04/08/2022

Darling Ingredients Inc. Completes Acquisition of Brazil's Largest Independent Rendering Company, FASA Group

The company first announced the acquisition in May 2022 for a purchase price of approximately R$2.8 billion Brazilian Real in cash ($542.6 million USD at today's exchange rate), plus or minus various closing adjustments and a contingent payment based on future earnings growth. As part of the transaction, Darling Ingredients has acquired 14 plants that process more than 1.3 million metric tons annually, with an additional two plants under construction. "Brazil will play a big role in feeding a growing world population, which makes it a premier location to grow our specialty ingredients business," Randall C. Stuewe, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Darling Ingredients. "FASA is a well-run business, will be immediately accretive and further de-risks the supply chain by providing an additional source of non-food based, low-carbon waste fats to be used in the production of renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel." About Darling Darling Ingredients Inc. (NYSE: DAR) is the largest publicly traded company turning edible by-products and food waste into sustainable products and a leading producer of renewable energy. Recognized as a sustainability leader, the company operates 250 plants in 17 countries and repurposes nearly 15% of the world's meat industry waste streams into value-added products, such as green energy, renewable diesel, collagen, fertilizer, animal proteins and meals and pet food ingredients. To learn more, visit darlingii.com. Follow us on LinkedIn. Contact: Suann Guthrie
VP, Investor Relations, Sustainability & Communications
(469) 214-8202, Suann.guthrie@darlingii.com