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

09/04/2026

Callizo Opens New Facility in Texas, Reinforcing its Expansion in the North American Pet Food Market 

Callizo Aromas Texas opens a new chapter in its path. Having more than 30 years of sustained growth in Latin America, the company takes a key step in its internationalization process by establishing an operational basis in the United States—the most demanding and competitive pet food market worldwide. 
  Texas addresses a combination of logistic and strategic factors. The location facilitates access to the US and Canadian markets while allowing major operational integration with the company in Mexico. This regional joint venture aims to strengthen the groups' capacity to provide high-performance palatability solutions for customers throughout North America. 
  This is Callizo's 7th development and production center in America. Through this expansion, the company aims to optimize the supply chain, improve lead times, and expand its innovation capacity with customers and strategic partners.    Technology and Production Capacity for an Expanding Market    From a technological perspective, the facility incorporates last-generation equipment and the largest operational capacity. Among the main production lines, hydrolyzed liquids and powders—obtained from spray drying technology—, semi-moist kibbles, and a complete portfolio of additives aimed at optimizing palatability stand out. 
  There is also a ready-to-use manufacturing line of sauces and toppers, which means an opportunity to develop solutions for new segments within the pet food market. Moreover, Callizo Aromas Texas will have a R&D lab equipped with advanced technology, designed to create personalized formulations, optimize processes, and improve the development of new solutions tailored to market needs. 
  Different capacities will allow the company to address demands with more agility, offering products highlighted for their palatability and adding value to brands that seek to compete in increasingly sophisticated segments.    A Strategic Stake to Consolidate Presence in North America    The US expansion coincides with Callizo's first time exhibiting at Pet Food Forum Kansas—one of the top international meeting points. This strategic platform lets the company showcase new technologies, build direct relationships, and strengthen its position in the North American market. 
  The American pet food market is characterized by a high level of maturity and sophistication, and its focus on premium and super-premium products. In this context, manufacturers seek differentiation and quality solutions and sensorial experiences for the end consumer, key factors in palatability. 
  Callizo's experience in Latin America, working closely with manufacturers and brands, has enabled the company to adapt solutions to market needs by combining innovation, technical knowledge, and joint development with clients.    Regional Projection and New Growth Opportunities    With the opening in Texas and its presence in one of the main forums, Callizo Aromas reaffirms its commitment to international growth and development of more advanced solutions for the pet food sector. Callizo's strategy focuses on consolidating its presence in North America, expanding its business relationship network, and driving innovation in a market that evolves to high-quality, differentiation, and added-value standards. 
  Discover their solutions on www.callizoaromas.com   Source: All Pet Food

07/04/2026

Smart Pet Food Production: Industry Experts Gather in Nuremberg to Address Innovation, Scale-Up and Cost Efficiency

The event will take place at the Sheraton Carlton Nuremberg and will offer a comprehensive program covering the entire production value chain—from early-stage product development to full-scale industrial operations and cost optimization. 

With over 1,000 years of combined expertise across its member companies, the Pet Food Competence Network aims to provide actionable insights into innovation, process engineering and operational efficiency.
A comprehensive agenda addressing critical industry topics
The conference will open with a welcome session led by Gael Seguin (Clevertech) and Torsten Trampe (JRS), setting the stage to present how the network can support the pet food market from end to end on all emerging trends.

A first session will address prototyping and scale-up, highlighting how manufacturers can efficiently transition from R&D to industrial production while maintaining product quality and consistency. This topic will be explored by experts from Miavit and JRS, who will share technical approaches and real-world applications.

The program will then focus on innovative technologies in snack production, with insights into advanced processing solutions and engineering techniques designed to enhance product functionality, efficiency and flexibility. Contributions from Karl Schnell and REICH Thermoprozesstechnik will showcase cutting-edge developments in this rapidly growing segment.

Following the break, discussions will move to engineering and plant control in wet and dry pet food production, addressing the integration of automation, process control and plant design to optimize performance and ensure product safety and consistency. Experts from ANDRITZ and Clevertech will present solutions tailored to modern production environments.

A key highlight of the event will be the session dedicated to the total cost of ownership (TCO), an increasingly critical factor for pet food producers. Speakers from ANDRITZ and JBT Marel will examine how companies can evaluate and reduce long-term operational costs through smarter investment decisions, improved efficiency and optimized plant management.

The event will conclude with a wrap-up and Q&A session, followed by a networking aperitif, offering participants the opportunity to engage directly with speakers and industry peers.
Limited seats for a high-value industry event
Participation in the event is free of charge, but attendance is limited to 300 participants, ensuring a focused and high-quality exchange among professionals. 

The Pet Food Competence Network will also be present at Interzoo (Hall 7A – Stand 515), further extending opportunities for networking and knowledge sharing within the global pet food community. 

For more information and registration, please visit: https://h7.cl/1jw3- Source: Smart Pet Food Production

01/04/2026

The Pet Food Consumer in Argentina: New Signals from the Market 

To understand this shift, we must look at the market's growth, consumption patterns, the most prevalent pets in households, and the evolution of owner behavior. 
  The study Pet Food Shoppers in Argentina 2025 by All Pet Food Market Insights offers a unique perspective on this transformation, analyzing the phenomenon not only from the product side but also from the relationship between owners and their pets. One of the most relevant questions for the industry emerges from this analysis: how is the balance between dogs and cats being reshaped within pet food consumption?    Argentina: Historically a Dog Country, but Showing Signs of Change      Argentina has traditionally been a dog-oriented country. The presence of dogs in households remains dominant and is deeply embedded in the cultural identity of pet ownership. 
  According to the study, 6 out of 10 pet-owning households have one dog, confirming the structural weight of the canine segment in the market. At the same time, new signals are emerging: around one in seven households already have two or more dogs, which reflects an evolving relationship between families and their pets. 
  Rather than a direct substitution between dogs and cats, what is emerging is an expansion of the consumption landscape, where each species begins to occupy a different strategic role within the market.    The DNA of the Argentine Dog: Diversity and Bonding      One of the most interesting findings is that the Argentine dog market reflects specific characteristics. The predominance of mixed-breed dogs is not just a statistical variable: it indicates a cultural bond based on adoption, emotional closeness, and everyday coexistence. 
  In the ranking of declared breeds, the group categorized as 'other breeds' and mixed-breed dogs accounts for the largest share, followed by well-known breeds, such as labrador, chihuahua, and golden retriever. This suggests that the Argentine market combines genetic diversity with strong cultural symbols that still influence owner perception. 
  At the same time, the investigation shows how urban lifestyles are shaping pet ownership patterns. The growth of small- and medium-sized dogs reflects changes in household size and the increasing prevalence of apartment living.    The Feline Universe: The Bond Over the Breed   
While dogs remain dominant, the cat segment shows a different dynamic. More than 60% of domestic cats in Argentina are mixed-breed, reflecting a cultural pattern where adoption drives the owner-pet relationship. This is especially relevant for the industry, since it reveals that the symbolic value of cats is tied to emotional connection more than pedigree. 
  Certain breeds, such as siamese and Persian, maintain a presence in the market—especially in specific urban segments—but their share remains significantly smaller compared to mixed-breed cats. 
  This trend also has strategic implications: the growth of cats in urban environments and smaller households opens new opportunities in product categories, formats, and brand positioning.    Dogs and Cats: Two Coexisting Consumption Logics    Rather than competing, dogs and cats represent distinct consumption logics within the pet food market. Dogs remain strongly linked to the traditional Argentine household and long-standing family bonds. On the other hand, cats are increasingly associated with new urban dynamics, smaller living spaces, and different lifestyles. 
  For the industry, understanding these differences is key, as they not only influence product categories but also define communication strategies, brand positioning, and portfolio choices. 
  In other words, the way dogs and cats coexist in the market is no longer just a demographic exercise, but a strategic tool to anticipate business opportunities.    A Study to Understand the New Argentine Consumer    Pet Food Shoppers in Argentina 2025 offers an in-depth view of today's consumer by analyzing which pets are present in households and how the relationship between owners, pets, and consumption is evolving. 
  Among other aspects, the research explores: 
  Pet ownership and demographic evolution  Preferences by species, size, and breed  Differences across income levels  The relationship between lifestyle and pet choice  Strategic implications for the pet food market 
  As consumption decisions become increasingly complex, understanding the Argentine pet owner evolves into a competitive advantage for companies in the sector.    Access the study Pet Food Shoppers in Argentina 2025    Source: All Pet Food Market Insights, the market intelligence platform by All Pet Food

07/04/2026

Digital Twins in the Pet Food Industry: From Simulation to Predictive Control

What Digital Twins Are and How They Are Used Today
A digital twin is a dynamic, virtual representation of a physical object, process, or entire an production system. Unlike static simulation, it continuously utilizes real data from sensors and control systems, enabling it to accurately reflect the current state of the process and predict its future behavior.

According to IBM, digital twins are currently used in manufacturing to improve operational efficiency, optimize processes, reduce failures, accelerate product development, and enable predictive maintenance. In industrial environments, their application ranges from individual production lines to entire plants, integrating operating variables, energy consumption, quality, and equipment performance, as well as supporting plant planning, virtual testing of new products, layout optimization, and control of complex processes, among other uses.
From Simulation to Predictive Decision-Making
The advancement of digital twins is closely linked to the convergence of process simulation, industrial sensors, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing. This integration enables manufacturers to move from a reactive model—based on manual sampling and subsequent adjustments—to a predictive and preventive approach.

According to an article by StartUs Insights, the market for digital twins applied to manufacturing could reach USD 714 billion by 2032, driven by the need to optimize complex processes and reduce operational inefficiencies. The same report indicates that more than 81% of global companies are already actively exploring the industrial metaverse, and that 62% increased their investment in these technologies over the past year.

These figures reflect a structural shift: simulation is no longer limited to the design stage but is becoming a central tool for day-to-day plant management.

The study, Digital Twin applications in the food industry: a review, identifies four main approaches to applying digital twins in the food industry, defined by their role within the production system. First, forecasting digital twins are used to anticipate the future behavior of processes or equipment based on the analysis of historical data and current conditions, enabling the prediction of deviations, inefficiencies, or failures before they occur. Second, reactive simulation models allow real-time process monitoring and autonomous responses to deviations, adjusting operating variables and recommending corrective or preventive actions. A third approach is virtual commissioning, which utilizes digital twins to test, validate, and optimize new technologies, equipment, or plant configurations in a virtual environment before physical implementation. Finally, synchronization-based simulation keeps the digital twin aligned in real time, or near real time, with the physical system, creating a highly accurate representation of the process that is especially valuable for scenario analysis, operational optimization, and improved decision-making in complex systems.
How Do Digital Twins Contribute to the Pet Food Industry?
Focusing specifically on the pet food industry, raw material variability is one of the main factors affecting final product quality. Ingredients, such as cereals, protein meals, fats, and animal by-products naturally fluctuate in moisture, protein content, fat levels, and particle size distribution.

According to a technical analysis published by Haskell, these variations directly affect critical operations such as extrusion and drying, influencing attributes such as texture, density, nutritional stability, and product shelf life. Traditional control methods often detect these deviations only after the product has already been produced, leading to reprocessing, waste, and efficiency losses. Digital twins, by contrast, anticipate these effects before they impact the final product.

In pet food production, a digital twin is built from models that represent the thermal, mechanical, and dynamic behavior of each unit operation (mixing, conditioning, extrusion, drying, and cooling). These models are powered in real time with data from sensors installed in the plant, such as ingredient moisture measurements, extruder barrel temperature, screw speed, pressure, airflow, and dryer parameters. This information synchronizes the virtual model with the real process, creating a living representation of the plant in operation.

In closed-loop control systems, besides observing the process, digital twins predict how variations in raw materials will affect the final product and automatically adjust operating parameters to compensate—often even before the ingredient enters the extruder.
Benefits of Implementation
Implementing digital twins delivers tangible benefits at multiple levels. First, it significantly improves product consistency by reducing batch-to-batch variability, a key factor for consumer trust and brand reputation.

By preventing out-of-spec production, raw materials and energy waste are reduced. This approach also optimizes energy consumption and increases throughput without compromising quality, directly impacting operating costs.

Another strategic benefit is to hasten product development. Formulations can be tested virtually, evaluating their performance in the process before conducting physical trials, thereby reducing time, risk, and costs associated with industrial testing.

Added to this is the ability to integrate predictive maintenance, using digital twins to detect deviations in equipment performance and anticipate failures, avoiding unplanned downtime.
Digital Twins: Key Technology for Building Truly Connected Plants
The incorporation of digital twins marks a turning point in how pet food production plants are managed. It is no longer just about automation, but about deeply understanding the process, anticipating deviations, and making decisions based on real, comparable data.

In a context where efficiency, sustainability, and quality are increasingly decisive, digital twins are consolidating their role as a strategic tool for manufacturers seeking to scale, differentiate, and build truly connected and resilient plants. By Candelaria Carbajo – All Pet Food
Source: All Pet Food Magazine
References
Gallagher, Nick (Updated October 17, 2025) What is a Digital Twin? IBM
Prasser, David R. (July 21, 2025). Future of Manufacturing: 13 Trends Driving 2026-2035 Growth. StarUs Insights
Abdurrahman, Emadaldin Elfatih M. & Ferrari, Giovanna. (April 3, 2025). Digital Twin applications in the food industry: a review. Frontiers
Haskell. (December 19, 2025). A Process Engineering Perspective on Digital Twins in Pet Food Manufacturing.

By María Candelaria Carbajo

03/04/2026

Eyes That Never Blink: How AI Is Transforming Food Inspection and Safety  

AI has been a firestorm, sweeping through almost every aspect of our day-to-day, and the same can be said for food manufacturing. AI may be the new tool that will allow almost any product to finally achieve 100% inspection, reducing defects and failures at the consumer level. So too, we are seeing incredible advancements in AI-driven food manufacturing, which, when fully developed and capitalized, will most certainly reset the bar for what consumers consider a 'high-quality' product.
  Advancements are infiltrating many aspects of daily life for food safety and quality professionals. This is leading to some very exciting initiatives to prevent deviations from specification and enhance manufacturers' ability to ward off potential food safety problems.
  There are many advancements hitting the marketplace, but some worth mentioning are in the following areas.   Vision Systems
Some of the most common quality complaints include missing labels, misaligned labels, missing or illegible code dates, the wrong label for the product, seal failures, and other packaging defects. New optical cameras with AI technology can automatically detect and remove these types of defects well before the consumer purchases them. Many systems use multipoint inspection, like the one pictured below, and can view a package from a 360° perspective. When defined parameters are exceeded, the product is automatically removed from the line. 
  Photo courtesy of ANTARES VISION S.p.A   These systems can even detect various foreign materials, such as hard and soft plastics, wood, and other materials, based on their optical signatures.   Metal Detection and X-Ray Systems
Metal detectors are common in most food operations where knives and blades are used for protein harvest or when grinding protein-based products. They are used as a food safety measure for foreign materials that can cause harm when ingested. X-ray systems are often used for harder types of foreign materials, such as bones, cartilage, glass, and metal. In the past, this equipment was only as useful as the number of false positives it would produce during a production shift.
  Now, with advances in AI algorithms, these smart detectors can discern multiple types of materials in pieces, much like the technology used to screen luggage at the airport does, in multiple layers or overlapping placement. This ensures foreign material is detected accurately and distinguishes between various types and the number of foreign objects in a product.  This will allow for early detection and root cause prevention   Hyperspectral Technology
This is a fascinating new field that will likely revolutionize food safety. These systems utilize spectroscopic measurements and ultra-sensitive cameras to detect images at the pixel level, across very narrow wavelength ranges within spectral bands, providing a 3D view of the test sample. It's like incorporating a microscope and a microbiologist at the same time. This type of testing is very rapid and does not use any chemicals, making it very environmentally friendly. The system is literally looking for live organisms in a sample and can even quantify them, so it is very accurate.   Source: Pandey AK, Samota MK, Kumar A, Silva AS and Dubey NK (2023). Fungal mycotoxins in food commodities: present status and future concerns. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 7:1162595. doi: 10.3389/fsufs.2023.1162595.   Predictive Microbial Risk Modeling
AI systems analyze historical data, such as environmental monitoring results, sanitation logs, and process data, to predict where microbial contamination is most likely to occur in a facility. These predictive systems help companies prevent contamination rather than simply responding to it. By being predictive rather than reactive, food safety and sanitation professionals can reduce sanitation failures, line downtime, and prevent recalls. These models could also be used to validate environmental testing programs and food safety plans.
One additional integration for predictive modeling and food safety inspection is that it monitors employees' adherence to good manufacturing practices. AI is now being used to ensure employees do not use utensils that fall on the floor, use soiled equipment, or forget to wash their hands when working with food.   Enhanced Grading and Sorting Systems
By using optical cameras integrated with smart AI, machines can now be taught to recognize correct shapes and colors, and previously subjective quality grades can be measured objectively. If you have a baked kibble product, for example, how dark is too dark?
  As quality professionals, we used to create picture-based scales to train employees on color and shape, but these tools were only as good as the original picture-taker and the printer you had to display the grading. Now, camera technology has gotten so good that a color scale and a given shape template can be programmed to ensure each piece of treat or kibble is within specification. This uniformity will lead to higher yields and fewer packaging issues, as the product itself will be more consistent.   Process Control Monitoring for Food Safety and Processing Parameters
Examples include thermal process schedule reviews, critical control point (CCP) and process control point (PCP) monitoring, and temperature and weight monitoring. One limitation of inspection is that you may only be able to perform it at a limited frequency, say, once per hour.
  Almost anything that can be continuously measured can now be enhanced with AI logic to provide continuous, real-time monitoring of all your critical or process control points. This provides tons of data, and as root causes are identified and logged for a deviation or failure, your AI system will begin to predict useful information, such as, 'Your average temperature deviation is every 41 days and has been assigned to a sensor failure. You should add it to the preventive maintenance list to change or check every 40 days.' Real-time monitoring also increases release time and does not need a formal pre-shipment review.   Unblinking Eyes: The Future of Food Safety
The creativity and uses for AI in food safety and quality systems are only now being realized. The market for equipment and use is only in its infancy. As a food safety and quality professional, I am excited to see how more advanced technology, like these systems that never get fatigued and have 'eyes that never blink,' is implemented.
  If you share my enthusiasm or have a compelling use case from your own operation, please share it in the comments. The future of food safety will be written not just by the technology itself, but by the professionals bold enough to implement it. By August Konie
Source: BSM Partners
  About the Author
August Konie has been a Food Safety, Quality and Regulatory Professional for over 30 years. He was worked in many sectors of the food industry including fisheries, beverages, poultry, pork and pet food, under both FDA and USDA regulatory oversight. As an active committee member in various trade organization for food and pet food organizations, he was successful of implementing new regulatory guidance. He has worked with various teams across Asian, Europe, North and South American on various food safety, quality and import/export concerns. He currently serves as the Principal of BSM Assurance overseeing FSQAR activities at BSM Partners.

01/04/2026

Innovation, Technology, and Nutrition: The Use of Functional Snacks in the Management of Canine Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic, progressive, and degenerative joint disease frequently diagnosed in large-breed, obese, and geriatric dogs, as well as in those with genetic predisposition, such as Labrador retrievers and German shepherds. Joint pain, reduced range of motion, crepitus, and inflammation are the most common clinical signs, resulting in barriers to physical activity and reluctance to perform routine tasks, such as walking or climbing stairs. These limitations significantly compromise animal well-being and quality of life.

Conventional therapeutic options include surgical interventions on affected joints and pain management through the administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), whose benefits in analgesia and functional improvement are well established. However, long-term use of these drugs may be associated with relevant adverse effects, including renal and hepatic toxicity, as well as gastrointestinal complications. In addition, therapeutic efficacy depends not only on the pharmacodynamics of the active compound but also on treatment adherence, which is directly influenced by palatability and ease of administration. In light of these limitations, interest in complementary and less invasive therapies has continued to grow, e.g., nutraceuticals and dietary supplements.

Nutraceuticals, bioactive compounds with therapeutic potential, are widely used in the management of canine OA. Among the most extensively studied agents are glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, undenatured type II collagen, omega-3 fatty acids, and cannabinoids, particularly cannabidiol (CBD). These compounds modulate inflammatory processes, stimulating cartilage regeneration and maintenance, reducing pain, and improving mobility.

Within this context, functional snacks have emerged as an effective vehicle for delivering these compounds, particularly due to their high acceptance by dogs and ease of use for pet owners, as they are commonly offered as training rewards or expressions of affection. Studies such as that by Costa et al. (2025), which evaluated owner-perceived acceptance of different pharmaceutical forms for continuous use in dogs, have demonstrated high acceptance of functional snacks (95%) and palatable pastes (90%), followed by powdered sachets (75%), oral suspensions (60%), and capsules (35%). Delivery formats directly associated with feeding showed superior adherence, while capsules had the lowest acceptability, especially in smaller dogs. The high palatability characteristic of snacks promotes better therapeutic compliance compared with traditional supplementation in capsules or powders, which are often rejected by animals or forgotten by owners. Another important advantage is dose standardization: each snack unit can contain precise quantities of bioactives, ensuring accurate intake and facilitating therapeutic monitoring.

Despite these advantages, the development and processing of functional snacks present challenges and require careful attention to technological and nutritional aspects, as the bioactive efficacy largely depends on ingredient selection and the processing conditions applied during manufacturing.

The food matrix of the snack can positively or negatively influence nutrient bioavailability. Formulations with adequate lipid levels enhance the absorption of lipophilic compounds (EPA and DHA). Likewise, additional functional ingredients—such as fermentable fibers, prebiotics, and antioxidants—may have complementary effects on joint function and inflammatory modulation.

Many of the compounds used in OA management are sensitive to heat, oxidation, and moisture, making production methods a critical factor in preserving their integrity, stability, and bioavailability.

Extrusion, the primary processing method used in the pet food industry, exposes ingredients to high temperatures and pressures, which may degrade compounds essential to therapeutic efficacy. On one hand, prolonged baking intensifies the Maillard reaction and lipid oxidation, reducing the functionality of sensitive actives. On the other hand, cold forming has emerged as an interesting alternative, although it presents limitations related to shelf life, microbiological safety, and operational costs. The key challenge, therefore, lies in adapting conventional technologies to minimize bioactive degradation without compromising texture, palatability, or product safety.

To mitigate functional losses, the industry employs technologies like microencapsulation, post-processing coating, and rigorous control of water activity and oxidation. Modern facilities incorporate low-temperature extruders, hybrid production lines, continuous NIR monitoring, and intelligent packaging solutions capable of extending the shelf life of nutraceuticals. Computational modeling also contributes to the optimization of industrial parameters, ensuring improved preservation of active compounds.

Industrial innovations have significantly contributed to the feasibility of therapeutic snacks, which manage osteoarthritis in pet food manufacturing. Integrating advanced technology, optimized industrial processes, and animal health ensures not only the stability of bioactive compounds but also their efficacy, representing a safe, practical, and highly compliant nutritional strategy for pet owners and veterinary professionals. The management of disease progression, the reduction of inflammation, and pain control are all significantly influenced by these technologies.

This movement aligns with the accelerated growth of the premium pet market, driven by owners seeking preventive health solutions and products with higher added value.

In this way, functional snacks turn their role as simple palatable treats into a strategic position as part of complementary therapeutic protocols. Meanwhile, manufacturers benefit from technologies that promote operational efficiency, loss reduction, and continuous innovation. As well, they position themselves as key players in the development of more sustainable, traceable, and personalized nutritional solutions. By Flávia Lavach
Source: All Pet Food Magazine
References
ALEXANDRU, C. B.; SORANA, D.; ADRIAN, M. The science of snacks: a review of dog treats. Frontiers in Animal Science, v. 5, 2024.
COSTA, M. B. F.; CHAMELETE, M. O.; MARTINEZ, M. S. de S. S.; ANDRADE, T. U. de. Palatability test of different pharmaceutical forms for administration of continuous-use medications in dogs: evaluation by owners. Observatório de la Economia Latinoamericana, [S. l.], v. 23, n. 9, p. e11390, 2025.
DE GODOY, M. R. C. et al. In vitro disappearance characteristics of selected categories of commercially available dog treats. Journal of Nutritional Science, v. 3, p, 47, 2014. 
GAMBLE, L. J. et al. Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Clinical Efficacy of Cannabidiol Treatment in Osteoarthritic Dogs. Frontiers Veterinary Science, v. 23, p. 5-16, 2023.
KHAN, S. A. e MCLEAN, M. K. 2012. Toxicology of frequently encountered nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs in dogs and cats. Veterinary Clinics North America Small Animal Practice , v. 42(2), p. 289-306, 2012.
KIM, J. et al. Effect of microencapsulation on viability of probiotic in functional dog treats. Veterinary Research Communications, v. 43, n. 2, p. 91-101, 2019.
MATA, F. e DORMER, L. The efficacy of neutraceuticals to alleviate dog osteoarthritis symptoms, a meta analysis of case-control trials. Veterinary Archive Science, v. 93, p. 351-360, 2023.
OBA, P. et al. Nutrient and Maillard reaction product concentrations of commercially available pet foods and treats. Journal of Animal Science, v. 100, p. 11, 2022.

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   

09/05/2023

DSM Establishes Tonganoxie, Kansas, Pet Food Premix Plant

The new facility, located in the KC Animal Health Corridor, will supply the pet food industry with high-quality nutritional premixes for use in branded pet food products worldwide. The investment will include precision micro-batching capabilities, allowing for precise automated micro-addition of numerous ingredients to premixes in a fully traceable manner. Operations are scheduled for early 2025. 'The pet food industry has been looking for a better source for the highest quality, traceable and reliable nutritional ingredients for their products and we are thrilled to be able to deliver for the industry and for 'pet parents' with this new facility in Tonganoxie,' said DSM Co-CEO, Dimitri de Vreeze. 'We appreciate the support of Governor Laura Kelly, the Kansas Department of Commerce, the Leavenworth County Development Corporation, the City of Tonganoxie, Evergy and the Animal Health Corridor in making this state-of-the-art facility a reality.' DSM, part of DSM-Firmenich, is a global, purpose-led leader in health and nutrition, applying bioscience to improve the health of people, animals, and the planet. 'DSM is a welcome addition to Kansas and the Animal Health Corridor,' noted Kansas Governor Laura Kelly. 'Having another industry leader locate here further enhances the globally recognized animal health ecosystem that is anchored in Kansas.' 'With the highest concentration of animal health assets in the world, the Kansas City region is home to a robust industry network, as well as abundant manufacturing and distribution resources,' added Kimberly Young, president of the KC Animal Health Corridor. 'The region continues to attract top companies in the industry, and we're proud that DSM has selected the corridor for this state-of-the-art, innovative new facility.' by DSM
 

30/09/2025

Precision Innovation in Pet Food

Innovation in pet food is an evolving topic driven by trends, including pet humanization, sustainability, and the pursuit of improved nutrition. Innovations in pet food production and processing aim to enhance specific nutrition, functional health, and digestive performance by using the right amount of bioactive compounds and nutrients. We will address this issue from the perspective of ingredient innovation.
  Protein is one of the most important compounds for pet parents when purchasing pet food. Innovation is not the exception to this nutrient in the formulation process. Animal proteins (chicken, lamb, fish, etc.) are the most commonly used, but there are some alternatives. Moreover, others are in the initial implementation phase or used only in a few segments: 
  Insect proteins: Cricket flour, black soldier fly larvae, etc. are highly digestible, sustainable sources, rich in proteins and with less environmental impact.
  Vegetable proteins: Different from traditional sources, such as soybean paste. Nowadays, it is not surprising to see lentils, chickpeas, peas, and/or quinoa, among others.
  Cell culture: Cultured meat for super-premium food is being studied.
  Emerging functional ingredients are another important aspect of innovation in nutrients. They are not only nutritious but also beneficial for health. Sometimes, they result in superfoods that are detailed below:
  Spirulina, chia seeds, and blueberries were widely used in the pet food industry due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.  
  Prebiotics, such as FOS (fructooligosaccharides), MOS (mannan oligosaccharide), XOS (xylooligosaccharides), and beta-glucans are known as gastrointestinal microbiome enhancers that improve the growth of beneficial intestinal bacteria. 
  Probiotics are microorganisms that help the digestive system and the gut microbiome. Innovation in pet food is associated with probiotic capsules or spore-forming probiotics (e.g., Bacillus coagulans, Enterococcus faecium) which support extrusion thermal processing. 
  Postbiotics are by-product metabolites from beneficial bacteria that promote gut and immune health. They also reduce inflammation without needing living organisms.
  Enzymes, such as amylase, protease, and lipase are added to enhance nutrient digestibility, especially in diets with alternative ingredients. However, you should be careful since enzymes are thermolabile and need accurate technology to withstand the thermal process, for example, the extrusion. 
  Organic minerals are more bioavailable than traditional sources (sulfate or oxides); they strengthen metabolism, bone health, dermal health, and the immune system. In this segment, there are different organic sources, depending on the metal-binding element. Beginning with the most advanced technology, these can be bisqueled with HMTBa [(hydroxymethyl)butanoic acid]; followed by chelates, essential and non-essential amino acids, complex polysaccharides, or complex propionic acids (according to the AAFCO's classification).
  Vitamins are essential nutrients for pets' health and well-being. Food and vitamin capsules are typically combined in the pet food industry because they protect from heat and oxidation during the extrusion or cooling processes, improving the final product's stability.
  Phytonutrients and/or botanical extracts, such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and essential oils (e.g., rosemary, turmeric, and oregano) are an alternative due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and natural preservative properties. 
  Specific fatty acids can be a good source of polyunsaturated fatty acids or omegas. The controlled incorporation of EPA/DHA (omega-3) microalgae as a more sustainable ingredient than fish oil is not surprising. Medium-chain fatty acids are widely used as immediate sources of energy.
  Bioactive peptides are hydrolyzed protein by-products, for example, hydrolyzed collagen with specific functions (immune response modulator, joint health enhancers, cartilage regeneration, and skin elasticity). 
  Functional fermented vegetable foods, such as miso or kefir (adapted for pets), are beneficial as they provide natural digestive enzymes and beneficial microorganisms.
  Adaptogens (e.g., ashwagandha, ginseng, or rhodiola) are natural ingredients that help the body manage stress. Usually, they are used in supplements to reduce anxiety, support the nervous system, and adapt to changes. 
  On the other hand, there is a trend to reduce toxic ingredients in food; in those cases, we must look for innovative alternatives.
  Reduce sodium, sugar, and synthetic additives by replacing artificial colorants with natural pigments (e.g., beta-carotenes, spirulina) or substituting artificial antioxidants with natural products. 
  Referring to precision innovation, we cannot forget about integrating technology, such as apps that recommend diets or provide nutritional follow-up or intelligent vending machines that ration food and compile consumption data. 
  Another innovative area we must follow closely is innovation in formulation and dosing. Microencapsulation technologies are still evolving to enhance the stability of sensitive compounds (vitamins, oils, and probiotics). Some lab tests allow the understanding of certain genetic predispositions and the gut health of our pets. The applied nanotechnology area is being developed, related to the use of nanoparticles that improve the absorption of minerals and antioxidants (even in the experimental or regulatory stage). Finally, data-driven formulation employs AI and nutritional algorithms that adjust the right amount of micro-ingredients according to age, breed, activity or pathologies, sleep, and pet food consumption in real time. 


By MVZ Armando Enriquez de la Fuente Blanquet
Source: All Pet Food Magazine

By Armando Enriquez de la Fuente Blanquet

14/08/2025

From Claim to Credibility: The Case for Research-Backed Pet Food Ingredients

The pet food industry is unique in that of all the 602 standard pet food ingredients used today, 44% of them are upcycled, which means that they are derived from animal and plant sources that would not be used in human food. This makes pet food a great source to utilize ingredients that otherwise would be wasted, and reduces the competition between human food and pet food for ingredients that span both categories.
  This becomes increasingly important as currently 9% of the world's population is considered hungry, according to a recent report by the World Health Organization. Unfortunately, these upcycled ingredients may not be viewed as premium ingredients by consumers who have decided that descriptions such as 'by-product' are not good for their pets. Many times, these decisions are not based on nutritional research but on messaging from pet food companies. Starches, flours, and functional dietary fibers have been described by many pet food brands as 'fillers,' when there actually is no definitive or regulatory definition for that term. In most cases, these ingredients not only provide nutritional value for pets but also deliver functional benefits that make the pet food easier to actually manufacture.   
  New pet food ingredients and categories have become more popular. The pet food protein category has seen many new entries and continues to see new types of proteins entering the market. Examples of these proteins include cultured meat, insect-based, bacteria- and yeast-based cultures, and upcycled food ingredients. All these new and novel pet food proteins collectively have the potential to help decrease the competition of using animal-based proteins in pet food that could be used in the human food supply. Each one has valid reasons for use, including sustainability, low carbon footprint, as well as delivering needed alternative protein sources for pet food in a competitive landscape. 
  Beyond protein, it is well accepted that Omega-3 fatty acids can help deliver benefits such as skin and coat support, joint health, cognitive health, as well as immune benefits to pets. Most of the Omega-3 fatty acids in pet food, such as EPA and DHA, come from fish oil. As with animal protein ingredients, there is higher competition for fish oil products in human goods when compared to pet food and pet supplement use. Microalgae products have become more prevalent in the pet food world, being described as more sustainable alternatives to fish oil and helping to decrease the reliance on fish oil to deliver the health benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids. 
  Another new trend in the past few years is the promotion of postbiotics. These are inactivated microorganisms, such as yeast or bacteria, and their components that are released after probiotics are no longer alive, which have many health benefits, including digestive health, immune support, and even oral health benefits for pets. Another claimed benefit is that they do not require live bacteria like probiotics do, which may make them more user-friendly in pet food manufacturing.
  These are all examples of new pet food ingredients and categories. Many of these novel pet food ingredients have the potential to help deliver functional benefits to our pets, as well as contribute to the sustainability of the pet food industry as a whole. However, when it comes to the business of the pet food industry, there is a lot of competition in the ingredient space. Many of these newer ingredients come at a premium price when compared to their traditional ingredient counterparts. This means that even though pet food brands may want to use them in products because of the benefits and claims they provide, they have to be affordable and must deliver value that the pet food company and consumer understand. 
  A good way to determine the value of an ingredient is by looking at the extent of research that has been done by the ingredient company to substantiate the claims they promote. Pet food ingredient companies should be conducting feeding study research to validate the claims they make. In vitro (laboratory) studies are helpful for screening tests. However, to actually demonstrate ingredient value, the pet food ingredient industry should be conducting feeding studies to show health benefits in pets. Long-term feeding studies using new ingredients and measuring health parameters are sorely needed to gain credibility for ingredient companies. 
  Ingredient companies should be working with experts in nutrition, physiology, and veterinary medicine, such as those at BSM Partners, to design, implement, and interpret clinical research to help substantiate claims and deliver the value that pet food brands and consumers deserve. After all, if ingredient suppliers and pet food brands don't do feeding studies with their products before they hit the market, pet parents' companions become the defacto study subjects and nobody wants that.


By Bradley Ques
Source: BSM Partners

About the Author
Dr. Bradley Quest, DVM, is the Principal Veterinarian at BSM Partners. He has practiced clinical veterinary medicine, developed and tested hundreds of pet food and health products, performs extensive animal health research, and helps navigate pet food ingredient approval for clients.

09/07/2025

Understanding Minimally Processed: What It Really Means for Your Pets Food

Processing simply means altering an ingredient's chemistry, structure, or safety profile. It can be as gentle as hydrating a pulse or fermenting kefir, or as intensive as retort canning. In other words, each processing step exists because it solves a specific problem, such as improving digestibility, extending shelf life, controlling pathogens, enhancing palatability, preserving texture, or maintaining color, often addressing multiple issues simultaneously.  
  The real question is how much processing is happening, why, and what does it mean for nutrition and safety? 
  Regulatory Definitions 
There are currently no regulatory definitions for 'minimally or lightly processed,' 'gently cooked,' or even 'fresh' pet food established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). The closest AAFCO definition pertains to the 'natural' claim, which allows for common heat or mechanical steps such as rendering, extrusion, purification, and fermentation. Even then, there is no use of the phrase 'minimally processed.'  
  However, the USDA's 'natural' claim states: 'A product containing no artificial ingredient or added color and is only minimally processed. Minimal processing means that the product was processed in a manner that does not fundamentally alter the product.' But there is no numerical cap for 'minimal.' The Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, established by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), does not define 'minimally processed' either, and no temperature limits are specified.  
  Photo by Nadtochii   Enter NOVA System—Helpful Lens or Marketing Hammer? 
In 2009, nutrition scientists at the University of São Paula proposed the NOVA classification system. This four-tiered system ranks foods by the extent and purpose of industrial processing. The tiers are as follows: 
  Group 1: Unprocessed/Minimally Processed—Edible parts of plants, animals, fungi, algae, or water used almost as found in nature, or altered only by basic preservation steps (washing, peeling, drying, chilling, freezing, pasteurizing, fermenting, etc.) 
  Group 2: Processed Culinary Ingredients—Substances extracted from Group 1 foods or nature (oils, butter, lard, sugar, honey, salt) via pressing, milling, refining, evaporating, or drying. 
  Group 3: Processed Foods—Group 1 foods modified by adding Group 2 ingredients (salt, oil, sugar) and/or by preservation or non-alcoholic fermentation; usually have 2–3 ingredients and remain recognizable as the original food. 
  Group 4: Ultra-Processed Foods—Industrial formulations made mostly or entirely from refined food fractions (starches, sugars, oils, proteins) plus additives that create colors, flavors, textures, or extend shelf-life; contain little if any intact whole food.  
  The model was never intended to regulate pet food; yet, the term 'ultra-processed' has been eagerly adopted by bloggers and marketers to cast conventional kibble as nutritionally suspect. The trouble is that NOVA's criteria focus on how a product is assembled, rather than whether it meets nutrient profiles, safety standards, or digestibility targets.  
  Here's the bottom line: NOVA does provide a consumer-friendly shorthand for human diets, but it isn't recognized by the FDA, USDA, or AAFCO, and can be misleading when pasted onto pet nutrition. So, when you see 'ultra-processed' used to dismiss a pet food, first ask: 'What nutrient, safety, or digestibility metric is actually falling short? Or is this just another buzzword trying to 'make fetch happen?'' 
  Is 'Minimally/Lightly Processed' Automatically Better? 
Again, it depends on the product's ultimate goal. Is it always better? No, not always. Less heat means fewer automatic kill steps for pathogen safety. In these cases, it is prudent to add a kill step. High-pressure processing (HPP) or steam pressurized pasteurization (SPP) are two methods that can be used to reduce microbial load. The major difference between the two is that HPP is technically a non-thermal process, while SPP relies on heat to inactivate microbes.     Certain ingredients, such as beans or potatoes, require processing to reduce anti-nutrient factors and enhance the digestibility of their starches. Without the appropriate process, there is an increased chance of your pet consuming an ingredient that is not healthy for them. On the other hand, ingredients that are not exposed to high levels of heat often have higher nutrient retention, albeit at the cost of increased retention of anti-nutrient factors.  
  Even the gentlest recipe requires a validated kill step. Whether a brand relies on HPP, SPP, or heat in extrusion or retort, the goal is the same: to achieve at least a 5-log reduction of pathogens such as Salmonella and Listeria without overcooking nutrients. 
  Bottom line, the degree of processing should not be on the product as a whole, but on the individual ingredients and what is appropriate from a safety and nutritional perspective.  
  Looking Ahead: How the PURR Act Could Bring Clarity 
The Pet Food Uniform Regulatory Reform (PURR) Act of 2025, now pending before the House of Representatives, proposes a single federal standard for labeling dog and cat food. If passed, it offers a viable vehicle to define descriptors like lightly cooked, air-dried, and freeze-dried raw in measurable terms—think core temperature limits, required pathogen-reduction methods, and even minimum digestibility disclosures.   
  However, the proposed bill is not without its flaws, which BSM Partners has addressed in articles, 'Time for change: Addressing regulatory reform in pet food,' and, 'AAFCO: PURR Act Places Pet Food Transparency on the Chopping Block,' as well as in an episode of the Barking Mad podcast, 'Barking Up the Wrong Tree: How the PURR Act Could Undermine Pet Food Transparency and Safety'.  
  By checking the Federal Register and Regulations.gov, you can keep up to date on any scheduled public hearings or if there is an open comment period for the PURR Act. By participating in this process, brands can help ensure that "minimal processing" becomes a transparent promise backed by science, not just clever marketing copy. 
  Whether you're perfecting your recipe, validating a kill step, or trying to understand where your next opportunity is in the industry, our experts at BSM Partners specialize in audits that keep nutrition, safety, and regulatory compliance in balance, understand market trends, and formulate a nutritious formula for your desired format.  
  About the Author
Dr. Sydney McCauley is a Board-Certified Companion Animal Nutritionist and earned both her bachelor's and doctoral degrees at Virginia Tech in Animal and Poultry Sciences. McCauley's research was in nutritional physiology with a focus on understanding the effects of low birth weight on glucose, fatty acid, carbohydrate, and amino acid metabolism in skeletal muscle and overall metabolic homeostasis during neonatal development.


By Sydney McCauley
Source: BSM Partners

20/01/2025

Technological Advancements Improving the Quality of Pet Food

Although no specific laws characterize industrialized food (Standard, Premium, Super-premium, Special Premium, High-premium, etc.), the quality, research, and applied technologies in their manufacturing and evaluation are crucial to ensure their positioning in the market.   This article investigates the steps applied in the research process and the development of food in which science and technology are combined with the extrusion process using NIR evaluation and digestibility tests.   Extrusion process   The extrusion process has existed for centuries; Joseph Bramah developed the first report in literature in 1797 (England). It was not until 1900 that extrusion began to be used for food manufacturing by the Frenchman Alexandre P. Pigozzi and, in 1954, by the Ralston Purina Company to manufacture dog and cat food.   Extrusion is a thermal process that makes the material (powders) go through a die with holes to shape a specific kibble (ball, bones, heart, among others). It is a HTST process (High Temperature-Short Time), the most widely used method for manufacturing pet food, as dry diets are still the most sold.   Even being an old process, it always grows along with technology, aiming to meet the needs of the pet food industry and ensure excellence in its production and high-quality pet food. Besides being considered one of the most efficient, the technology offered by extrusion is also very economical for manufacturing dog and cat food, especially in terms of quality and food security compared to other processes.   Many extruders in the market aim to satisfy the most diverse process for dog and cat food. Single-screw extruders are the most affordable and used in manufacturing, especially for standard quality in which many formulations are extruded. However, double-screw extruders offer better quality and more options for shaping. Moreover, they can use more ingredients in the formulation, which is advantageous when industries want to diversify their products with Premium and Super-premium food.   Research has demonstrated that controlling its thermal or mechanical energy offers considerable benefits in feeding, for example, managing the effect on starch gelatinization by allowing it to reach the large intestine (colon) and act as prebiotics for dogs and cats. Jackson et al. (2020) discovered that identical formulated food processed in extrusion conditions of high and low shearing results in tough starch to dietary digestion, which produces potentially beneficial changes in the gut microbiome by altering starch digestion. Another benefit related to food, Alvarenga et al. (2021) altered the mechanical energy in the extrusion process and found that kibbles produced in low and middle shearing were denser (varying between 296 and 338 g/L) and less expanded than those in high shearing.   The pet food industry is constantly seeking innovation. With the high demand for new food, including fresh meat, such as Super-premium, fruits and vegetables, or insect proteins, extruders with advanced technology offer an improvement in the use of thermal energy and a reduction in mechanical energy, enhancing the nutritional quality and satisfying nutritional requirements and realities of each factory.   NIRS food evaluation   Near Infrared Spectroscopy is a technology widely used in factories to predict the bromatological condition of ingredients in pet food formulation. This technique has gained popularity in recent years with new advances in execution due to the rapidity and agility of results. Since then, this analytic technology has provided factories with rapid analysis of specifications such as the percentage of proteins, fats, ashes, moisture, and pH, among others.   With almost immediate results, it assists quality control in making decisions by accepting or rejecting the receipt of raw materials. Pet food factories also use NIRS to update the formulation program database and ensure that the composition matches the end product specifications, the labels, and the specifications of each product in its portfolio.   Technological advances make equipment calibration easier and faster for many food and animal ingredient analyses. In addition to macronutrients such as proteins and fats, it is also possible to carry out analysis with near-infrared spectroscopy, e.g., detecting if the sample is contaminated by mycotoxins or biogenic amines or calibrating it to detect adulterations and ensure product approval.   Research in other species (Montoro et al., 2023) examined chemical compounds in feces and the coefficients of apparent digestibility of the total tract. Hervera et al. (2012) evaluated the possibility of the NIRS to estimate the energy content in commercial dog and cat food. These studies strengthen the potential to help the analysis, ensuring food quality.   Therefore, nutrient composition and digestibility are essential to the qualitative evaluation of pet food since they provide results about the nutrient availability in that diet with a significant impact on animal health.   With this goal and ethical guidelines in animal experimentation, that seek to reduce the use of animals in research, many studies evaluate pet food digestibility through the in vitro method, which aims to reproduce apparent digestibility in dry extruded food for dogs and cats. Hervera et al. (2007) studied a two-step multienzyme incubation approach adapted to dogs' digestion characteristics. It consists of two consecutive incubations: the first for 2 hours with pepsin A to acidic pH and the second for 4 hours with pancreatin. After that, the material is filtered, dried, incinerated, and then the digestibility value of the dry and organic matter of the feed is calculated.   Using experimental animals to evaluate the nutritional value of food and raw materials for pets requires time, financial investment, and animal management. That is why industries can use the in vitro technique, a reliable methodology to estimate product digestibility with high reproducibility and repeatability. It also examines and probes new hypotheses in nutritional research in dogs and cats.   Figure 1: In vitro digestibility technique – Source: compiled by author   By: Josiane Volpato and Ingrid Caroline da Silva   Source: All Pet Food Magazine   References Camp Montoro, J., Solà-Oriol, D., Muns, R., Gasa, J., Llanes, N., Garcia Manzanilla, E., 2023. Predicting Chemical Composition and Apparent Total Tract Digestibility on Freeze-Dried Not Ground Faeces Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy in Pigs. Animals 13, 2090. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13132090 Corsato Alvarenga, I., Keller, L.C., Waldy, C., Aldrich, C.G., 2021. Extrusion Processing Modifications of a Dog Kibble at Large Scale Alter Levels of Starch Available to Animal Enzymatic Digestion. Foods 10, 2526. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10112526 Hervera, M., Baucells, M.D., Blanch, F., Castrillo, C., 2007. Prediction of digestible energy content of extruded dog food by in vitro analyses. J. Anim. Physiol. Anim. Nutr. 91, 205–209. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0396.2007.00693.x Hervera, M., Castrillo, C., Albanell, E., Baucells, M.D., 2012. Use of near-infrared spectroscopy to predict energy content of commercial dog food. J. Anim. Sci. 90, 4401–4407. https://doi.org/10.2527/jas.2012-5106 Jackson, M.I., Waldy, C., Jewell, D.E., 2020. Dietary resistant starch preserved through mild extrusion of grain alters fecal microbiome metabolism of dietary macronutrients while increasing immunoglobulin A in the cat. PloS One 15, e0241037. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0241037

By Josiane Volpato

26/11/2024

High-level nutrition: The revolution in pet health

In this context, science and technology have played a fundamental role in developing pet food that not only meets basic nutritional needs, but also promotes long-term health. The evolution of pet food processing and formulation technologies has enabled the creation of increasingly personalized diets for pets, meeting the specific demands of different breeds, ages, and health conditions. Through specialized proteins, probiotics, and functional ingredients, Kemin ensures that its products provide enhanced nutrition and immune support, which not only contributes to the animal's current health but also helps prevent potential issues in the years to come.   One of Kemin's goals is to bring innovations and drive the market to constantly evolve. Our Research & Development team focuses on creating practical and effective solutions for the pet food industry. We offer a wide range of products that, carefully formulated, contribute to the success and quality of the food. Each solution is developed to add value, ensuring that our partners are always a step ahead in an increasingly competitive market.   Thus, technological innovation becomes the main driver behind the continuous development of our solutions and services. It is not just about offering high-quality items; Kemin is constantly refining processes to ensure that our clients receive the most advanced products. This commitment to delivery and customer satisfaction is made possible through the services we provide: the Kemin Application Service (KAS), for example, is designed to integrate the latest technologies, enabling efficient implementation. Our specialists in pet food and rendering are constantly monitoring and updating application methods to ensure precise execution, guaranteeing maximum performance. Each strategy and plan are meticulously crafted to meet the specific needs of each client, making it possible to offer the highest quality equipment and service.   Additionally, our Customer Laboratory Services (CLS) are constantly evolving, incorporating advancements that ensure faster and more accurate analyses. This allows clients to obtain reliable and personalized results, essential for safe and informed decision-making. With the expertise of the Technical Service Managers (TSMs), we ensure that cutting-edge technical knowledge is always available to assist with any challenge, offering support that goes beyond the conventional.   Kemin's Research and Exploratory Services (RES) marks a significant advancement in our ability to innovate. Utilizing the latest research tools and techniques, we are exploring new frontiers and developing solutions that anticipate market needs. This proactive approach allows us not only to keep up with trends but to lead the way, ensuring we are always ahead in delivering products and services that exceed expectations.   The future of pet food is directly tied to the ability to innovate and adapt to new scientific discoveries and emerging technologies. With its customer-centric approach, Kemin is ready to lead this path, offering solutions that promote pet health and well-being in a sustainable and efficient manner. In doing so, Kemin not only strengthens its commitment to excellence but also reaffirms its role as an indispensable partner for all those seeking the best in animal nutrition.   By: Kemin Nutrisurance   Source: All Pet Food Magazine

12/11/2024

Biotechnology in the pet food industry

It is a multidisciplinary field that, through living organisms, biological systems, and processes, develops products and technologies that benefit different ecosystems of society, people, and animals. Its main goal is obtaining additives and simulating the natural process of protein synthesis at the cellular level to produce specific protein molecules, as well as to improve the conservation of forage and silos. But its fields of application are very varied, so let's discover some of the most used ones:   Specific industries   Poultry farming In its function related to protein, it is related to this industry with enzyme use, since using the appropriate ones make it possible to use cheaper raw materials, improving production costs. As an example, we can mention what happens with barley, with high contents of ß-glucans, which birds cannot digest because they lack the appropriate enzymes, and, when solubilized in the intestinal environment, they produce a high degree of viscosity, which hinders nutrient absorption, reducing diet digestibility. This results in dirty eggs, muscle injuries, and more.   Pig farming In this case, enzymes are used to complete the enzymatic system of these animals, immature until they are 8-10 weeks old, which means that they cannot completely digest certain nutrients and substances. Enzymes also help with bacterial growth.   Ingredients   Probiotics and prebiotics These are microorganisms, live or dead, extracts or a combination of some of them, used to promote or improve animal intestinal health and immune system. Prebiotics, for their part, are compounds that promote the growth of these beneficial microorganisms.   Acidifiers Acidifiers are rather a type of biotechnology that allows the modification of biological systems' behavior.   Alternative proteins One of the most dynamic areas of biotechnology applied to pet food is alternative protein development. Traditionally, animal proteins such as chicken, beef, and fish have been the basis of pet food formulation, but nowadays, topics such as sustainability and animal welfare impact the perception of these animals, and consumers have started demanding other alternatives. In this sense, biotechnology allows the creation of alternative proteins, such as those obtained from insects, plants, cell cultures, and laboratory-grown meat.   Personalized microbiomes The microbiome is made up of various microorganisms that live in the digestive tract. It has gained pretty much scientific relevance in animal health in recent years. Biotechnology has enabled significant advances in understanding how microbiomes influence digestion, nutrient absorption, and pets' immune systems, for example.   Personalized food There have already been cases in which manufacturers have used DNA analysis and microbiological studies to develop a food formulation for a specific pet. This allows the creation of food formulas that not only meet general nutritional needs but also address particular health problems of animals with delicate health or highly specific conditions.   Improved Omega-3 Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for pet health, but are traditionally obtained from sources such as fish, which come from the aquaculture industry. Thanks to biotechnology, genetically modified crops are being developed, such as canola, that produce high levels of this fatty acid, which positions it as a more sustainable source to complete formulations.   Sustainability and environmental impact One of the most significant challenges for the pet food industry today is its environmental impact. Biotechnology presents itself as an innovative solution that can, among other items, facilitate carbon footprint reduction and minimize production waste.   Production waste An emerging approach is the use of organic waste to produce pet food ingredients. Through biotechnological processes such as fermentation, waste from the food industry can be transformed into proteins, lipids, or carbohydrates. These can be used in new pet food formulas, which contribute to reducing waste and having a more sustainable production chain.   Biodegradable and even edible packaging Biotechnology is also being applied to developing materials for biodegradable or even edible packaging, managing to address one of the main problems associated with sustainability and the production of non-renewable or recyclable waste.   Innovations in food safety   Genetic optimization Biotechnology is playing a crucial role in improving the ingredients used in pet foods. Today, through genetic modification, it is possible to develop crops with improved nutritional profiles, achieving greater resistance to diseases and a lower need for pesticides or fertilizers.   Biosensors for pathogen detection We are seeing the development of technologies based on biosensors to detect the presence of pathogens such as Salmonella or E. coli used in real-time during food manufacturing, this will allow faster detection and immediate response to conditions, thereby reducing the risk of disease outbreaks in the target population.   Improved natural preservatives Biotechnology has also allowed the development of natural preservatives, used to prolong food shelf life, avoiding the use of chemical additives. These derivatives of plants and other natural organisms are effective in preventing the growth of mold and bacteria, which improves and prolongs final product conservation.   Conclusion   Advances in biotechnology are transforming the pet food industry. This discipline offers innovative solutions to improve pet health, promote sustainability, and ensure food safety. As it continues to evolve, it will keep creating a path to optimize the industry's proposals for pets and, therefore, we will continue to grow together as a market that seeks to offer increasingly safer, efficient, specific, and sustainable solutions.   Source: All Pet Food Magazine

By María Candelaria Carbajo

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.  

23/03/2026

TMI and HS Automation Consolidate their International Expansion with the Launch of TMI USA Inc.  

As part of this expansion, TMI USA Inc. and HS Automation have completed an Asset Purchase Agreement with Bratcher Bagging Inc., a local company with a solid track record and recognition in the US bagging solutions market.
  This is not simply an acquisition, but a strategic integration aimed at strengthening the local market, expanding technical capabilities, and bringing greater value to the North American market by leveraging local market knowledge.   Integration of local expertise and leadership   Bratcher Bagging Inc. has built a reputation based on reliability, service, and specialized technical knowledge. The experience and product portfolio at TMI USA strengthens our operational capacity and technical support network in the country.
  In addition, Kyle Bratcher will continue to lead the team within TMI USA Inc., ensuring continuity, stability, and a smooth transition for all customers.
  This integration ensures:
  Full continuity of services and ongoing orders Ongoing support for installed equipment Expansion of technical and commercial capabilities Expansion of the portfolio of bagging and automation solutions
  With this strategic move, TMI USA expands its offering in the North American market by combining Bratcher's long-standing solutions with TMI's advanced automation technology.
  Our portfolio now includes:
  Complete automatic bagging lines Bag closing systems, robotic palletizing cells Open-mouth baggers Form-fill-seal systems End-of-line and automatic palletizing solutions
  This integration allows us to offer complete and integrated solutions for sectors such as agriculture, animal feed, chemicals, minerals, and food.   Driving automation in American industry   The industrial sector in the United States is moving toward higher levels of automation, operational efficiency, and process optimization. Through TMI USA Inc., we are prepared to accompany this transformation through:
  Specialized engineering Customized automation solutions Local commercial and technical support Innovation backed by the international experience of TMI and HS Automation
  Our goal is clear: to help US manufacturers optimize their bagging processes, reduce downtime, and improve the overall performance of their plants.   Corporate Statement   'This acquisition represents an important step in our commitment to serve the US market with greater capabilities and local expertise. The integration of our teams strengthens our platform for growth and innovation.'
Justin Hartwick, President of TMI USA Inc.   Building the future together   At TMI, we understand growth as a process based on collaboration and trust. This expansion reaffirms our long-term commitment to the North American market.
  With greater resources, an expanded offering, and consolidated leadership in the United States, TMI USA Inc. is poised to bring even more value to the industry.
  For more information, visit: www.tmipal.com Source: TMI Bagging & Palletizing

04/03/2026

STATEC BINDER: packaging machines for a wide range of animal feed products

Dog food in PE bags, bird feed in paper bags, horse feed in big bags. The global feed industry is booming. According to estimates, the sector will grow to $816 billion by 2030—a gigantic market. The largest feed manufacturers are located in China and the US. Soy and corn are among the most important resources, closely followed by wheat and rapeseed. But whether it's feed for farm animals or beloved pets, all these products must not only comply with quality guidelines but also be carefully packaged. And this is where modern high-tech packaging systems play a key role. Austrian manufacturer STATEC BINDER specializes in precisely this area.   A Wide Range of Products Requires a High Degree of Flexibility   Packaging machines from STATEC BINDER combine a number of advantages: from high-quality components that guarantee durability and robustness to sophisticated software that makes them easy to operate. Above all, however, one special aspect runs like a thread through development and production and sets the direction: flexibility. The reason for this is easy to explain: not all animal feed is the same. On the contrary, there are numerous different products of varying sizes and with different flow characteristics—from powdery and dusty goods to free-flowing ones. 
  What does this mean for packaging machines? They have to cope with this wide variety of goods and what's more important, they have to be perfectly aligned with them. For STATEC BINDER, high flexibility in machines is therefore not only desirable, but has long since become a core value. Only in this way can the respective system be optimally integrated into the company setting and be 100% compatible with the product.   Flexibility as a Central Part of the Company Concept   This flexibility manifests itself at STATEC BINDER on several levels:
  Sophisticated systems: Start with selecting the right packaging machine. The product portfolio includes both open-mouth packaging systems and FFS machines.
  Customization options: In the next step, the machine is customized. For example, with a wash-down design for easier cleaning, a bag air press device for even more efficient results, or labeling features.
  Effective accessories: Accurate net weighers dose the exact amount into the bag. Modern bag-sealing machines guarantee secure closure. Finally, metal detectors ensure that no foreign objects end up in the bag.
  The result is high-quality, reliable, and durable packaging machines for pet food that reflect STATEC BINDER's many years of experience.  
  Because pet food not only has to be securely packaged but also stacked quickly and neatly on pallets for further transport, every packaging machine can be supplemented with a STATEC BINDER palletizing system. This further increases the degree of automation.   Strong Professional and Interpersonal Skills   STATEC BINDER is not only a developer, manufacturer, and supplier but also a long-term partner for every customer. This is because it is not just a matter of designing the ideal packaging machine for the respective feed and company, but also of ensuring its smooth operation for many years and continuously developing the system. That is why STATEC BINDER relies on comprehensive, worldwide customer service. This strong human component, combined with technical expertise, makes STATEC BINDER one of the leading suppliers of packaging machines in the feed industry. By STATEC BINDER
Source: All Pet Food Magazine

24/02/2026

Trends in Pet Food Bagging: Innovation, Precision, and Efficiency for a Growing Industry

This growth not only impacts food formulation, but also the industrial processes that ensure its preservation, safety, and presentation. In this context, pet food bagging has come to occupy a strategic place within the production chain.

The final packaging serves multiple purposes: protecting the food from moisture and contamination, facilitating storage and transport, and providing attractive presentation at the point of sale. At the same time, it must be practical and resistant for the end consumer. For this reason, pet food manufacturers are seeking technological solutions that combine efficiency, versatility, and quality control throughout the bagging process.
Formats and materials: versatility as a competitive advantage
The bag format is one of the most decisive factors in the industry. Dry pet food is usually packaged in polypropylene or laminated polyethylene bags, materials that offer high mechanical resistance and protection against moisture, oxygen, and pests. These materials preserve the crunchy texture of the product and extend its shelf life.

Traditionally, the most common formats are between 5 and 20 kg, ideal for owners with several pets or for distributors. However, the current trend shows sustained growth in demand for smaller bags, less than 5 kg, designed for consumers seeking convenience or higher turnover products.

This change requires manufacturers to have flexible bagging equipment that can quickly adapt to different bag sizes and types without compromising production speed.

PAYPER automatic pet food bagging machines are designed precisely to offer this versatility: they allow for quick and automatic format changes, with systems that adjust measurements without the need for manual intervention. In addition, the horizontal empty bag storage system provides operational autonomy, as it can hold up to six stacks of bags ready for the next cycle.

Before sealing, an automatic alignment system ensures that the bag mouth is perfectly level, guaranteeing a precise and professional finish. If the process requires it, double welding adds an additional layer of protection against moisture and contamination.
Dosing and weighing: accuracy in every bag
In pet food, product homogeneity and weight accuracy are essential to meet quality standards. PAYPER has developed the MSX weighing controller, one of the most accurate technologies on the market. Accredited by official metrology institutions, this system was specifically designed for high-speed bagging processes and ensures accurate dosing even on lines with high production throughput.

The MSX combines speed and reliability, maintaining product consistency without generating overweight or losses. Depending on the characteristics of the food—density, particle size, or flowability—the most suitable dosing system is selected, ensuring a stable and controlled flow at all times.
Product protection: guaranteed freshness and preservation
Maintaining the quality of dry food throughout its life cycle is a key challenge. PAYPER pet food bagging lines incorporate residual air extraction and deaeration technologies, which remove excess air from inside the bag and achieve a more compact and stable package. In some cases, the air is replaced by inert gas (such as nitrogen), a technique that prevents oxidation and deterioration of the ingredients, prolonging the freshness of the product.

In addition, the double top seal reinforces the airtight closure and provides extra protection against moisture, dust, and temperature variations. In this way, manufacturers can ensure that each batch retains its nutritional and organoleptic properties until it reaches the consumer.
Quality control: safety at every stage of the process
The pet food industry shares very similar standards to those of the human food sector. For this reason, PAYPER lines incorporate automatic inspection and control systems that verify compliance with all safety and quality parameters.

These include: Checkweighers, which verify that each bag meets the nominal weight. Metal detectors, which guarantee the absence of metal contaminants. Automatic rejection systems, which remove any bag that does not meet the standards from the line.
  This total control ensures that only compliant products reach the market, reinforcing the end customer's confidence and the manufacturer's reputation.
Palletizing and wrapping: presentation and logistics in balance
Once the bag has been sealed, the next step is to ensure flawless handling and presentation. PAYPER bag palletizing systems, available in robotic palletizing and conventional palletizing versions, are designed to handle each bag gently and precisely. The result is a perfectly square and stable pallet, ready for storage or transport.

High-speed palletizers incorporate telescopic belt feeders and specialized gripping heads, capable of maintaining the integrity of the bag even at intensive production rates.

Finally, Stretch Hooding and Stretch Wrapping protects pallets from moisture, dust, and UV rays, ensuring their stability during transport. This stage not only contributes to logistical safety, but also improves the final image of the product, an aspect that is increasingly valued by brands.
Commitment to innovation and customer focus
With over 50 years of experience and more than 5,000 projects completed in over 80 countries, PAYPER has established itself as a global leader in complete bagging lines. Its network of eight international subsidiaries and local technical service teams enable it to offer immediate and personalized assistance, adapting to the specific needs of each customer and region.
Conclusion: Pet Food bagging as an essential part of product value
Current trends in the pet food market point to greater automation, precision, and sustainability. Pet Food bagging is no longer considered a secondary stage in the process, but rather a key element in ensuring the quality and competitiveness of the final product.

PAYPER bagging solutions integrate all critical elements—dosing, weighing, bagging, palletizing, and strapping—into complete, flexible, and customized lines. Thanks to its focus on efficiency and technological innovation, PAYPER accompanies the pet food industry toward a more secure, sustainable, and profitable future. Source: PAYPER

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

17/02/2022

Trace minerals in pet food: what are their benefits and challenges?

However, there are conflicting positions! In this article we analyze the types of trace minerals, the different voices, advantages and disadvantages of incorporating this ingredient into pet food recipes. Pet owners, and especially millennials, are increasingly interested in providing the best nutrition, care and quality of life for their pets. In this sense, trace elements such as zinc, copper, iron and manganese are an essential part of this formula for well-being, since they play a key role in cellular functions, oxygen exchange and other bodily processes.   What are trace elements or trace minerals? Trace minerals are elements that are required in very small amounts to achieve a balanced diet, but which have a wide range of benefits for the proper functioning of various systems such as the immune system, musculoskeletal, skin and coat health, for example. Some of them are zinc, copper, iron and manganese. In the animal world, it must also be taken into account that the trace elements necessary for dogs and cats are not the same.   When we talk about the incorporation of these components into a pet food formula, 2 aspects should be taken into account: • The shape of the mineral offered. • The amount provided. These data significantly influence the bioavailability of the mineral in the animal's body.   Forms of the minerals offered Inorganic They are generally found in the form of sulfates or oxides. They are relatively soluble. Since many reactions that occur when ionized make them unavailable, inorganic trace minerals are often inefficient and must be supplied in greater amounts. As they come from extracted sources, safety and traceability must be part of the quality assurance process to avoid the inclusion of heavy metals which, if present in a diet, can be harmful to health. Organic These can be divided into complexes and chelates: Complexes They are compounds that help keep the mineral stable or non-reactive and available for absorption. Chelates These have more bonds than complexes, which improves stability while preserving their availability to be absorbed if necessary. This increases the likelihood that the mineral will reach the small intestine in a way that it can be absorbed.   Trace minerals, an element of interest (and controversy) Trace elements are a component that is equally interesting and confusing in the pet food industry. Historically, pet food formulas have relied on extracted or inorganic minerals to reach nutrient levels recommended by different associations, such as the AAFCO. What happens, as we previously discussed, is that inorganic minerals are difficult to absorb, which is why additional amounts used to be added. Voices against this practice claim that this approach does not necessarily meet the real needs of pets, especially in the stages of infancy, pregnancy, or old age.   Seeking to transition to organic trace elements The truth is that organic trace minerals are the most natural and the best option for pets. Opting for this option in food formulas facilitates the availability and absorption of its nutrients. However, the use of inorganic minerals has become widespread throughout the food industry (and not only for pets), which, although they are in common use, are often ineffective. Organic minerals have high stability, so they work better, they resist much more in the digestive tract, and as a result, the animal's body can absorb what it needs. Minerals are essential, but if they are ingested in excess, they can cause toxicity.   Why are inorganic trace minerals poor in absorption? The structure of the inorganic mineral makes it interact with other components during the digestion process. As a result, it forms an indigestible complex that eventually ends up outside the body without being absorbed. This is equivalent to poor bioavailability because, even though the food has trace minerals, they cannot be used by the body. The form in which the trace mineral is present can influence the absorption of other nutrients in the intestine, such as: Impact on the stability of vitamins The oxidation of vitamins, such as vitamin E, can lead to a reduced vitamin function and, the cause can be the oxidation of fats by the action of trace elements. Compromised antioxidant function Research has confirmed that commonly used antioxidants can be compromised by inorganic minerals. In cases where the mineral bond is weak, there is a significant negative impact on antioxidant activity. However, and despite the possible complications of the use of trace elements, various studies insist on verifying the great benefits of their use and incorporation in pet food formulas. The latest published study, which was completed in 2020, lasted 12 weeks and included 46 older dogs between the ages of 7 and 14 with an average age of 9.8 years. It looked at skin and coat health, hair growth, activity levels, weight, and body condition. They were observed, after a period of feeding them with formulas containing organic trace minerals, an improvement in all the aspects mentioned above. Summarizing we can say that today's pets are part of the family, and thanks to the relevance they have gained over the years, the industry has invested more and more resources in improving their quality of life. In this sense, food has become a priority factor for those owners who seek to provide their four-legged friends with the best on the market. With regard to today's topic, the responsibility of producers is to keep trace minerals as available as possible for their proper absorption, and preferably to use them in an organic format, in order to ensure successful nutrition and avoid any risk of intoxication. Definitely, continuing to work on optimizing nutrition by trace elements will lead to healthier pets with stronger and longer-lasting immune, musculoskeletal and gastrointestinal systems.   By: All Pet Food

By Luciana Chippano