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

10/07/2026

Premier Tech Expands Facility in Mexico, Fuelling Growth in Latin America  

A strategic investment in a growing market
This investment reinforces Premier Tech's position in a strategic market where key industries continue to modernize.
  'Latin America is a high-priority region for Premier Tech, particularly in industries such as pet food and agribusiness, where production volumes are increasing and companies are investing in automation and efficiency, traceability, as well as operational reliability,' said Simon Roy, president and chief operating officer of Premier Tech Systems and Automation. 'This new site will allow us to foster long-term partnerships with our customers.'
  A larger facility to better support customers
The expanded site strengthens Premier Tech's integrated end-of-line offering, improving access to expert support, specialized training, advanced testing, and long-term lifecycle support, with a solution-oriented approach combining engineering expertise and customer focus.
  The facility is now 50% larger than before, totaling 1,500 m². Enhanced infrastructure, improved safety, and team-focused amenities ensure seamless operation while prioritizing the well-being of Premier Tech team members.
  'This new facility enhances our ability to support local customers, accelerate the adoption of advanced automation solutions, and expand our service capabilities, engineering expertise, and lifecycle services,' said Alexandre Molion, vice president — Latin America for Premier Tech Systems and Automation.   Building long-term momentum in Mexico
This milestone also highlights the value of the collaborative institutional support accompanying Premier Tech's growth in Mexico.
  'Premier Tech is a leading company that fully embodies the expertise, innovation and ability of Québec businesses to transform their industries, both at home and internationally. At the Québec Government Office in Mexico City, we are proud to work with the experts from Investissement Québec International to support ambitious companies like Premier Tech in their growth, diversification and expansion efforts in the Mexican market,' said Stéphanie Allard-Gomez, Québec's Delegate General in Mexico City. Source: Premier Tech

29/06/2026

The Pet Industry's Next Challenge Isn't Innovation, It's Interpretation  

David Protein strongly denied the allegations, stating its labels fully comply with FDA regulations and that critics are misunderstanding how calories are calculated for a fat substitute used in the bars. The lawsuit was eventually dropped.
  Regardless of that outcome, the situation highlights a growing reality in nutrition-focused industries: Consumers are becoming increasingly skeptical of marketing claims, ingredients, brand philosophies, and overall transparency. The implication of this controversy extends far beyond human protein bars. This same tension is rapidly emerging in the pet food and supplement space.
  The pet industry is entering an era in which advanced nutritional science is outpacing consumer understanding. As consumers become more educated about pet nutrition, ingredient sourcing, and manufacturing practices, their expectations around transparency and quality have risen accordingly. However, as innovation accelerates, interpreting increasingly complex nutritional concepts has become more challenging.
  Social media, podcasts, online forums, and influencer content have amplified this complexity. Pet owners have constant access to opinions, experiences, and nutritional philosophies from every direction imaginable. The result is a pet care 'blogosphere' where information spreads fast, regardless of whether it's scientifically sound, completely misunderstood, or flat-out wrong.   The Growing Gap Between Innovation and Understanding
Pet owners are juggling ingredient panels, online reviews, veterinary guidance, advice from retail store associates, marketing claims, and TikTok trends while trying to make the most informed decisions they can. In many cases, purchasing becomes less about sound, science-backed formulation and more about emotion.
  A bag with earthy colors and the word 'natural' slapped across the front can feel more trustworthy than a diet substantiated by decades of feeding trials. Another consumer may completely write off an otherwise excellent product because it contains those damned legumes, which have been demonized without any definitive scientific credence, creating a challenging environment for innovative pet brands.
  This disconnect is important to address as functional ingredients, postbiotics, novel proteins, and targeted nutrition strategies become more common in product development. Many of these innovations offer meaningful benefits, but their value is not always immediately obvious to consumers. For example, postbiotics offer scientifically supported benefits, but many consumers struggle to distinguish them from prebiotics or probiotics. A technically sound formulation does not automatically translate into consumer understanding and trust.
  For many consumers, purchasing decisions are no longer based solely on whether a product is nutritionally complete, safe, or scientifically substantiated. They are increasingly influenced by consumers' beliefs in the brand's philosophy.
  As a result, a product may meet all nutritional and regulatory requirements and still face consumer hesitation if its ingredient panel appears overly complex, heavily processed, or difficult to understand. Likewise, nutritionally beneficial ingredients may struggle to gain acceptance if consumers simply have difficulty pronouncing them.   The Communication Challenge Facing Pet Brands
This creates a difficult balancing act for pet brands. Marketing teams naturally want claims that are emotionally compelling and commercially differentiating, but overly aggressive, poorly substantiated, or loosely defined messaging can create risk. Terms such as 'natural,' 'clean,' 'human-grade,' 'functional,' or even implied health positioning, like using imagery of a senior dog hiking with its owner on the front of a joint health supplement, may resonate strongly with consumers while simultaneously creating regulatory gray areas or expectations the product was never designed to meet.
  At the same time, oversimplified marketing can create its own risks. Claims centered around 'limited ingredient,' 'holistic,' or 'ancestral' nutrition may resonate emotionally with consumers, but they often lack globally accepted definitions. Without careful communication, these claims can unintentionally create confusion around what the product actually delivers.
  Brands must be increasingly careful about the claims and positioning language they bring to market. As seen in the David Protein controversy, even when a company believes it is operating within regulatory guidelines, consumer interpretation and public perception can quickly escalate into reputational damage or legal scrutiny. In today's environment, claims tied to nutrition, ingredient functionality, processing methods, or wellness outcomes are being examined not only by regulators but also by highly engaged consumers, influencers, competitors, and plaintiff attorneys just waiting to sue.   Building Consumer Trust into Innovation
This reality is creating a new challenge for product developers and marketers alike. Consumer research, concept testing, claims validation, and educational strategies are becoming increasingly important components of the innovation process rather than activities reserved for product launch.
  The brands most likely to succeed in the next phase of pet nutrition innovation may not simply be the brands with the most advanced science. They may be the brands that can clearly and credibly explain their science in ways consumers can understand and trust.
  That requires more than just strategic marketing and quippy TikTok posts. It requires alignment between product development, regulatory, nutrition and veterinary expertise, consumer insights, and brand communication from the earliest stages of innovation.   The Next Competitive Advantage
At BSM Partners, we view consumer trust as an essential component of product development rather than simply a downstream marketing function. Scientific innovation is critically important, but it only creates value when consumers can easily identify its purpose, benefits, credibility, and limitations. In many cases, consumer understanding may ultimately determine whether even the most scientifically sophisticated innovation succeeds in the marketplace.
  As the pet industry continues to advance toward more targeted nutritional solutions, brands will likely face increasing scrutiny of claims, transparency, ingredient philosophies, and scientific substantiation. The companies that proactively bridge the gap between innovation and interpretation may ultimately be the ones that build stronger long-term consumer confidence.
  In today's market, scientific excellence is not always enough. Consumers also need to feel informed, empowered, and confident in what they are feeding their pets. Source: BSM Partners

22/06/2026

FEDIAF Elects Greg Van Praagh as New President  

Brussels, 10 June 2026 – FEDIAF, the voice of the European Pet Food Industry, today announced the election of Greg Van Praagh as its new President, following a vote at the Association's General Assembly held in Brussels. Van Praagh, who represents UK Pet Food (formerly PFMA) and is co-founder of Benyfit Natural, succeeds Rosa Carbonell, who has served as FEDIAF President since 2022. The General Assembly also confirmed the full composition of the new Board of Directors, including the appointment of two Vice-Presidents and the election of two new Board members.
  Greg Van Praagh brings extensive experience at the intersection of pet food manufacturing, trade association leadership, and regulatory engagement. A co-founder of Benyfit Natural – a pioneering commercial raw pet food brand now part of the Snellman family – he served as Managing Director and subsequently as Head of UK & Europe at the Real Pet Food Company (RPFC).
  Van Praagh has been a prominent figure in UK and European pet food policy for nearly a decade. He served as Chairman of the Pet Food Manufacturers' Association (PFMA) – now UK Pet Food. During his chairmanship, he spearheaded the rebranding and modernisation of the Association. He has been an active member of the FEDIAF Board of Directors since his election to the Board in 2024.
  'It is a profound honour to be elected President of FEDIAF at such a pivotal moment for our industry. Europe's pet food sector feeds hundreds of millions of beloved animals and supports tens of thousands of jobs across the continent. My focus will be on ensuring that our regulatory environment allows innovation to flourish, that we maintain the highest standards of safety and nutrition, and that we continue to make the compelling case for the important role pets play in people's lives. I am grateful to the members for their trust, and I look forward to building on the exceptional work of my predecessor.'
Greg Van Praagh, incoming President, FEDIAF   Tribute from Outgoing President Rosa Carbonell
Rosa Carbonell, who served as FEDIAF President from 2022 and was re-elected in 2024, concludes her mandate  having led the association through a period of significant regulatory and societal transformation. In a context of increasing complexity, she provided clear, steady leadership, dedicating substantial time, energy and personal commitment to ensuring that FEDIAF remained cohesive, relevant and forward-looking. During her tenure she championed a science-based approach to policy and deepened FEDIAF's relationships with European regulators and civil society.
  'It has been the greatest privilege to serve as President of FEDIAF and to represent an industry that I believe deeply in. Working alongside such dedicated colleagues, member associations and the FEDIAF Secretariat has been genuinely inspiring. I am confident the association is in excellent hands with Greg. He brings passion, deep industry knowledge and a proven track record of effective advocacy. I know he will champion our members with energy and conviction, and I will continue to support him and the entire FEDIAF community in the years ahead.'
Rosa Carbonell, outgoing President, FEDIAF

The FEDIAF Board of Directors expresses sincere gratitude to Rosa for her outstanding leadership, vision and dedication over the past years, that were instrumental in strengthening FEDIAF's role and impact, leaving a lasting legacy for the Association. Rosa will continue to support FEDIAF's work on the Board of Directors as Vice-President.   New Board of Directors
Alongside President Van Praagh, the General Assembly confirmed a Board of Directors that blends continuity with new perspectives. Rosa Carbonell (Nestlé Purina Petcare Europe) takes on the role of Vice-President and Christophe Carlier (Royal Canin, representing the French association FACCO) was confirmed as board member. Dr. Katrin Langner, Managing Director of IVH (the German Industry Association for Pet Supplies), joins the Board as well, while newly elected Robin van den Bruinhorst, Managing Director of Dutch frozen pet food innovator Q-Petfood (representing the Dutch association NVG) becomes vice-President. Source: FEDIAF

20/04/2026

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

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

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.

27/04/2026

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

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

11/07/2023

Nutritional needs of cats and dogs

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

09/06/2023

How important is choline for cats

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

01/07/2026

Raw Materials and Real Value in Pet Food

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Armando Enriquez de la Fuente Blanquet

10/06/2026

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

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

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

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

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

19/05/2026

Holistic Stability with Functional Ingredients and Real Value

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

26/06/2026

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

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


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

03/06/2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Ludmila Barbi T. Bomcompagni

29/04/2026

Pet Food Testing Moves From the Kennel and Into the Home  

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

04/12/2023

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

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

27/11/2023

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

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

29/08/2023

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

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

23/06/2026

The Role of Bagging in the New Generation of Pet Food Ingredients

This shift impacts product development as well as the industrial processes that handle these materials. As raw materials become more complex and valuable, every stage of production must ensure proper handling, preservation, and traceability.

In this context, bagging and end-of-line operations are becoming increasingly strategic within production plants.
New Ingredients, New Handling Challenges
Modern pet food formulations incorporate ingredients with highly diverse physical characteristics: plant-based proteins, functional meals, blends with varying particle sizes, and dehydrated ingredients with high nutritional value.

These raw materials may behave very differently during handling, requiring adapted bagging solutions. Among the most relevant factors are:
  Variations in bulk density. Presence of fine particles or dust during filling. Fragile or handling-sensitive ingredients.
  In these cases, dosing and weighing systems must ensure controlled flow and gentle product handling, avoiding losses, breakage, or segregation that could affect final product quality.
Having equipment that adapts to these characteristics is essential to maintain process efficiency and protect product integrity.
Weighing Accuracy: Protecting Product Value
As formulations incorporate higher value-added ingredients, precision in the bagging process becomes critical.

Even small weight deviations can represent significant economic losses when working with high-cost raw materials or tightly balanced nutritional blends. For this reason, bagging lines must integrate dynamic weighing systems and digital control to maintain high accuracy, even at high production speeds.

In this field, PAYPER has established itself as a global reference in dynamic weighing of bulk solid products. All its automatic bagging machines incorporate the MSX weighing controller, designed to ensure exceptional accuracy in demanding industrial processes.

This system enables optimized product dosing, reduced variability between bags, and maximized raw material utilization—key factors when handling high-value ingredients.
Quality Control and Product Safety
Product quality and safety are top priorities in the pet food sector, where production standards are increasingly aligned with those of the food industry.

For this reason, modern bagging lines can incorporate various inspection and control systems, such as metal detectors, checkweighers, and automatic rejection systems. These solutions allow for the identification of process deviations and ensure that only bags meeting all quality parameters proceed along the production line.

In the case of PAYPER, these technologies can be integrated into complete end-of-line solutions, covering everything from dosing and weighing to bagging, palletizing, and final pallet protection. This integrated approach optimizes coordination between equipment and ensures smooth and efficient operation across the entire line.
Automation and Advanced Line Control
As production plants increase in capacity and complexity, managing bagging lines requires advanced control and monitoring tools.

In this context, PAYPER has developed Pulsar, an all-in-one digital platform designed to centralize the management of the entire bagging line. This tool allows manufacturers to monitor equipment performance, analyze production data, and optimize line configuration in a simple and intuitive way.

Through this system, manufacturers gain a comprehensive view of the process, enabling them to identify deviations and improve operational efficiency.

In addition, Pulsar facilitates maintenance management and access to key technical information, allowing potential issues to be anticipated and interventions to be planned before unplanned downtime occurs.
Technical Service and Operational Continuity
In high-capacity production environments, operational continuity is critical. Any unexpected downtime can directly impact plant efficiency and supply capacity.

For this reason, access to specialized technical service and predictive maintenance tools has become essential for manufacturers.

Digital solutions such as Pulsar enable equipment condition monitoring, spare parts management, and maintenance support, helping reduce downtime and improve line availability.

This approach combines advanced technology with specialized technical support to ensure maximum reliability in plant operations.
Bagging in the Face of New Pet Food Challenges
The evolution of the pet food sector demands increasingly precise, flexible, and automated solutions. In this context, expertise in design and bagging systems optimization becomes a key factor in meeting new market requirements.

In an environment where ingredients are becoming more innovative and higher in value, bagging is no longer just a logistical step—it becomes an essential part of the product's value. Ensuring precision, quality control, traceability, and proper final presentation allow this value to be preserved from production through to distribution.

This evolution—closely linked to operational efficiency and production optimization—is also reflected in the industry's leading international events. In this context, PAYPER actively participates in trade fairs, such as Interpack (stand 12C06), Fenagra (stand C19), and Foro Mascotas (D6-B), where it showcases its solutions and engages directly with key industry players.

In addition, the company continues to strengthen its international presence in key markets, such as Central America and Brazil, where it operates with local structures to provide close, tailored support to the specific needs of the sector. By PAYPER
Source: All Pet Food Magazinw

05/06/2026

When Does it Make Sense to Automate a Bagging Process? 

What is an automatic bagging machine?
An automatic bagging machine is a packaging machine whose ultimate objective is the same: to measure out precise quantities of solid products and place them into bags. The main difference is that the automatic bagging machine does this without human intervention. In other words, in an automatic system, the machine handles all stages: picking up the empty bag, opening it, positioning it, filling it, sealing it and moving it on to the palletiser. It is worth noting that weighing and dosing are automatic in both semi-automatic and automatic systems. The difference lies in the handling of the bag.   In these cases, the operator moves from performing repetitive physical tasks to carrying out supervisory duties and replenishing consumables. This technological leap involves greater mechanical and control complexity, but also a profound transformation in the dynamics of the workstation and the production capacity of the line.   Advantages and disadvantages of automatic bagging machines.   Benefits of automatic bagging machines. Full automation of bagging transforms the operational logic of the workstation. This continuity reduces variability and allows for consistent rhythms to be maintained even during sustained production runs. By stabilising the bagging point, line performance is optimised, which has a direct impact on productivity and planning capacity.   Another key aspect is the reorganisation of the operator's role. Instead of physically intervening in every cycle, a single person can supervise the system and manage the supply of consumables (empty sacks, sewing thread or other items), devoting more time to process control than to mechanical execution. From a health and safety perspective, automation also offers clear advantages. By reducing direct handling of the product and the bag, exposure to dust, repetitive physical strain or unnecessary contact with sensitive materials is significantly reduced. The result is a cleaner and safer working environment. Finally, monitoring the position of the bag throughout its journey ensures greater precision in filling and sealing. This continuous monitoring reduces errors, improves the quality of the finish and brings greater consistency to the entire process.   Limitations of automatic bagging machines. However, full automation also entails certain technical and financial requirements. The initial investment is higher than that of a semi-automatic bagging machine, which can delay the return on investment if the production volume does not justify the technological leap. Therefore, the decision must be based on actual data regarding production capacity, labour costs and growth projections.   From a physical standpoint, automatic bagging machines typically require more floor space, as they incorporate additional modules for bag retrieval, opening and positioning. Although compact configurations are available [JV1]  , the impact on the layout must be assessed in detail within the overall end-of-line project. It is also important to consider the human factor. An automatic system requires a qualified operator to ensure the line operates correctly. Experience shows that the optimal performance of a system depends largely on the technical knowledge of the team operating it.   Finally, the greater mechanical and control complexity implies proper planning of preventive maintenance. More mechanisms and drives mean more critical points that must be managed correctly throughout the machine's lifecycle. This aspect is not necessarily a drawback, but it is a factor that must be taken into account in the overall project analysis.   In which cases is it advisable to install an automatic bagging machine?   There is no universal threshold determining when an automatic bagging machine is essential. The decision depends on a combination of production, economic and strategic factors. One of the clearest factors is production volume. When demand is in the medium to high range of bags per hour, automation enables consistent output rates that ensure a return on investment through high productivity.   The labour context also plays a role. In regions where labour is scarce or costly, automation can accelerate the return on investment by reducing operational dependency. In food or hygiene applications, where the aim is to minimise operator contact with the product being bagged as much as possible. Similarly, when working with toxic, abrasive or dusty products, automation serves as a safety measure for workers. There is also a strategic component. Full automation of bagging conveys an image of efficiency and control that many companies consider part of their industrial positioning.   If the investment is to be made in phases: is it better to automate bagging or palletising first?   This is a common question when the budget does not allow for the complete automation of the end-of-line process in a single stage. At first glance, it seems logical to automate palletising first: manually moving a 25 kg full sack is more demanding than placing an empty sack. And, in many cases, that argument makes sense.   However, the decision should not be based solely on physical effort. The bagging rate determines the palletising rate, never the other way round. If the bottleneck lies in dosing and filling, automating palletising will not solve the underlying problem. Furthermore, when the product requires strict hygiene conditions or poses risks to the operator, automating bagging can have a greater impact than automating palletising. Each project must analyse where the greatest loss of efficiency occurs, what operational risks exist and what the plant's medium-term objective is.   At TMI, we help you automate with a clear strategy.   Automating bagging is a matter of industrial coherence. In some cases, a well-designed semi-automatic solution is sufficient and cost-effective. In others, sustained production, operational safety or growth strategy fully justify an automatic bagging machine. The manufacturer's role is to assess the customer's production reality and propose the most suitable solution in terms of performance, investment and future prospects, and that is what we do at TMI.   By: David Padullés, Sales Director at TMI Source: TMI

21/04/2026

PAYPER Strengthens its Leadership Presenting its Bottom-Up Filling System at Interpack 2026

At the upcoming Interpack trade show (May 7–13, Düsseldorf), PAYPER will showcase its bottom-up filling system at its booth (Hall 12 – C06), a solution specifically designed to optimize the bagging of fine powdered products.

The technology, which has already been introduced in specialized technical forums, expands the company's portfolio of dosing solutions and addresses one of the most common challenges in industrial bagging: dust generation and the unstable behavior of certain products during filling.
  A common challenge in bagging powdered products
In bagging processes involving products with very fine particle sizes, it is common for air entrapment and dust generation to occur during bag filling. These situations can lead to the dispersion of airborne particles, increased vacuuming requirements, or product loss.

The bottom-up filling approach modifies traditional filling dynamics to reduce the product drop height during the dosing process. This principle improves process control and minimizes dust generation, especially for materials prone to fluidization or sensitive to aeration.
A process-oriented solution
Thanks to this configuration, the system is particularly well-suited for applications in which controlling the product's behavior during filling is a key factor.

This approach reduces dust generation during bagging and improves product stability inside the bag, helping to optimize working conditions and facility cleanliness. In addition, the system features a new chassis design that facilitates cleaning and maintenance tasks, improving accessibility and plant operations.

These topics will be discussed in greater detail during the pre-trade show technical webinar on April 22; the registration link is available on the company's website.
Technology, integration, and experience: a proven solution
In addition to this new solution, PAYPER is coming to Interpack 2026 with a proven technological offering, built on its expertise in industrial weighing—where it has established itself as a leader thanks to innovations such as its MSX weighing controller—and in the digitization of bagging lines with its all-in-one digital solution, Pulsar.

  MSX weighing controller   Pulsar
  These capabilities are part of the company's specialization in the design and manufacture of complete bagging lines, a comprehensive approach that allows it to offer solutions tailored to each customer and is one of its key competitive advantages in the market.
Growth and a vision for the future
This strategy is supported by the expansion of its headquarters in Bell-lloc d'Urgell, where PAYPER is constructing a new 8,800-square-meter industrial facility. This €6 million investment will bring the total production space at its headquarters to over 18,000 square meters, strengthening its capacity to take on larger-scale projects and meet growing international demand. Source: PAYPER

About PAYPER
Founded in 1973 and headquartered near Barcelona, PAYPER designs and manufactures state-of-the-art bagging lines for bulk solids. With more than 5,000 projects completed in over 80 countries, the company has extensive experience in sectors such as the agri-food, chemical, and animal feed industries, among others.

Its global team, made up of more than 200 professionals, provides support throughout the entire product lifecycle. In addition, PAYPER has a strong international presence with 8 subsidiaries and an extensive network of agents, ensuring responsive and efficient service worldwide.

payper.com
Marketing Department | marketing@payper.com | +34 973 21 60 40

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