ABOUT US MAGAZINE

MARKETPLACE INDUSTRY INTERVIEW EVENTS ALL PET FOOD TV

MARKET INFORMATION TRENDS MANUFACTURING PROCESS INGREDIENTS VETERINARY

Magazine

ad1

Advertising

260x430 260x430

Videos


Dosing

Dosing

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

Dosing

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

Dosing

17/03/2023

KSE ALFRA Equipments: The perfect fit for every plant

A high precision dosing and weighing system is crucial to produce quality products. KSE's ALFRA equipment has over 90 years of experience in food and related industries, ensuring optimum production flexibility in your plant while maintaining high consistency of quality and safety.
These equipments incorporate solutions to dose both macro and micro components for ingredients with different densities and flow characteristics.
Raw material dosing: Precise component measurements
The quality of animal feed essentially depends on the precision of dosage and weighing of the components of the formulation. ALFRA equipment is designed to measure each component with maximum precision.
Micro-component dosing: The most precise measurement of the smallest components With ALFRA equipment, the smallest amounts of components are measured with extreme precision to ensure that micro-dosing and weighing are no longer the bottleneck in the factory. Automating the micro-dispensing process eliminates the time-consuming (and error-prone) task of manual dispensing, ultimately improving quality consistency, process control, and health and safety performance.
  We invite you to learn about ALFRA equipment for micro-dosing:   ALFRA BDS: The ALFRA Box Dosing System is a modular and scaleable platform that is designed to completely automate the preparation of micro ingredients for animal feed production in boxes.   ALFRA FCCDxy: The FCCD safely doses rarely used ingredients that can spoil if they remain in the silo for too long. It uses unique exchangeable containers with dosing slides, giving efficient and contamination-free dosing of even small quantities of materials. Ingredients from up to 24 containers can be combined automatically.   ALFRA FCDxy: Combining high throughput with outstanding accuracy, the ALFRA FCDxy features our unique dosing slide, which ensures that dosing and weighing is no longer a factory bottleneck. Uniquely, it eliminates labor-intensive and error-prone hand dosing – and the alternative of a separate machine for small amounts – by handling from 50 gram right up to 100 kg in a single machine.   ALFRA KCD: is designed for dosing and weighing dry powders, granulates and pellets. The dosing and weighing system combines high throughput with excellent accuracy.     KSE was founded in 1973 as a small electrical installation company in the agricultural sector. Over the years, it has specialized in dosing and weighing systems and intelligent automation software for the feed industry. They focus on continuous innovation, passed down from generation to generation. This sector is its core market. Personal contact, excellent service and a passion for the powder and granules processing sector are the keys that have allowed them to grow from being a small company to an international company with activities all over the world. LEARN MORE about their equipment, services and solutions.

By: All Pet Food

Dosing

30/12/2022

Dosing slide vs. screw feeder

It is a challenge to find the most optimal solution for the silo discharge system within a specific process installation. In many cases, it is a question weighing up a dosing slide against a screw feeder. To make a responsible choice, insight into the operation and qualities of both the dosing slide and the screw feeder is required. Activation The dosing slide consists of a fixed upper lower grid and an upper grid that moves back and forth during the dosing process. This ensures that the product in the silo is loosened by means of a product-friendly activation. The dosing slide moves the product without transporting it. This means that the product flows straight in a vertical direction, by use of gravity. In contrast to a screw feeder (in which the material is extruded in one direction), no energy is supplied which means no product damage or compaction occurs. The simple design of the dosing slide makes it a particularly durable discharge system. A dosing slide can be in operation for decades. Mass flow The discharge system determines, to a certain extent, the silo's geometry and therefore also the flow image of the product inside the silo. It prefers to not place the discharge system in the middle of the silo funnel, to reduce the risk of product bridging in the silo. A dosing slide generally offers a much larger discharge surface than a screw feeder. The screw feeder's discharge surface is determined by the relatively small diameter and length of the screw itself. The larger discharge surface of the dosing slide ensures an equal discharge flow where mass flow occurs in the silo (the FIFO principle). For a given storage capacity (in case of an equal funnel triangle), less building height is also required. Dosing range An important feature of the dosing slide is the enormous dynamic flow range. The ratio between the minimum and maximum flow rate is easily 1:1000 (from grams to kilograms per second), with a dosing accuracy of approximately 2 grams. With a screw feeder, the dynamic flow range is no better than 1:20. An increase in speed not only translates into an increase in capacity, but also into an increase in slippage. It is true that placing a second screw under the main screw reduces the flow to, for example, 1 % of the maximum flow, however, the investment costs for materials and especially the control system will strongly increase. In addition, starting a pull-out screw at low speed requires an extra strong motor with a frequency controller. This extra power is necessary I order to provide the breakaway torque. This requirement does not apply to a dosing slide. Dosage precision With a dosing slide, minimum dosage quantities approach 0 grams; with a dosing screw, this quantity is determined by the volume in one turn of the screw. Once the dosing screw's discharge opens a screw compartment, this compartment flows out completely. In addition, there is the risk of the product's continuing to flow (primarily if the product has the tendency to become fluid). It is, of course, possible to install a shut-off after the dosing screw for more precise dosages, but the next dosage then amounts to at least that quantity of material that the shut-off held back. By contrast, a dosing slide closes immediately and completely. The dynamic flow range results in the dosing slide's being able to provide both rapid and precise dosing. With a dosing slide/scale combination, the limiting factor to precise dosage is the scale, not the dosing slide. For this, a weigher-in-weigher can be helpful. This offers the possibility of dosing both 50 g and 100 kg from the same silo in a single batch weighing system with the precision of a few grams within flow ranges up to 5 kg. Controls A dosing slide requires a greater investment than a dosing screw, but with the deployment of six or more dosing slides under a silo block, it is cheaper than using six dosing screws with shut-offs. This is because dosing slides (whether this be 4, 6 or even 24 dosing slides) are all powered by one single hydraulic cylinder. This single cylinder activates a framework to which the dosing slides can be linked at will. The power consumption of a dosing slide is extremely low. For example, it is possible to dose up to 50 kg/second with a 3 kW motor. For this same amount of effort, a dosing screw requires at least a 25 kW motor. Furthermore, every dosing screw requires its own power unit and frequency controller.   Discharge characteristics The controls for a dosing slide are more intelligent and, consequently, more complex than those of a dosing screw (for a screw, flow is proportional to RPM, within certain limits). A dosing slide, however, allows for variation in the percentage of opening, stroke length and frequency. For certain applications, the shape of the vanes can also be adjusted (more or fewer progressive openings). This allows the achievement of optimum discharge properties for the material to be dosed.   Image 1: Dosing slides have a fixed lower grid and upper grid that moves back and forth during the dosing process.   Image 2: A platform of dosing slides is operated by a single drive motor.   Image 3: A dosing slide in operation.   About KSE Partner in optimizing production processes Increasing complexity forms the biggest challenge for animal nutrition manufacturers; more recipes, a growing number of ingredients, additions that are difficult to dose and higher quality standards contribute to this trend. For over 50 years, KSE has been supplying future proof solutions to stay ahead of the trend in the form of modular machinery and smart software that fit together perfectly. We create flexible processing solutions that enable a responsive production process. Automation, accuracy and contamination control are at the basis of our future-proof innovations. Our aim is to not only improve the production process, but also to make a significant contribution to increasing margins and achieving targets. Together we create the solutions with the best results! For more information about KSE click HERE.   By KSE Source: All Pet Food 

Dosing Efficient and Safe Production of Pet Food

5+ MIN

Efficient and Safe Production of Pet Food

The production of pet food requires efficient production lines with high availability rates and reproducible quality. This only works with optimal system technology and processes that are designed to meet the specific requirements of the product in question. This article shows what else is important. Pets have not only been popular companions since the Corona pandemic; in Germany alone, almost every second household has some sort of pet. As a result, the demand for high-quality pet food is increasing, and this is happening worldwide. 'The USA, Europe and Asia are still growing markets in terms of pet food, and this means that we are in demand as plant manufacturers,' says Ingo Pütz, responsible for global sales at Zeppelin Systems in Rödermark, describing the market situation. In addition, the technological demands on plants and components are growing, as Pütz explains, 'Pet food formulas now consist of 20 to 50 different raw materials, each of which has its own unique properties.' This can be extruded material that is mixed in particularly gently or a moisture-sensitive raw material that has to be conveyed in a very dry state. Smooth production therefore requires not only knowing the properties of a wide range of products, but also understanding the process down to the last detail. 'Ultimately, the consumer must be able to rely on the feed always having the exact composition as well as the same shape and consistency. The feed must neither stick nor crumble,' says Pütz, describing the difficult balance. Flexibility in plants is a necessity In general, the production quality requirements for pet food are similar to those of human food. Among other things, this means eliminating or minimizing cross-contamination, easy to clean, maintaining clean production and compliance with hygiene standards. And as with food for humans, pet food is subject to special scrutiny and requires, for example, extremely accurate measurement technology. Moreover, in pet food, new formula concepts are being developed to meet the needs of individual animals, whether young, old, prone to obesity, wheat intolerant, etc. At the same time, manufacturers must be able to deal with changing raw materials – for example, some raw materials used to be available as powders, but are now marketed as granules. Raw materials may also vary from region to region. These variations can, for example, affect different bulk densities, which in turn affects handling. Manufacturers therefore require a very high degree of flexibility in their plants. It must be possible to adapt them without major conversions. High reliability and availability of the plants, which run around the clock, are a given.
Coordinated plant processes Zeppelin Systems accompanies almost every processing stage in pet food production. This starts with raw material intake, through filling into the silos, grinding technology, up to recipe-accurate dosing including inline screening machines upstream of the mixers and gentle dense phase conveying. Drying and coating processes have to be integrated just as much as systems for dust removal, temperature control, quality assurance measures, and concepts for explosion protection. A striking feature of developments in recent years: Plants are being operated ever closer to their peak performance without diminishing any accuracy. 'This can only be achieved by keeping an eye on the entire raw material handling process. We master all process steps and the respective process and measurement technology. That's why we can offer comprehensive, perfectly coordinated solutions from a single source,' Pütz explains further. Kibbles without break At first glance, the individual process steps do not appear complicated, yet the processes are changing. For example, gentle pneumatic conveying of dry feed now plays an increasingly important role. Neither the animal lover nor the producer wants to find crumbs in the feed. With Dense-Tec conveying and sometimes extended lines, conveying succeeds without destroying the structure of the raw materials. Dense-Tec is mainly used in the pet food industry as a continuous conveying system, because the individual process steps, such as cooling or coating, are also mainly carried out continuously. Precise dosing of even the smallest quantities When weighing and dosing very small quantities, such as vitamins, components in the 2-3 kilogram range have to be added evenly distributed throughout mixtures weighing several tons. 'We have developed innovative manual and automated solutions especially for these small components,' reports Pütz. For example, Zeppelin Systems offers customized solutions ranging from components for batch weighing to differential scales including controls. For handling liquids, on the other hand, volumetric systems or gravimetrically operating components such as liquid scales and mass flow meters are used. 'It is crucial that the dosing and weighing is done accurately contamination-free,' Pütz lists additionally. 'After all, ingredients are being scrutinized more and more critically by consumers.' High demands on hygiene and quality Hygiene requirements have also increased in the pet food sector and are now oriented toward the food industry. 'For example, we have long relied only on stainless steel in our plants,' says Pütz 'Batches have to be traceable just as they are in human food. This is where the process management system we developed helps.' This logs every change in the recipe and allows all raw materials supplied and batches delivered to be traced. All production data, batch records, etc. are archived and can be retrieved at any time. Accordingly, there is greater focus on control, automation and documentation. This gives the consumer peace of mind. Summary and outlook Regional differences require country- specific solutions. Since production follows the customer, plant engineering know-how is needed directly on site. Zeppelin Systems is globally oriented, which ensures nationwide support. Moreover, digital services, such as remote access to the plants, are now part of everyday life. Another topic of concern to the pet food industry is energy use and efficiency levels. This is particularly important for large plants with higher conveying capacities, for example, 40 to 60 tons per hour. 'We supply solutions that allow more output from the plants. For example, we replace mechanical conveyors with pneumatic ones because they deliver faster and display higher performance with larger volumes. They also work more energy- efficiently, can cover greater distances, and require less maintenance,' says Pütz, listing one example, but concluding with a completely different yet decisive factor for success: 'Our customers don't really care how their process works; they want process reliability and high plant availability. We ensure this with on-site service, but also with intelligent automation technology and a wide range of sensors that safeguard the process. by Ingo Pütz ist General Manager Sales Food Processing Plant at Zeppelin Systems GmbH

Dosing Benefits of modern batching systems

8+ MIN

Benefits of modern batching systems

Batching systems play an important role in product quality and plant efficiency for pet food and treat processors. Equipment design can ensure product uniformity, consistent product flow, and efficient changeovers from batch to batch. There are a number of common options for batching systems in pet food and treat applications, and processors must consider several factors when looking to upgrade their facilities. Evaluating batching systems 'When considering an automated batching system for pet food ingredients, it is important to look at several factors which will influence the type of batching system recommended and optimize ingredient cost savings and overall ROI,' said Sharon Nowak, business development manager, Coperion K-Tron USA Food & Pharmaceutical Industries, Sewell, N.J. 'The top three for consideration include batch accuracy required for the specific ingredient, desired batch times, and overall plant design considerations including height limitations, space requirements, and support structures for the batching system.' 'It's a little different for everyone,' added Matt Lueger, vice president of sales, NorthWind Technical Services, Sabetha, Kan. 'But the big factors that we typically see are accuracy, traceability and flexibility. Most customers not only want a system that consistently produces a quality product, but also tells them what went into each batch without restricting their ability to continually change their ingredients or recipes.' Pete Ensch, chief executive officer, WEM Automation, LLC, New Berlin, Wis., agreed on the importance of traceability for today's processors. 'The batch system needs to incorporate lot code traceability,' he said. 'Pet food producers' value is directly linked to their track record of producing safe quality food. In the event that something goes wrong, you need the ability to quickly track the problem and contain it. Traceability needs to be automated and working in the background. Beyond the safety side, traceability also helps to control inventory management and control, and can be linked back to your ERP to help automate purchasing. This keeps production flowing and controls cost.' Other factors to take into consideration include throughput, types and quantities of product that need to be conveyed, and quality and repeatability. 'At the end of the day, you need a batching system that can accurately weigh out your ingredients and consistently mix them,' Ensch explained. 'Pet food has some unique challenges in that there are many different ingredients with a variety of densities and flow rates. Several of the raw ingredients, because of the nature of protein, have a significant amount of variability. Equipment and controls need to be able to handle the de variety. All of the downstream processes like extrusion and drying perform better if you provide them a consistent, quality input.' Batching options Modern batching systems are designed with factors such as accuracy, reliability, traceability, flexibility and food safety in mind. 'Due to the increased food safety regulations and requirements to adhering to exact ingredient percentages in a given pet food recipe, the use of high accuracy LIW [loss-in-weight] batching using gravimetric screw feeders is quickly becoming the most reliable batching device of choice,' Nowak said. 'LIW batching utilizing Coperion K-Tron high-accuracy screw feeders provides a significant accuracy and process time advantage over traditional GIW [gain-in-weight] batch techniques. LIW batching is used when the accuracy of individual ingredient weights in the completed batch is critical or when the batch cycle times need to be very short. In addition, LIW feeding affords broad material handling capability and thus excels in feeding a wide range of materials from low to high rates.' Regardless of feed rates, LIW batching can offer accuracy, speed and variability benefits over traditional GIW methods. (Source: Coperion) 'There are several different types of batching systems,' added Joe Lewis, marketing, Sterling Systems & Controls, Inc., Sterling, Ill. 'These include semi-automatic hand prompt/add batching systems, semi-automatic self-contained 'kitchen type' batching systems, and automatic batching systems.' Utilizing different systems and features allows pet food and treat processors to fine-tune the batch process from start to finish. Options include manual or automatic batch delivery, various ingredient storage methods, and integration to the ERP system to communicate production schedules and ingredient usages. 'Most modern batch controls have dozens of features, but a couple of useful ones for pet food are an order grid and automatic bin level checking,' Ensch said. 'An order grid includes order number, formula name, the amount of material to be produced, the required date, destination bins and comments. The grid can have orders entered direct or interfaces with your ERP system. Automatic bin level checking has the system check bin levels of each ingredient in a production run prior to starting the batch. The system will alert the operator of any insufficient ingredients. 'Another useful feature is production usage tracking and inventory management with lot code tracking,' Ensch added. 'This allows the batch system to track material used for each production run, batch, and track respective lot codes for ingredients. Statistical process control (SPC) charting is one more feature that's great for fine-tuning the batch process. A system tracks the production data to the level to produce statistical process control charts. Being able to understand when a system is in control or out of control and having the data to either troubleshoot it or reduce variation for greater accuracy can change your business.' Product quality  There are several ways in which batching systems can impact product quality. 'Vacuum conveying systems help to provide the right amount of ingredients or final products to the next processing or packaging step,' said Andrea Bodenhagen, communication and content manager, Piab Vakuum GmbH, Butzbach, Germany. 'Thanks to the closed system, it also provides a dust free environment and protects the product from contamination. While the pet food industry is often still using mechanical or manual material handling, vacuum conveying systems are state of the art in the pharma and food sector. Pet food manufacturers, therefore, benefit from the long-term experience of Piab in these sectors as well as all the developments that have been done for these industries to keep the original product quality during the conveying process.' 'Batching systems play a significant role in the overall product quality of pet food and treats,' Lueger said. 'Not only in the accuracy and consistency of the ingredients that make up the product, but also in the visibility of what went into the product in the event of a quality issue. Batch reports and historical trends can go a long way toward preventing future product quality issues.' Jim Gaydusek, sales director, United States and Canada, Cozzini LLC, Chicago, agreed that batching systems have an important role to play in consistency and product quality. 'One of the greatest benefits is consistency from batch to batch,' he said. 'Auto management of recipes removes much of the human factor and reduces processing error. Scales accurately weigh the ingredients to ensure the proper weight(s) get added and the HMI [human-machine-interface] can sequence through the processing steps according to the program.' Plant efficiency Batching systems can also impact plant efficiency for pet food and treat processors. 'In addition to improving product quality over traditional manual weighing methods, the automation of the material handling/product transfer as well as the batching can greatly affect overall efficiency,' Nowak said. 'The use of automated dispensing systems, which can also integrate pneumatic conveying systems for material transfer, can greatly reduce the amount of human interaction as compared to manual methods of weighing and transfer. This maximizes social distancing and adheres to strict COVID guidelines of safety. 'Properly weighing and accurately delivering the ingredients without manual intervention can result in a number of process advantages, including overall food safety, fewer mistakes, better accuracy, lower bulk costs, improved product quality and savings in manufacturing costs,' he added. 'Eliminating manual batching reduces scrap costs, increases efficiency and throughput,' Lewis noted. 'Automatic systems can be customized with multiple scales for speed of batch production without sacrificing accuracy or quality, resulting in fast high batch rates and accuracy of weighments. Dust containment and collection options for automatic batching systems improves safety and operator efficiency.' Processors must be able to track and trace each ingredient throughout the process to ensure quality and safety and, in the case of a product issue, pinpoint exactly where and what went wrong. (Source: Coperion) To maximize overall efficiency, factors such as system design and sequencing must be taken into account. 'You want a system that moves from one batch to the next seamlessly and with little idle time between batches,' Ensch said. 'Some of this is system design, things like having holding vessels, surge bins and multiple scales so that you can weigh up ingredients before the mixer; optimizing cleanout times between batches and changeovers; the use of high and low bin level indicators and automated routing to make sure the batching system is never starved for ingredients. The system must manage all the timing, so the batching process is nearly continuous in nature.'  New advancements Batching systems continue to evolve to meet changing needs and requirements. Modern batching systems now have huge advantages over their predecessors in a multitude of areas. 'Over the past decade the number of different types of formulations and the raw ingredients used has grown exponentially,' Ensch said. 'This has made batching systems larger and more complex. Having a blending control system that has formula-based scaling and mixing parameters is extremely helpful. The trend of higher protein pet food has also increased the content of fibrous protein ingredients, which have the much greater variation. Formulations contain many ingredients and there is a need for a batch system that can measure major, minor and micro ingredients with very low dispersions like vitamins and minerals.' 'There have been a significant number of design improvements to batching systems for pet food and treat processing,' Nowak said. 'They include improvement in weighing technologies and batching controls, improvements in overall design of equipment to improve cleanability and food safety while minimizing downtimes, improvements in feeder design options ideal for difficult flowing materials, and improvements in feeder technology to alleviate pressure/vacuum influences on the feeder output.' Advancements in technology have also vastly improved traceability of ingredients. 'The amount of technology that is utilized to track and trace ingredients continues to evolve,' Lueger noted. 'From simple bar-coded lot numbers on bags to RFID [radio-frequency identification] tracked totes/IBCs [intermediate bulk containers] and hoppers on tracks or AGVs [automated guided vehicle]. Innovation and technology gains continue to support traceability regardless of size, equipment configuration, system capacity, etc.' By Richard Rowlands & Matt Lueger  Northwind Technical Services - Pet Food processing 


Market Information

Market Information

06/12/2024

The History of Pet Food

A Long-Standing Relationship   Research suggests that dogs were domesticated 16,000 years ago, and possibly were keeping company with humans for more than 30,000 years. By 2000 BCE, humans were giving consideration into what to feed their dogs. Roman poet and philosopher Marcus Terentius Varro wrote a manual on farming, 'Farm Topics,' that advised providing dogs with meat and bones, and barley soaked in milk.   Near the end of the 14th century, Gaston III, the eleventh Count of Foix Count in Southwestern France and an avid hunter, wrote a book in which he described how his beloved greyhounds were to be cared for. This included reference to what they were to be fed: bran bread, some of the meat from the hunt, and if the dog was sick, goat's milk, bean broth, chopped meat or buttered eggs.   In common households during the middle ages and through the mid-19th centuries however, little consideration was given to feeding dogs, as a dog's diet was much like that of its owners, consisting of whatever owners could spare, such as knuckles of bone, cabbage, potatoes, onions and crusts of bread. In the mid-1800's, a dog or cat's diet may have been more slightly more varied in cities where it was common for people to purchase horse meat for their pets, as working horses would die in the city streets.   Since then, dogs and cats have become an integral part of our households, and the scientific understanding of pet nutrition and food safety has advanced to help better protect the health of four-legged family members.   Pets as Companion Animals   With the Industrial Revolution and rise of the middle class in the 19th century, families with disposable income began to keep domesticated dogs and cats as companion animals – rather than just as working animals.   Businessman James Spratt introduced the first commercially-prepared pet food in England in approximately 1860. After seeing dogs being fed leftover biscuits from a ship, Spratt formulated the first dog biscuit: a mix of wheat meals, vegetables, beetroot and beef blood. Spratt's business venture was a success, meeting a new market demand and selling to English country gentlemen for sporting dogs.   A British public company took over Spratt's formula and production began at a U.S. operation in about 1890. Additional companies began to develop their own recipes for biscuits and dry kibble, using the current nutritional knowledge of the time period. Canned dog food, 'Ken-L Ration,' was introduced in 1922. Its main ingredient was horsemeat, which was considered an acceptable ingredient source at the time. Our understanding of and relationship with horses has since evolved, and as they have become pets, there is no longer a market for horse meat.   An Evolving Understanding of Pets and Nutrition   The desire for prepared dog food resulted from a combination of dogs being viewed as luxury items with a need to protect the owners' investments, the increasing availability of such food (dog biscuits, dog bread, canned food, etc.) and marketing. The science of veterinary nutrition emerged in the late 1800s. Our understanding of animal science and nutrition also continued to evolve throughout the 20th century—the first pet food specifically formulated for the unique nutritional needs of puppies was introduced in the early 1960s—as more people came to view their dogs and cats part of the family.   In the mid-1980s, the U.S. National Academy of Sciences' National Research Council published nutritional requirements for dogs and cats, and released updated profiles in 2006 that reflected the evolving science and understanding of animal nutrition. Most commercially-prepared U.S. pet food is now formulated to be 'complete and balanced,' meaning that it is provides all of a pet's nutritional requirements at the correct levels.   Meeting Safety Requirements   Currently, both federal and state officials inspect pet food manufacturing facilities and test products on retail shelves for compliance with safety and/or nutritional requirements.   The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), an organization of state and federal regulatory officials, develops model legislation for pet food safety regulations, that can then be adopted by states. First known as the Association of Feed Control Officials, AAFCO was founded more than 100 years ago in 1909. AAFCO first included language for pet food in their model bills in 1917. The regulation of pet food continued to advance over the years. Examples include in the 1933 decision to prohibit the word 'pure' from a brand name in 1933, or establishing a definition for 'complete and balanced' pet food in 1969.   The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), signed into law in 2011, is a more recent regulatory evolution. FSMA represents one of the most comprehensive changes to U.S. food safety regulation in more than 70 years, and requires the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and food producers (for both food for humans and animals) to focus on preventing foodborne illness.   Source: Pet Food Institute

Market Information

02/12/2024

The pet industry in Spain

Spain is known for its love of pets, and the country has seen a remarkable increase in pet ownership in the past couple of years.  According to recent data from the National Association of Pet Food Manufacturers (ANFAAC), more households in the country have pets than children under the age of 15.

This highlights the growing significance of pets in Spanish homes, with the pet population now expected to exceed 20,45 million in 2024.     Spending habits of Spanish pet owners   Nearly half of people in Spain share their homes with a pet, according to a survey of 700 respondents by AEDPAC. Moreover, 8 in 10 pet owners consider their pets part of the family. This insight points to an estimated 39% of Spanish households that nurture pets as if they were kids. Dogs andcats remain the most popular pets, contributing to increased demand for pet services and supplies. In many cases premium, or even custom-made.    A study from the Spanish pet association, AEDPAC, also shows how much different generations in Spain spend on their pets on average:      Where do Spanish pet parents shop?   A recent study on Spain's pet owners showed that more than half of them mostly shop in brick-and-mortar stores, however, there are some differences in this behavior between different types of pet parents.  Whether it's bought online or offline, dry and wet pet foods dominate the market. Accounting for 71.54% of the total market share in 2022, it is projected to grow from an estimated$2.63 billion (€2.43B) in 2024 to $3.24 (€2,99B) billion by 2029.  Premium customized pet foods, health trackers, and interactive toys designed to meet cognitive needsexemplify the industry's adaptation to consumer demands. E-commerce platforms enhance the market by providing convenient access to these products.   Spanish pet food inflation and economic impact   The pet food inflation in Spain surged by 4.5% in January 2024, but the rate nearly halved by February and stood at 1.9% in May, showing a significant decline in inflationary pressures on pet products.  Spanish consumers have adapted to the lower prices, by increasing their shopping frequency, with an average of 181 trips to supermarkets last year, up from 162 in previous years. In 2023, Spain's pet food imports were mostly from Germany, totaling approximately $49.6 million (€45,8M).  The primary export destinations for Spanish industrial production continue to be the European Union, the rest of Europe, the Middle East, the Maghreb, the rest of Africa, America, and Southeast Asia.   Key market investments and sustainability   Spain has become a prime choice for many manufacturing companies in the pet industry looking to expand.  Pet food manufacturer Picart has opened a new 12,000-square-metre production plant in Llinars del Vallès, Barcelona, following a $12.9 million (€12M) investment in 2023.  Similarly, Eviosys, the largest metal food can manufacturer in the EMEA region, has invested $8.5 million (€8M) to expand production at two Spanish facilities. This move aims to meet the rising demand in the pet food and fish markets. Spain is also playing a key role in the EU-backed ZEST project, which repurposes food waste, such as mushrooms, into nutrient-rich pet food ingredients, helping to promote a more sustainable pet industry.   From pet care to pet travel   Numerous scientific studies highlight the emotional, health, and economic benefits of having pets. Recognizing these advantages, the Spanish public train operator Renfe has, since 2023, permitted the transport of pets on all high-speed routes.  This policy includes dogs, cats, ferrets, guinea pigs, hamsters, and rabbits under 10 kilograms. Pet owners can now enjoy the company of their furry friends during their travels for a fee of $10.8 (€10), per trip, making it more convenient to keep their beloved animals close.   To meet the growing demand from passengers traveling with pets, Barcelona-based low-cost airline Vueling has partnered with Belgian pet food company Edgard & Cooper to offer 'buy-on-board' pet treats, making it the first airline in Europe to do so.

In 2023, Vueling also increased the number of in-cabin pets allowed per flight from 3 to 5, accommodating dogs, cats, birds (excluding birds of prey), and turtles/tortoises weighing 8 kg or less in specific carriers.   Spain's growing pet industry reflects the nation's strong connection to animals and the increasing role pets play in Spanish households. The country is making strides in pet care innovation and support, highlighting the important place pets hold in modern society.   Source: GlobalPETS

Market Information

29/11/2024

Mars Wodonga to be Australia’s first large-scale steam-based manufacturing site to deploy a 100% renewable energy solution by 2026 with new solar thermal plant

Craig Sargeant, General Manager of Mars Petcare Australia and New Zealand, was joined by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for a tour of the Wodonga site while sharing his enthusiasm for the ground-breaking initiative, which aligns with the company's broader global net zero by 2050 ambitions.   'We are incredibly proud to announce that Mars will be the first manufacturing facility of its kind in Australia to deploy a 100% renewable energy solution within two years,' said Sargeant. 'Decarbonizing site-based process heat, coupled with Mars Australia's 100% renewable electricity use, is a significant achievement that not only reflects our ongoing commitment to sustainability but also positions our Wodonga facility as a leader in green process heat manufacturing on a national scale.'   The $39.3 million Mars Wodonga Solar Thermal Plant will spearhead this transition, including the installation of an 18-megawatt Parabolic Trough Concentrated Solar Thermal (CST) plant that will provide up to 10 hours of thermal energy storage for cooking pet food. The project, which includes a $17.2 million grant from the Australian Government through the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), marks the first commercial deployment of parabolic trough CST technology in Australia.   'Investing in renewable energy technologies like CST is critical to decarbonizing industrial processes, particularly in sectors that heavily rely on gas for steam-based manufacturing,' Sargeant continued. 'CST offers a powerful solution by capturing and storing solar energy in the form of high temperature heat, for use at any time, making it an ideal fit for our steam-based manufacturing needs.'   The project also builds on Mars' implementation of Electric Thermal Energy Storage (eTES) technology, which allows the facility to utilize low-cost, grid-connected renewable electricity during off-peak times to generate and store heat that can produce steam at any time of day or night. This eTEs system, supported by CSIRO, provides a cost-effective, renewable alternative to gas.   In addition, Mars recently announced another joint initiative whereby the company is working together with Australian Gas Infrastructure Group (AGIG) to purchase Renewable Gas Guarantee of Origin certificates at Hydrogen Park Murray Valley. This arrangement will displace over 10% of Mars Australia's total gas consumption, which includes Mars Petcare Wodonga.   For Mars, the CST and eTES systems are complementary renewable heat technologies. With the addition of the AGIG hydrogen purchase, and Mars Australia's existing 100% renewable electricity agreement, the Wodonga facility will deploy a 100% renewable energy solution within two years, as part of our global commitment to 100% renewable energy for site-based operations by 2040.   'Earlier this year, Mars globally announced that since 2015, GHG emissions in the company's value chain have been reduced by 16% or 5.7 million metric tons. This project further contributes to Mars Net Zero Roadmap target to reduce emissions globally by 50% by the end of 2030, which we're on track to achieve," said Sargeant.   Mars is also working with other local companies and government entities as part of a broader effort to help create a renewable energy hub in northeast Victoria for generations to come.   'Mars is incredibly proud of the fact we have been manufacturing in the Wodonga area for more than 50 years,' Sargeant said. 'We are part of the fabric of the local community, supporting jobs and investment in regional Victoria. Wodonga is at the heart of that journey, and today's announcement is a major step forward in supporting both regional investment and Australia's clean energy future.'
    About Mars, Incorporated   Mars, Incorporated is driven by the belief that the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today. As a $50bn+ family-owned business, our diverse and expanding portfolio of leading pet care products and veterinary services support pets all around the world and our quality snacking and food products delight millions of people every day. We produce some of the world's best-loved brands including ROYAL CANIN®, PEDIGREE®, WHISKAS®, CESAR®, DOVE®, EXTRA®, M&M's®, SNICKERS® and BEN'S ORIGINAL™. Our international networks of pet hospitals, including BANFIELD™, BLUEPEARL™, VCA™ and ANICURA™ span preventive, general, specialty, and emergency veterinary care, and our global veterinary diagnostics business ANTECH® offers breakthrough capabilities in pet diagnostics. The Mars Five Principles—Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom—inspire our 150,000 Associates to act every day to help create a better world for people, pets and the planet.     Source: Mars

Market Information

20/11/2024

Inspired Pet Nutrition completes acquisition of Butcher’s Pet Care

British pet food manufacturer Inspired Pet Nutrition (IPN) has completed the acquisition of Northampton-based Butcher's Pet Care, which was announced earlier in August.   IPN's CEO Arthur van Benthem expresses his team is 'thrilled' to welcome the new colleagues. 'This is the start of an exciting new chapter where we unite our passion for pets, combine expertise and share heritage to make an even bigger impact in the UK and European pet food markets.'   The new group is expected to hit over €400 million ($432.4M) in gross sales.   Refinancing   Local media reports that Butcher's is refinancing its existing production facilities with a more adaptable funding solution to increase its financial flexibility.   The company has reportedly agreed to a £43 million ($55.8M/€51.6M) funding package from Credit fund Blazehill Capital and Secure Trust Bank Commercial Finance, a division of Secure Trust Bank (STB) that specializes in providing financial solutions to businesses.   The Northamptonshire-based company didn't comment after a request from GlobalPETS but stated that the leadership team is currently busy with the deal.   The acquisition of Butcher's Pet Care is expected to strengthen IPN's position as one 1 of the UK's 3 biggest pet food manufacturers over the next 5 years. It will also expand its portfolio by offering more affordable, superior natural, wet and dry pet food brands.   Source: GlobalPETS

Market Information PetFair SE ASIA 2024 Show Report: The international pet industry hub in South East Asia

3+ MIN

PetFair SE ASIA 2024 Show Report: The international pet industry hub in South East Asia

  More than 10,000 trade visitors & delegations from 81 Countries     The third edition of Pet Fair South East Asia welcomed a total of 10,128 trade visitors over three days from 81 countries. The largest visitor group by country came from the domestic market of Thailand, accounting for 67% of all visitors. The largest international visitor groups were from China (5.16%), the Philippines (4.1%), Malaysia (3.38%), Japan (2.43%), Singapore (2.27%), India (2.01%), South Korea (1.81%), Indonesia (1.46%), and Vietnam (1.21%). The top three visitor groups by business type were importers (51.29%), distributors (30.08%), and brand owners (26.58%). Other visitor categories included retailers, wholesalers, animal hospitals/veterinarians, breeders, and investors.   'Pet Fair South East Asia is already established as the most important business meeting point for the world pet industry in the thriving Southeast Asian region, offering many new business opportunities to all attendees.' — David Zhong - Founder and President of Limited VNU Exhibitions Asia / Pet Fair Asia     'We once again had a very international and high-quality show in Bangkok and are pleased with the results and positive feedback from exhibitors, which is reflected in a strong rebooking rate. The 2024 edition of the show provides us with a solid foundation to further grow and develop the event both local and international levels in the future.' — Johannes C. Kraus - Senior Project Manager at VNU Exhibitions Asia Pacific     More than 400 exhibitors from 32 countries     The 2024 show floor featured 402 exhibitors from 32 countries, with an international to local ratio of 76% international exhibitors and 24% Thai exhibitors. The largest international exhibitor groups by country were China (19.12%), Korea (14.87%), Japan (5.58%), Singapore (4.54%), the USA (4.21%), Italy (3.46%), and the UK (3.12%). Pet Fair South East Asia 2024 also featured 10 different country and regional pavilions from Canada, China, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. Additionally, the organizers supported local and regional businesses which provided special zones for Thai and ASEAN exhibitors which included start-ups from Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Indonesia.     Networking events     Pet Fair South East Asia 2024 hosted two standout networking events that brought key stakeholders in the pet industry together in a relaxed and engaging atmosphere. On October 30, the Day 1 Social Unwind at the Pet Square stage offered attendees a chance to connect in a casual setting, while the exclusive One Night in Bangkok on October 31 featured stunning rooftop views, a vibrant cabaret show, and Halloween-themed festivities. These events provided valuable opportunities for industry professionals to network, build lasting partnerships, and enjoy memorable experiences in the heart of Bangkok.     Conference program     In addition to an energetic and colorful show floor for business deals, Pet Fair South East Asia 2024 featured the most extensive conference experience to date in the event's still young history. Spread across two modern stages within the exhibition halls, 40 different speakers presented 31 conference sessions on a wide range of key topics relevant to pet industry stakeholders. The sessions covered current global and regional trends, including insights from Asia, Europe, and the US, as well as updates on new technologies and innovations in pet products and businesses. Topics also included in-depth discussions on veterinary care, spanning from common pets to exotic species such as reptiles and beta fish. These sessions were attended by a total of 1,114 visitors. The organizers would like to thank all the speakers who contributed to such a diverse, vibrant, and educational conference program over the three days.     Pet Fair South East Asia 2025     Pet Fair South East Asia 2025 is scheduled to take place from October 29-31, 2025, at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC). 2024 exhibitors can secure a booth presence for Pet Fair South East Asia 2025 at a discounted rebooking rate throughout the month of November. New companies can secure booth presences at an early-bird rate until February 2024, starting from November 15. VNU Exhibitions Asia Pacific and Globus Events look forward to welcoming back the international pet industry to Bangkok in October 2025, as well as to Shanghai in August 2025 for Pet Fair Asia.       Source: PetFair SE ASIA 

Market Information The future of veterinary consultation in a world premiere at the London Vet Show 2024

4+ MIN

The future of veterinary consultation in a world premiere at the London Vet Show 2024

Turin, 14 November 2024 - Today, at the London Vet Show, one of Europe's most prestigious veterinary events, AITEM S.r.l., a Turin-based company specialising in generative AI and a spin-off of Dumarey Automotive Italia S.p.a., has premiered a major global advancement in LAIKA, the first AI platform specifically designed to support veterinarians in clinical management and daily decision-making processes. Already active in the Italian, French, and British markets, LAIKA now introduces a chatbot upgrade that enables veterinarians to access information and consultations hands-free, allowing them to work without interruptions. A constantly available colleague, always ready to respond with maximum efficiency, enhancing the fluidity and speed of consultations directly in the field.   «LAIKA stands out as a vertical, expert conversational agent for the veterinary sector, powered by a combination of AI language models known as Large Language Models (LLMs), which provide immediate answers to clinical questions posed by veterinarians in clinical and emergency contexts.» - explains Davide Tricarico, CTO of AITEM. Developed to optimize time management and enhance the resources and skills of individual veterinarians, LAIKA is the result of a collaboration between experienced AI engineers and veterinary professionals: a patented system, continuously updated and already tested by over 100 medical directors.   Davide Tricarico   At the world premiere of the latest technological innovations being developed for LAIKA, the new speech-to-speech feature was introduced, promising to transform interactions between veterinarians and AI. Thanks to this advancement, veterinarians can now communicate with LAIKA simply by speaking rather than typing, making the experience seamless and efficient. This feature allows a responsive, human-like avatar to reply, delivering critical real-time information. LAIKA's AI maintains its high accuracy in interpreting vocal input, leveraging the most advanced veterinary knowledge available.   The advancement of LAIKA's technology is made possible by strategic partnerships with NVIDIA, Scaleway, and the vHive Animal Health Incubator. Collaboration with NVIDIA through the Inception program has granted AITEM access to NVIDIA NIM technology, providing a competitive edge in developing GenAI models for LAIKA. Meanwhile, being part of the Scaleway Startup Program has allowed AITEM to access high-performance HPC infrastructure, ensuring exceptional performance while keeping solutions economically sustainable. The support of these two partners has been crucial in accelerating LAIKA's innovation and performance, transforming it into an AI colleague that is increasingly intuitive and indispensable for veterinarians. Furthermore, through AITEM's admission to the vHive Animal Health Incubator - a strategic alliance between Zoetis and the University of Surrey in collaboration with SETsquared - LAIKA benefits from sector expertise and has established a strong presence in the United Kingdom. The contributions of these partners are essential in accelerating LAIKA's innovation and growth, making it an AI colleague that is increasingly intuitive and essential for veterinarians.   In an era where artificial intelligence is profoundly impacting the workforce across various sectors, including veterinary medicine, LAIKA aims to support veterinarians by simplifying everyday tasks, particularly in high-pressure environments such as hospitals, where speed and precision are crucial. LAIKA provides real-time consultative advice, from anamnesis to treatment selection, diagnostic pathways, examination and causation analysis, to formulating differential diagnoses. By supporting veterinarians in clinical data analysis, LAIKA enables them to focus on developing targeted treatment plans, offering reliable support in clinical decision-making and acting as a complementary tool rather than a substitute for professional judgment.   «Every day, veterinarians around the world are dedicated with the utmost effort to taking care of animals. They face complex decisions, bearing the responsibility of patients' lives on their shoulders, and often live with the pain of not being able to save each of them.» - explains Massimiliano Melis, COO of AITEM. «Between 1979 and 2015, according to data from the U.S. CDC National Center for Health Statistics published in 2019, close to 400 veterinarians died by suicide and almost 60% experienced work-related stress, anxiety or depression so severe that they required professional help. That's why we created LAIKA: a knowledgeable AI colleague that helps them make the hardest decisions, manage their workload, and ensure that every patient receives the best possible care. Basically, an ally who takes care of them while they take care of others.» This is the concept of LAIKA.    Massimiliano Melis   «LAIKA's speech-to-speech functionality marks a significant evolution in the concept of an avatar, focusing not only on functionality but also on enhancing the quality of human interaction.» - continues. « We're leaving behind Industry 4.0 for Consultation 5.0, as LAIKA's speech-to-speech feature is designed to go beyond mere efficiency to foster a more empathetic, personalised, and collaborative communication with veterinarians, also taking into account aspects of well-being, emotional support, and relational engagement.»   _________________________________________________________________________________   About us   LAIKA was born in 2022 with the aim of supporting veterinarians in taking care of their patients, simplifying their work, and thus reducing the extremely high burnout levels in the sector. An ambitious project, which was born thanks to the close collaboration between expert engineers in artificial intelligence and the best specialists in the veterinary field.   LAIKA is developed by AITEM SRL, specialised in generative AI and a spin-off from Dumarey Automotive Italia Spa, part of the Dumarey group, known for creating technologically advanced systems. Thanks to this union of competencies, we have created the veterinary colleague who can provide more insights and a deeper perspective on various topics for the well-being of dogs and cats.   Press office contacts [email protected]
+39 334 609 1071
Via Pier Carlo Boggio 59, 10138 Turin, Italy   Source: LAIKA


Our Editors

Magazine

ad1

Advertising

260x430

Vitamins

Vitamins

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 

Vitamins

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   

Vitamins

09/05/2023

DSM Establishes Tonganoxie, Kansas, Pet Food Premix Plant

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

Vitamins

16/09/2022

Are all omega-3 ingredients in petfood the same?

Omega-3s have many recognised health benefits for dogs and humans alike. Pets are unable to produce sufficient omega-3s naturally in their bodies. However, they are an important nutrient to any diet, benefitting everything from brain development to hearth health. But not all omega-3s are effectively utilized by pets. Therefore, offering the right source is important. The power of marine-sourced omega-3s Studies show that marine-sourced omega-3s remain the most effective source for pets, as pets are unable to convert enough of the plant-sourced version in their bodies. The omega-3s that seem to be most efficient are those bound to phospholipids, such as found in krill. Krill are tiny crustaceans that are present in all oceans, holding a vital position in the marine food chain. Antarctic krill is also a superior source of marine omega-3s, with a distinctive advantage when it comes to the form their omega-3s are made of. This is known as the phospholipid advantage. Recent studies have shown that the phospholipid-bound omega-3s from krill are more effective in raising omega-3 levels in a dog's body compared to triglyceride-bound omega-3s, such as those found in fish oil. Known as the foundation of all cells, omega-3s are more effectively incorporated into tissues cell membranes when bound to phospholipids. And this incorporation is crucial to obtain the health effects of omega-3s. Once in place in the cell membranes, the omega-3s EPA & DHA support the health of several vital organs, including the heart, kidney, liver, joints, brain, eyes, skin and coat. But there is more to krill than this… Krill is also naturally rich in choline, astaxanthin and marine proteins.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. Dogs produce some choline naturally, but due to its importance, petfood manufacturers are advised to add this nutrient to the food. However, the choline additive commonly used (choline chloride) is 12 times less bioavailable than the choline found in krill (phosphatidylcholine). The astaxanthin found in krill is a natural antioxidant that protects all body cells from oxidative damage. It has 10 times higher antioxidative capacity than α- and β-carotene and lutein, and more than 100 times higher capacity than vitamin E (α-tocopherols). QRILL Pet, the krill ingredient from the leading biotech company Aker BioMarine is the first krill ingredient for pets certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) as being sustainable and traceable from sea to product. Besides besides, Aker BioMarine's krill fishery  is rated as the world's most sustainable reduction fishery, receiving an 'A' rating from the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership for 7 years in a row. By Tonje Dominguez, Director of QRILL Specialty Animal Nutrition All Pet Food

Vitamins What You Need to Know About Dog Foods Made with Crickets and Grubs

8+ MIN

What You Need to Know About Dog Foods Made with Crickets and Grubs

Growing awareness over the need for sustainable pet food solutions as well as concerns over pet allergies is driving an increased interest in foods made with alternative proteins including some surprising options, such as cricket proteins and grubs. For many dog owners, sustainability is at the core of a switch to foods made with alternative protein options. For Jiminy's, a Berkeley,Calif.-based manufacturer of Cricket Crave, a kibble that combines insect protein with plant-based ingredients, the use of crickets drives a more sustainable process. 'Crickets are a swarming species so they're not too worried about personal space, and grubs are even less inhibited,' explained Anne Carlson, CEO of Jiminy's. 'That allows an insect farm to produce the maximum amount of protein for the minimal amount of water and land. It's a simple formula and it's exactly why insect protein will be forever atop the sustainable food chain. We're happy to be in this space at this moment in time. Don't forget, dogs in the USA consume 32 billion pounds of protein each year, causing enormous stresses on land and water.' Jiminy's has also released its Good Grub line of food and treats, which are made with dried black soldier fly larvae, in an effort to continue building out and offering consumers new products—and new proteins. 'Grub protein is even more sustainable than cricket protein since the gains get larger as the insect gets smaller and needs less land and water,' Carlson said. 'The nutritional benefits of grub protein are essentially the same as cricket protein. It's prebiotic and humane, fights climate change, has all the essential amino acids and is hypoallergenic too. Considering how well the insects live, their short lifespan and the outstanding protein yield, it's almost as if insects were engineered for meat production.' Scout and Zoe's use of black soldier fly larvae is helping the company accomplish its mission to do good for the pet, the planet and the community, said Cynthia Dunston Quirk, founder of the Anderson, Ind.-based manufacturer. 'How the black soldier fly larvae are grown and what they eat makes them very sustainable,' she explained. 'The larvae feed on fruits and vegetables that are past their prime and heading to the landfill. So, the little larvae are cleaning up the environment just by eating. The lifecycle of the larvae is three weeks from egg state to larvae, and they are voracious eaters. They grow one million percent of their body weight and utilize no additional water as they grow. All the water they need is available in the fruit and veggies consumed.' Like cricket farming, Dunston Quirk said that black soldier fly larvae require significantly less land than cattle. 'According to the Natural Resources Conservation Service, it takes 546 acres of land to raise 300 head of cattle,' Dunston Quirk continued. 'On that same acreage, billions of black soldier fly larvae can hatch, develop and be harvested, utilizing the space above the ground as well as the ground itself. The larvae also emit less carbon and methane gas, which is good for protecting the ozone layer, and need no additional water to grow.' While sustainability is important to many of those who try foods with alternative protein sources, potential food sensitives and allergies may have started them on the journey in the first place. Jim Galovski, co-founder, CEO and president of Needham, Mass.-based Guardian Pet Food Co., said food sensitives and allergies prompted the company to create a vegan bar in its NOBL food line. The vegan recipe is made with peas, lentils, chickpeas, fava beans and dried yeast, all of which offer a good source of protein, according to the company. Of course, sustainability has also been paramount. Galovski said that there's a quantity standpoint to look at. The two-ounce NOBL food bars can feed a 25-pound dog for the day. With higher digestibility, Galovski said that pets are receiving more of what they need in a lesser quantity—with less waste, too. The Nutrition Factor - When 'Meat First' Is the Mindset  There are a number of factors that are likely to hold dog owners and even retailers back from getting onboard with foods made with alternative proteins. A big one is the 'meat first' mentality. 'The pet industry has done a great job marketing real meat first, but we've been trying to shift the conversation to it being not as much about the ingredients but the nutrients,' said Jim Galovski, co-founder, CEO and president of Needham, Mass.-based Guardian Pet Food Co. 'Still, this remains a heated topic. Should you ever want to alienate a group, just bring up religion, politics or what they feed their dog.' Dogs are omnivores, so meat isn't as vital to their diet as it has appeared to consumers over the years, said Anne Carlson, CEO of Jiminy's, a Berkeley, Calif.-based manufacturer of pet food and treats that combine insect protein with plant-based ingredients. 'Dogs do need the 10 essential amino acids, so your dog food has to contain all of them,' she continued. 'Jiminy's insect protein has all 10 and at levels exceeding [Association of American Feed Control Officials] AAFCO standards.' Insect meat is very high in protein and compares very favorably to traditional proteins, Carlson explained. For example, 100 grams of beef yields 22 grams of protein, while 100 grams of insect meat yields 32 grams of protein, she said. Carlson added that insect meat also doesn't create the allergy issues that dogs have developed with traditional proteins over the years. But retailers might have to overcome their reluctance to embrace this category in order for it to truly take off, said Cynthia Dunston Quirk, founder of Scout and Zoe's, a manufacturer in Anderson, Ind. There is a sense of discomfort with bug protein that retailers themselves might feel. 'Dogs eat bugs whether the owner is feeding them to the pet intentionally or not,' she said. 'Watch any dog roam in a yard—they're foraging and finding and eating bugs. Ultimately, retailers do need to champion this as an option for more consumers to be willing to give it a try.' Carlson said that Jiminy's has been fighting the 'ick factor' since day one. 'The most effective response is to get the treat in a pet owner's hands,' Carlson continued. 'Once they see that it's a very familiar-looking and -smelling treat—[our] soft and chewy training treats also have a beef jerky scent—and learn about insect protein's unique benefits, it's game over and we have a convert.' Denise Strong, co-owner of Pawz on Main, a pet store in Cottonwood, Ariz., said that she hasn't gotten any inquiries about alternative proteins yet—and she does think the ick factor of bugs might be hard to overcome with consumers. Strong said that she is personally waiting for more evidence to prove that bugs could be a primary source of protein in a dog's diet. Jason Ast, owner of Just Dog People, a pet store in Garner, N.C., is also reluctant and a firm believer in carnivorous diets that are low in sugar and carbs. Whenever possible, he looks to convert dog owners to a raw diet and said he has seen it effectively address some customers' allergy concerns. But Ast does get vegan or vegetarian pet owners who really want to feed their dogs a similar diet. He acknowledges that for many of these pet owners, raw is a challenge because the sight and smell of the food can make them incredibly uncomfortable. Ast said that no matter what approach or beliefs a retailer may have, looking down on a pet owner's food choices is never the answer. 'Personally, I do enjoy crickets and some of the other novel proteins for treats,' Ast continued. Product Selection -  What You Need to Know Given the newness of pet food options made with alternative protein sources like crickets and grubs, the industry can expect to see more new products like these coming down the pipeline. With more alternative-protein pet diets coming into the market, retailers should remain diligent in vetting new products and select foods made with high-quality ingredients, according to industry insiders. Anne Carlson, CEO of Berkeley, Calif.-based Jiminy's, said retailers should start with where products are coming from. If a product is North American sourced, it is a good indicator of high-quality ingredients, she added. 'Specific to insect protein, production control at insect farms is rigorous,' Carlson said. 'A cricket farm is like a warehouse, so everything is contained and can be easily overseen. The general principles associated with the breeding, rearing, and processing of insects for feed and food have been established and are available for public access.' Insiders expressed some concern over the 'copycats' that are jumping into this space, which is why vetting new products is so important. 'Retailers should be aware of where insects are grown,' said Cynthia Dunston Quirk, founder of Scout and Zoe's, a manufacturer in Anderson, Ind. 'There are already some doing this outside of the U.S.' Jim Galovski, co-founder, CEO and president of Needham, Mass.-based Guardian Pet Food Co., said that retailers and consumers alike need to demand transparency from manufacturers. 'It's so important to ask for a digestibility study,' he said. 'If the company says they don't do them, you really should look for another company. A digestibility study is measuring the bioavailability of nutrients in the food—it's almost unethical not to do that for dog parents who are going to be putting their trust and faith into a food.' Galovski said that retailers should also demand transparency in terms of sourcing as well as processes. Ultimately, Galovski said he would like to see more acceptance as the industry moves into the future. 'It's important that retailers and pet parents give some of these new options a chance, assuming they've done their due diligence on them,' he said. 'It's time to encourage some innovation within the category. Whether it's some of the new alternative protein sources or alternative food formats, there is definitely room to grow.' by Pet Products News
 

Vitamins 5 ways cats can benefit from krill

2+ MIN

5 ways cats can benefit from krill

Why? Because krill is rich in health-promoting omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, choline, astaxanthin, and marine proteins. All these essential nutrients are important for the healthy development and maintenance of a cats' body. More than that, omega-3s found in krill play a very important role, as both cats and dogs can't produce them naturally and rely on their diet to maintain healthy levels. Here are some ways cats can benefit from having a diet that includes krill. Read more on how important is the right omega-3 1. Skin Care and Coat Health
Fat is very important for healthy skin and coat in cats. Lack of fatty acids can initially result in a dull, dry coat and itchy skin, as they are crucial for the skin and coat barrier. A regular diet based on essential fatty acids like those found in krill is therefore essential to keep the skin barrier fit and the coat shiny. They may help prevent dandruff and reduced shedding which can lead to fewer hairballs. Being anti-inflammatory, they may also prevent skin problems related to e.g. atopy or allergies. 2. Heart Support
Omega-3s are important for a healthy heart and can help reduce inflammation in cats that have existing heart disease. They may also lower blood pressure and prevent dangerous blood clots that could be damaging to the heart. 3. Healthy Joints
Krill's omega-3s have anti-inflammatory properties and may contribute to reducing joint pain caused by aging or osteoarthritis. Several studies show that senior cats suffering from osteoarthritis-related joint pain had improved motion and had more energy after receiving a consistent diet based on omega-3s. 4. Improved and Stronger Immune System
Omega-3s and astaxanthin found in krill strengthen the immune system in your cat by making immune cells more flexible and resistant. A healthy, balanced diet that includes omega-3s and omega-6s can support and enhance the immune system of cats of all ages. Even perfectly healthy cats can benefit from the immune-boosting properties as their risk for serious illnesses increases with age. 5. Cognitive Function
Omega-3s and choline found in krill are essential for the cognitive and behavioral function of cats in every stage of life. They support brain development, the learning process, the nerve transmitters and affect the overall mental well-being of cats. It may also diminish the amount of neuronal loss happening when aging. Giving cats pet food or supplement with krill can therefore help their mind and vision to stay strong and focused. It is true omega-3 fatty acids can do wonders for your cat's health and wellbeing, but for that to happen your furry friend needs to get enough of these essential nutrients from diet alone. Krill is also a sustainable marine source Besides being a natural source of health-promoting nutrients for pets, krill is highly sustainable and therefore environmentally friendly, reducing your cat's carbon paw-print. by Written by Ana Dumbravescu - Marketing Manager Qrill Pet 


Formulation

Formulation Understanding Omega 3 Fatty Acids: Their Benefits for Dogs and Cats

9+ MIN

Understanding Omega 3 Fatty Acids: Their Benefits for Dogs and Cats

Sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids   Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA): Alpha-linolenic acid is a precursor to the longer chain omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid (EPA and DHA, respectively) and requires enzymatic conversion into these beneficial fatty acids. This fatty acid is primarily a plant-based omega-3 fatty acids found in sources like flaxseed, canola oil, and chia seeds.1   Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA): EPA and DHA are long-chain omega-3 fatty acids primarily found in marine sources such as fish oil, krill oil, and algae.2,6 They are considered essential because pets cannot synthesize them in sufficient quantities from shorter-chain omega-3 fatty acids, such as ALA (alpha-linolenic acid).7 Both EPA and DHA play significant roles in reducing inflammation, supporting heart health, modulating the immune system, aiding in cognitive function, and promoting healthy skin and coat .8 Essential for proper neurological development and function, DHA is essential for growing puppies and kittens and an important nutrient for aging pets.10 It is also a critical structural component of the brain, retina, and nervous system.9   Why EPA and DHA Specifically Take the Spotlight   While ALA is beneficial, dogs and cats have limited abilities to convert it efficiently into EPA and DHA, the biologically active forms of omega-3 fatty acids.3 This is due to the low activation of an enzyme delta-6 (Δ-6) desaturase in dogs that is almost nonexistent in cats.4-5 Therefore, providing EPA and DHA directly through their diet is crucial for optimal health in puppies and kittens and can beneficial for adult animals as well.   Health Benefits of EPA and DHA   Anti-Inflammatory Effects Chronic inflammation is a common underlying factor that can be created by stress, diet, obesity, intestinal dysbiosis, arthritis, allergies, and inflammatory bowel disease, which in turn can be caused by stress, diet, obesity, and/or intestinal dysbiosis.12,11 By incorporating EPA and DHA into the diet, dogs and cats may experience reduced inflammation, leading to decreased pain and better overall health.13   Joint Health Osteoarthritis is estimated to affect up to 20% of dogs over the age of one, and in cats, it's estimated that 61% over the age of six will be affected.14-15 Although osteoarthritis commonly develops in older, overweight cats and dogs, it can affect cats and dogs of all ages, sizes, and breeds. Supplementation with EPA and DHA can help reduce the production of inflammatory cytokines and enzymes that break down cartilage.16-17 Supplementing with EPA and DHA may alleviate symptoms of arthritis, improve joint function, and enhance the quality of life for older dogs and cats or those with joint problems.   Cardiovascular Health In canine and feline models, DHA and EPA have been shown to reduce the occurrence of ventricular arrhythmias, a common issue in various cardiac diseases.18 Their benefit is the stabilization of heart muscle cell membranes, this stabilization helps to prevent irregular heartbeats. Additionally, these omega-3 fatty acids reduce the levels of pro-inflammatory molecules, which can promote irregular hearbeats.19 They also help by maintaining smooth blood flow and preventing the formation of blood clots (thrombosis). In addition, omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA and EPA, enhance the production of nitric oxide in humans.20 This molecule promotes the widening of blood vessels, leading to improved blood flow.   Skin and Coat Health Dogs and cats with skin conditions, allergies, or dry, flaky skin can benefit significantly from EPA and DHA. Omega-3s help reduce the production of inflammatory molecules in the body, potentially improving skin conditions like allergies, dermatitis, or other inflammatory skin conditions.21 Inflammation can damage the skin barrier, leading to increased water loss and dry skin. The skin also produces natural oils that coat the hair, providing shine and protection. Omega-3 fatty acids help regulate the production of these oils, resulting in a shiny, healthy coat.22 Regular supplementation can lead to visible improvements in the skin and coat condition.   Cognitive Function In puppies and kittens, adequate DHA levels are needed for proper brain development by promoting the growth of new neurons (neurogenesis) and the formation of synapses (synaptogenesis), both of which are necessary for learning and memory.23,24,25 For adult pets undergoing training or engaging in new activities, omega-3 fatty acids can enhance their capacity to retain and learn new information.26   As pets age, they may experience cognitive decline, akin to the cognitive changes seen in humans. This condition in pets is known as Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome and is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects older dogs and cats. This disease is marked by a gradual decline in memory, learning, and awareness.27 Omega-3 fatty acids can help slow the progression of age-related cognitive disorders and regular intake of EPA and DHA may alleviate symptoms of cognitive dysfunction syndrome, in these pets, potentially improving their quality of life.28   Vision Health As a major component of the retina, the part of the eye responsible for capturing light and sending visual signals to the brain, DHA aids in the development of vision.29 Proper visual acuity is essential for a young animal's ability to interact with its environment and to learn from visual cues. Supplementation of EPA and DHA help preserve vision by supporting the health of the nervous system and reducing inflammation, ensuring your pets remain alert and engaged with their environment.   Dosage and Considerations   While EPA and DHA offer numerous health benefits for dogs and cats, it is important to ensure proper dosage and consider individual needs. Here are some key points to keep in mind: Consult with a Veterinarian: Before adding any additional omega-3 fatty acids to a pet's diet, consult with an animal nutritionists or veterinarian. They can assess a pet's specific needs, recommend appropriate dosages, and monitor for any potential side effects. Quality and Purity: When choosing supplements, opt for high-quality products that undergo rigorous testing for purity and potency. Look for supplements that are free from contaminants such as heavy metals and toxins. Reach out to brands and request that they provide third-party testing results to ensure the safety and efficacy of their products. Dosage Guidelines and Adjustments: The appropriate dosage of EPA and DHA varies based on factors such as a pet's size, age, and health condition. Since these guidelines can vary, it is essential to follow a veterinarian's or nutritionist's recommendations. After starting a pet on EPA and DHA supplements, monitor their response and adjust as needed. Some pets may require higher or lower dosages depending on their individual needs. Regular check-ups with a veterinarian can help ensure a pet is receiving the optimal amount of these essential fatty acids.     Conclusion   EPA and DHA are vital components of a balanced diet for dogs and cats, young and old alike. These essential omega-3 fatty acids offer a wide range of health benefits, including anti-inflammatory effects, improved joint health, cardiovascular support, and enhanced cognitive function. Ensuring an adequate intake of EPA and DHA can lead to improved health outcomes, supporting both the physical and mental well-being of dogs and cats at all life stages.   By: Dr. Katy Miller, DVM, CVFT, CVNAN, CPFFCP, PCQI, PAS   Source: BSM Partners   References Lenox, CE. 2016. Role of dietary fatty acids in dogs & cats. Today Vet. Pract. 6(5):83-90. Kleiner, AC, Cladis, DP, Santerre, CR. 2015. A comparison of actual versus stated label amounts of EPA and DHA in commercial omega‐3 dietary supplements in the United States. J. Sci. Food Agr. 95(6):1260-1267. Doi:1002/jsfa.6816 Bauer, JJE. 2008. Essential fatty acid metabolism in dogs and cats. Revista Brasileira de Zootecnia. 37:20-27. Doi:10.1590/S1516-35982008001300004 Bauer JE. 2006. Metabolic basis for the essential nature of fatty acids and the unique dietary fatty acid requirements of cats. J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc. 229:1729–1732. Doi:10.2460/javma.229.11.1729 Filburn CR, Griffin D. 2005. Canine plasma and erythrocyte response to a docosahexaenoic acid-enriched supplement: Characterization and potential benefits. Vet Ther. 6:29-42. Ryckebosch, E, Bruneel, C, Muylaert, K, Foubert, I. 2012. Microalgae as an alternative source of omega‐3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. Lipid Technol. 24(6):128-130. Doi:10.1002/lite.201200197 Lenox, CE. 2015. Timely topics in nutrition: an overview of fatty acids in companion animal medicine. J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc. 246(11):1198-1202. Doi:10.2460/javma.246.11.1198 Magalhaes, TR, Lourenco, AL, Gregorio, H, Queiroga, FL. 2021. Therapeutic effect of EPA/DHA supplementation in neoplastic and non-neoplastic companion animal diseases: A systematic review. In Vivo. 35(3):1419-1436. Doi:10.21873/invivo.12394 Salem Jr, N, Litman, B, Kim, HY, Gawrisch, K. 2001. Mechanisms of action of docosahexaenoic acid in the nervous system. Lipids. 36(9):945-959. Doi:10.1007/s11745-001-0805-6 Waldron, MK, Spencer, AL, Bauer, JE. 1998. Role of long-chain polyunsaturated n-3 fatty acids in the development of the nervous system of dogs and cats. J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc. 213(5):619-622. Doi:10.2460/javma.1998.213.05.619 Furman, D, Campisi, J, Verdin, E, Carrera-Bastos, P, Targ, S, Franceschi, C, Ferrucci, L, Gilroy, DW, Fasano, A, Miller, GW, Miller, AH, Mantovani, A, Weyand, CM, Barzilai, N, Goronzy, JJ, Rando, TA, Effros, RB, Lucia, A, Kleinstreuer, N, & Slavich, GM. 2019. Chronic inflammation in the etiology of disease across the life span. Nature Med. 25(12):1822-1832. Doi:10.1038/s41591-019-0675-0 Bauer, JE. 2011. Therapeutic use of fish oils in companion animals. J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc. 239(11):1441-1451. Doi:10.2460/javma.239.11.1441 Kaur, Haneet, Singla, A, Singh, S, Shilwant, S, & and Kaur, R. 2020. Role of omega-3 fatty acids in canine health: A review. Intern. J. Current Microbiol. Appl. Sci. 9(3):2283-2293 Doi:10.20546.ijcmas.2020.903.259 Johnston SA. 1997. Osteoarthritis. Joint anatomy, physiology, and pathobiology. Vet. Clin. N. Am. Small Anim. Pract. 27:699–723. Doi:10.1016/S0195-5616(97)50076-3 Bennett, David, Siti Mariam bt Zainal Ariffin, and Pamela Johnston. 2012. Osteoarthritis in the cat: 1. How common is it and how easy to recognise? J. Feline Med. Surg. 14(1):65-75. Doi:10.1177/1098612X11432828 Adler, N, Schoeniger, A, Fuhrmann, H. 2018. Polyunsaturated fatty acids influence inflammatory markers in a cellular model for canine osteoarthritis. J. Anim. Physiol. Anim. Nutr. 102(2):e623-e632. Doi:10.1111/jpn.12804 Curtis CL, Hughes CE, Flannery CR, Little, CB, Harwood, JL, & Caterson, B. 2000. n-3 fatty acids specifically modulate catabolic factors involved in articular cartilage degradation. J. Biol. Chem. 275:721–724. Doi:10.1074/jbc.275.2.721 Smith, CE, Freeman, LM, Rush, JE, Cunningham, SM, & Biourge, V. 2007. Omega‐3 fatty acids in Boxer dogs with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy. J. Vet. Intern. Med. 21(2):265-273. Doi:10.1111/j.1939-1676.2007.tb02959.x Goel, A, Pothineni, NV, Singhal, M, Paydak, H, Saldeen, T, & Mehta, JL. 2018. Fish, fish oils and cardioprotection: Promise or fish tale? Internat. J. Mol. Sci. 19(12):3703. Doi:10.3390/ijms19123703 Freeman, LM, Rush, JE, Markwell, PJ. 2006. Effects of dietary modification in dogs with early chronic valvular disease. J. Vet. Intern. Med. 20(5):1116-1126. Doi:10.1111/j.1939-1676.2006.tb00709.x Burron, S, Richards, T, Krebs, G, Trevizan, L, Rankovic, A, Hartwig, S, Pearson, W, Ma, DWL, & Shoveller, AK. 2024. The balance of n-6 and n-3 fatty acids in canine, feline and equine nutrition: exploring sources and the significance of alpha-linolenic acid. J. Anim. Sci. Doi:10.1093/jas/skae143 Combarros, D, Castilla-Castaño, E, Lecru, LA, Pressanti, C, Amalric, N, Cadiergues, MC. 2020. A prospective, randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled evaluation of the effects of an n-3 essential fatty acids supplement (Agepi® ω3) on clinical signs, and fatty acid concentrations in the erythrocyte membrane, hair shafts and skin surface of dogs with poor quality coats. Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids. 159:102140. Doi:10.1016/j.plefa.2020.102140 Cao, D, Kevala, K, Kim, J, Moon, HS, Jun, SB, Lovinger, D, Kim, HY. 2009. Docosahexaenoic acid promotes hippocampal neuronal development and synaptic function. J. Neurochem. 111(2):510-521. Doi:10.1111/j.1471-4159.2009.06335.x Zicker, SC, Jewell, DE, Yamka, RM, Milgram, NW. 2012. Evaluation of cognitive learning, memory, psychomotor, immunologic, and retinal functions in healthy puppies fed foods fortified with docosahexaenoic acid–rich fish oil from 8 to 52 weeks of age. J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc. 241(5):583-594. Doi:10.2460/javma.241.5.583 Wu, G. 2024. Roles of nutrients in the brain development, cognitive function, and mood of dogs and cats. In Nutrition and Metabolism of Dogs and Cats (pp. 177-202). Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland. Doi:10.1007/978-3-031-54192-6_8 Hadley, KB, Bauer, J, Milgram, NW. 2017. The oil-rich alga Schizochytrium sp. as a dietary source of docosahexaenoic acid improves shape discrimination learning associated with visual processing in a canine model of senescence. Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids. 118:10-18. Doi:10.1016/j.plefa.2017.01.011 Sordo, L, Gunn‐Moore, DA. 2021. Cognitive dysfunction in cats: update on neuropathological and behavioural changes plus clinical management. Vet. Rec. 188(1):e3. Doi:10.1002/vetr.3 Cupp, CJ, Jean-Philippe, C, Kerr, WW, Patil, AR, Perez-Camargo, G. 2006. Effect of nutritional interventions on longevity of senior cats. Intern. J. Appl. Res. Vet. Med. 5(3):133-149. Uauy, R, Hoffman, DR, Peirano, P, Birch, DG, Birch, EE. 2001. Essential fatty acids in visual and brain development. Lipids. 36(9):885-895. Doi:10.1007/s11745-001-0798-1

Formulation Callizo Aromas enters the U.S. market with a new facility in Palestine, Texas

3+ MIN

Callizo Aromas enters the U.S. market with a new facility in Palestine, Texas

'Our experience in establishing operations in Palestine has been remarkably smooth, especially compared to our previous expansions in Latin America,' says Santiago Callizo, DCEO. 'The local Economic Development Corporation (EDC) has been instrumental in this process, providing attentive guidance and support throughout.'   The City of Palestine is excited to welcome Callizo Aromas and the job opportunities it will provide. Learn more about this company and why it chose Palestine, Texas, to expand its operations.    Callizo Aromas developers create personalized fragrances for several industries     Callizo Aromas has four main divisions, each of which will have production arms at the Palestine facility. Employees for Callizo Aromas create scents for the following markets:   Fragrances: This division creates perfumes for companies in the personal care, clothing, and home care industries. Flavors: This division works with companies that produce snacks, confectioneries, dairy products, meat products, and beverages. Callizo says, 'If it's food, we probably have a flavor for it.' Zootechnical Products: This division focuses on animal nutrition, making feed more palatable while offering antifungal and antioxidant additives to ensure the quality and safety of the food. Pet Aromas: This division develops flavors that improve the palatability of dog and cat foods, so pets find their meals both nutritious and delicious.   Callizo Aromas produces fragrances for a variety of products that most consumers use daily. The company recognizes that each project and application is unique, which means each client requires tailored solutions. Instead of taking a one-scent-fits-all approach, Callizo Aromas works closely with its clients to develop the best possible flavors or fragrances.    Palestine, Texas, offers strategic locations and a welcoming community    Callizo had nothing but good things to say when asked about Palestine, Texas and his company's decision to expand its operations here. When asked why he chose Palestine as the newest location for Callizo Aromas, he carefully listed several economic and quality of life reasons that influenced his decision:   Palestine's geographic location offers excellent connectivity and logistical advantages. It is easy to travel to the Callizo Aromas plant in Mexico, allowing for rapid resource sharing.  Palestine's natural beauty, including its lush vegetation and picturesque landscapes, aligns with the company's appreciation for nature-inspired products.  The local community has made Callizo Aromas' owners feel at home, reinforcing their decision to invest in this location.   'When companies look to move or expand their operations, they often highlight a few key regions that meet their geographic and transportation needs,' says Christophe Trahan, Economic Development Director at the Palestine Economic Development Corporation (PEDC). 'However, the intangible assets – like the beautiful landscape and welcoming community – are what make a town like Palestine stand out above the rest.'    The Palestine-Callizo Aromas partnership is just starting to bloom    When asked what Palestine-Texas would smell like if it were a fragrance, Callizo came up with a harmonious blend of aromas that captures the essence of the region: The top notes have a sweet floral aroma reminiscent of dogwood flowers, evoking the area's natural beauty. The middle notes have rich woody tones that reflect the surrounding forests and timber heritage. The base notes have subtle accents of herbal moss, with a gentle touch of leather, nodding to the region's historical industries.   Callizo says the unique fragrance would embody the natural charm, industrial legacy, and warm spirit of Palestine, Texas. As Callizo Aromas moves to the area, local residents and vendors will do their best to make the company feel welcome and reflect the beautiful description Callizo provides.    Join Callizo Aromas in Palestine, Texas    Callizo Aromas saw both Palestine's beauty and the economic benefits of moving here. As this company expands its operations, know that there is plenty of room for additional employers and industries. Contact us today to discuss business opportunities in Palestine and how PEDC can help you expand your operations to the area.    Source: PalestineTexas

Formulation

23/08/2024

New study shows adding a prebiotic fiber blend to a puppy's diet supports growth and development and favorable digestive health

A healthy GI microbiome is essential for proper nutrient absorption, metabolism, and gut immunomodulation, which are crucial for the overall health and development of companion animals1,2. Probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics have all shown promising results in improving GI health in adult companion animals3,4,5. Given the importance of establishing a robust GI microbiome, researchers at Hill's Pet Nutrition have investigated the effects of a novel prebiotic blend on growing puppies in a recent study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science6.   Prior research using this proprietary prebiotic blend resulted in positive effects on stool quality, pH, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, and GI microbiome signatures in adult dogs and cats7,8. For the current study, 22 puppies between the ages of 4 and 10 months were fed a prefeed food for 2 weeks, then transitioned to the test food containing the prebiotic blend until they were 14 months old. The puppies showed normal growth and development throughout the study.   Much like the adult dog study, the puppies had marked improvements in key parameters of GI health. Stool quality was improved and fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were increased. Fecal SCFAs are important for maintaining intestinal homeostasis and supporting gut barrier function, which are important for proper nutrient absorption and metabolism. The puppies also showed an increase in serum immunoglobulin A levels suggesting an improved immune response9. Interleukin-17 (IL-17), an inflammatory cytokine, concentration decreased linearly over time and interleukin-18 (IL-18) trended towards linear decrease, which may indicate a reduction in inflammation over the course of the study. IL-7 is associated with inflammatory diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease10, while IL-18 has been associated with intestinal inflammation in mice11. While these results are promising, more work needs to be done to evaluate the effects of fiber consumption on inflammatory markers in puppies.   Overall, this research contributes to the understanding of nutritional science concerning the GI health of puppies. As one of the first studies examining the impact of a prebiotic blend in puppy nutrition, this research offers insights for creating diets that provide superior nutrition for developing companion animals.   By: Renea Creech Senior Specialist, Scientific Communications Hill's Pet Nutrition   Source: DVM 360º
    References Lyu Y, Su C, Verbrugghe A, Van de Wiele T, Martos Martinez-Caja A, Hesta M. Past, present, and future of gastrointestinal microbiota research in cats. Front Microbiol. (2020) 11:1661. doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01661 Sarkar A, Yoo JY, Valeria Ozorio Dutra S, Morgan KH, Groer M. The association between early-life gut microbiota and long-term health and diseases. J Clin Med. (2021) 10:459. doi: 10.3390/jcm10030459 Wernimont SM, Radosevich J, Jackson MI, Ephraim E, Badri DV, MacLeay JM, et al. The effects of nutrition on the gastrointestinal microbiome of cats and dogs: impact on health and disease. Front Microbiol. (2020) 11:1266. doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01266. Pilla R, Suchodolski JS. The gut microbiome of dogs and cats, and the influence of diet. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. (2021) 51:605–21. doi: 10.1016/j. Cvsm.2021.01.002 Lee D, Goh TW, Kang MG, Choi HJ, Yeo SY, Yang J, et al. Perspectives and advances in probiotics and the gut microbiome in companion animals. J Anim Sci Technol. (2022) 64:197–217. doi: 10.5187/jast.2022.e8 McGrath, A. P., Motsinger, L. A., Brejda, J., & Hancock, L. (2024). Prebiotic fiber blend supports growth and development and favorable digestive health in puppies. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 11, 1409394. Fritsch DA, Jackson MI, Wernimont SM, Feld GK, Badri DV, Brejda JJ, et al. Adding a polyphenol-rich fiber bundle to food impacts the gastrointestinal microbiome and metabolome in dogs. Front Vet Sci. (2022) 9:1039032. doi: 10.3389/ fvets.2022.1039032 Wernimont SM, Fritsch DA, Schiefelbein HM, Brejda JJ, Gross KL. Food with specialized dietary fiber sources improves clinical outcomes in adult cats with constipation or diarrhea. FASEB J. (2020) 34:1. doi: 10.1096/fasebj.2020.34.s1.09918 Patel A, Jialal I. Biochemistry, immunoglobulin A In: StatPearls. Treasure Island, FL: StatPearls Publishing LLC (2024) Willis CR, Seamons A, Maxwell J, Treuting PM, Nelson L, Chen G, et al. Interleukin-7 receptor blockade suppresses adaptive and innate inflammatory responses in experimental colitis. J Inflamm. (2012) 9:39. doi: 10.1186/1476-9255-9-39 Kanai T, Watanabe M, Okazawa A, Sato T, Yamazaki M, Okamoto S, et al. Macrophage-derived IL-18-mediated intestinal inflammation in the murine model of Crohn's disease. Gastroenterology. (2001) 121:875–88. doi: 10.1053/gast.2001.28021

Formulation

12/08/2024

How wet pet food is made

Ingredient selection   Many of the ingredients used in the manufacture of pet food are described as animal (or fish) derivatives or by-products. These ingredients are the parts of the animal surplus to the requirements of the human food industry. Examples of by-products include liver, kidney, lung and various byproduct meals. These ingredients come from species also most commonly found within the human food chain.   In wet pet foods, by-products arrive at the factory in a fresh or frozen state. They may be chopped and added to the recipe mix directly or finely minced, mixed with dry ingredients such as cereals, formed into ribbons and diced into chunks of various sizes and shapes. Other ingredients are included such as oils and fats, vitamins, minerals, cereals, pasta, grains, or vegetables. Water is also frequently added as an ingredient to facilitate processing and to give the food its final form and texture.   Ingredient weighing and preparation   Ingredients are carefully selected according to a pet food manufacturer's specific recipe, which is formulated to deliver complete and balanced nutrition for cats and dogs and also to meet other requirements of the product such as the variety, age range or size range. Once the ingredients for a specific recipe are mixed they enter the can, pouch or tray. For some forms of wet food, a mix of water, thickening agents and flavours may be added to form a gravy or jelly during the cooking process.   There are several different types, or formats, of manufactured pet food including wet (can, pouch, tray), dry (extruded or baked), cold pressed and raw. The label will indicate if the pet food is 'complete' or 'complementary'. 'Complete' means the product contains all the nutrients a pet needs for healthy bodily function in each daily ration, whilst a 'complementary' pet food e.g. treats will need to be fed along other sources of food to provide the right nutrition. The method of production and the ingredients used varies according to format.   Sealing and cooking   The can, pouch or tray is then sealed and enters a cooking process. The temperature and length of cooking, also laid down in the legislation, are carefully controlled in order to prevent spoilage over the shelf life of the product, as well as to optimise the taste and protect the required nutritional content.   Cooling and labelling   After cooking products are cooled. Cans are labelled. Information on tray and pouch products is usually printed upon the packaging itself.   Storage and distribution   Individual containers are packed into boxes or trays and stored in warehouses before being dispatched to customers.   Pet food safety and quality   Whatever the pet food format, all pet foods are subject to strict legislation to ensure safe, quality products. In addition to the legislation, FEDIAF members follow industry Codes of Practice such as the Guide to the Manufacture of Safe Pet Food.   Source: FEDIAF

Formulation

29/07/2024

β-Glucans and MOS in Pet Food: Origin, Properties, Benefits

Yeast-Based Ingredients in Pet Foods   Yeast-based ingredients derived from ethanol production have been widely used in pet foods for decades, mainly as a source of protein and other nutrients (such as B-complex vitamins) and as a palatability enhancer. However, yeast has typical components in its structure that make up the cell wall: β-glucans and mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS). The concentration and availability of these carbohydrates vary according to the type of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae or others) and the fermentation process (brewers, bakers, molasses, distillers' grains, etc.), as well as the following technologies applied to obtain different final products (inactive dry, autolyzed, hydrolyzed, etc.).   β-Glucans   The β-glucans in the yeast cell wall are β-1,3 and 1,6-glucans, different from those found in cereals (such as oats, bran, and others), which are β-1,4 and 1,3-glucans. This physicochemical difference will affect their biological function because branched or linear β-1,4-glucans have limited activity (major proportion in plant cells), while β-1,3-glucans with additional branching have the greatest immunomodulatory effect (PETRAVIĆ-TOMINAC et al., 2010). Thus, the β-glucans in the cell wall of Saccharomyces cerevisiae consist mainly of β-1,3-glucans linked in a central backbone with β-1,6-glucan branches of varying sizes (PETRAVIĆ-TOMINAC et al., 2010), which in turn are linked to manno-proteins, serving as an anchor for the structure and integrity of the manno-protein layer (MAGNANI & CASTRO-GÓMEZ, 2008).   MOS   The mannan-glucan complex will maintain the primary stability of MOS as it is and its insolubility in water. This is crucial for its biological function in the animal's gut. The main known mode of action of MOS is to serve as a binding site for pathogenic bacteria, preventing their adhesion to the intestinal epithelium and subsequent colonization and infection (MORAN, 2004). Bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli use type 1 fimbriae, a mannose-specific lectin, to recognize glycoproteins on the surface of enterocytes (MORAN, 2004). Thus, this mechanism controls and reduces the bacterial enteric load and infection.   MOS is widely referred to and classified as a prebiotic in the literature; however, it may be possibly misunderstood, as the definition of a prebiotic is 'a non-digestible food ingredient that beneficially affects the host by selectively stimulating the growth and/or activity of one or a limited number of bacteria in the colon and thus improves host health' (definition by Glenn & Roberfroid, 1995). Subsequently, the concept was updated by the International Scientific Association of Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) as: 'a selectively fermented ingredient that results in specific changes in the composition and/or activity of the gastrointestinal microbiota, thereby conferring health benefit(s) to the host.' According to ISAPP, the most studied and used prebiotics are inulin, fructooligosaccharides (FOS), galactooligosaccharides (GOS), and more recently, human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs).   Benefits of Pet Food   Studies on dogs in the literature have reported the benefits of MOS supplementation related to changes in the gut microbiota (significantly increasing beneficial bacteria and decreasing pathogenic bacteria), digestive system (intestinal integrity, reduced fecal odor, and improved stool quality), modulation of immune system responses (phagocytic activity, interleukins, immunoglobulins), among others (SWANSON et al., 2002; GRIESHOP et al., 2004; MIDDELBOS et al., 2007; PAWAR et al., 2017; THEODORO et al., 2019). However, many studies report the use of a yeast cell wall product (a combination of β-glucans and MOS) or do not fully clarify the composition of the MOS product used. This could lead to a misinterpretation of the mode of action and benefits of MOS vs. β-glucans.   The body does not synthesize β-glucans, so they must be recognized by the immune system, inducing immune responses (PETRAVIĆ-TOMINAC et al., 2010), known as immunomodulators. The process begins with recognition by phagocytic cells (macrophages, monocytes, dendritic cells, neutrophils, natural killers) with a toll-like receptor on their cell surface, which recognizes microbial patterns and induces an immediate innate immune response. The structure that allows recognition by the immune system is the pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), and among the best known are β-glucans, which trigger responses to protect the host against pathogen invasion, characterizing innate immunity (MAGNANI & CASTRO-GÓMEZ, 2008). After this activation and phagocytosis, the phagocyte presents a processed antigen fragment. It stimulates a chain response by releasing pro-inflammatory cytokines and activating the production, release, and mobilization of additional phagocytic cells (produced in the bone marrow) (PETRAVIĆ-TOMINAC et al., 2010), phagocytic activity, and other cell-mediated immune responses.   This immunomodulatory effect means training the innate immune system and preparing it for a faster, better, and smarter response to challenges (PETRAVIĆ-TOMINAC et al., 2010). The practical result is reducing the inflammatory process (costing less to metabolism), controlling infections and their consequences (oxidative stress, cell damage, etc.), and improving the production of immunoglobulins and antibodies (against specific pathogens/antigens or vaccine titers).   Several purified and concentrated β-glucan products are available, and their immunomodulatory effect has been proven over the years, as well as when β-glucans are complexed with MOS in the yeast cell wall. These benefits seem essential for puppies (due to the developmental stage of the immune system and intestinal tract, as well as the intense vaccination period), elderly animals (due to the susceptibility of the immune system at advanced ages), animals with intestinal problems, or diseases that can cause a depression in immune response.   Conclusion   MOS and β-glucans are key components of yeast products. Their composition, concentration, and availability are closely related to the type of yeast they come from. MOS and β-glucans benefit pet food diets due to their interesting properties for balancing microbiota, preserving intestinal health, and modulating the immune response. Having a deeper understanding of these key properties helps to better appreciate them in pet food applications and allows for their tailored use to address specific challenges that companion animals face, such as growth, reproduction, and recovery.   Source: ICC Animal Nutrition   References Grieshop, C.M, et al. Gastrointestinal and immunological responses of senior dogs to chicory and mannan-oligosaccharides. Arch Anim Nutr. 2004 Dec;58(6):483-93. doi: 0.1080/00039420400019977. International Scientific Association of Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP). Consulted on September 19th, 2023. https://isappscience.org/for-scientists/resources/prebiotics/ Magnani, M. & Castro-Gómez, R.J.H. β-glucans from Saccharomyces cerevisiae: constitution, bioactivity and obtaining. Semina: Ciências Agrárias, Londrina, v. 29, n.3, p. 631-650, jul./set. 2008. Middelbos, I.S. et al. A dose-response evaluation of spray-dried yeast cell wall supplementation of diets fed to adult dogs: effects on nutrient digestibility, immune indices, and fecal microbial populations. J Anim Sci. 2007 Nov;85(11):3022-32. doi: 10.2527/jas.2007-0079. Moran, C.A. Functional components of the cell wall of Saccharomyces cerevisiae: applications for yeast glucan and mannan. In book: Nutritional biotechnology in the feed and food industries, Nottingham University Press, pp.283-296, 2004. Pawar, M.M. et al. Effect of dietary mannanoligosaccharide supplementation on nutrient digestibility, hindgut fermentation, immune response and antioxidant indices in dogs. J Anim Sci Technol. 2017 May 11;59:11. doi: 10.1186/s40781-017-0136-6. Petravić-Tominac, V. et al. Biological effects of yeast β-glucans. Agriculturae Conspectus Scientificus, n. 75, v. 4, 2010. Swanson, K.S. et al. Supplemental Fructooligosaccharides and Mannanoligosaccharides Influence Immune Function, Ileal and Total Tract Nutrient Digestibilities, Microbial Populations and Concentrations of Protein Catabolites in the Large Bowel of Dogs. J Nutr. 2002 May;132(5):980-9. doi: 10.1093/jn/132.5.980. Theodoro, S.S. et al. Effects of the solubility of yeast cell wall preparations on their potential prebiotic properties in dogs, PLoS ONE 14(11):

Formulation

25/07/2024

Popular Functional Ingredients in the Pet Food Industry

This trend is fueled by consumers' increasing attention to health issues, both human and pet. An ingredient is categorized as functional if it provides health benefits beyond basic nutrition when included as part of a complete and balanced diet.2 Examples of functional ingredients commonly used in the pet food industry include turmeric, chicory root, brewer's yeast, and marine oils.   Turmeric Turmeric is a spice derived from the roots of the Curcuma longa plant.3 This functional ingredient has gained considerable attention in the pet and human food industries due to its health-promoting properties. Curcumin, the active ingredient of turmeric, has been proven to be effective in dogs with naturally occurring osteoarthritis.4 In addition, curcumin has been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.5   Chicory Root The root of the chicory plant is a naturally occurring prebiotic used commonly in pet food as a source of inulin.6 Research has shown that inulin derived from chicory root is more beneficial to host health than synthetic inulin and favors the growth of certain species of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus.7 Prebiotic ingredients help to support the growth and maintenance of healthy bacteria living in the gut.8 In addition, prebiotics have been observed to be effective in the enhancement of the immune system.9   Brewer's Yeast Historically, the pet food industry has used brewer's yeast as a palatability enhancer; however, recent research has shown that brewer's yeast also has immunomodulatory and gut health-promoting effects.10-12 Brewer's yeast supplementation results in beneficial changes in markers of intestinal function.13,14 In addition, yeast products may also boost antioxidant activity in cats and dogs due to their β-glucan and mannan content, which are thought to be the main actors in the antioxidant capacity of yeasts.15   Marine Oils In pet food, the use of marine oils has gained traction due to its EPA and DHA contents.16 It is known that supplementation of EPA and DHA improves the skin and coat quality of dogs with skin disease.17,18 In addition, EPA and DHA have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects in dogs with heart and hip diseases.19-21 Supplementation of DHA-concentrated marine oil has also been shown to be effective in supporting the cognitive health of puppies.22    The incorporation of functional ingredients into pet foods, treats, and supplements has grown in recent years. As consumer knowledge of animal health and diet quality has improved, so has the desire to maximize their quality of life.23   Source: BSM Partners


Dogs

Dogs

3+ minutos de lectura

3+ MIN

Chews and treats for dogs

  Top Tips on Treating   Avoid human scraps or treats. Many owners want to 'treat' their pet and commercial pet treats are the sensible option. Human scraps or treats are inappropriate for pets as they can be too high in fat, salt, sugar and energy content or may contain ingredients that are toxic to pets. Some human foods can also be toxic to pets (see FEDIAF Nutritional Guidelines).
  Use pet treats alongside a complete and balanced diet. Pets require a complete and balanced diet containing the vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, proteins and amino acids in the right amounts for their specific life stage. Chews and treats are typically classified as complementary products which are not designed to be nutritionally complete or contribute to the essential nutrient requirement of the pet. The term 'complete' or 'complementary' will be labelled on the pet food pack so please check before feeding.
  Feed treats in moderation. It is recommended that no more than 10% of a pet's caloric average intake over a week or day come from treats. Please refer to the feeding guidelines on the packaging or contact the manufacturers helpline for more detailed information. Monitor your pet's weight regularly to keep them fit and healthy.
  Keep it safe. Choose a chew that is the appropriate size and shape for your dog. Ensuring that any treat offered to your dog is the right size for his body weight is important in reducing the risk of choking. With all chews and treats there is always the potential for large pieces to be swallowed whole, causing trauma or choking. FEDIAF therefore advises that dogs are always supervised with chews and treats, or other items they might want to chew or play with. 
  Avoid excessively hard chews and treats. It has been shown that chewing on excessively hard objects, e.g. chews and treats that are not bendy and malleable, or don't soften very quickly and easily when chewed, could cause a painful tooth fracture, posing a risk to your dog's well-being. There isn't currently a specific legal standard for hardness for dog chews, but there are many products available that are really chewy and long-lasting, without being super hard.
  If you need additional advice and guidance to find out if a chew or treat is suitable for your dog consult the manufacturer, a pet care professional or your vet.   Further Readings and Scientific Studies   A 2018 study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science demonstrated the risk of tooth fractures with chews or toys that are too hard. The full study can be accessed here: Fracture Limits of Maxillary Fourth Premolar Teeth in Domestic Dogs Under Applied Forces.   A 2005 study published in Yamaguchi Journal of Veterinary Medicine (Japan) showed that half of owners of dogs with fractured teeth do not notice the tooth fractures in their dogs and highlighted the importance of owner education about living environment and regular veterinary check-ups. Study abstract can be found here: A survey of the fractured teeth of sixty canines and their treatment.   In a 2019 study they assessed 349 clinical cases in which foreign bodies (objects) were removed from dogs' oesophagus (the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach). The results showed that the majority (77%) of foreign bodies causing the obstruction/injury in those cases were bones. Read more here: Complications following removal of oesophageal foreign bodies: a retrospective review of 349 cases.   A 2017 retrospective study of 222 deaths in dogs, which were treated for esophageal foreign body obstruction, showed that osseous (bone material) were the foreign body in 81% of the cases. Read more here: Risk Factors for Death in Dogs Treated for Esophageal Foreign Body Obstruction: A Retrospective Cohort Study of 222 Cases (1998-2017).   Download the factsheet or click here for more factsheets.   Source: FEDIAF

Dogs

3+ minutos de lectura

3+ MIN

Journal of Animal Science Publishes ADM's Canine Clinical Trial Exploring the Microbiome Effects of BPL1™

CHICAGO—ADM (NYSE: ADM), a global leader in innovative solutions from nature, announces the publication of its first-in-species study of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis CECT 8145 (BPL1™)1 on adult dogs by the Journal of Animal Science. This pioneering study examined the effects of daily supplementation of both the live probiotic and heat-treated postbiotic forms of BPL1™ on canine health.   According to recent ADM global consumer research, 55% of U.S. pet owners have purchased biotics at least once a year because of a professional recommendation2. In many cases, they use biotics to support their pet's digestive or gastrointestinal concerns2.   "The popularity of functional ingredients has increased as pet owners seek ways to improve the health and wellness of their pets, yet limited research has been conducted regarding the use of probiotics and postbiotics and their effects on canine health," said Sophie Nixon, Ph.D., Head of Clinical Research for Pet & Animal Well-being at ADM, who oversaw the trial.   For this exploratory study, 18 adult beagles and 18 adult English pointers were used in a 3-arm randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel group design, with 12 animals per group. Following a 60-day adaptation period in which dogs were fed a standard diet alone, the dogs were then supplemented with either probiotic or postbiotic BPL1™ or an identical placebo alongside their standard diet for 90 days. Measurements were taken to assess outcome measures relating to a variety of health areas, including fecal fermentative end products and microbiome, insulin sensitivity, serum gut hormones, oxidative stress, inflammatory biomarkers and white blood cell gene expression.   Improvements were observed in fecal short-chain fatty acids, as well as changes in microbiome composition and the functional metagenome, when compared to placebo control. Data from the trial shows that both the live and heat-treated forms of BPL1™ can safely be supplemented in healthy adult dogs and support several aspects of gut health. A further clinical study is ongoing to assess additional physiological outcomes, with a focus on metabolic health.   "Groundbreaking science such as this canine trial spurs development of ADM's functional ingredients across human, pet and animal nutrition," said Mark Lotsch, ADM's President of Global Health & Wellness. "Beneficial outcomes and ingredient stability of our award-winning BPL1™ solution have been repeatedly demonstrated in previous human clinical trials. We are thrilled to also see promising results for pet health applications."   Because heat-treated BPL1™ has a similar effect to live BPL1™ in healthy adult dogs, pet product formulators will have greater flexibility through the manufacturing and supply process, as they don't need to make adaptations for living microorganisms3. Notably, extreme heat from extrusion and baking common in pet food processing can diminish the efficacy of live probiotics. As inanimate microorganisms, postbiotics can confer a health benefit on the host despite these challenging conditions.   Learn more about ADM's extensive range of science-backed microbiome solutions for pets here.   1BPL1® is a trademark registered for Biopolis, S.L. in the EU and other countries 2ADM Outside Voice℠ 3Local regulations must be reviewed to confirm permissibility of ingredients for each category   About ADM   ADM unlocks the power of nature to enrich the quality of life. We're an essential global agricultural supply chain manager and processor, providing food security by connecting local needs with global capabilities. We're a premier human and animal nutrition provider, offering one of the industry's broadest portfolios of ingredients and solutions from nature. We're a trailblazer in health and well-being, with an industry-leading range of products for consumers looking for new ways to live healthier lives. We're a cutting-edge innovator, guiding the way to a future of new consumer and industrial solutions. And we're a leader in sustainability, scaling across entire value chains to help decarbonize the multiple industries we serve. Around the globe, our innovation and expertise are meeting critical needs while nourishing quality of life and supporting a healthier planet. Learn more at www.adm.com.    Source: ADM 

Dogs Prebiotics in Pet Food

4+ MIN

Prebiotics in Pet Food

Why are they important?   The microorganisms that call the GI tract home require nutrients to survive and proliferate. They produce enzymes that break down nutrients inside the body that our pets lack, and thrive on undigested material, such as prebiotic fiber, that passes through the GI tract relatively unchanged. Ensuring these organisms have access to appropriate nutrients is paramount for a healthy and diverse bacterial population in the gut. This can help to prevent pathogenic bacteria from proliferating, which can reduce the incidence of GI upset, diarrhea, and overall dysbiosis.   Not all fiber is created equal   While bacteria can break down nutrients that animals cannot, there are still limitations to what they can utilize. Fiber is a carbohydrate consisting of sugars bound together, and their orientation determines which enzymes can digest them. Soluble fiber, which attracts water and forms a gel during digestion, forms most of the fermentable fibers in the digestive tract. This kind of fiber is generally what is used as prebiotics, and they include compounds such as inulin, fructo-oligosaccharides, beta-glucans, and others. Insoluble fiber on the other hand, is insoluble in water and does not form a gel during digestion. In general, these are minimally fermented in the large intestine, and thus, are not commonly used as a prebiotic. However, they do add bulk to the stool and are important for promoting regularity and maintaining stool quality. Common sources of insoluble fiber include cellulose and hemicellulose.   When formulating a diet with prebiotics, it is important to ensure the ingredient accomplishes the goals of the formulation. Ultimately, the prebiotic must support the microorganisms in the large intestine to be effective. While prebiotics come in many forms, two common prebiotics used in pet food are inulin and fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS).   Inulin   Inulin is a long-chain fructo-oligosaccharide that is common prebiotic fiber in pet foods and is commonly derived from chicory root. Inulin is well known to modify the composition of the gut microbiome and metabolic activity in a variety of animals.1 It has been relatively well studied in dogs,2-6 where it has been shown to increase the prevalence of beneficial bacteria, modify the fecal short chain fatty acid profile, and support better overall GI health. Similar results have been demonstrated in cats,7,8 though the inclusion rates are different from that of dogs.   Fructo-oligosaccharides   Fructo-oligosaccharides are similar to inulin in that they are chains of fructose, though they are generally smaller in length. Similar to inulin, FOS have been shown to improve the gut microbiome and fecal characteristics of dogs, 9,10 and cats.11-13 Therefore, FOS could be a good alternative to inulin in pet diets.   Conclusions   Prebiotics can be an effective way to supplement a pet's diet to improve gut health. It is important that the prebiotic inclusion rate is appropriate to ensure that the pet receives enough of it to impart a beneficial effect on their GI health, but not too much to result in loose stool. If you are interested in creating a product that utilizes prebiotic fiber, contact BSM Nutrition Services. We utilize scientific data from a variety of published research articles to ensure your product is efficacious and competitive in the marketplace.   Source: BSM Partners   References Flickinger, EA, Fahey GC. 2002. Pet food and feed applications of inulin, oligofructose and other oligosaccharides. Brit. J. Nutr. 87(S2):S297-S300. Propst, EL, Flickinger, E, Bauer, L, Merchen, N, Fahey, GC. 2003. A dose-response experiment evaluating the effects of oligofructose and inulin on nutrient digestibility, stool quality, and fecal protein catabolites in healthy adult dogs. J. Anim. Sci. 81(12):3057-3066. Alexander, C, Cross, TWL, Devendran, S, Neumer, F, Theis, S, Ridlon, JM, Suchodolski, JS, de Godoy, MR, Swanson, KS. 2018. Effects of prebiotic inulin-type fructans on blood metabolite and hormone concentrations and faecal microbiota and metabolites in overweight dogs. Brit. J. Nutr. 120(6):711-720. Beloshapka, AN, Duclos, LM, Boler, BMV, Swanson, KS. 2012. Effects of inulin or yeast cell-wall extract on nutrient digestibility, fecal fermentative end-product concentrations, and blood metabolite concentrations in adult dogs fed raw meat–based diets. Am. J. Vet. Res. 73(7):1016-1023. Russell, TJ. 1998. Effect of natural source of non-digestible oligosaccarides on the fecal microflora of the dog and effects on digestion. Beloshapka, AN, Dowd, SE, Suchodolski, JS, Steiner, JM, Duclos, L, Swanson, KS. 2013. Fecal microbial communities of healthy adult dogs fed raw meat-based diets with or without inulin or yeast cell wall extracts as assessed by 454 pyrosequencing. FEMS Microbiol. Ecol. 84(3):532-541. Hesta, M, Janssens, G, Debraekeleer, J, De Wilde, R. 2001. The effect of oligofructose and inulin on faecal characteristics and nutrient digestibility in healthy cats. J. Anim. Physiol. Anim. Nutr. 85(5‐6):135-141. Butowski, CF, Thomas, DG, Young, W, Cave, NJ, McKenzie, CM, Rosendale, DI, Bermingham, EN. 2019. Addition of plant dietary fibre to a raw red meat high protein, high fat diet, alters the faecal bacteriome and organic acid profiles of the domestic cat (Felis catus). PloS One. 14(5):e0216072. Félix, AP, Brito, CM, Zanatta, CP, Lima, DC, Oliveira, SG, Maiorka, A. 2013. Supplementation of fructooligosaccharides (FOS) on faecal characteristics of adult dogs. Archiv. Vet. Sci. 18(1):9-14. Pinna, C, Vecchiato, CG, Bolduan, C, Grandi, M, Stefanelli, C, Windisch, W, Zaghini, G, Biagi, G. 2018. Influence of dietary protein and fructooligosaccharides on fecal fermentative end-products, fecal bacterial populations and apparent total tract digestibility in dogs. BMC Vet. Res. 14:1-10. Sparkes, AH, Papasouliotis, K, Sunvold, G, Werrett, G, Gruffydd-Jones, EA, Egan, K, Gruffydd-Jones, TJ, Reinhart, G. 1998. Effect of dietary supplementation with fructo-oligosaccharides on fecal flora of healthy cats. Am. J. Vet. Res. 59(4):436-440. Barry, KA, Wojcicki, BJ, Middelbos, IS, Vester, BM, Swanson, KS, Fahey, GC. 2010. Dietary cellulose, fructooligosaccharides, and pectin modify fecal protein catabolites and microbial populations in adult cats. J. Anim. Sci. 88(9): 2978-2987. Barry, KA, Hernot, DC, Van Loo, J, Fahey, GC, de Godoy, MRC. 2014. Fructan supplementation of senior cats affects stool metabolite concentrations and fecal microbiota concentrations, but not nitrogen partitioning in excreta. J. Anim. Sci. 92(11):4964-4971.


Cats

Cats

7+ min reading

7+ MIN

Catering to cats

The natural cat food and treat category has taken a positive turn as consumers focus more on their felines' distinct needs and preferences. "So many more people are catering to their cats and recognizing that they are different, not like dogs, and they have unique needs that finally are being addressed," said Diane Dewberry, owner of The Healthy Animal, a retailer in Pembroke, Mass.   The result has been a large cat-owning clientele willing to spend money to ensure their cats get quality food and nutrition, she added. "The new [customers] coming in don't care what they spend; they want the better food because their cats like it," Dewberry said.   With this desire for quality food and nutrition, consumers are turning to natural foods and treats. People's embrace of clean eating for themselves may be an influence as well. "For cats, the emphasis in the natural category tends to be on clean eating—choosing minimally processed, real foods that provide maximum nutritional benefits," said Heather (Acuff) Mendoza, director of research and development for Nulo Pet Food, a manufacturer in Austin, Texas.   Not only do consumers realize that cats need quality nutrition for their overall health, but owners also want and need foods that address their pets' most common needs, said Janet Scott, owner of Rawz Natural Pet Food, a manufacturer in York, Maine. "The current trend favors natural food options offering solutions, such as recipes high in meat, low in carbohydrates and focused on addressing specific needs," she said.   Romina Tasahuaman, store manager for Choice Pet, a retailer in Stamford, Conn., reported an uptick in sales of natural cat foods, especially those that are formulated to address special conditions such as diabetes and urinary tract issues. "When customers find natural foods and try them, and they see their cats have no issues going forward, they stick with that brand," she said.   For those less familiar with premium and natural cat foods, guidance is especially welcome. "Unfortunately, not everyone has access to the education or access to people that feed more naturally, and it can be kind of scary to switch over," said Alexandra Dameron, owner of Noah's Natural Pet Market in San Diego. "Most cat owners are told to just feed dry food and wet food as treats occasionally and so are nervous to branch out." This is where independents often set themselves apart with the education and expertise to help cat owners with questions, concerns, information and coaching. "During this age of information, retailers are faced with the challenge of delivering the right information to consumers, on the right platform, at the right time," Mendoza said. "This sets the bar high for retailer education, but when done right, will build trust and rapport with consumers."   Industry insiders noted several key training topics for retail associates. The unique nutritional needs of cats. "Cats are different than dogs and have very different nutritional needs," Dameron said. "Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they have no carbohydrate requirement. They need meat, fat, organs and bone to survive and thrive." Product knowledge. "Learn about the products. Read about the products, learn the contents, understand why we have it and what it will do for the cats," Dewberry said. Sourcing for quality. "With the many options available, along with marketing techniques, it can be a bit overwhelming for shoppers to determine which products are the best quality," said Fernando Maluf, vice president of international sales for Natoo Pet Foods, a manufacturer in São Paulo. He recommends knowing where a product is made, what ingredients are in a product and where the ingredients come from. "How and where ingredients are sourced can play a key role in the quality of the product," he added. Engaging with customers. Teaching associates what questions to ask to get more information from customers on their cats' needs and preferences is crucial to helping shoppers select appropriate diets, Dewberry said. Personal experience. "The best education … is having experience with the food or treat in question," Dameron noted. Tips for transition. "We all need to know how best to gently guide a customer to the more natural/alternative categories for their kitties while still honoring the cat's preferences," Dameron said. "We all have to be aware of the ways to start introducing new textures and flavors and the tricks you can use to help a cat want to try something new."   Texture trends & flavor preferences    Getting cats to eat new foods can be a challenge, as they have a reputation of being finicky for good reason. This is where Dewberry finds sampling to be very helpful. "Texture is a big thing," she said. "Some cats are imprinted on certain textures or smells. We always sample, which is good when companies offer them." Dry foods remain a best-seller. These diets offer a convenience consumers appreciate.   For those looking for a natural, grain-free, single-protein dry food option, Rawz Natural Pet Food is introducing Limited Rabbit Recipe for Cats this month. The kibble is made with real rabbit, contains marine microalgae oil (algal oil) and features a freeze-dried raw rabbit coating, Scott said, adding that it is free of eggs, potato, corn, rendered fat, dairy, wheat, soy and canola oil. Limited Rabbit Recipe for Cats "is made with easily digestible ingredients and is a great solution for cats with food sensitivities," she noted.   Canned diets have been a feline food staple for decades, and they are very popular in the natural market, with pâté, minced, shredded and stews ranked as top textures, industry experts agreed. At Global Pet Expo in Orlando, Fla., in March, Nulo launched a line of 10 natural, high-meat canned cat food formulas. Featuring diversified textures, the new diets include fine minces, regular minces and flakes. Proteins include chicken, beef, duck, lamb, quail egg, salmon, tuna, crab and prawn, and the canned diets contain organ meats and broth. "Pâtés have been the classic canned food format for decades, but with recent advantages in processing technology, the ability to innovate in this category is almost limitless," Mendoza said. "This line is focused on providing high animal-based protein, flavorful broths, and functional ingredients like pumpkin and inulin to support gut health."   Raw and freeze-dried fare are gaining attention in the natural pet food market, retailers said, and many independents reported that they encourage customers to feed these foods. "While frozen raw food is the absolute best way to feed your kitty, some cats won't take to the texture," Dameron said. "Softer freeze-dried and air-dried are becoming more popular for cats, and we are helping educate around why these foods are better than traditional kibbles for cats. "We also are seeing freeze-dried and air-dried treats being extremely popular," she added.   For shoppers ready to make the switch to raw, Dewberry uses freeze-dried foods and treats as an effective bridge. "Most cats can't go straight from dry to raw, and it takes cats time," she said. "We always try to slowly transition them from dry to the freeze-dried, then canned and then raw." While customers are less reserved about spending money on quality cat foods, some retailers have found rising prices are affecting raw purchases. The market for raw cat food and treats has certainly grown, Tasahuaman said, but "price increases have made it harder for some to keep feeding raw. Many use raw as a topper or a treat because of the expense."   Toppers in general are gaining popularity as a simple way to add more natural nutrition into any cat's diet, insiders said. This September, Natoo plans to unveil meal toppers for cats in Chicken & Sweet Potato and Salmon & Sweet Potato flavors. The single-protein treats are similar to a wet food, with shreds of chicken or chunks of fish in a broth, and they contain no byproducts, preservatives, or artificial colors or flavors. "Perfect for cats of all ages and sizes, they can be enjoyed alone or mixed with dry food for added nutrition," Maluf said. "Made with limited ingredients, they're easily digestible and great for pets with sensitive stomachs or allergies. Plus, they are rich in folic acid, biotin, antioxidants and fiber, and are fortified with essential vitamins A, B12 and D3."   In addition to texture, flavors and palatability are key considerations. Chicken and fish remain the most common and popular proteins in cat food and treats, according to insiders. "Our poultry- and fish-based formulas tend to be our Nulo fan favorites and top-selling proteins for cats," Mendoza said. "We're also seeing increased interest in red meat options, such as beef and lamb."   For owners who prefer feeding a rotational diet, more products are now available in a variety of flavors and proteins, Scott said, such as turkey, duck, rabbit and pork. Offering lots of protein options can be beneficial to cats, Dameron noted. "We encourage a lot of variety as it helps to prevent the stereotypical 'picky' cat, so we encourage customers to explore more novel proteins and diversify their cats' foods and treats," Dameron said. "If you understand your cat is a predator and carnivore, you can focus on the ways they play and hunt to determine what they might like. Red meats if they are a ground hunter and poultry if they like to fly through the air."   Source: Pet Product News

Cats

3+ min reading

3+ MIN

Cats’ noses appear to function like powerful aroma analysis equipment

Published in PLOS Computational Biology, the study was funded by Waltham Petcare Science Institute and led by Ohio State University, Monell Chemical Senses Center and the University of Pennsylvania.   These new findings deepen our understanding of the domestic cat's enhanced sense of smell, aiding new strategies to meet cats' food preferences.   Researchers created an anatomically accurate 3D computer simulation of a domestic cat's nose to understand how cats smell. They used a variety of techniques to create the simulation, including high-resolution micro-CT scans to generate an accurate model of a cat's nose. The simulation of air and odor flow through the virtual cat nose revealed similarities with a parallel coiled gas chromatograph.   In basic gas chromatography, the substance being analyzed is vaporized and carried by a steady flow of gas through a tube. Different chemical components in the substance interact with the tube in distinct ways, which enables them to be separated and identified.  In a cat, its complex nasal structure is made up of multiple tubes, like a parallel coiled gas chromatograph, making the process even more efficient than the basic chromatography technique.   'We have partnered with leading institutions to further understand cats' sense of smell', says Dr. Scott McGrane, sensory science expert at the Waltham Petcare Science Institute. 'Computational Fluid Dynamics (or CFD) is usually used to solve engineering questions related to how fluids flow.  In our case, we have applied CFD to study airflow and how aroma compounds move through the cats' nose.  Cats' noses have a complex structure that enhances their ability to smell, akin to the snail-like coiled cochlea which we know enhances hearing sensitivity'.  'This new research shows a cat's nasal structure is about 100 times more efficient in detecting aroma compounds than having a single straight tube, which most amphibians have', Dr. McGrane added.  The study and findings deepen our understanding of cats' enhanced sense of smell and present the potential for future computational and behavioral studies on the palatability of cat food, including in the area of new sustainable protein sources.  It's a topic we are exploring through our sensory science work, which aims to further our understanding of the sense of smell and taste in cats and dogs.  Our recent research has discovered new insights into the taste perception of pets by studying the sensitivity of taste receptors using a range of approaches, including computational modelling. One study looked into bitterness and its relationship with toxicity for dogs, while another explored the kokumi taste receptor of cats, which is described as a taste enhancer rather than a taste on its own.   We are committed to using scientific research to gain a better understanding of how cats and dogs experience and enjoy the food they eat. It means we can continue meeting their needs nutritionally, while at the same time ensuring they savor their meal, for happy pets, as well as healthy pets. 

Source: Whaltam PetCare

Cats How Long Can Your Always-Hungry Cat Wait For Dinner?

5+ MIN

How Long Can Your Always-Hungry Cat Wait For Dinner?

Many cats put on Oscar-worthy performances to convince their parents they are constantly starving. Often, they start with jumping on your head at 4 a.m., perhaps followed by biting your toes, stealthily pushing priceless breakables off the counters, or pacing in front of their bowls and yowling nonstop. But how can you tell if your cat is really getting enough to eat, and how long can they reasonably wait for their next meal? There are a number of factors that need to be considered to answer these questions. For starters, how old your cat is, the kind of foods your cat eats, and any health conditions your cat has can all influence how often your cat needs to eat.  For example, there are big differences in the nutritional needs of growing kittens and pregnant cats, compared to adult cats who are mostly sedentary indoors. It is always best to consult your veterinarian and defer to their recommendations when it comes to the particular nutritional needs of your cat. Here are some general guidelines that may help. How long can your cat wait between meals? The short answer is that it depends. And no one knows exactly. Wild felines who hunt need to eat many small meals throughout the day but may also go long stretches without food. On average, hunting cats eat about eight to 10 small prey a day, so they spend the majority of their waking time stalking, chasing, and hunting in order to meet their dietary needs. For our pet cats who spend most of their time lounging indoors, they tend to burn many fewer calories and have access to higher quality diets. Their needs for food are quite different. Studies have shown that cats' stomachs empty between four to eight hours after a meal, depending on what they eat. So, while your cat may be able to go up to eight hours between meals, most nutritionists recommend feeding many small, frequent meals throughout the day to attain the best physical and mental health for your cat. So, if you're planning to go out of town, it's important that you instruct your cat sitter as to how often your particular cat needs to eat. Do different foods affect hunger differently? What you feed your cat may affect how often they need to eat and how quickly they become hungry after a meal. Some factors that influence this include protein content, fiber content, and whether you feed a dry kibble versus canned wet food. In cats, protein content influences their satiety, or feeling of fullness, the most. A high-protein diet may keep a healthy cat feeling full the longest. Some cats should not have high-protein diets, such as those with kidney disease, so make sure to speak with your vet before switching to a high-protein diet.   Fiber is also known to play a role in feelings of fullness and to slow down the emptying of the stomach and intestines. This seems to play a smaller role in cats, compared to humans or dogs. Commercial high-fiber cat diets have not been shown to significantly affect fullness in cats, but certain fiber supplements containing inulin do seem to have more of an effect. As always, consider these supplements after consulting with your veterinarian to make sure it is safe and appropriate for your cat. Be aware that adding too much fiber or introducing it too suddenly can lead to gastrointestinal upset, such as nausea and diarrhea.   When it comes to keeping cats full, there is some evidence that kibble actually stays in the stomach longer than wet food, which may keep them feeling full longer. The debate over feeding dry food versus canned food is endless, and there are many valid reasons to choose one over the other. In general, canned food tends to have higher water content, which is very important for keeping cats hydrated. Canned food usually has a pureed consistency, which may cause it to be digested more quickly and easily. In most cases, cats should not eat dry food exclusively for overall good health, but there may be strategic ways to incorporate small amounts of dry food into your cat's diet. How can you keep your cat from constantly crying for food? Depending on your cat's particular life stage and health, there are many ways to help them feel satisfied while allowing you to get some sleep, too. For kittens and pregnant cats that need to eat frequently, a timed feeder may be a good option to provide snacks overnight and in the early morning. Remember that these feeding devices are not usually recommended for cats in other life stages because they can lead to overeating and risk of obesity. For adult cats, food puzzles are a great way to provide smaller, frequent meals while improving your cat's activity level and mental enrichment. These can be homemade or commercially available puzzle-style feeders that require your cat to 'work' for their food.  It slows them down and allows them to snack gradually and also gives them a challenge to figure out how to get the food out. The simplest form of a food puzzle would be just hiding kibble around the room for your cat to seek out. More complex puzzles are also available in a variety of styles.   In general, providing smaller, frequent meals may help your cat to feel more satisfied and for those cats that have no health concerns, adding a little extra fiber and higher protein content may also keep them feeling full longer.   Look for these signs of actual starvation or illness in cats. It is important to note that cats cannot safely skip several meals in a row. This is especially serious for young kittens, pregnant cats, cats with underlying health problems, and overweight and obese cats. If your cat skips multiple meals, it is a sign of illness, and they should be seen by a veterinarian right away. It is also not safe to intentionally skip feedings as a weight-loss strategy. Overweight cats are prone to a condition called hepatic lipidosis, aka fatty liver, that can be triggered by skipping meals. For this reason, it is critical to follow your vet's recommendations on feeding guidelines, especially if you are trying to encourage your cat to reach a healthy weight. by Dr. Amy Fox, DVM
 

Magazine

ad1

Advertising

260x430 260x430

Laboratory

Laboratory High-level nutrition: The revolution in pet health

3+ MIN

High-level nutrition: The revolution in pet health

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

Laboratory Biotechnology in the pet food industry

4+ MIN

Biotechnology in the pet food industry

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

By María Candelaria Carbajo

Laboratory

05/09/2024

INNOCON implements an analytic process in oily matrices for pets

Implementing an analytic process to identify and determine volatile compounds as secondary indicators of fats and lipid oxidation through solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry is an important sign of the company's commitment to quality and innovations in the pet food industry.   Focusing on fresh and quality food, as well as animal welfare, not only improves the product offering in the market but also establishes new standards in the industry. Having the ability to identify and quantify lipid oxidation compounds, such as hexanal, 2,4-decadienal, and 2-heptenal, among others, at trace levels is crucial because these compounds influence consumer organoleptic perception.   It is encouraging that companies like Innocon are leaders in the Biobío Region and contribute to scientific development and the local economy. Roberto Valenzuela, head of the R&D of Chemical and Instrumental Area, and his team are an example of how applied research impacts directly and positively on the pet food industry and, as a result, on society.   By: SETOP   Source: All Pet Food Magazine

Laboratory

27/02/2024

Two essential parameters for pet food launching

The fierce competition in the pet food market not only highlights the need for differentiation and excellence in pet food formulation but also emphasizes the importance of validating their effectiveness. Carrying out digestibility tests and fecal score evaluation is one of the crucial methods for evaluating the nutritional pet food quality.   Two essential parameters for pet food launching   Digestibility test The digestibility test is a crucial tool in evaluating the efficiency with which animals use and absorb food nutrients. This method provides a deep understanding of the digestion and absorption capacity of essential nutrients, which is essential for optimizing diet formulations and ensuring adequate nutrition for living beings. By analyzing the digestibility rate of various components present in food, such as proteins, fats, and starch, the digestibility test contributes significantly to the development of more efficient and sustainable feeding strategies, benefiting pet food products. Fecal score evaluation Assessment of fecal score in dogs and cats is a practical and valuable method for monitoring the digestibility of food consumed by these animals. The fecal score refers to the consistency and appearance of feces, being a visual indication of gastrointestinal health and digestive efficiency.
This method involves assigning an appropriate score to stool, usually on a scale from 1 to 5, based on characteristics such as consistency, color, and shape. When applied to food digestibility studies for dogs and cats, fecal score plays a crucial role. Well-formed stools with adequate consistency indicate good nutrient absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. On the other hand, excessively soft stools, diarrhea, or other abnormalities can be attributed to poor diet digestibility. Fecal score assessment is often performed in experimental feeding studies in which animals are subjected to different diets. By comparing fecal scores over time, researchers can infer the relative digestibility of different food ingredients or formulations. Diets that result in better-formed and more consistent stools generally indicate better use of food nutrients. Visual examination of the fecal score can complement the assessment of digestibility. This approach provides a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of food on the gastrointestinal health of dogs and cats, allowing adjustments to formulations to optimize nutrition and digestibility, thereby promoting pet health and well-being. Evaluating these parameters before launching a pet food product onto the market can give you advantages in comparison with competitors, evaluating whether the processing was done correctly, and identifying in time the need for changes in formulations. A demonstration in practice would be excess carbohydrates in the diet, for example, which leads to accentuated lactic fermentation, and the feces appear pasty with a light color and acidic smell (without a rotten smell). The same occurs when the feed is poorly processed. Normally, to manufacture dry food, a process called extrusion is used, which consists of applying steam and pressure to a crumbled mass, forming those granules that we technically call 'kibbles.' In this process, starch is essential for making the feed expand. However, if it does not undergo good cooking (or gelatinization) there is a risk of causing osmotic diarrhea in the animal fed with the feed in question. (Saad et al., 2014). The use of ingredients with lower digestibility directly impacts the fecal score. Ingredients such as soybean meal, widely used in standard or economical pet food manufacturing, contain 20% non-starch polysaccharides (NSP). Soluble PNAs can reduce the digestibility of nutrients and energy in the diet due to the increase in the viscosity of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and the reduction in food passage time, making it difficult for digestive enzymes to access the food bolus and interfering with diffusion and transport of nutrients, resulting in loose stools and large quantities. To minimize the adverse effects of ingredients with less digestibility, their use can be restricted to small inclusions. Otherwise, additives, such as enzymes or adsorbents, can be used. In the case of diets with raw materials rich in NSP and its influence on the fecal characteristics of dogs and cats, for example, the inclusion of a zeolite-type adsorbent additive adjusts the diet fecal score, since this additive, when passing inert through the GIT, adsorbs water and gases and reduces the elimination of ammonia, which improves the fecal characteristics and odors of animals. The animal's fecal score after consuming a feed plays a significant role in consumer satisfaction and can directly influence the repurchase decision. Thus, the digestibility and consistency of the fecal score reinforce consumer confidence in the product. If the food provides healthy and regular digestion, owners tend to associate this quality with the brand, thus strengthening customer loyalty.
Brand trust is crucial for repurchase, as consumers look for products that consistently meet expectations in such a competitive market.

By Ludmila Barbi T. Bomcompagni

Laboratory

31/01/2024

Quality Control in the Pet food industry through cutting-edge solutions

However, this trend presents significant challenges. Quality control and laboratory analysis processes are often slow and expensive, resulting in production delays, loss of raw materials, reprocessing of batches, and, consequently, the loss of time and valuable resources. All of this has been an obstacle to the efficiency and competitiveness of companies in the industry. The solution to these challenges lies in near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy technology, which has revolutionized the way the pet food industry approaches quality control, ingredient analysis, and process control. NIR instruments allow multivariate analysis to be performed in less than 10 seconds, providing accurate data for critical parameters such as moisture content, protein, fat, fiber, and ash, among others. As a result, not only is the quality control process significantly accelerated, but a substantial reduction in costs associated with traditional laboratory analysis is also achieved, giving companies the competitive advantage they need to stand out in the industry.   Pet food manufacturing process: critical points   Within the framework of the pet food manufacturing process, there are critical stages identified that require special consideration to achieve efficiency and productivity to obtain a final product of excellence. We cannot reach a good final result if our raw material does not meet the requirements. NIR instruments can quickly provide us with the information necessary to decide whether a batch we are receiving meets them or not. Each food has its recipe, and each variety has its nutritional composition. NIR equipment can help us confirm if the mixture or formula was correctly made prior to entering the extruder. After drying, it is common to apply coatings with fats, oils, or flavorings to make them more palatable, and, in some cases, vitamins and minerals can also be added to strengthen the nutritional content. NIR equipment can monitor the fat or oil content at this stage. Prior to packaging, and after the cooling process, obtaining an accurate reading of the humidity value of the product is essential to prevent common problems, such as the growth of mold or other types of fungi, which can cause deterioration of the product, affect its quality, and lead to significant economic losses. The ideal task for an NIR instrument will not only give us an accurate reading of the humidity value, but also allow us to verify that our final product meets the nutritional requirements we communicate on our packaging. PerkinElmer has been leading the market for years with its DA 7250 analyzer, the third generation of NIR instruments in the company's more than 60-yearhistory. This equipment combines Near Infrared Reflectance technology and a diode array (DA) detector, allowing accurate and reliable results in less than 10 seconds. Thanks to its excellent signal-to-noise ratio, large analysis surface area, and light range used with superior penetration capacity, grinding of raw materials or pre-treatment of samples before analysis is not needed. In addition to its speed in obtaining results, the DA 7250 stands out for its efficiency, simplicity of use, robustness, simple maintenance and cleaning, as well as its extremely friendly operating environment. It also has two online and inline versions, the DA 7440 and DA 7350 respectively, fully compatible with each other in terms of calibrations.     Mathematical models, prediction, and security in the results   Thanks to spectral data from more than 15,000 dry dog ​​and cat food samples from worldwide manufacturers (including kibble, biscuits, tricks, and more), calibrations have been developed to model relationships between NIR spectra and reference chemical results. This has been achieved using Honigs™ Regression (HR) types and Artificial Neural Network Regression (ANN) algorithms, as well as the application of a temperature stabilization pretreatment.

    As an example, the following table shows data from calibrations carried out for samples of dry food for dogs and cats:   The great product variability incorporated in the calibrations, added to the aforementioned characteristics and virtues of the instrument, guarantee accurate and robust measurements over time. The models can be used for whole and ground pet foods with similar prediction accuracy. In parameters such as humidity, protein, fat, fiber, and ash, these models are very precise, with similar differences to the deviations obtained between the two reference laboratories. In conclusion, in a market with increasing demands in terms of quality, nutritional value, and cost, NIR instruments are a powerful solution that offer fast, accurate, and robust results for all stages of the production process, reducing costs and leading to the efficiency and quality of our product at optimal levels.   By: Leonel Fulcheri - PerkinElmer
Source: All Pet Food Magazine

Laboratory

17/08/2023

Bühler offers solution to reduce mycotoxin levels in pet food

Mycotoxins, a poisonous chemical found in the corn used in pet foods, are causing animal sickness and irreparable brand damage. To solve this issue, SORTEX LumoVision, a solution developed by Swiss technology group Bühler, uses the spectral scale to kick out mold from pet food, keeping the costs of market recall down and pets safe. In 2021, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) alerted customers of fatal levels of aflatoxin, a strand of mycotoxin that attacks the liver, found in 1,000 lots of pet food. From the bad batch, it is reported that 130 dogs died. This statistic provoked lawsuits and anger from dog owners and the wider industry. However, the damage of mycotoxin contamination does not stop there. RECALLING PRODUCT IS EXPENSIVE One of the major costs of mycotoxin contamination is market recall. Recalling a product from the market is not cheap, in fact, the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) discovered that the average cost of market recall is USD10 million in direct costs alone. The financial hits of recalling product include: disposing of the product, reimbursing customers, and business interruption. The GMA survey showed that 81% of respondents deemed the financial risk of market recall to be 'significant to catastrophic'. CONTAMINATED PRODUCT DAMAGES BRAND IMAGE Financial costs and damage to health are not the only repercussions of mycotoxin contamination. Once the media are aware of the situation, brand image can take a significant hit. For consumers, it takes a lot to repair trust in a brand, and while brand damage is difficult to measure, this can further cost companies millions in lifetime value. CONTAMINATED PRODUCT CAN CAUSE MASS WASTE Before the LumoVision, contaminated grain would have been disposed of in large amounts. During testing, if the batch has a high concentration of mycotoxin, in many cases, the entire batch is destroyed. In fact, as few as 2 highly contaminated grains in 10,000 can render an entire batch unsafe. The Food and Drug Association (FDA) estimate that USD932 million is lost per year to crops contaminated with mycotoxin. This removal of the contaminated material may protect the consumer, but it costs businesses and the environment a lot more. WHAT CAN BE DONE? Bühler SORTEX faced the challenge of mycotoxin contamination head-on. After discovering a breakthrough 'invisible indicator' of contamination on the spectral scale, Bühler created the LumoVision, an optical sorter that can reduce the aflatoxin level by up to 90% (as indicated by industrial trials). This reduction brings many samples to regulation levels, saving companies from the costs of large-scale material waste and market recall. It works by analysing the colour each kernel fluoresces as it passes under powerful UV lighting in the sorter. It is known that contaminated kernels fluoresce a specific bright green colour, a substance called kojic acid, which is produced by the Aspergillus fungus at the same time as it produces aflatoxin. LumoVision's proprietary, highly sensitive cameras and a powerful LED-based UV lighting system can precisely detect this colour of fluorescence. Within milliseconds of detection, air nozzles deploy to blow contaminated kernels out of the product stream. When dealing with toxins, early intervention is critical. This is not only important in reducing the toxins consumed by pets, but also to lower wastage and the environmental footprint. Without proper cleaning and sorting, poisonous mycotoxins can cause large-scale wastage of materials, mass market recalls, and harm to pets. Dr Gerardo Morantes, Director of Food Safety-Americas Region at Buhler, had the following to say: 'Mycotoxins are a worldwide concern. However, technology made possible by Bühler SORTEX enables a preventative solution, meaning that mycotoxins can be dealt with early, stopping the spread and removing the contamination to meet regulatory standards.' Without intervention, mycotoxin contamination can bare a large cost for businesses, including, brand reputation, market recalls and material waste. With the SORTEX LumoVision, brands can stay profitable, customers can stay happy and pets can stay safe. By Bühler Group


Conveyors

Conveying Systems

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

Conveying Systems

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

Conveying Systems

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.  

Conveying Systems

25/08/2023

Automated Handling Solutions at FENAGRA 2023 in Brazil

Brad very brieflly introuced himself and the Company, the owners of Cablevey Conveyors and Spiroflow, and highlighted  its prsence in the pet food sector. Brazil has been a key market for them within the LATAM region, so they  have already planned to grow agresively in that market      About Automated Handling Solutions  AHS combines expertise in specialty conveyor and material handling and automation equipment technologies to help processors manage their lines effectively and efficiently. AHS' products target applications in high value environments and can support both wet and dry media. Primary end markets served include food and beverage, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, specialty chemical, and high value industrial. AHS is May River Capital's (May River) newest platform company. by All pet Food   

Conveying Systems Pet Food Industry Trends for 2023

3+ MIN

Pet Food Industry Trends for 2023

Growth is a great opportunity, but it also requires planning when it comes to how pet foods are conveyed in your facility. How are companies preparing to handle this type of growth at their processing facilities?     In October 2022, Cablevey Conveyors commissioned the independent research firm, Ascend2, to conduct a research study titled Evaluating and Implementing New Conveyor Systems. The 16-page study (download for free) asked 290 food processing professionals in the United States and the United Kingdom to provide their insight on critical considerations when evaluating conveyor systems. In this article, we will review and analyze the findings from 72 food processing professionals that are conveying pet food. What are they doing to prepare for growth? Finding #1: Budgeting for Growth. 85% of facilities processing pet foods are increasing their budget for conveying equipment and maintenance in the next 12 months. 35% tell us that they are increasing significantly the budget needed to meet growth opportunities. Why the increase in the budget? The increase is in response to how much these businesses grew in the past year. Finding #2: Can your workspaces facilitate needed growth? An important consideration of growth is your workspaces and facility requirements. What conveying systems are best for the space that you have available? According to the pet food processing experts surveyed, the #1 conveying system (46%) for maximizing available space is cable and disk conveyors. What are a few questions should you ask when evaluating the right conveyor system to optimize the space at your facility? Do you have enough floor space or ceiling height to accommodate certain conveyor types? Does the layout of the conveying system take into account easy access for cleaning and maintenance, worker safety, and operational performance? Here is a short video that shows a pet food conveying layout. Finding #3: Consider maintenance and downtime when you plan. For pet food, what conveying systems are the most efficient? Cable and disc conveyors lead the pack (by a wide margin) at 54% What are a few questions should you ask when evaluating the right conveyor system when it comes to maintenance and downtime?     Questions to ask: How much time will be spent disassembling and cleaning the system? Will maintenance and downtime costs exceed any savings that you realized when purchasing the system? Finding #4: Don't forget energy efficiency. What contributes to energy efficiency? The size of the motor and the amount of horsepower required to run a conveying system can have a major impact on production costs. What conveying systems is the most energy efficient for pet foods? Cable and disc conveyors are #1 at 44%. Here are two questions to ask regarding energy and efficiency: How much energy will this system use?
Is there a high or a low cut-off point at which this system becomes inefficient? Conclusion The pet food industry is growing and evolving. This research study provides insight into the specifics of how industry professionals are preparing for that growth and making the best decisions for their facilities. The research points to cable and disc conveyors as the superior solution for pet foods. Tubular conveyors help streamline pet food processing and maintain both quality and proper proportions in nutritional mixes, snack foods, and other pet food products, product characteristics important to pet food purchasers. To find out if a Cablevey system is the best solution for conveying your pet food, have the Cablevey Testing Center perform a free test for you. The Testing Center will provide you with the data to help you make the most informed decision for your specific need. This article only covers a portion of the finding from the Ascend2 research study. Download Evaluating and Implementing New Conveyor Systems for more insight into the food processing industry.
  by Cablevey Conveyor 

Conveying Systems Your Go-To Guide For Stainless Steel Conveyors In Food Processing

11+ MIN

Your Go-To Guide For Stainless Steel Conveyors In Food Processing

Automated conveyor systems play a vital role in virtually every stage of food processing, from transporting raw ingredients to packaging finished products. What's more, in the food and beverage industry, hygiene is of the utmost importance. That's why stainless steel conveyors are such a popular choice in this sector (especially for conveying  food).   Stainless steel is easy to clean and disinfect, making it the ideal material for conveying foodstuffs in accordance with FDA regulations. In this blog post, we will explore the use of stainless steel construction conveyors in the food production industry in more detail. We'll also look at some of the benefits of using this type of conveyor and explain how you can keep it clean and sanitary What is stainless steel? Let's start by taking a closer look at stainless steel. This is an alloy of iron, chromium, and, in some cases, other metals such as nickel and molybdenum. The main feature of stainless steel that makes it so suitable for food handling is its resistance to corrosion. This means that it won't rust when it comes into contact with oxygen. Regular steel (carbon steel), when exposed to oxygen, will transform into iron oxide (rust). Rust is porous and can flake off, becoming an excellent source of contamination. Stainless steel, on the other hand, forms a protective chromium oxide layer on its surface that prevents oxygen from reaching the iron beneath. As a result, it is much more resistant to corrosion than regular steel. What's more, stainless steel is also non-toxic and non-allergenic, which is important when you are conveying food products. Benefits of stainless steel conveyors Corrosion resistance is just one of the many benefits of using a stainless steel conveying solution in food processing. Let's take a look at some of the others: No product contamination – Unlike other materials that degrade over time and release particles into the product, stainless steel is inert and won't contaminate the conveyed material. It is also non-porous, meaning bacteria and other contaminants cannot become trapped on the surface. Easy to clean and sanitize – Because of its smooth surface, stainless steel is very easy to clean and disinfect. This is essential in the food industry, where hygiene is of paramount importance. We'll get into more detail about cleaning stainless steel conveyor solutions later on. Doesn't change food flavor – Outgassing is a phenomenon that can occur with certain materials, whereby they release gasses that can change the taste of food. Stainless steel is completely inert and doesn't outgas, so you can be sure your product will not be affected.
Resistant to high temperatures – Stainless steel can withstand high temperatureswithout being damaged. This means it can be used in applications where the product being conveyed is hot. Resistant to low temperatures – Just as stainless steel can withstand high temperatures, it is also resistant to low temperatures. This means it can be used in applications where the product being conveyed is frozen. Of course, these are not the only benefits of using a conveyor system for food made from stainless steel. Stainless steel is also a very strong material that is able to support heavy loads, making it ideal for use in the food industry. Is a stainless steel conveyor sanitary? To start answering the question of whether stainless steel food processing equipment is sanitary, we first need to understand what the term 'sanitary' means. In the food industry, the term 'sanitary' refers to an environment or piece of equipment that is free from contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. This is different from the term 'clean,' which simply refers to the absence of visible dirt. A piece of equipment can be clean but not sanitary, for example, if it has been cleaned with a cleaning solution that is itself contaminated. So, are stainless steel conveyors sanitary? The answer is no – no material is inherently sanitary. However, stainless steel is one of the most hygienic materials that you can use in food handling. This is because it is non-porous and non-absorbent, meaning that bacteria and other contaminants cannot become trapped on the surface. It is also made for easy cleaning and disinfection. That said, even stainless steel conveyors can become contaminated if they are not used and maintained properly. It is important to remember that bacteria and other microorganisms are everywhere – on our skin, in the air, and even on stainless steel. If left untreated, these contaminants can quickly multiply, compromise food safety, and cause foodborne illnesses. This is why it is so important to follow good hygiene practices when using stainless steel conveyors. In particular, you should ensure that the conveyor is cleaned and disinfected regularly, even if it is made of a food-grade material. Cleaning and sanitizing stainless steel conveyors Each facility has its own cleaning and sanitizing procedures developed according to the products being conveyed and the level of contamination risk. However, there are some basic steps that you can follow in cleaning and sanitizing your stainless steel conveyor: Remove loose dirt and debris – The first step is to remove any loose dirt and debris from the surface of the conveyor. The reason why it is important to do this first is that you don't want to spread contaminants around when you are cleaning. You can remove loose dirt and debris by brushing, vacuuming, or using compressed air. Pre-rinse – After you have removed the loose contaminants, you should pre-rinse the conveyor with water. This helps to remove any remaining impurities from the conveyor surface. Apply cleaning solution – Which cleaning agent you use will depend on the type of contaminants present and the manufacturer's recommendations. Rinse – Once you have applied the cleaning solution, you should rinse the conveyor with clean water. This helps to remove any remaining cleaning solution and contaminants from the surface. Inspect – Before sanitizing, you should inspect the conveyor to ensure it is clean. In particular, you should look for any areas that may have been missed during the cleaning process. Apply sanitizing solution – The final step is to apply a sanitizing solution to the conveyor. This helps to kill any remaining bacteria and other microorganisms. Once you have applied the sanitizing solution, you should rinse the conveyor with clean water. Note that some sanitizing agents may not need to be rinsed off, so be sure to check the solution manufacturer's instructions. Increase cleaning efficiency It's no secret that cleaning, sanitizing, and maintaining conveyors can be time-consuming. In fact, according to our State Of Conveying 2022 report, 54% of food processing managers and engineers said that cleaning and maintenance are the most challenging aspects of conveying. Reasons for this include: Downtime – When conveyors are taken offline for cleaning, it can lead to significant downtime and lost productivity. Cleaning frequency – The more often a conveyor is used, the more often it will need to be cleaned. This can make it difficult to keep up with the cleaning times and schedule, especially if the conveyor is in constant use. Complexity – Some food product handling conveyors are more complex than others, which can make them more difficult to clean. For example, some conveyors have many nooks and crannies that can be difficult to reach. Fortunately, there are methods you can use to increase the efficiency of your cleaning process. Have you come across clean-in-place (CIP) mechanisms? Clean-in-place systems A CIP system is a method of cleaning that uses special equipment to clean the interior surfaces of the conveyor without disassembling it. CIP systems are often used in the food and beverage industry, as they are an effective way to clean complex equipment quickly and efficiently. Cablevey offers two main types of CIP systems: Dry cleaning – Using brushes, air knives, urethane wiper discs, and special sponges with sanitizers. Dry cleaning is typically used for conveyors that move material that is not wet or sticky. Wet cleaning – Using water jets, sanitizers, and detergents. Wet cleaning is typically used for conveyors that move wet or sticky material. In this day and age, where every minute counts towards productivity, a CIP system can make a big difference. the conveyor type matter? If you choose a stainless steel conveyor for your food processing plant, does the type of conveyor matter? The answer is yes; of course, it does. The material the conveyor is made of is just one small part of the equation. You also need to consider the environment in which the conveyor will be used and the type of product that will be moved on the conveyor. Here are some common food manufacturing conveyors: Belt conveyor Perhaps the most widespread of all conveyors, belt conveyors are generally used to transport light to medium-weight products. A belt conveyor is composed of a belt that rests on two or more pulleys, which in turn rotate on shafts. The pulleys and shafts are powered by an electric motor. The belt on this type of conveyor can be made from a variety of materials. You can get plastic belt conveyors, rubber belt conveyors, and even metal belt conveyors. Not all of these represent a food-grade conveyor, though. Benefits: Good for fragile materials Can transport a variety of products Drawbacks: Not for steep inclines or vertical conveying Not for wet or sticky products If not enclosed, it poses a high risk of contamination Bucket conveyor Bucket conveyors, or bucket elevators, are composed of a series of buckets that are connected to a belt or chain. The buckets lift materials, such as grain, up to the top of the conveyor, where they are discharged into a chute. Even though horizontal bucket conveyors exist, incline conveyor options are more common, as they take up less space and can be used in a variety of settings. Benefits: Low driving power – energy efficient Good for facilities with small floor plans Good for inclines and vertical conveying Drawbacks: Ridiculously difficult to clean and maintain because of a lot of moving parts Pneumatic conveyor The main principle of material conveying in pneumatic conveyors is entrainment. In this type of conveyor, air is used to move materials through a system of tubes. A blower or a vacuum pump can generate the airflow. Benefits: High conveying speeds Low preventative maintenance and cleaning costs Flexible design – suitable for a variety of settings Drawbacks: Extremely hard on conveyed materials – material damage is common It requires a lot of power to control the speed Can be noisy Tubular chain conveyor A tubular chain conveyor is composed of a chain that runs inside a tube. Circular discs are evenly spaced along this chain, creating space between them for the conveyed material to fit into. The discs move along the tube, propelling the material forward. Benefits: Fully enclosed Can be used for inclines and vertical conveying Gentle conveying Drawbacks: Chain is in direct contact with conveyed material – high risk of contamination Difficult to clean and maintain Tubular cable and disc conveyor We saved the best for last. For specific material types, such as breakfast cereal, snack foods, nuts, beans, coffee beans, rice, and similar, tubular cable and disc conveyors are the best option. These conveyors work on a similar principle as tubular chain conveyors, with one major difference – instead of chains and discs, they use cables and discs. There is no direct food contact with the cable, which decreases the risk of contamination. Also, these conveyors are easier to clean and maintain. Benefits: Fully enclosed Gentle conveying – suitable for fragile materials Extremely low risk of contamination Easy to clean and maintain Drawbacks: Not for viscous or sticky materials Which conveyor to choose? A stainless steel conveyor system is only as good as the application it's being used for. Different conveyors are better suited for different tasks. To help you make a better decision, here are the top considerations you need to take into account: Conveyor type – As we've seen, there are many different types of conveyors. Make sure to choose the one that's best suited to your needs. Material type – Not all materials can be conveyed by all conveyors. Some materials are too fragile, while others are too dense. Make sure that the conveyor you choose can handle your material. Conveyor throughput – The amount of material that needs to be conveyed will play a big role in deciding which type of food processing conveyor to choose. Conveyor size and layout – Not every conveyor is suitable for every facility. The size of your facility and the layout of your production line will play a big role in deciding which conveyor to choose. Some other considerations are the cost of the conveyor, the energy efficiency, and how easy or difficult it is to clean and maintain the conveyor. Go for a sanitary design We've already explained how no material is completely safe from contamination. Even if you choose a food conveyor system that's easy to clean, there's always a risk of bacteria and other germs getting into the food. That's why it's important to go for a sanitary conveyor design. A hygienic design minimizes the risk of contamination. It includes: Easy access for cleaning – The conveyor should be designed in a way that allows easy access for cleaning. All parts of the conveyor should be accessible for cleaning, and there should be no dead spots where bacteria can accumulate. No traps in the conveyor frame – The conveyor frame design has to prevent food from getting trapped in it. All food should be able to fall freely from the conveyor, without getting caught in any nooks or crannies. No areas where water can accumulate – The conveyor should be designed to prevent water from accumulating anywhere on it. All wet areas should drain quickly, and there should be no places where water can pool. No fasteners – Welds should be used instead of fasteners to prevent food from getting trapped in them. It stands to reason that deciding exactly which type of stainless steel conveyor to choose for your food processing facility is a big decision. But with the right information, you can make the best choice for your needs. Conclusion Here are the main takeaways from this article: Stainless steel isn't sanitary by default. But it is an excellent material for conveyors because it's easy to clean and doesn't rust. The cable and disc conveyor is the best type of stainless steel conveyor for food processing applications. These food conveyors are fully enclosed, gentle, and have a low risk of contamination. When choosing an industrial conveyor, consider the type of conveyor, the material you're conveying, the throughput, the size and layout of your facility, and the cost. Make sure to choose a conveyor with a sanitary design to minimize the risk of contamination. A sanitary design includes easy access for cleaning, no traps in the conveyor frame, no areas where water can accumulate, and no fasteners. Ready to buy a stainless steel conveyor for your food processing facility? Cablevey Conveyor  can help you find the perfect one for your needs. Contact Cablevey today to get started By Cablevey Conveyor Source: All Pet Food  


Packing Machine

Packaging Comprehensive advice and suitable customer service packages: How STATEC BINDER: ensures the reliability and operation of your systems

3+ MIN

Comprehensive advice and suitable customer service packages: How STATEC BINDER: ensures the reliability and operation of your systems

Comprehensive advice and planning   STATEC BINDER supports its customers right from the planning phase. In addition to detailed advice and order clarification, the company also offers comprehensive and informative project management, where particular emphasis is placed on partnership-based
communication. This ensures that the selected machines are perfectly matched to the specific requirements of the customer, production and plant conditions. This process provides customers with perfect support right from the order placement stage and tailormade
systems from which they benefit in the long term.   Installation and commissioning   STATEC BINDER offers professional installation and commissioning of the systems. The trained team ensures that the machines can be put into operation quickly and smoothly so that production can start without delays. Close cooperation with the customer during this
phase is particularly important and ensures that all technical requirements are met and that the machines continue to work optimally in the future. This phase also includes training personnel on machine operation so that operators can use the machines efficiently and
safely. Dedicated training packages offer the opportunity to provide new employees with special training for the machine, even if the machine has already been in operation for some time.   Maintenance and spare part deliveries   Regular maintenance of machines is crucial to ensure their performance and minimize downtime. STATEC BINDER offers preventive maintenance programs that are individually tailored to the customer's needs. Special service appointments by experienced technicians
ensure that the machine can work at the best possible output. Among other things, wear parts can be replaced as a preventative measure. These programs help to identify and rectify potential problems at an early stage before major malfunctions occur. In addition, STATEC BINDER guarantees a rapid supply of spare parts to ensure machine availability at all times.   Remote maintenance and technical support   STATEC BINDER also offers comprehensive technical support that responds quickly and easily to customers' needs. The company's technicians can access the machines directly via remote maintenance systems to diagnose faults and rectify problems immediately. This service minimizes downtime and ensures that production processes are disrupted as little as possible. If there is a fault or problem that needs to be rectified directly on the machine itself, STATEC BINDER also offers to have a service technician on site as quickly as possible to help customers. This is a customer service program that many comparable companies do not offer and of which STATEC BINDER is particularly proud. In this way, the company sets itself the goal of achieving the best possible customer satisfaction.   Modernization and retrofitting   Even after years of operation, STATEC BINDER offers options for modernizing and retrofitting the systems so that the control system and electronics remain state-of-the-art.
This can be done, for example, by integrating new technologies or adapting to changes in standard parts. This ensures that the machines remain competitive and state-of-the-art in the long term. This also has the advantage that common standard parts, such as spare or wear parts, can be purchased cost-effectively.   Conclusion   With its comprehensive customer service packages, STATEC BINDER ensures that its customers' investments are optimally protected. From the initial consultation and installation through to maintenance and modernization - STATEC BINDER supports its
customers throughout the entire life cycle of their machines and ensures that they always work efficiently and reliably.   Source: Statec Binder

Packaging The STATEC BINDER customer service

2+ MIN

The STATEC BINDER customer service

Our comprehensive, worldwide customer service includes numerous services, such as inspections, detailed customer trainings on site, the storage of spare and wear parts close to the customer and extensive maintenance by our service technicians.   The 1 - 6 - 11 service program enables customer advice and support after the delivery of a STATEC BINDER system with the highest level of expertise. The program allows the machines to be optimally adapted to the individual needs of the customer and enables our technicians to answer project-related questions in person.   1 - One month after commissioning   The machines are installed by our technicians together with the customer, the production capacity is tested, and parameter checks are carried out. In addition, the future machine operators receive extensive training.   6 - Six months after commissioning   The customer should already be confident and familiar with its system. The focus lies on fine-tuning the machine, whereby a further visit, parameter checks, refresher trainings and visual inspections are carried out. Further customer training takes place if required.   11 - Eleven months after commissioning   Our service technicians visit the customer one more time and inspect the machine. The technicians make recommendations for a better use of the system in the future, in order to complete the fine-tuning process. Finally, an individual maintenance plan is drawn up for the respective system to ensure smooth cooperation in the future.   In addition to the comprehensive service program, our customer service is also characterized by the wide range of spare and wear parts. Required spare parts can be ordered and shipped globally and easily. Our customers also benefit from our Remote Maintenance System. With this innovative technology, problems that cannot be solved by customers themselves can be identified from our company located in Austria. Beyond that, the further procedure can also be defined remotely.   In addition, after the delivery of the machine, our customers get largely informed about the optimization and modernization of their systems by our service team. The focus lies on fine-tuning the machines with various modernization measures, such as new standards or updates. In this way, we can continue to help ensure that the high-quality systems perform reliably for many decades to come.   By: STATEC BINDER   Source: All Pet Food Magazine

Packaging

08/05/2024

Siegwerk’s new coatings enable recyclable monomaterial pet food packaging

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

Packaging

13/11/2023

STATEC BINDER: A PIONEER IN THE PACKAGING INDUSTRY

Foundation and Company History   The company was founded in 2008 as a joint venture between two renowned companies, BT Wolfgang Binder, and BINDER+CO AG. Both companies had already been active in the packaging and processing industry since the 1970s and brought many years of experience and expertise to the partnership. The merger created a new player in the packaging industry, STATEC BINDER. Over the years, STATEC BINDER has impressed with over 1800 successfully installed plants on all continents and in over 85 countries, underlining its global presence and expertise. The company continuously expanded its product range, from stand-alone machines to complete solutions for customers. Thanks to innovation, teamwork, and the pursuit of perfection, STATEC BINDER has always been able to meet the requirements of global markets and provide customized solutions for its customers.   Innovation and Product Portfolio   A key factor in STATEC BINDER's success is continuous innovation and the development of customized solutions for its customers. The product range of STATEC BINDER includes fully automatic as well as semi-automatic packaging systems for bags from 5kg to 50kg, BIG BAG filling stations, palletizing systems, and bag closing systems, which are developed specifically for customers' needs. Whether it is bulk materials such as grain, animal feed, fertilizer, plastic granules, or other materials, STATEC BINDER offers solutions for a wide range of industries.   Quality and Customer Service STATEC BINDER places great emphasis on the quality of its products and services. The packaging solutions are manufactured in a production facility and are subject to strict quality controls to ensure they meet the highest standards. The company is ISO 9001 certified, which underlines its commitment to maintaining high-quality standards. In addition to product quality, customer service is another key factor that distinguishes the company. STATEC BINDER's customers appreciate the personalized advice, individualized customer services, and comprehensive support the company offers. Working closely with customers enables the company to better understand their specific requirements and challenges, and to offer customers an all-around carefree package once they have purchased the equipment.   International Success STATEC BINDER's reputation extends beyond Austria, reaching a global scale. The company exports its packaging solutions to over 85 countries worldwide and maintains an extensive network of distribution and service partners across various regions, ensuring exceptional onsite support and guidance for its customers. This international presence reflects the trust customers worldwide place in STATEC BINDER's products and services.   Conclusion STATEC BINDER is a company that stands out in the packaging industry for its innovation, quality products, and dedicated customer service. With a strong focus on the needs of its customers, STATEC BINDER remains a major player in packaging technology and will continue to play a significant role in the industry in the future.   Source: All Pet Food Magazine

Packaging

20/10/2023

STATEC BINDER and NUPAC successfully conclude project together

Their goal was to increase bag filling capacity while reducing manual handling. For this, they turned to NUPAC in Australia, known as reliable suppliers of processing and packaging machinery and STATEC BINDER partners, who share a commitment to finding high-quality solutions for their customers. The Challenge: Enhancing Efficiency Massel Australia recognized the need to improve their bulk bagging process. The objective was straightforward: streamline operations, reduce labor requirements and elevate efficiency. They needed a partner who could not only provide cutting-edge machinery but also understand the unique constraints and demands of their production facility. Choosing NUPAC and STATEC BINDER: A partnership founded on individuality Massel Australia's journey toward a solution led them to NUPAC. What set NUPAC apart from the competition was more than just state-of-the-art equipment. Michael Caine, General Manager of Massel Australia, commented that they proceeded with NUPAC because "they displayed a genuine interest in coming up with a solution for us, listened to our needs and constraints, and were able to come up with a creative and efficient solution." The Solution for the customer: STATEC BINDER´s Acropac-T Machine NUPAC recommended the STATEC BINDER Acropac-T machine with gross weighing system and stainless steel execution. ACROPAC-T is a fully automatic open-mouth bagging machine which was perfectly tailored to Massel's requirements. This state-of-the-art equipment not only increased bag-filling capacity but also significantly reduced the need for manual operator input. One of the critical aspects was its ability to deliver substantial cost savings per bag filled. This cost-effectiveness made the investment in the new equipment an attractive proposition for Massel Australia. Overcoming Space Constraints Massel Australia faced a particularly challenging constraint—limited space, especially in terms of height. NUPAC worked closely with STATEC BINDER to overcome this challenge and find a solution that was compatible with the space available. This commitment to meeting every challenge head-on impressed Massel Australia and reinforced their trust in NUPAC as well as in the quality of STATEC BINDER machines. Massel Australia's encounter with NUPAC and STATEC BINDER was notably favorable. Michael Caine, in particular, emphasized that the entire process was an "overall excellent  xperience." He commended their professional handling of all queries and questions, creating a relationship that streamlined communication, especially during the planning and execution phases. When asked if they would recommend NUPAC and STATEC BINDER to others, Massel Australia responded with a resounding "Yes." Their recommendation is rooted in the positive purchasing experience and their trust in the post-sales support. They are confident that the ongoing support will maintain the same high standards of professionalism, positivity, and effectiveness as their initial interaction. In conclusion, this partnership has not only enhanced Massel's bag-filling process, thereby improving operational efficiency, but has also instilled confidence in NUPAC and STATEC BINDER's ability to provide unwavering support in the face of any challenge. By Statetc Binder Source: All Pet Food 

Packaging

11/10/2023

Purina calls on consumers to recycle pet food cans

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


Minerals

Minerals

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)

Minerals

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, [email protected]

Minerals

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

Minerals

17/08/2021

Mineral choice matters: Maximizing pet food nutrition

These can be broadly classified as either inorganic trace minerals (ITNs) or organic trace minerals (MTOs). The latter are so named because they are complex, or otherwise associated, with organic linking groups. These linking groups include amino acids, small peptides, and organic acids, which influence the strength of mineral absorption. When comparing organic trace minerals, many factors must be considered, but basically the interaction force between the mineral and the binding group is the most important factor influencing bioavailability. By improving the binding of MTOs, finally, the bioavailability of the mineral can be increased. Therefore, the choice of the linking group is critical to the effectiveness of organic minerals. In recent years, research has highlighted the differences that exist between individual products. A poor choice of the linking group can result in the production of products that offer no benefit over inorganic mineral sources. In essence, not all MTO products are the same.   Antagonisms in food and feed Increasingly, interactions between food components, such as trace minerals, are under scrutiny, for possible negative interactions with other components of the diet, often overlooked. Recent studies have focused on evaluating these potential antagonisms. In this regard, it is useful to highlight the differences, not only between inorganic and organic trace minerals, but also to illustrate that not all MTO products are produced equally.   Impact of minerals on the stability of vitamins The oxidation of vitamins, such as vitamin E, can reduce the function of vitamins, and its cause could be the oxidation of fats but, frequently, it is due to the action of trace minerals. The type and particularly the form of the trace minerals will influence their effect on the stability of the vitamin. When it comes to trace minerals, oxidation-reduction reactions are the predominant cause of vitamin instability. The type of trace mineral will influence its reactivity, and, more critically, the way the trace mineral is presented plays an even more important role in its influence on the stability of vitamins. Studies examining the stability of vitamin E in the presence of inorganic or organic minerals show that in the inorganic form, the minerals can be detrimental to the stability of the vitamin molecule. However, depending on the source of MTO, the use of chelated minerals may not cause such a dramatic decrease.   Antioxidant function may be compromised by mineral choice Additional research evaluating the effect of minerals in food components has established that commonly used antioxidants can be compromised with the use of inorganic minerals. Furthermore, the data indicate that in cases where MTOs have shown weak mineral absorption, there is a significant negative impact on antioxidant activity. The choice of organic trace minerals, therefore, plays a fundamental role in ensuring the quality and stability of food components.   Conclusions When it comes to mineral choice, organic trace minerals are much less likely to adversely affect essential nutrients, such as vitamins, compared to inorganic sources. However, not all forms of organic minerals react in the same way. Therefore, we encourage diet formulators to pay more attention to their ingredient choices in order to not only maximize nutrition, but also the quality and stability of pet food.   Source: Alltech

Minerals Yeast and Derivatives for Companion Animals: From Palatability to Immunomodulatory Properties

2+ MIN

Yeast and Derivatives for Companion Animals: From Palatability to Immunomodulatory Properties

Continuing its program of BioEvolution Webinar Series, Biorigin promotes on October 29 th at 9 am (Singapore time – SGT) the webinar 'Yeast and derivatives for companion animals: From palatability to immunomodulatory properties' presented by Thaila Cristina Putarov, Biorigin Global Technical Manager Pet food, a specialist in companion animal health and nutrition.  Yeast and its derivatives products are well known for their benefits in animal nutrition and are mainly used to help balance the intestinal microflora and help stimulate the host's natural defenses, besides the effects on palatability of pet food. 'Exploring and understanding the world of yeast and how these ingredients could be applied to pet food to reach the right objectives in a formulation are the mainly goals of this webinar', complements Mrs. Putarov. The webinar is free of charge and the registration is open on the link: https://gonatural.biorigin.net/webinar-pet-asia About Thaila Putarov Animal scientist with focus on companion animal nutrition and pet food processing. Her masters and PhD degrees were taken on companion animal health and nutrition and her postdoctorate training was based on the evaluation of pet food processing. From 2014 to 2020, Thaila was the coordinator of a center of research in companion animal nutrition. Since last July she is the technical manager for pet food at Biorigin.  About Biorigin Biorigin is a Brazilian company, founded in 2003, which mobilizes knowledge and technology to, using biotechnological processes, develop innovative solutions in 100% natural ingredients for the animals' health and well-being. Its portfolio is composed of 100% safe ingredients, assured by the total traceability of the vertically integrated production process, in addition to the quality assured by certifications FSSC 22000, ISO 22000, ISO 14001, GMP+ (Feed Safety Assurance), Kosher (food produced according to Jewish norms) and Halal (food produced according to Islamic requirements). It is the first company in its segment certified by The Bonsucro Chain of Custody for yeast extracts and derivatives produced from fermentable sugar and sugarcane yeast cream, as well as Ecovadis gold rating and Smeta audit showing the Biorigin's commitment to social, environmental, and economic practices through sustainable supplying.  www.biorigin.net   by All Extruded

Minerals Essential Nutrients for Companion Animals

2+ MIN

Essential Nutrients for Companion Animals

They're our walking partners, service pets, and loyal friends. They're our children's secret keepers, snugglebugs, and playmates. They're our front door greeters and unofficial therapists. They support and bring joy to our uniformed men and women abroad and at home. They are, in the fullest sense of the word, our companions, and that's why we work so hard to make sure they get the trace minerals they require—and deserve—for exceptional health and wellbeing. Trace minerals, including zinc, manganese, and iron, are often referred to as micronutrients. Although they are required only in small daily amounts, they play an essential role in numerous metabolic functions. When fed as part of a well-balanced diet, trace minerals provide dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, ferrets, and guinea pigs with multiple benefits, including skin and coat quality, growth and development, reproductive performance, paw pad integrity, and energy metabolism. With Zinpro Performance Minerals® in a companion animal's diet, you'll see a visible difference in the health and appearance of your walking partner, your service pet, your child's best friend—companions that are essential to our own wellbeing and happiness. The Difference is Noticeable As trace minerals with the highest biological efficacy on the market, Zinpro Performance Minerals® allow companion animals to absorb more of these trace minerals to receive their full benefit. With the addition of Zinpro Performance Minerals to food, treat, and supplement formulations, you'll see a noticeable difference in the health and appearance of companion animals, such as: Health & Wellbeing Zinc, manganese, copper, and selenium have been shown to enhance and support immune function, including antioxidant activity to remove free radicals and protect cell membranes Skin & Coat Quality Zinc and manganese facilitate wound healing and skin integrity through improved epithelial production and repair, and they, in addition to iron, are important factors in optimal coat, hair length, and shine Paw Pad Integrity & Healing Zinc and manganese have been shown to aid in keratin synthesis for toenail hardness, antioxidant activity to protect cell membranes, and cell division for paw pad growth and repair Growth & Development Zinc is shown to improve skeletal soundness, manganese plays a vital role in bone matrix development and joint maintenance and repair, and iron contributes to overall growth and development Reproductive Performance Manganese has been shown to aid reproductive hormone production, while research shows zinc to improve reproductive performance in both males and females Energy Metabolism Zinc, manganese, and iron contribute to energy metabolism, including carbohydrate,
lipid, protein, and nucleic acid metabolism Source: ZINPRO