10/07/2025

Challenges in Batching in Animal Nutrition Plants

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

10/09/2024

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

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

29/08/2024

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

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

17/04/2026

Interzoo 2026 to Bring Global Pet Industry Together with Innovation, Sustainability and New Business Opportunities

With more than 2,350 exhibitors from 64 countries already confirmed, Interzoo 2026 is set to once again become the central meeting point for the global pet industry. The event will showcase a wide range of products and services, covering segments such as pet food, aquaria, terraria, accessories for dogs and cats, small animals, birds, and garden animals, as well as packaging, shop fittings and pet food technology.

Beyond the exhibition floor, Interzoo will offer a comprehensive supporting programme designed to address key industry trends, challenges and opportunities.

One of the main highlights will be the Petfood Forum Europe, taking place on May 11, where industry experts will share insights on emerging trends, including alternative protein sources and supply chain solutions. The same day will also feature the first Interzoo Sustainability Conference, focusing on current and future developments in sustainability within the pet industry, including regulatory frameworks, environmental impact and collaborative innovation.   A platform for innovation, knowledge exchange and new ideas
Innovation will play a central role throughout the event. The Fresh Ideas Stage will host start-ups and founders presenting new concepts and products, culminating in the Fresh Ideas Contest on May 15. In parallel, the Product Showcase will highlight the latest innovations from exhibitors, with dedicated areas focused on sustainability and animal health, reflecting the growing importance of these topics across the industry.
  The event will also introduce the first Interzoo Groomers' Day on May 14, aimed at grooming professionals seeking to explore new techniques, trends and products in pet care.   Global networking and international sourcing opportunities
 
Interzoo 2026 will further strengthen its role as a global business hub through initiatives such as the Country Pavilions and the Sourcing Stage. More than 16 country pavilions will provide direct access to international manufacturers and brands, while the Sourcing Stage will address key challenges related to cross-border supply chains, including sourcing strategies, regulatory compliance and operational resilience.

In addition, the Start-up Area and Young Innovators section will feature over 50 emerging companies presenting new business models and solutions, offering attendees the opportunity to connect with the next generation of industry players.
  As the global pet industry continues to evolve toward greater innovation, sustainability and market sophistication, Interzoo 2026 reinforces its role as a key platform where trends are defined, partnerships are built and new business opportunities emerge. With its international scope and comprehensive programme, the event is expected to once again shape the future of the pet industry.
For more info, visit https://www.interzoo.com/en  Source: All Pet Food

09/04/2026

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

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

07/04/2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

20/04/2026

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

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

14/04/2026

Probiotics vs. prebiotics vs. synbiotics  

Acute diarrhea, chronic enteropathies, and gastroenteritis are common conditions in small animal clinical practice. Because they affect the gastrointestinal system, they often require the use of products that can help restore the intestinal microbiota. 
  Among these, the prescription of probiotics, prebiotics, or synbiotics is common, but there are still many doubts regarding the difference between these three alternatives, which have a similar purpose but are not the same. 
According to Larissa Nonato, a veterinary doctor specializing in Gastroenterology, Intensive Care and Emergencies, a member of the FeroGastro Team and director of the Brazilian Association of Animal Gastroenterology (ABRAGA), these products have various indications. 
  'They are recommended for maintaining the animal's well-being. They can be used as adjuvant therapies in cases of diarrhea (gastroenteritis), dietary changes (intestinal adaptation), and other immune system stimulation in any chronic disease. Furthermore, there is recent evidence of probiotics having a positive effect in the treatment of oral disease, pruritus, seizures, and other conditions that, at first glance, are far removed from the intestines,' he reports. 
  Furthermore, Larissa comments that in recent years studies of the gut microbiota have improved considerably. Therefore, it is now possible to understand the particularities of the microbiota of dogs and cats, as well as the differences between puppies and adults. As a result, products designed to support its proper functioning are being improved.   The differences in practice  
It's not difficult to understand the function of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics. The expert clarifies that probiotics contain bacteria considered desirable for the gut microbiota, and these microorganisms are responsible for regulating immunity and the overall health of the intestines.
  Probiotics began to be given to animals in the early 1970s with Lactobacillus acidophilus. They are most commonly and efficiently used during stressful times, such as the weaning period, during changes in diet, in cases of colostrum intake failure, and after antibiotic treatments, for example. 
  "Prebiotics, on the other hand, are elements that nourish and feed the microbiota. In other words, they provide substrate for the microbiota present in the intestines. They are generally composed of low-calorie sugars," he says.
  Basically, prebiotics exert an osmotic effect in the gastrointestinal tract, while not being fermented. The most commonly used in animals are mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS), fructooligosaccharides (FOS), and galactooligosaccharides (GOS). 
  On the other hand, synbiotics are products that contain both probiotics and prebiotics in the same formulation, and are considered more complete.
  'Generally, the same patient can receive a prebiotic, a probiotic, or a synbiotic. Which alternative to choose depends on the animal's needs and the ease of handling,' says Nonato.  
  Furthermore, the use of prebiotics in combination with probiotics presents superior beneficial effects compared to antibiotic growth promoters. Among the main reasons for this are the fact that they are not metabolized or absorbed during passage through the upper digestive tract, they serve as a substrate for one or more beneficial intestinal bacteria, and they have the ability to alter the intestinal microbiota in a favorable way.   How to prescribe
According to the expert, a major advantage of these solutions is that they can be used from the weaning stage of dogs and cats, as after this period the animals will have a more defined intestinal microbiota.
  Regarding contraindications, to date there is no scientific evidence that advises against their use. However, there is greater confirmation of the therapeutic efficacy of prebiotics compared to probiotics.
  Regarding the presentations, since there are now options in powder, paste, and tablet form, Larissa says there are no recommendations as to which is best. 
  "The most traditional and studied products in human health are those in powder or capsule form. However, in veterinary medicine, the most popular presentation is oral paste, which facilitates administration at home due to its greater palatability," he says. 
  Another important point is that there is no evidence indicating a best time or the need for fasting for probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics to be more effective.
  "The studies are heterogeneous and the results vary. Therefore, it is up to the veterinarian to determine the time to administer the product. However, it is believed that the nighttime period, especially after a meal, is the most suitable time for the probiotics to remain longer in the gastrointestinal tract (oro-fecal). However, all of this is just a theory," he concludes. Source: Cães e Gatos 

13/04/2026

A Scientific Review of Clean Label Project’s Report on Heavy Metals in Dog Food  

While consumer safety and contaminant monitoring are critically important components of responsible pet food production, conclusions that influence purchasing decisions should be grounded in rigorous, peer-reviewed science and free from conflicts of interest. The following evaluation assesses the CLP report's stated mission, research design, data interpretation, and the broader context of established toxicological thresholds for domestic animals.    The Clean Label Project 
As far back as 2017, the not-for-profit Clean Label Project has claimed its mission is to 'educate the consumer so they can make informed choices on cleaner options every time they shop.' It is important to note there is no regulatory definition for what a 'clean label' is. This means it is an arbitrary term that is open for interpretation.  
  In 2017, CLP surveyed pet parents to assess a possible link between pet food and cancer in pets. Jaclyn Bowen, Former Executive Director of CLP, stated their intention was 'to use this data to identify systematic relationships between brands of pet food and the incidence of cancer using both anecdotal reports from pet owners and our own analytical chemistry data on the presence of known or suspected carcinogens on pet food products.'  
  Unfortunately, the described survey relied entirely on pet parents uploading their pet's medical histories and the type of food they ate. There was no mention of how medical diagnoses, treatment of the medical condition, or the pet's diet were verified. This type of research leaves too many unaccounted-for variables, making it nearly impossible to draw any reliable scientific conclusions. In other words, it would be completely useless as sound research for the stated purpose of trying to identify if certain pet foods were correlated to cancer in pets.    Heavy Metal Contamination in Question 
CLP claims to have conducted over 11,000 tests on pet food for heavy metals (including lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury), as well as bisphenols, phthalates, acrylamide, pesticides, and glyphosate. It claims to have tested tested 50 dry dog foods, 11 air-dried/freeze-dried dog foods, and 18 fresh/frozen dog foods out of the '79 top-selling' dog foods but does not say what data was used to determine which brands to test. It states that sources such as Nielsen, SPINS, Amazon, and others were used to determine which foods to test.  
  Interestingly, the CLP FAQ states that the CLP study is not peer-reviewed because 'it can take years' to complete. It is universally accepted in the scientific community that all credible research should undergo peer review,as it is our only tool to evaluate whether the research and the conclusions drawn are valid or flawed. It is okay to share preliminary, well-vetted research findings; still, evaluations by other research scientists are critical to determine the validity of findings. Since this CLP study has not undergone peer review of the data, it is impossible to validate any conclusions made from it. 
  It is also noted that, although CLP claims to be a non-profit, it completes all testing at 'an independent third-party laboratory' named Ellipse Analytics, which promotes CLP on its website. While third-party testing can be valuable, public cross-promotion between an organization and its testing partner can create perceived conflicts of interest and should be clearly disclosed and managed. 
  Additional context around CLP's survey methodology also raises questions about potential conflicts of interest. CLP included links in its online pet cancer survey that asked pet parents to donate to its cause. Additionally,CLP included links directing survey takers to purchase pet food through Amazon affiliate links. When consumers used these links to purchase certain pet foods, even those classified as 'low-rated,' CLP reportedly received a commission (approximately 4%) on those sales. This creates a situation in which the organization may financially benefit from consumer purchasing behavior influenced by its own rating system.    Conflicts of Interest Continue 
CLP also operates a SKU-level certification program. On its website, it states the program 'is funded by a mix of donations, grants, and certification fees from brands that display the CLP mark on products that have been independently tested and evaluated to meet our standards.' Currently, only one complete-and-balanced pet food brand seems to have this certification, and, interestingly enough, it is among CLP's 'Clean Sixteen' top pet food brands reported to have the lowest levels of contamination. 
  Furthermore, the heavy metals study report compared three dog food categories overall, reporting heavy metals, phthalate, and acrylamide findings at the highest and average levels in each diet category. The study goes on to then conclude that the fresh/frozen diet category is superior because both the highest sample and average values of the dry and air dried/freeze dried categories depicted 'exceedingly high amounts of arsenic, cadmium, mercury and lead… because there are few regulations for dog food related to contaminants.' 
  It also stated that results were compared to more than 3,000 in human food, beverage, and supplement samples, illustrating the elevated contaminant levels in dog food compared to human-consumable products. The problem with this statement is that the human consumable products in question were not disclosed. Comparing complete-and-balanced pet foods to unnamed human foods is an irrelevant comparison, because there'snothing to base a conclusion upon.    Uncontrolled Variables Mean Untrustworthy Results 
A closer evaluation of CLP's comparison of the three diet categories reveals several uncontrolled variables that limit the conclusions' validity. One of those is very large moisture differences in the diet categories, which can drastically change the values of tested analytes. It is well-accepted that all pet food must be compared on a dry matter basis (accounting for high moisture in some formats, such as fresh/frozen and canned food) for nutritional analyses to be comparable across formats. This is known as an uncontrolled variable in research, and when present in a research summary, it confounds the conclusions and makes them useless. 
  This study also does not disclose where most of the 'contaminants' in pet food actually come from. For instance, it is well known that some ocean fish higher on the food chain may contain higher levels of heavy metals than poultry. This is well known, so if we wanted to compare diets with different proteins, it would not be valid to compare an ocean fish-based diet to a poultry diet. This is another uncontrolled variable in the CLP study.Also, the fact that the three diet categories were not comprised of the same number of diets is another uncontrolled-for or confounding variable that questions the validity of the reported values. 
  Further review of CLP's website reveals a 'Dog Food Contaminant Predictor.' CLP touts this self-described tool for consumers as being able to 'predict' the 'contaminants' in a pet food simply by a consumer typing a pet food ingredient list into the website. However, there is no credible way to predict the concentrations of heavy metals or other compounds from ingredient lists. Ingredients with the same name (i.e., wheat flour) may come from different ingredient suppliers, be grown and harvested in different parts of the world or different seasons of the year and may come from different varieties of the same ingredient name. All of these factors may affect levels of any elements, compounds, or nutrients in the ingredient.  
  To promote the idea that typing an ingredient list for a pet food into an online tool can accurately provide this information is highly misleading to pet food consumers. The only way to truly predict any element or compound in a pet food is to analyze the raw ingredients used to make it and use that information, along with finished product analyses, to validate accurate values. This 'contaminant predictor' has the potential to give misleading and unfounded information to pet food consumers about the diets they are feeding.     'Clean Sixteen'  
To test this theory, the ingredient declarations of the CLP's proclaimed 'Clean Sixteen' dog foods were typed into the Dog Food Contaminant Predictor tool. CLP describes these foods as '2026's highest-rated dog foods for purity.' When using ingredient declarations for these 16 diets from the manufacturer's websites, the Dog Food Contaminant Predictor ranks them for each 'contaminant' with the following scores: elevated, moderate, low/trace, and clean. It is unknown how each score description term was determined, as CLP does not share that information. 
  Plugging the ingredient declarations in for each of the 'Clean Sixteen' diets gave the following results:  Acrylamide: elevated for all 16 diets  Arsenic: elevated for two diets; moderate for 11; low/trace for two; clean for one  Cadmium: elevated for three, moderate for 10, low/trace for three  Glyphosate: elevated for all 16 diets  Bisphenols: elevated for all 16 diets  Pesticides: elevated for all 16 diets  Mercury: elevated for three, moderate for 13  Lead: elevated for two, moderate for 12, low/trace for one, clean for one
  After performing this exercise, it is hard to understand how CLP could claim diets to be 'clean' (which is still an arbitrary term) when very few of them scored on the 'low/trace' or 'clean' end of their unexplained rating system for the elements and chemicals measured. This suggests the 'Dog Food Contaminant Predictor' is nothing more than an arbitrary system that could very easily mislead consumers into thinking a diet is unsafe.There is simply no visible or reviewed evidence to prove this tool is helpful, and this may actually be harmful to pet parents.    Understanding Toxicology 
One of the worst conclusions observed in the review of this study centers on the heavy metal values reported and the CLP's concern about their values in the dry and air-dried/freeze-dried categories. Analytical techniques can detect extremely small amounts of these compounds, and the fact that they are present does not necessarily mean they are at levels that cause health concerns. It is important to keep in mind that, to date, it is unknown what level would be considered normal or safe for these heavy metals in pet food.  
  On the surface, having heavy metals detected in pet food sounds scary to pet food consumers; but one has to remember that heavy metals are naturally present in the soil, oceans, and even the atmosphere, all of which constitute where our food is grown and harvested. This means heavy metals are unavoidable to some degree and will be detectable in most human and pet foods. While surveillance of environmental contaminants is important, interpretation of such findings must occur within established toxicological frameworks.  
  In clinical toxicology, dose, bioavailability, duration of exposure, and species-specific tolerance are central to risk assessment. The CLP report claims arsenic was almost 12-times higher in dry food than in fresh/frozen, yet the highest value listed for arsenic in the dry pet food category is 442.3 parts per billion (ppb). Mineral Tolerance of Animals, published by the National Research Council (NRC), states that the accepted level of arsenic(Maximum Tolerable Level or MTL) in domestic animal diets is 30,000 ppb. This means that the highest reported arsenic level among all the dry pet foods tested is still more than 65-times below the NRC's recommended maximum tolerable level (MTL) for arsenic in domestic animal feed. 
  Similarly, reported cadmium concentrations (~154 ppb) are substantially below the 10,000 ppb level at which adverse effects have been documented in dogs; reported mercury levels (~35 ppb) fall far below the 1,000 ppbtolerance for inorganic mercury; and the highest reported lead value (~985 ppb) remains well under the NRC's MTL of 10,000 ppb. Based on currently established NRC MTLs, values reported by CLP do not even approach concentrations associated with adverse effects in dogs. Ongoing contaminant monitoring and regulatory oversight remain important, but conclusions regarding safety should be anchored to validated toxicologicalthresholds rather than analytical detectability alone.  
  Additionally, CLP analyzed for phthalate di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), which is a chemical used to make plastic. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently evaluated the safety of phthalates used in plastic materials that come into contact with food. At this time, the FDA does not have a safe upper limit for phthalates in human or pet food, but is encouraging packaging and food manufacturers to use alternative plastic materials in packaging that comes into direct contact with food. This study cited the highest tested DEHP value at 570 ppb in the dry food category, and classifies this level as concerning without providing any basis for what an acceptable level of DEHP would be. Sound research should be performed to better understand the health implications of DEHP, but this study does not provide that. 
  Finally, CLP analyzed for acrylamides. Acrylamides form during the cooking process, resulting from reactions between amino acids in protein- and starch-containing ingredients, such as those found in pet food. The CLP study stated the dry food category had the highest tested level at 570 ppb. The FDA does not have limits on acrylamide levels in pet food. However, research that is available suggests that pet foods with up to 7,000 ppb of acrylamide are acceptable. Still, more research is needed to understand what, if any, level is detrimental in pet or even human food.  But again, this study does not provide that.    Don't Take This Study at Face Value 
In summary, the report detected trace environmental minerals at levels far below established safety limits. There is no credible evidence that these foods pose a health risk, and the CLP report lacks almost all scientific rigor. It is impossible to tell whether the shared data is valuable because of the too-numerous-to-count research flaws, incomplete data reporting, lack of identification of the human foods tested, and the staggering amountof confounding variables. 
  This research offers little-to-no value in its claim to help inform pet food consumers. What it does is draw a link between CLP, Ellipse Analytics, and a certification program that pet food companies can pay for to have their products listed if they meet non-regulatory, CLP-defined 'clean' criteria. This may be viewed as a direct conflict of interest between the 'research', how it is communicated, the conclusions drawn from it and business goals of all entities involved. 
  It is always good for nutrition research to continue in the pet industry, and this includes sound research in evaluating compounds and elements to better determine safe maximum levels. What isn't good is promoting non-transparent data disguised as research in a way that can mislead pet parents into switching from perfectly safe, wholesome products they may currently be feeding their pets.  It is important when performing research to work with experienced experts like those at BSM Partners that understand how to conduct, interpret and write about research in a credible manner that follows accepted scientific rigor principles.  Source: BSM Partners

11/07/2023

Nutritional needs of cats and dogs

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

09/06/2023

How important is choline for cats

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

09/05/2023

DSM Establishes Tonganoxie, Kansas, Pet Food Premix Plant

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

30/09/2025

Precision Innovation in Pet Food

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


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

By Armando Enriquez de la Fuente Blanquet

14/08/2025

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

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


By Bradley Ques
Source: BSM Partners

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

09/07/2025

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

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


By Sydney McCauley
Source: BSM Partners

23/04/2026

What ‘Fresh’ Really Means in Pet Food Manufacturing  

The term appears frequently in the media, on packaging, and in consumer conversations; however, "fresh" is not currently defined by AAFCO or the FDA. Because of this, products marketed as fresh can vary significantly in formulation, processing methods, packaging technologies, storage requirements, and shelf life. For pet parents and professionals alike, this can make it difficult to compare products. 
  Fresh pet food is often marketed as 'less processed,' 'gently cooked,' or 'minimally processed.' However, as with other pet food formats, processing still plays a critical role for several reasons:
  Food safety: Applying validated controls such as thermal treatments or other pathogen-reduction measures to minimize microbial risks for both pets and the people handling their food 
  Nutritional reliability: Helping ensure nutrients are digestible and bioavailable through steps such as grinding, cooking, and by neutralizing antinutrients 
  Palatability: Influencing texture, aroma, and flavor characteristics that encourage consistent consumption 
  Consumer convenience: Allowing products to be packaged, portioned, stored, and served in ways that make feeding more practical for pet owners    What Is Meant By 'Fresh' Pet Food? 
While definitions vary by company, fresh pet food is often characterized by:  
  High moisture content  Cold-chain distribution, including refrigerated or frozen storage depending on the brand's delivery model  Shorter shelf life compared to canned or dry foods due to less intensive processing and fewer shelf-stabilizing technologies 
  Fresh pet food may be sold as rolls, trays, pouches, or bulk refrigerated products, and may be formulated for complete-and-balanced nutrition or supplemental feeding. Because the term is not formally defined, two products labeled 'fresh' may be manufactured very differently. This makes it especially important to understand the underlying manufacturing processes rather than relying solely on label language. 
  To meaningfully evaluate any pet food format, it is essential to understand how it is made. This provides critical context on food safety, nutrition, and overall product quality. Let's look at a few 'fresh' processes currently utilized in pet food manufacturing.    Sous-Vide Pet Food Manufacturing: Step-by-Step 
    Fresh and/or frozen ingredients are ground or cut in pieces and combined with other ingredients, such as oils, vitamins, minerals, etc., into a mixer.  Product is filled directly into pouches to the desired weight, then vacuum- and heat-sealed.  Sealed pouches are placed in a temperature-controlled water bath and cooked for a validated time to kill harmful pathogens.  If necessary, products are blast-frozen in final packaging.   Finished product is stored either refrigerated or frozen.  
  Figure 1. Sous-Vide Pet Food Manufacturing Process (Source: BSM Partners)    Kettle-Cooked Pet Food Manufacturing: Step-by-Step 
    Fresh and/or frozen ingredients are ground or cut to pieces and combined with other ingredients, such as oils, vitamins, minerals, etc., into a mixer.  The product is loaded into a large kettle to undergo cooking.  Cooked product is filled directly into pouches according to desired weight, then vacuum- and heat-sealed.  If necessary, products are blast-frozen in final packaging.  The finished product is stored either refrigerated or frozen. 
  Figure 2. Kettle-Cooked Pet Food Manufacturing Process (Source: BSM Partners)    Steamed Pet Food Manufacturing: Step-by-Step 
    Fresh and/or frozen ingredients are ground or cut to pieces and combined with other ingredients, such as oils, vitamins, minerals, etc., into a mixer.  The product is cooked inside the mixer by steam injection.  Cooked product is filled directly into pouches according to target weight, then vacuum- and heat-sealed.  If necessary, products are blast-frozen in final packaging.  The finished product is stored either refrigerated or frozen. 
  Figure 3. Steamed Pet Food Manufacturing Process (Source: BSM Partners)   As illustrated in Figures 1–3, products marketed as 'fresh' or 'gently cooked' do still undergo thermal cooking steps during manufacturing to ensure safety. Because the term is not formally defined by regulators, it can apply to products made through a variety of processing approaches.   
  Fresh pet food is one of many product formats that can deliver complete-and-balanced nutrition when formulated and manufactured by experts. Kibble, canned, freeze-dried, and fresh foods all rely on science-driven formulation, ingredient selection, and process control to meet the needs of pets and their owners. By understanding the process of how pet food is made, pet parents can make more informed decisions about what type of product will fulfill both their own preferences and their pet's needs.  
  BSM Partners works across all pet food formats, including raw, frozen, 'fresh', and shelf-stable products. Our cross-functional expertise allows us to support companies at every stage of pet food development, from ingredient sourcing and supplier verification to food safety programs, process validation, and consumer education.  
  Whether evaluating pathogen reduction strategies, strengthening preventive controls, or refining how processing and safety are communicated to pet parents, our team helps ensure approaches are scientifically sound, compliant, and aligned with brand goals.  Source: BSM Partners

20/01/2025

Technological Advancements Improving the Quality of Pet Food

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

By Josiane Volpato

26/11/2024

High-level nutrition: The revolution in pet health

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

04/12/2023

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

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

27/11/2023

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

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

29/08/2023

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

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

21/04/2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

23/03/2026

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

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

04/03/2026

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

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

14/06/2023

What Nutrients are Essential for My Pet?

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

04/08/2022

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

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

17/02/2022

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

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

By Luciana Chippano