08/07/2026

The Protein Matrix: Balancing Formulation, Operational Realities, and Consumer Demands

Today, as pets are increasingly humanized and elevated to the status of family members, the scrutiny placed on the ingredients in their bowls has never been higher. This is why, for this edition, I'm taking a different approach from my past articles and decided to write about the most scrutinized, expensive, and dynamic component of any pet food formula: protein.

The true value of a raw material is no longer dictated solely by its price per ton. Instead, it is defined by a complex matrix of nutritional efficacy, marketing appeal, and manufacturing viability. The universe of ingredients is expanding rapidly, introducing alternative proteins, functional extracts, and novel additives. However, to truly understand how these ingredients deliver value, we must examine how the menu of ingredients, including the different protein sources, complement each other in three dimensions: nutrition, consumer trends, and the realities of managing these materials on the factory floor.
Nutrition: How Proteins Complement Each Other
From a purely nutritional standpoint, a pet does not require specific ingredients; it requires specific nutrients. The goal of any formulator is to deliver a complete and balanced amino acid profile, alongside high digestibility and bioavailability, and palatability—because if the pet does not eat the product, all the effort has been done for nothing. Achieving this is rarely accomplished efficiently with a single protein source. Instead, formulation is all about complements.

Traditional animal protein sources, including chicken, beef, fish, and lamb meal, have long been the workhorses of the industry, offering high protein density and excellent palatability. However, they are often complemented with each other and with plant-based options, such as peas, soybeans, potatoes, or corn gluten meal.

Why blend them?  Because what one ingredient lacks, another provides. For instance, plant-based proteins can be highly digestible and lower the overall ash content of the formula, but they may be limited in essential amino acids (methionine or taurine precursors). By strategically pairing it with a marine protein source, such as salmon meal or a functional extract like yeast, a formulator can bridge the amino acid gap while maintaining a specific price point and functional target.

Furthermore, the rise of alternative proteins, including insects, single-cell proteins, and cultivated meats, is altering the formulation landscape. These ingredients are not just novelties; they can offer functional benefits, such as hypoallergenic properties or high levels of antimicrobial peptides. They 'play' within a formula, not just as bulk protein, but as functional additives that elevate the nutritional profile and the true value of the end product.
The Marketing Push: Premiumization and the Clean Label
While formulators focus on amino acids, digestibility, bioavailability, and palatability, the focus of marketing departments and consumers is the ingredient list and the product claims. In today's premium and super-premium segments, communication trends heavily influence product design, sometimes at odds with traditional formulation logic.

The push for 'clean label' products and limited ingredient diets is a prime example.  Higher-value segments are demanding shorter ingredient lists, driven by a consumer perception that fewer ingredients equate to a more natural, wholesome, and transparent product. This creates a significant challenge: how do you deliver a perfectly balanced amino acid profile when your marketing brief restricts you to a single protein source and a single carbohydrate source?

This restriction has driven the industry toward novel proteins. These new ingredients, such as rabbit, kangaroo, wild boar, herring, venison, and duck, are commanding premium prices—they serve a dual purpose. First, they are highly effective for pets with suspected food sensitivity or allergies to common proteins like poultry or beef. Second, they provide a powerful narrative for marketing and communication. Novel proteins instantly differentiate a brand on a crowded retail shelf, communicating exclusivity and premium quality.

However, the true value here also hinges on the traceability of origin. Consumers put value into knowing that the rabbit was sustainably sourced or if the salmon was wild. Traceability has evolved from a supply chain buzzword into a non-negotiable consumer demand and a core pillar of a brand's value proposition. The story behind the ingredient is now just as important as the ingredient itself.
The Factory Floor Reality: Navigating Production Pain Points
A recipe can look perfect on paper and test brilliantly in a consumer focus group, but it must be feasible to manage within an existing manufacturing process. Managing diverse and novel proteins in a high-volume factory introduces pain points that question the concept of "true value."

One of the most persistent challenges is managing the natural variability of raw materials, particularly animal by-product meals. Meat and bone meals, for instance, can vary significantly from batch to batch depending on the rendering process and the exact source materials. A classic factory pain point is color variation. If a specific batch of chicken meal contains a higher concentration of blood, the resulting kibble will be noticeably darker. While the product remains entirely safe and nutritionally sound, this visual inconsistency can inevitably lead to consumer complaints. Pet owners are conditioned to expect absolute uniformity, and a dark batch of kibble is often misinterpreted as burnt or spoiled. Managing this requires strict supplier specifications, advanced mixing techniques, and sometimes, the reluctant use of colorants to standardize the final appearance.

Beyond color, different proteins behave differently during extrusion. Plant proteins often require different specific mechanical energy and moisture inputs compared to animal proteins. High levels of fresh meat, while highly appealing on an ingredient label, introduce massive amounts of water into the formula, which must be managed to ensure the kibble expands properly and dries to a safe moisture level to prevent mold.
Conclusion: Redefining True Value
The universe of pet food ingredients is undoubtedly expanding, but 'true value' is not found simply by adding the newest, trendiest protein to a formula. True value is achieved at the intersection of three distinct disciplines.

It requires the formulator's skill to blend complementary amino acid profiles for optimal animal health. It demands the marketer's insight to select ingredients that resonate with consumer demands for transparency, limited ingredients, and sustainable origins. And crucially, it relies on the factory expertise to handle the physical realities, variabilities, and organoleptic challenges of processing raw materials at scale.

As the industry continues to innovate beyond price, the brands that succeed will be those that master this complex matrix, ensuring that every raw material earns its place in the bowl: nutritionally, commercially, and operationally. By Felipe Martinez R.
Source: All Peto Food Magazine

By Felipe Martínez R.

07/07/2026

Black Soldier Fly Larva Meal: A Sustainable and Functional Protein Source for Pet Food

A New Scenario for Proteins in the Pet Food Industry   In this scenario, the pet food industry has been looking for alternatives that simultaneously meet nutritional, technological, and environmental requirements, promoting innovation without compromising the quality of the final products.
  Among the main trends, the partial or total replacement of traditional protein sources, such as poultry viscera meals, meat and bone meal, fish meal, and soybean meal, with more sustainable ingredients with less environmental impact stands out. In this context, black soldier fly larva meal (Hermetia illucens or BSF) has gained prominence as a promising solution to the current challenges of the production chain.
  The production of this ingredient is directly related to the ability of the larvae to convert organic waste into biomass of high nutritional value. This process, known as bioconversion, allows the use of agro-industrial by-products, reducing waste and contributing to circular economy models. In this way, BSF flour not only meets nutritional demands but is also part of a broader sustainability strategy in the pet food sector.
  From a nutritional point of view, BSF flour has a variable protein content, usually between 35% and 60%, depending on the substrate used in the larvae and the industrial processing applied. Although this content is considered intermediate compared to some conventional sources, the ingredient stands out for the quality of its protein and amino acid profile, suitable for the nutritional requirements of dogs and cats.
  In addition, BSF flour has a high lipid content, especially lauric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid associated with antimicrobial properties and potential benefits to intestinal health. This differentiated lipid composition can contribute not only to the energy value of diets but also to important functional effects in the animals' bodies.     Recent studies also indicate additional benefits associated with the use of BSF flour in extruded diets, including improvements in skin integrity, coat quality, and antioxidant response. These effects are possibly related to the presence of bioactive compounds and the quality of the nutrients present in the ingredient.
  Another relevant point is the presence of minerals, such as calcium and phosphorus, at significant levels, as well as essential amino acids, e.g., methionine and tyrosine. The higher concentration of tyrosine, in particular, has been highlighted as a differential of BSF flour, reinforcing its nutritional potential in complete formulations.
  In addition, BSF flour contains compounds with potential prebiotic and antibacterial action, which can contribute to the modulation of gut microbiota and the maintenance of digestive health. This set of characteristics makes the ingredient attractive not only as a source of protein but also as a functional component in diets for dogs and cats.
  Because it is an alternative protein and still little used on a large scale, BSF flour also has potential application in hypoallergenic diets, being an interesting option for animals with food sensitivities to conventional proteins, such as chicken, beef or soy.   Digestibility: The Critical Point of Formulation for a Sustainable Future in Pet Food   Digestibility is one of the main criteria for evaluating the quality of new ingredients in animal nutrition. In this aspect, BSF flour presents consistent results, with protein digestibility coefficients similar to those observed in diets formulated with traditional ingredients.
  Studies indicate that inclusion levels ranging from 5% to 20% result in apparent protein digestibility of 83% to 84%, values compatible with those observed in conventional diets. These results demonstrate that the ingredient is efficiently used by the animals' bodies, without compromising fecal quality.
  In addition to the protein fraction, the lipid digestibility of BSF flour is also noteworthy, being frequently high due to the presence of medium-chain fatty acids, which are easier to digest and absorb when compared to long-chain fatty acids.
  The presence of chitin, a structural polysaccharide in the exoskeleton of larvae, represents another important aspect from a nutritional point of view. Chitin can act as a functional fiber, contributing to the modulation of the gut microbiota and the formation of stools with better consistency. However, its effect depends directly on the level of inclusion and processing of the ingredient, and can, at high concentrations, interfere with the digestibility of nutrients.
  Thus, the use of BSF flour requires an adequate balance in the formulation of diets, in order to maximize its functional benefits without compromising nutritional use.     Palatability and Acceptance by Animals    Another determining factor for the practical application of the ingredient is palatability. The acceptance of food by animals is one of the main indicators of commercial success, especially in diets for cats, which have more selective feeding behavior.
  In general, the inclusion of BSF flour does not compromise the intake, and good acceptance is observed in both dogs and cats. However, studies indicate that this factor is strongly dependent on the level of inclusion.
  Lower levels of substitution, such as 3%, maintain intake similar to the control diet and may even stimulate the animals' initial interest in the food. On the other hand, higher levels, such as 6%, tend to reduce intake and preference. This effect may be associated with the lipid composition of the larvae, especially the higher content of medium-chain fatty acids, which can influence the sensory perception of food.
  Thus, the definition of the appropriate level of inclusion is essential to ensure the acceptance of the final product, with moderate inclusion being the most suitable strategy for commercial formulations.
  In addition to the nutritional and functional aspects, BSF flour has significant environmental advantages when compared to traditional protein sources. Its production requires less use of natural resources, such as water and agricultural areas, in addition to resulting in lower greenhouse gas emissions.
  The ability of larvae to convert organic waste into high-value protein allows the use of by-products that would otherwise be discarded, contributing to the reduction of the environmental impact of the production chain.
  Another important point is production efficiency. Insect farming has better feed conversion and lower need for inputs when compared to conventional livestock, making it a viable alternative for more sustainable production systems.
  This set of characteristics positions BSF flour as an ingredient in line with the main global trends in the pet food industry, which seeks to integrate nutritional performance, innovation, and environmental responsibility.
  In conclusion, black soldier fly larva meal consolidates as a strategic ingredient for the pet food industry, bringing together nutritional quality, functionality, and environmental benefits. Its use allows the development of more sustainable diets without compromising digestibility, fecal quality, or acceptance by animals, representing a promising solution for the future of dog and cat nutrition. By Bruna Cavalari Santello; Laura Cicília Cassol da Silva; Douglas Melo de Souza; Lorenna Nicole Araújo Santos; Josiane Aparecida Volpato
Source: All Pet Food Magazine
  References
ABD EL-WAHAB, A.; et al. Insect larvae meal (Hermetia illucens) as a sustainable protein source of canine food and its impacts on nutrient digestibility and fecal quality. Animals, Basel, v. 11, n. 9, p. 2525, 2021. BOSCH, G.; VERVOORT, J. J. M.; HENDRIKS, W. H. In vitro digestibility and fermentability of selected insects for dog foods. Animal Feed Science and Technology, v.221, p.174–184, 2016.  CARDOSO, R. K. N. FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF BAHIA (UFBA). Nutritional evaluation of black soldier fly larva meal in extruded diets for dogs and effect on intestinal health. Salvador: Repositório da UFBA, 20 (thesis/dissertation). 2 Jul. 2024. CARVALHO, L. C.; et al. Possible use of insect meal in the diet of dogs and cats. Caderno de Ciências Agrárias-UFMG, 2016. DE ANDRADE, G. C.; et al. Alternative foods for the formulation of diets for dogs and cats. Animal Science, v. 35, n. 2, p. 45-56, 2025. FREEL, T. A.; MCCOMB, A.; KOUTSOS, E. A. Digestibility and safety of dry black soldier fly larvae meal and black soldier fly larvae oil in dogs. Journal of Animal Science, v. 99, n.3, 15 fev. 2021. GONÇALVES, C. A.; RIBEIRO, G. B.; AFONSO, M. V. R. Assessment of population knowledge about breeding and management of dogs and cats. Veterinária Notícias (Online), v.1, n.1, p.1-11, 2022. KWAKERNAAK, C.; et al. Apparent nutrient digestibility, metabolizable energy and apparent ileal amino acid digestibility of commercial partially defatted Hermetia illucens meal for laying hens. Journal of Insects as Food and Feed, p. 1–12, 8 dez. 2023. LAYNE, C.A. My dog is in teletherapy with me: The impact of a pet dog on their owner's teletherapy session, 2023. 154p. (Tese de Doutorado em Community Care and Counseling). Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA, 2023. Liu, X.; et al. Dynamic changes of nutrient composition throughout the entire life cycle of black soldier fly. PLOS ONE, v. 12, n. 8, e0182601, 2017. Lu, S.; et al. 'Nutritional Composition of Black Soldier Fly Larvae (Hermetia illucens L.) and Its Potential Uses as Alternative Protein Sources in Animal Diets: A Review.' Insects vol. 13,9 831. 13 Sep. 2022. VALDÉS, F. V.; et al. Insects as Feed for Companion and Exotic Pets: A Current Trend. Animals, v. 12, n. 11, p. 1450, 3 jun. 2022. Hyuck Kim, et al. Evaluation of black soldier fly larvae reared on different organic substrates on nutrient digestibility and palatability in cats. J Anim Sci Technol 2025; 67(2):477-488.
PENAZZI, L.; et al. In vivo and in vitro Digestibility of an Extruded Complete Dog Food Containing Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae Meal as Protein Source. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, v. 8, 11 jun. 2021.  Silva Carvalho, R. et al. Effect of feeding a diet based on black soldier fly larvae meal on canine skin barrier function, organic antioxidant defense, and blood biochemistry. 2024. Arquivos de Nutrição Animal , 78 (2), 159–176. 

By Josiane Volpato

01/07/2026

Raw Materials and Real Value in Pet Food

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Armando Enriquez de la Fuente Blanquet

10/06/2026

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

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

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

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

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