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

12/06/2026

 Leveraging Artificial Intelligence to Predict Pet Food Palatability

WHY THIS MATTERS
Palatability is one of the strongest drivers of product success in pet food. Yet, predicting it remains challenging. Development still relies heavily on iterative animal trials, which are time-consuming, costly, and often identify failures late in the process.
  At AFB, we are changing this approach by using artificial intelligence (AI) to predict palatability outcomes before testing. By combining historical data with formulation knowledge, we help transform development from trial-and-error into a more targeted and efficient process.
  THE CHALLENGE
Palatability is the result of multiple interacting factors, including ingredients, inclusion levels, fat systems, processing, and animal variability. These interactions are complex and non-linear, making outcomes difficult to anticipate.
  Because of this complexity, traditional approaches struggle to efficiently explore formulation space and consistently deliver high-performing solution.   A NEW APPROACH: FROM TESTING TO PREDICTING
Instead of relying only on experiments, we integrate data across trials and formulations to identify patterns and predict outcomes.
  Our models transform inputs such as recipe composition, ingredient levels, and processing conditions into clear guidance: which solutions are most likely to succeed and which carry higher risk.
    FROM DATA TO DECISIONS
Our approach converts complex datasets into practical insights that guide development. Rather than focusing only on performance, we also consider how reliable each result is.
  By combining performance with confidence, we generate a clear prioritization of what to test next. This allows teams to focus on the most promising formulations and avoid unnecessary trials.
    WHAT THIS ENABLES

This predictive approach allows us to:
  Identify high-potential solutions earlier Reduce experimental burden Focus on the most impactful ingredients Improve consistency of results
  In practice, large experimental spaces can be narrowed down to a smaller set of high-confidence candidates, accelerating development and improving outcomes.   A SMARTER WAY TO DEVELOP PALATANTS
Artificial intelligence does not replace expertise—it enhances it. Scientific knowledge remains central to interpretation and validation, while predictive models help guide decisions and reduce uncertainty.
  By combining data, science, and AI, we enable a more efficient and confident approach to palatability development. Source: AFB International

26/05/2026

Colmax: Natural Choline for Neural, Metabolic, and Digestive Well-being in Pets

In companion animal nutrition, well-being begins long before food reaches the bowl. Ingredient quality and nutrient balance are key factors in sustaining the vitality and metabolic health of dogs and cats.

Among these nutrients, choline plays a fundamental role. Its presence in the diet contributes to proper liver function, lipid transport, and the development of the nervous system. Dogs and cats do not synthesize sufficient amounts on their own, making the inclusion of this ingredient essential.

Colmax is a natural source of choline and inositol developed by Adinnova to help regulate liver, lipid, and energy metabolism. Its plant-based formulation enables this essential nutrient to be incorporated into different pet food formulations in a stable and safe manner.  
Why Is Choline Key in Pet Nutrition?
Choline is involved in fundamental physiological processes, particularly liver metabolism, fat transport, and nervous system function. When dietary intake is insufficient, liver disorders, reduced vitality, or muscle weakness may occur.

Traditionally, the most widely used source of choline in animal nutrition has been choline chloride. However, this molecule presents certain technological limitations. It is a hygroscopic and reactive compound that can interact with other dietary ingredients, affecting the stability of sensitive nutrients during feed processing and storage. Among the most common effects are the oxidation of vitamins, pigments, and amino acids. Moreover, its origin is associated with petrochemical byproducts.

Natural sources of choline represent an alternative aimed at overcoming these limitations. Plant-based choline is associated with phospholipids such as phosphatidylcholine, which are in the cellular membrane structure and contribute to its biological stability.
Adinnova's Natural Choline
Adinnova's source of choline and inositol, Colmax, was developed to contribute to metabolic balance in animal nutrition. Its formulation combines plant-based choline with functional compounds that support cellular performance.

Its components include phospholipids, such as phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylinositol, as well as coadjuvants, for example, butyric acid and plant extracts, that support intestinal and liver health and nutrient absorption. This combination helps optimize lipid transport and utilization, helping metabolic balance and pet vitality through nutrition.

Another relevant characteristic is its technological stability. Colmax is a fluid, non-hygroscopic presentation that withstands the thermal treatments commonly used in pet food processing, as these molecules remain active and maintain absorption capacity. In turn, its use allows lower inclusion levels in the formula compared with synthetic choline sources, optimizing formulation efficiency and economic performance.
The Impact of Colmax in Pet Care
Colmax provides choline, a pseudovitamin that dogs and cats do not synthesize in sufficient amounts. Its presence in the diet helps reinforce the integrity of cell membranes and participate in neurometabolic processes linked to vitality and normal body function.

This nutritional additive supports the healthy development of the brain, heart, liver, muscles, and nervous system, contributing to the overall well-being of animals through nutrition.

Its stable formulation also allows easy incorporation into pet food. The recommended dosage in pet care ranges from 150 to 500 g/ton of feed, and it can replace choline chloride (60%) at an approximate ratio of 1-4, optimizing the use of space in the diet.

By supporting cellular function, Colmax helps sustain the vitality and well-being of dogs and cats throughout all life stages. Its nutritional contribution reinforces cell membrane integrity, supports neuronal development, and contributes to pets' overall health.
Studies on Colmax
This biosolution has been supported by scientific evaluations aimed at understanding its effect on animal metabolism. During 2024 and 2025, Adinnova carried out studies in collaboration with the National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA) to analyze productive, metabolic, and physiological parameters, including performance, liver function, and tissue analysis. The results validated the contribution of Colmax as a nutritional additive that supports the general well-being of animals.  
Gene expression studies were also conducted using advanced sequencing technologies to observe how the organism responds to its inclusion in the diet. Analyses have shown that Colmax modulates several metabolic pathways linked to nutrient utilization and cellular energy production.

Lower activation of genes associated with cell proliferation processes was observed. When dysregulated, these mechanisms are often linked to different pathologies, including tumor processes such as cancer. In other words, Colmax supports an active and balanced metabolism without stimulating cellular mechanisms associated with uncontrolled proliferation. By Adinnova
Source: All Pet Food Magazine

About Adinnova
Adinnova is an Argentine company, present in international markets, dedicated to the development of natural additives for animal nutrition. Each biosolution integrates science and innovation applied to wellbeing and productivity.

More information on our website: adinnova.com.ar