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

07/07/2025

Pet Supplements: When Science, Cost, and Chews Collide

During those 11 years, I evaluated hundreds, possibly thousands, of products. Over and over, I saw the same issues: questionable scientific support, underdosed active ingredients, and formulations that just didn't deliver. As a veterinarian and consumer, it was perplexing. I remember thinking, 'How hard can it be to make a supplement that works?' You just find ingredients with solid science behind them, combine them into a formula, and voilà, a great supplement, right?  
  Then I joined BSM Partners and had the opportunity to develop my first veterinarian-formulated supplement. I was thrilled! This was the chance I had been waiting for—a chance to do it right. However, what became abundantly clear was that the roadblocks I had previously attributed to poor product development were not just isolated cases or evidence of carelessness. They were symptoms of deeper, industry-wide challenges that even the most seasoned professionals must navigate with care. 
  Step 1: Scientifically Backed Ingredients  
Finding ingredients with strong, species-specific scientific support for safety and efficacy is the foundation for an efficacious product. Surprisingly, sometimes studies supporting the use of functional ingredients specifically for dogs and cats are scarce. While there is plenty of data from rodents and humans, the companion animal section is sparse. Then, when it's narrowed down to studies that include safety data or effective doses, the list shrinks dramatically for dogs and is almost nonexistent for cats.  
  This is an industry-wide limitation that product developers must contend with across the board. Does that mean a supplement is ineffective if there is no supporting data? Not necessarily. Formulators may often extrapolate from other species or use synergistic combinations at sub-efficacious levels. But when that approach is taken, validating the finished product through clinical testing is key, but that's where the industry often stumbles. Testing finished products for efficacy is arguably the most critical step in supplement development, and it is often skipped because it can be expensive, time-consuming, and a strain on resources. However, if you're not testing your product before it goes to market, you're essentially using customers' pets as test subjects. 
  Step 2: Making It Fit 
Next is formulation. An ingredient with solid scientific backing still has to 'fit' within a chew or powder scoop, and that's where another layer of difficulty emerges. Many efficacious ingredients' research shows results at high inclusion rates —doses that simply don't fit in a chew or daily serving. For example, take fructooligosaccharides (FOS), which support digestive health, but the dose that actually works in dogs is far more than can be realistically delivered in a small, palatable chew.  
  Then there are cats —if finding data for dogs is hard, cat research is like finding water in the Sahara desert. When formulating for cats, the problem compounds: limited data, stricter palatability demands, and dosing constraints make feline supplements one of the most complex categories in the market. These are not niche concerns; they are fundamental limitations that affect nearly every company trying to build a meaningful product. 
  Step 3: Cost vs. Efficacy 
Once a feasible ingredient is identified, it's time to calculate the cost. Here's the kicker: the best-supported ingredients—for example, postbiotics with species-specific clinical trials—can cost hundreds of dollars per kilogram. Delivering a daily dose at the study-supported level could cost the consumer $15 to $20 per day, which may not be economically viable for pet parents – especially in today's world. Companies face this dilemma: how to balance scientific rigor with cost-accessibility. It's a strategic, not just scientific, decision, and one that profoundly shapes the final product.    Step 4: Will It Even Work in Manufacturing? 
Now, the ingredients that are efficacious, cost-effective enough, and fit into a chew or scoop have been identified. The next question: can it be manufactured? Sometimes, a last-minute consideration, but food science and formulation engineering are critical to the process. Some ingredients are incompatible or can be rendered ineffective with certain processing methods.    Step 5: The Marketing Reality Check 
Next, customer perception is layered into the equation. For example, a novel ingredient with supporting evidence for efficacy has been identified. Is it familiar with pet parents? Do pet parents understand the connection between the ingredients and the functionality? Formulators must balance new, innovative active ingredients with those consumers know and love.     Step 6: Palatability Hurdle 
The steps have been taken to create an effective supplement with evidence supporting claims, and consumer perception considered, it is time to tackle palatability. Creating a tasty product is where the rubber meets the road. If this supplement is perfect on paper, but if pets won't eat it, it might as well not exist.  
  Palatability isn't just a finishing touch; it's a gatekeeper. Texture, aroma, flavor profiles, and even how the product breaks apart in the mouth —all these things matter, especially for cats, who can be notoriously picky. A core formulation challenge faced by every brand is making something taste good to a dog or cat while preserving the stability of active ingredients; it is a whole science of its own! 
  For personal experience, when I finally finished formulating my first supplement, I felt like celebrating. Real-world experience taught me that reviewing supplements versus creating them is two separate beasts. Creating a supplement that delivers and that pets will willingly consume is harder—yet can be even more rewarding—than I ever imagined. 
  Step 7: Clinical Efficacy Testing 
Here's the piece most often missing: does the final product actually work, and is it safe? Not the individual ingredients in isolation, but the fully formulated product in the chosen format (like a chew or powder). That's where clinical efficacy and safety testing come into the picture. This step validates whether the supplement delivers meaningful benefits in pets and whether the formulation is safe. It also helps uncover synergistic effects or limitations that cannot be predicted on paper. Unfortunately, few companies invest in this step, despite it being critical for establishing credibility and long-term success. At BSM Partners, we emphasize this phase because it closes the loop between formulation and function, allowing pet owners to truly trust that what they are purchasing is effective and safe. 
  So, How Do You Make a Good Supplement? 
What I learned during this project at BSM Partners is that building a supplement that is safe, effective, manufacturable, and palatable is not simply a matter of good intentions or veterinary knowledge. It's an exercise in navigating a complex landscape of real-world tradeoffs that impact every brand in this space. These aren't just personal lessons; they are industry-wide realities that demand technical fluency, strategic restraint, and scientific integrity. That's what makes this work both challenging and deeply rewarding. 
  At BSM Partners, we bring all these elements together under one roof. Whether building a new supplement brand or refining an existing product line, we can help strike the balance between scientific integrity, practical formulation, and consumer appeal. It's not easy, but when done right, it's worth it. 
  About the Author
Dr. Katy Miller works as the Director of Veterinary Services at BSM Partners. She earned her veterinary degree at Ross University and completed her clinical year at Louisiana State University. She previously served for 11 years as the Director of Dog and Cat Health and Nutrition for Mud Bay where she earned multiple certifications and specialized in pet food nutriton, prior to which she practiced general and emergency medicine for seven years. She is also a competitive three-day eventer, licensed falconer, and claims only two (Golden and Mini Doxie) of their nine dogs.


By Katy Miller
Source: BSM Partners

04/06/2025

Kemin Nutrisurance: Innovation and Science for Pet Nutrition

In this context, Kemin stands out as a strategic partner for dog and cat food manufacturers, offering innovative solutions that ensure product quality, safety, and palatability. The company combines science and technology to develop functional ingredients that meet pets' nutritional and sensory demands, always prioritizing food quality and safety.
Who We Are: Commitment to Science and Animal Nutrition
Kemin Nutrisurance is the business unit of Kemin Industries dedicated exclusively to the Pet Food & Rendering segment. With over 60 years of global experience in applied science for nutrition and food safety, we continuously invest in research and development to provide advanced solutions that meet the increasing demands of the pet food market.

Our commitment is to enhance the quality of life for companion animals through superior nutrition. This means developing products that not only meet pets' nutritional needs but also contribute to their digestive health and overall well-being. Additionally, we provide specialized technical support to manufacturers, helping them create more efficient and safer formulations.

The pet food industry requires an increasing level of specialization, and Kemin is at the forefront of this evolution. We invest in innovative technologies to ensure pet food is safe, stable, and highly palatable. Our global presence and commitment to innovation make Kemin a leader in the industry.
Our Values and Purpose
At Kemin, we believe that science has the power to transform lives. Our purpose is to develop safe and effective solutions to ensure that pet food is as nutritious and delicious as it is safe for consumption.

This mission is built upon core values such as: Integrity: Commitment to transparency and ethics in all relationships. Innovation: Continuous investment in research to offer the best solutions. Quality: High-standard products that meet regulatory requirements and exceed market expectations.
We are convinced that our role in the pet food industry goes beyond simply producing ingredients. Our mission is to contribute to a safer and more innovative sector, raising the standards of quality and animal welfare.   Our Solutions for the Pet Food Industry
Antioxidants: Protection against oxidation
Pet food is highly susceptible to oxidation, a process that compromises product quality and palatability. When ingredients oxidize, changes in flavor and aroma occur, making the food less appealing to animals and reducing its acceptance. Additionally, oxidation can lead to the degradation of essential nutrients, impacting food's nutritional value.

To prevent this issue, Kemin offers natural and synthetic antioxidant solutions that preserve ingredients and provide greater food stability, contributing to balanced and safe nutrition. Our antioxidants are developed with advanced technology to offer prolonged protection, ensuring that pets receive high-quality food for longer.

Food safety: Ensuring healthy products
Food safety is a growing concern in the pet food industry. Microbiological contamination can compromise animal health and damage brand reputation. Additionally, the presence of toxins can pose significant risks to pets, making it essential to adopt effective control strategies.

With advanced solutions for control and preservation, Kemin helps manufacturers ensure safe, risk-free products. Our quality control systems are rigorous and follow international standards to guarantee that food is safe from raw materials to the final product. We work to mitigate risks and provide manufacturers with the tools they need to maintain food integrity over time.

Palatability: Enhancing Pets Eating Experience
A pet food product must not only be nutritious but also flavorful to ensure that pets consume it willingly. Food acceptance is a critical factor for proper nutrient intake and for minimizing waste. If a pet rejects its food, owners may seek alternative options in the market, directly impacting brand loyalty.

Kemin develops solutions that enhance the aroma and taste of pet food, increasing animal acceptance and providing a more enjoyable eating experience. We work with innovative ingredients and advanced technological processes to create palatants that stimulate pets' appetites and ensure a balanced, pleasurable diet.

Health and Nutrition: Functional Ingredients for Animal Well-Being
Beyond ensuring safety, stability, and taste, we also invest in functional ingredients that promote digestive health, immunity, and overall pet well-being. With a focus on precision nutrition, we develop solutions that add value to products and contribute to healthier pet lives.

Functional nutrition is becoming a major trend in the pet food market, and Kemin is dedicated to offering ingredients that go beyond basic nutrition. Our solutions include components that support gut microbiota balance and strengthen the immune system, helping manufacturers create food that truly makes a difference in pets' lives.
Commitment to Innovation
Innovation is one of Kemin Nutrisurance's core pillars. With state-of-the-art research centers and a team of dedicated experts, we develop science-based solutions to meet market needs. We continuously invest in new technologies that reduce waste and optimize the supply chain.
Global Presence and Personalized Support
With operations in multiple countries, Kemin is strategically positioned to serve customers worldwide. Our personalized service and specialized technical support ensure that every pet food manufacturer has access to the best solutions for their specific needs. Additionally, our global presence allows us to closely monitor market trends and adapt our solutions to different regulatory requirements and realities.

As a result, Kemin Nutrisurance has become a reference in the pet food industry, offering innovative and scientifically proven solutions to ensure safer, more nutritious, and tastier food for dogs and cats. Our commitment to science and quality places us at the forefront of the sector, contributing to pet well-being and owner satisfaction. With a strong portfolio and a highly skilled team, we continue to transform pet nutrition and elevate industry standards.

If your goal is to provide the best for companion animals, Kemin is the ideal partner for this journey.



By Kemin Nutrisurance
Source: All Pet Food Magazine

05/05/2025

Feeding Pets Like Family Means Formulating Like a Scientist

Most people likely imagine the formulation of pet food to be as easy as making dinner—throwing your chicken in an oil-coated pan, putting the rice on the stove, and perhaps some broccoli (good choice, by the way) in the oven. However, the science of how nutrients are absorbed, how they impact the genes (no, not jeans) in your body, and subsequently, how they affect your health, are probably not top of mind. Not to mention, like baby formula, pet food has to be complete and balanced, as it is usually the only source of nutrition our pets get. 
  This means that all of the essential nutrients (amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals) are provided. Much like a painting, this is actually just the canvas, the bare bones of health and understanding. And as it turns out, formulating—at least for me—is a work of art; not as generic as making a diet that is 'complete-and-balanced,'or a supplement with just anything in it. I try to create masterpieces that not only stand the test of time, but pull from the extensive, very nerdy scientific background to which I spent years dedicating my life. Let's talk about that scientific quest and dedication to knowledge. 
  The Science Behind My Expertise 
When I do the math, it turns out that after my four-year college degree, I spent another two years learning about nutrients, absorption mechanisms, and biological functions (to name a few). Then I spent an additional four years researching everything I could about the impact of nutrients on cell structure, bioavailability, gene expression, absorption, blood parameters, nutrient integrations, ionomics, cell cytotoxicity, nutritional biochemistry, growth, signaling, and metabolic pathways, as well as teaching diet formulation. Oh, and lest I forget, how to code for statistics with the statistic majors. Yawn. We are now at 10 years of school, six of which were exclusively focused on studying nutrition. That is longer than law school, vet school, and many other advanced degrees.    
  Sometimes I think one must have an affection for pain to get a PhD, since so much of life is missed out on, but that is a topic for a different day. Sometimes the quest for figuring out mechanisms is so great that PhDs will dive deeper into seriously advanced topics and go for their post-doctoral work, which is at least another year. Since I couldn't help but refine my skills by helping to develop a protocol to isolate immune cells out of fat, we can add another year: that makes 11.  
  My goal is to highlight the years dedicated solely to nutrition, the deep and scientifically rigorous program in which a PhD nutritionist has been trained and practiced. The understanding of nutrients, metabolism and formulation is an all-consuming endeavor for the serious nutritionist. Animal diets demand a comprehensive, specialized, and nuanced understanding of how a diet affects health at a biochemical and physiological level.  
  What Does This Really Mean? 
Not all pet food and supplements are created equal. Many products on the market are developed with minimal scientific backing, relying on outdated formulations or unverified claims. My extensive background ensures that every formulation I create is grounded in evidence-based science, incorporating the latest advancements in animal nutrition. This means: 
  Deeper Specialization and Precise Formulation: My education is entirely focused on nutrition, so ingredients are carefully selected for proven benefits, with a 3D understanding of potential interaction and implications within the body. 
  Evidence-Based Formulation: I develop pet food and supplements based on carefully vetted, cutting-edge nutritional science. 
  Balanced Nutrition: Formulations are designed to be more thoughtful than just 'meeting AAFCO standards' or other targets. I take all the ingredients at hand and think about how they work together. Not all casseroles are the same.  
  Advanced Research Skills: Staying ahead of emerging trends and always improving formulations are paramount. Extensive research experience inclines me toward critical evaluation of new science that can be applied to product formulation. 
  Precision and Innovation: I leverage the latest discoveries in nutritional biochemistry to craft optimal diets for pets, ensuring superior bioavailability and nutritional integrity. 
  A Commitment to Better Pet Health 
As you consider your pet food or supplement options, I would recommend looking for one formulated by PhD nutritionists. If they are anything like myself, they are crazy enough to spend an additional seven years of post-graduate education on their craft, and therefore are wholly dedicated to it.  
  After all, pets are more than just animals—they're family. Their health and well-being should never be left to marketers and accountants. When you choose a product formulated by BSM Partners, you're choosing a team committed to excellence and, above all, passionate about science.  
  About the Author Dr. Blaire Aldridge is the Vice President of Nutrition Services at BSM Partners. Throughout her career, Dr. Aldridge has been one of the industry's primary innovators in companion animal nutrition, leading teams at Nestle Purina to groundbreaking products and solutions. She is also an experienced innovator for equine nutrition. Dr. Aldridge received her master's degree and PhD in monogastric nutrition at Purdue University, and conducted post-doctoral work in human nutrition at Washington University Medical School.


  By Blaire Alridge
Source: BSM Partners

15/01/2025

Science and Technology in Precision Ingredients

By Armando Enriquez de la Fuente Blanquet

On the one hand, science is a systematic process that studies and understands the natural world through observation, experimentation, and analysis. Science is based on a scientific method, which means asking questions, formulating hypotheses to test them, and analyzing the results to develop theories and laws; it aims to build a reliable body of knowledge about how things function in nature.   On the other hand, technology refers to the practical implementation of scientific knowledge to develop tools, systems, and processes that solve problems and satisfy human needs. It includes a wide range of approaches, from electronic devices to industrial production methods as well as medical and communication techniques.   After all, they are deeply interrelated and often drive each other.   Science provides the necessary knowledge to understand nutritional needs and how ingredients affect pet health and well-being.   Animal nutrition: Investigate the specific dietary needs of different pets and how nutrients (proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals) affect their health.
  Digestion and metabolism: Study how animals digest and metabolize food and how different formulations can optimize nutrient absorption.
  Technology in pet food manufacturing includes methods and tools used to transform ingredients into high-quality pet food.
  Extrusion process: Use equipment to make and shape ingredients at high-precision and temperature levels, manufacturing kibbles and other pet food forms.
  Drying technology: Eliminate pet food moisture through drying techniques, ensuring its stability and longevity.
  Formulation and mixture: Ensure uniform distribution of ingredients by using technologies to mix ingredients with precision.
  Moreover, vitamins and trace minerals are essential compounds for pet nutrition, playing a crucial role in their health and well-being. Science and technology have significantly advanced in formulating and incorporating these substances into pet food. Below is detailed information about how technology and science manage vitamins and trace minerals is provided.   Vitamins and Minerals in Formulations   Accurate formulation: Technology allows accurate formulation to ensure that vitamins and minerals are in the correct amounts. Both nutrients measure in ppm (parts per million), so precise inclusion, distribution, and bioavailability are important. Software and mathematical models calculate the exact nutritional needs in each formula.   Vitamins and Minerals Stability   Chemical stability: Vitamins and minerals can break down during processing and storage. Science has developed more stable vitamins, such as vitamin E —in the form of mixed tocopherols— with better oxidation resistance, and ascorbic acid (vitamin C), which can be damaged by the extrusion process and is sensitive to temperature, humidity, pH, oxygen, and light. However, technology has developed chemical structures such as the 'ascorbyl polyphosphate,' which make it resistant to the pet food manufacturing process. Ascorbic acid is released by digestive enzymes in the gastrointestinal tract, so pets ingest the necessary vitamin C (Figure 1).   Figure 1: Ascorbyl polyphosphate and ascorbic acid diagrams.   Microencapsulation: This technology covers vitamins and minerals with a protective coating to prevent their degradation and release them into the digestive tract in a controlled way.
  Sources of Vitamins and Minerals   Synthetic vs. natural vitamins: Synthetic vitamins, such as vitamin A and vitamin D3, are used because of their stability and efficacy, while other formulas incorporate natural sources for a complete nutritional profile.
  Chelated minerals: Trace minerals combine amino acids and other compounds to make chelates, improving their absorption and bioavailability in the pets' digestive tract (Figure 2).
  Figure 2: Available sources of trace minerals in the market.   Absorption and Bioavailability Technologies   Bioavailable forms of vitamins and minerals: The selection of vitamins and minerals easily absorbable is key. For example, zinc in the chelated form is more bioavailable than organic zinc.
  Controlled release technology: Some ingredients are designed to gradually release nutrients, which can enhance vitamin and mineral efficiency and absorption.
  To sum up, combining science and technology in pet food manufacturing allows the development of safe, efficient, and high-quality products that meet pet nutritional needs. Science provides the required knowledge, while technology employs it to create and control the production process.   By: Armando Enríquez de la Fuente Blanquet   Source: All Pet Food Magazine