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Optimizing Palatability Across Life Stages: Understanding the Link Between First Choice and Intake Ratio in Dogs and Cats

3+ MIN

17/02/2026

Optimizing Palatability Across Life Stages: Understanding the Link Between First Choice and Intake Ratio in Dogs and Cats

This study emphasizes the importance of developing palatants formulations that cater to pets' distinct taste sensitivities, nutritional requirements and enjoyment across life stages, ultimately supporting the health and well-being of both cats and dogs. Based on over 1,500 two-bowl palatability assessments trials conducted for both species, cats and dogs, this research provided a robust pool of data, based on real-world data across a broad population of cats and dogs in different life stages. Key Findings Our research highlighted key palatability factors influencing preference, through controlled feeding trials and preference assessments. We evaluated the effectiveness of various palatability parameters across each life stage and species, taking a number of flavour enhancement strategies addressing palatability improvement. Palatability is known to drive acceptability and consumption of pet food. Two critical indicators identified aligned with pets' life stage were: Intake Ratio: The proportion of the food offered is actually consumed. First Choice: Which product a pet chooses first when given multiple options, driven primarily by aroma. In the present study, it was observed that both metrics are influenced by a pet's sensory perception, which is believed to change with age. One of the key findings is that first choice, related to aroma perception, is not only positively correlated with intake ratio, but also, in particular for cats from young age through adulthood and into senior years, the observed correlation is considerably high (>0.87) across all life stages (Figure 1).
Results: Correlation Insights Across Life Stages The relationship between first choice and intake ratio is based on data from over 1,500 two-bowl assessments for both dogs and cats. The results demonstrated clear patterns of correlation strength varying by life stage for both studied animal species. Figure 1: Scatter plots with the correlation between First Choice and Intake Ratio for cats according to life stages (young, adult and senior). Figure 2: Scatter plots with the correlation between First Choice and Intake ratio for dogs according to life stages (young, adult and senior). These results show that in dogs, first choice becomes a stronger predictor of intake as the animals mature, peaking in adulthood, while for cats, a consistently high correlation across all life stages indicates strong alignment between initial preference and overall consumption, even in younger animals. In the following table the correlation factors, between intake ratio and first choice, are captured for both cats and dogs, across the 3 life stages, studied. Table 1: Correlation (r-square) between FC and IR for cat and dog according with life stages. Conclusion The insights provided suggest that, while both species respond well to targeted palatants, life stage-specific adjustments are particularly impactful in dogs, especially in young animals where palatability preferences may still be developing. In cats, first choice was significantly positively correlated with intake ratio, for cats from young age through adulthood and into senior years. Palatability isn't one-size-fits-all. As dogs and cats grow, their sensory needs evolve and so should the approach. By considering first choice and intake ratio in the context of life stage, it's possible to deliver more appealing, effective and differentiated pet food products. To learn more about this topic, or to speak with our Science & Technology experts, please reach out to your AFB Sales representative or afbinternational.com/contact. By: AFB International Source: All Pet Food Magazine

Other microingredients

2+ MIN

10/02/2026

Plasma: The Functional, Natural Miracle Ingredient for Dogs and Cats!

When buying pet food, treats, and supplements, modern pet parents don't just look for quality ingredients or complete and balanced nutrition. They also place emphasis on things like functional ingredients with health benefits. Plasma is a clean, natural, and highly digestible nutrient source that stands out as a functional ingredient because it benefits health and helps the planet. Learn more about plasma, how it supports whole-body health, and great products that feature it. Plasma Supports Human Health and Pet Health
Plasma is the liquid component of blood. So when you donate blood, you're giving plasma, a life-saving gift used around the world every day to help people survive and thrive. And just like plasma supports human health, so too can it play a meaningful role in pet health and nutrition. Plasma sourced from pigs and cattle is collected and dried, preserving the amino acids, nutrients, bioactive compounds, and highly digestible proteins. It's a tasty, functional ingredient that can be added to pet foods, treats, and supplements to support vitality, well-being, and everyday health. Adding Plasma to a Dog's or Cat's Diet Is Good for the Whole Body
Plasma about 70% to 80% protein, so you can see right away one of the main benefits for dogs and cats. Four-legged family members rely on protein-rich diets to build and repair tissues, produce enzymes and hormones, and support overall growth, function, and energy. Beyond that, plasma also contains a myriad of other beneficial compounds, including:
Amino acids Electrolytes Minerals Antibodies Immunoglobulins Bioactive peptides Growth factors
Together, these compounds have a systemic effect, supporting the immune system and its ability to respond to stress and inflammation. They also help with digestive health, the gut microbiome, nutrient absorption, muscle development, skin and coat health, and energy levels.
What's more, plasma is a valuable byproduct of meat processing. Reclaiming plasma from the meat industry reduces waste, minimizes environmental impacts, and supports a more efficient food system.
Easy Ways to Add Plasma to Your Dog's or Cat's Diet
Plasma is a powerful, natural, sustainable ingredient that supports canine and feline health at every life stage. It delivers essential nutrients, helps manage stress and inflammation, supports immunity, and promotes overall vitality, keeping dogs and cats active, resilient, and thriving. When you add food, treats, and supplements with plasma to their diet, you're supporting whole-body health for them and helping the planet too.
Visit APC to learn more about plasma for pet health!
Source: Animal Wellness

Proteins

2+ MIN

06/02/2026

Protein in Food Allergies

How often do pets have food allergies? The worldwide prevalence of food allergies is increasing among people,1 but food allergies are considered uncommon in dogs and cats. It may seem more common in pets because many other health conditions have similar symptoms.2-4

Statistics about pets' food allergy prevalence can add to that misperception because the numbers vary depending on the reason for a pet's veterinary exam: only 1% of cats seen for a general health exam were diagnosed with food allergy, yet 21% of cats presented for itchy skin had the same diagnosis. 5,6 What causes food allergies? Food allergies occur when an individual's immune system responds to a harmless food as a harmful 'invader.' This immune response differentiates food allergies from dietary intolerance, or food poisoning, which do not involve the immune system.

When food allergies do occur, the most common trigger is a protein. No particular protein is hypoallergenic. An allergic response is the result of an individual's immune reaction to the size or structure of a protein and is driven, in part, by prior exposure to the protein.3, 7-9

While ingredients such as grains have also been reported to cause food allergies, studies show it is the protein component of the grain that typically triggers the reaction.10

Grains are not among the most reported food allergens in either dogs or cats.

In dogs the top three food allergens are proteins from beef, dairy or chicken. In cats, the most commonly reported food allergens are from beef, chicken or fish.9 What role does nutrition play in food allergies? The gold standard for the diagnosis of food allergy is a dietary elimination trial that combines one protein and one carbohydrate to which the pet has not previously been exposed.8 Studies show that allergy tests based on samples from skin, blood, saliva or hair produce unreliable results.11-14

Selecting novel proteins is not always easy; new protein sources may cross-react with the original allergen, and many pets have multiple food hypersensitivities.15,16 Diets must also be nutritionally complete and balanced, and ideally, be easy to feed during an 8-12 week dietary trial, or for long-term maintenance.

Feeding hydrolyzed protein diets can offer a convenient, nutritionally complete and balanced strategy for reducing food allergenicity.17-19 How do hydrolyzed proteins help manage food allergies? Hydrolysis is a process that breaks proteins into smaller pieces. 'Ultra hydrolyzed' proteins are reduced to very small pieces. This process changes the size and structure of the protein— key factors in determining a protein's allergenicity.

In general, adverse immune reactions to a food ingredient require an allergen—typically a protein—large enough to crosslink receptors on the surface of specific immune cells. The altered size and structure of hydrolyzed proteins do not crosslink these cell surface receptors to trigger an immune response.7
As an additional benefit, hydrolyzed proteins have increased digestibility, which can reduce inflammatory gut conditions.20 Source: Purina Institute

Baked Biscuits Utilizing Spray Dried Plasma Products

Other microingredients

2+ MIN

04/02/2026

Baked Biscuits Utilizing Spray Dried Plasma Products

Background Information Spray dried plasma (SDP) or Cravings (hydrolyzed plasma) are high-protein ingredients utilized in pet food for functional texture properties, enhancing palatability, or supporting overall health. Study Objective The study objective was to evaluate how SDP or Cravings inclusion impacts texture and palatability of baked biscuits utilizing wheat gluten. Experimental Procedure The study evaluated palatability and texture of baked biscuits utilizing 1% SDP or Cravings to replace wheat gluten in control formula. Palatability testing was conducted with 20 dogs for a 2-day test. Different ingredient sources and processing conditions were used in each study accounting for differences in texture of final product.
Baked biscuits were made by preparing the dough utilizing a KitchenAid mixer equipped with a dough hook, rolling out by hand to a set depth and size, and then baking to moisture level of less than 10%. Three replicate batches of each formula were completed for analysis per study.
Texture was measured on a TA.XT Plus utilizing an adjustable bridge with a rounded-end knife probe for a 3-point bend. Baked biscuits of 2 cm × 7 cm were placed over the two-bridge span spaced 2.5 cm apart to measure maximum force to break (hardness), fracturability, and stiffness to determine texture. Five baked biscuits per treatment were analyzed for texture from each replicate batch. Digital calipers were utilized to measure biscuit dimensions and volume. Proof of Concept: Test Formula
Results: Texture

Results: Palatability

Summary
SDP and Cravings can be incorporated into baked biscuits as a processing aide to impact texture depending on ingredient matrix and target, while SDP also improves palatability. Overall, both SDP and Cravings can be an alternative to vital wheat gluten to maintain or enhance product quality.
By Joy Campbell and Angela Smith - APC
Source: All Pet Food Magazine

Impact of Insect Protein Meals on Pet Food Palatability

Palatants

7+ MIN

27/01/2026

Impact of Insect Protein Meals on Pet Food Palatability

This article will focus on the incorporation of insect protein meals into pet food and the evaluation of its impact to palatability in dogs and cats' diets by analyzing the last public research available on this topic. Insect Materials as Pet Food Ingredients
Last decade, the use of insect ingredients as balanced sources of proteins and fats has become a global reality. In each continent, we can find research centers and universities with projects focused on insect materials and their use in humans, livestock and pet food diets.
Big scale production has also improved, so big hurdles to becoming profitable for producers and affordable for customers are about to be overcome. This positions insect meals and oils as relevant sources of proteins and lipids for the pet food industry.²
Insect ingredients not only meet the nutritional requirements for pets but are also a great tool for claiming sustainability, lower carbon footprint and innovative ingredients, just to name a few.³
While insect proteins can have a lower environmental footprint than most animal proteins, this is not as significant for the pet food industry, since pet foods mainly incorporate low environmental impact animal by-products from the rendering industry.⁴
Currently, the main sources of insect oils and meals are black soldier fly, mealworm and cricket. They are considered as good alternative protein sources and mostly have adequate amino acid levels, meeting the standard requirements for dogs and cats.⁵
In insect materials, protein is the nutrient composing the largest fraction, with values ranging from 40% to more than 60 % on a dry matter basis.
Fat makes up the second largest fraction, and generally, insect materials contain lower levels of ash compared to other animal protein sources (see Table 1). Insects are also packed with micronutrients, including iron, zinc, calcium, and B-vitamins, which are vital for various bodily functions.⁶
Table 1. Average nutrient composition of selected form of insects on a dry matter basis. One key property of insect ingredients is that it is possible to modulate their nutritional composition by changing the feeding during the insect rearing. Several studies confirmed this by investigating the impact of different diets on the content and amino acid profile, lipids and other nutrients in insect protein meals and oils. Consequently, we could find insect meals and oils from the same species but with a different amino acid profile or fatty acid profile.¹² Therefore, insects represent versatile raw materials for the pet food industry with fast growing expectations in the market.
As per Rabobank's research of 2021, see Figure 1, the global volume of insect ingredients incorporated in feed and pet food is expected to grow up to 500K MT by 2030, predicting pet food to be the second largest market.¹³
Figure 1. Increase of the insect production and use in feed and pet food. According to a review done in 2023, there are 43 insect-based pet food brands active around the globe, 35 of which are operating in Europe. Black soldier fly and mealworm are the most used species in pet foods.¹⁴
Despite the various advantages of using insect ingredients there are other aspects that must be evaluated when applying them in pet food. This includes potential allergic reactions, contamination risks during production, stability and shelf-life concerns and the ability to meet the nutritional needs of cats and dogs in a specific recipe. Insect Ingredients Effect on Palatability
Another important factor and key to the success of a diet is 'palatability'. Palatability is a critical factor in pet food acceptance. Cats are notoriously picky eaters, and their willingness to consume food is influenced by its taste, aroma, and texture. Therefore, understanding how insect protein affects these sensory attributes is essential.
Insects have unique flavor profiles that can vary significantly between species. For instance, crickets have a nutty taste, while mealworms can be more neutral. These flavors can be both an advantage and a challenge when formulating palatable pet foods.
Edible insects were first promoted as a sustainable method for food waste bioconversion, and it seems this practice is already implemented in Asia. However, how the heterogeneity of food waste sources affect fat oxidation, flavor and palatability of the final insect meal for pets is not well understood.
To maintain or improve palatability, manufacturers use flavor enhancers, fats, and other ingredients to mask or complement the natural taste of insect protein. For example, adding chicken fat or liver flavor can make insect-based pet food more appealing.
Currently there is limited reliable research on palatability of insects in pet foods, but we expect more long-term research to be done in the coming years to allow a standard and better evaluation of this factor. However, we could find in the literature some interesting palatability studies thanks to a review done by Bosch and Swanson.¹⁵
Some studies found that regarding palatability of insects, dogs and cats showed different preferences depending on the insect species and the inclusion rate of the insect ingredients.
In 2018, Beynen reported that dogs showed a preference for dry foods containing black soldier fly larvae meal over those with yellow mealworm meal (intake ratio of 60:40; n=10), whereas cats preferred the yellow mealworm-based food (40:60; n=10). Both insect meals represented 30 % of the total crude protein in these diets.¹⁶
In 2020 Kilburn et al. showed that a banded cricket meal inclusion rate of 8, 16 or 24 % in extruded pet foods did not affect the intake in dogs (n=8).¹⁷
Regarding cats' palatability, Paßlack and Zentek published in 2018 that 3 out of 10 cats had refused a food containing 35 % black soldier fly meal and 3 cats had an intake between 78 and 87 % of the food offered.¹⁸
For a food containing 22 % black soldier fly meal, one cat vomited and then refused the food completely and two cats had lower food intakes (83 and 88%).¹⁷
In cats fed a diet containing 5 or 20 % of black soldier fly meal for 2 days (n=20 per diet), 38 and 54 % of food was consumed. None of the cats rejected the 5% black soldier fly diet, whereas one cat rejected the 20 % black soldier fly meal diet. Future Prospects of Insect Protein in Pet Nutrition
Insect protein represents a promising frontier in pet nutrition, offering a nutritious alternative to traditional proteins. The impact of insect protein on pet food palatability is a critical factor that manufacturers are actively addressing through research, innovation, and consumer feedback.
While insect protein holds great promise, there are challenges that need to be addressed to ensure its widespread adoption in the pet food industry.
By Cristina Murcia García, PhD, Technical Service Manager | Kemin Nutrisurance EMEA
Source: Kemin Pet Food & Rendering

About the author
Dr. Cristina Murcia García gained her PhD in Chemistry with focus on red-ox reactions from the University of Bonn (Germany). Since then, she has specialized in managing oxidation in rendering and pet food products. She works as Technical Service Manager for Kemin Nutrisurance Europe where she provides solutions to improve raw materials and pet food safety and shelf-life.
References
1 World Resources Institute 2 FAO. 2022. Is the time ripe for using insect meal in aquafeeds? Bangkok 3 FEDIAF Fact sheet 2024. Insect-based ingredients in pet food 4 EFPRA – White Paper, Life Cycle Assessment of Rendered Products 5 Van Huis, A., Van Itterbeeck, J., Klunder, H., et al. 2013. Edible Insects: Future Prospects for Food and Feed Security. Rome: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) 6 Rumpold, B.A., Schluter, O.K. 2013.Nutritional composition and safety aspects of edible insects. Mol. Nutr. Food Res. 57, 802–823; and *Kemin Internal Documents 7 Makkar, H. et al. 2014. State-of-the-art on use of insects as animal feed. Anim. Feed Sci. Technol. 197, 1–33 8 Rumpold, B.A., Schluter, O.K. 2013. Nutritional composition and safety aspects of edible insects. Mol. Nutr. Food Res. 57, 802–823 9 Ramos-Elorduy, J., Pino Moreno, J.M., Correa, S.C.1998. Edible insects of the state of Mexico and determination of their nutritive values. Zoologia, 69, 65–104. 10 Józefiak, D., Józefiak, A., Kiero ´nczyk, B., Rawski, M., Swi ˛atkiewicz, S., Długosz, J., Engberg, R.M. 2016. Insects—A natural nutrient ´ source for poultry—A review. Ann. Anim. Sci. 16, 297–313. 11 Kemin Internal documents 12 Biancarosa, I., Araujo, P., Biemans, D., Bruckner, C.G., Waagbø, R., Torstensen, B.E., Lock, E.J. 2017. Modulation of nutrient composition of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae by feeding seaweed-enriched media. PLoS One. Aug 24;12(8) 13 Rabobank research, 2021 14 Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology, ISSN: 1226-8615, Vol: 26, Issue: 1, Page: 102020, 2023 15 Bosch, G., Swanson, K. S. 2021. Journal of Insects as Food and Feed, 7(5): 795-805 16 Beynen, A.C., 2018. Insect-based petfood. Creature Companion: 40-41 17 Kilburn, L.R., Carlson, A.T., Lewis, E. and Rossoni Serao, M.C., 2020. Cricket (Gryllodes sigillatus) meal fed to healthy adult dogs does not affect general health and minimally impacts apparent total tract digestibility. Journal of Animal Science 98: 1-8. 18 Paßlack, N. and Zentek, J., 2018. Akzeptanz, Verträglichkeit und scheinbare Nährstoffverdaulichkeit von Alleinfuttermitteln auf Basis von Hermetia-illucens-Larvenmehl bei Katzen. Tierärztliche Praxis Kleintiere 46: 213-221

Vitamins

Inflexible Formulations: What Vitamin & Amino Acid Supply Disruption Could Mean for Pet Food

3+ MIN

27/04/2026

Inflexible Formulations: What Vitamin & Amino Acid Supply Disruption Could Mean for Pet Food

Recent discussions around vitamin and amino acid supply chains highlight a critical issue: these nutrients are not optional in pet food. Like the animal protein sector, they are foundational to animal health, but for pet food they are also integral to product integrity and regulatory compliance. For the pet food sector, even small disruptions can have outsized impacts. The Nutritional and Formulation Challenge
Pet food is governed by strict nutrient requirements. In the U.S., dog and cat foods must meet defined nutrient profiles that specify minimum levels of essential vitamins and amino acids per pound of product. This means formulation is not simply about substituting ingredients; it is about maintaining precise nutritional balance. When supply disruptions occur, nutritionists are forced into complex reformulation decisions, which I describe as, 'solving a Rubik's Cube' -- adjusting one component inevitably affects multiple others.
Ingredient shifts can alter digestion, stability and overall product performance. When key vitamins or amino acids become scarce, manufacturers may need to modify formulations, and those changes carry real risk. Nutrient imbalances may impact gut health, skin and coat quality or long-term wellness. Changes in ingredient composition can also affect palatability and food intake, which pet owners will quickly notice. At the same time, reformulations may jeopardize label claims, certifications or even patented formulations.
Pets, particularly cats, have unique nutritional requirements that heighten the stakes of supply disruption. Taurine, for example, is essential for cats, and inadequate levels can lead to serious health conditions such as dilated cardiomyopathy. Nutrient interactions, such as those involving thiamine and amino acid balance, can create cascading formulation challenges. Certain dog breeds also require careful amino acid fortification to avoid health complications. These sensitivities mean that even temporary shortages can have real biological consequences if not managed carefully.
The risks become even more pronounced in veterinary therapeutic diets, which are designed as part of a broader health management plan; for example, renal diets for kidney support. When supply disruptions force the use of alternative or endogenous nutrient sources, unintended consequences may arise, including the introduction of unwanted co-nutrients, reduced bioavailability or conflicts with the intended therapeutic outcome. In these cases, formulation changes are not just technical, they are clinical decisions with direct implications for animal health.
Alternative ingredient strategies often rely on endogenous sources or complex co-products. While these can help bridge supply gaps, they introduce new uncertainties around nutrient availability, digestibility and additional nutrients that must be managed. In pet food, even small ingredient swaps can significantly alter the overall formula, increasing the risk to product design and performance. A Supply Chain Issue with System-Wide Implications
One of the most important realities is that pet food does not operate in isolation. The same supply chains that support livestock production and human nutrition also supply companion animal diets.
As a result, disruptions in vitamin and amino acid production affect multiple sectors simultaneously. Increased costs or limited availability upstream in protein production ultimately translate into higher costs and tighter constraints downstream in pet food. This interconnectedness underscores a broader point: pet food is part of a larger food security system in North America.
While rising costs are a concern, the more fundamental challenge is maintaining supply stability. Pet food formulations are not easily or frequently changed due to regulatory requirements, labeling and packaging constraints, product claims and certifications and intellectual property considerations. Because of these constraints, the industry cannot simply adjust on the fly. Stability in ingredient supply is essential to maintaining consistent, safe and compliant products.
Ensuring a stable supply of vitamins and amino acids is critical to the future of the pet food industry. This will require coordinated efforts across agriculture, ingredient manufacturing and regulatory systems. Without that stability, the industry faces increasing pressure on formulation integrity, product performance and ultimately animal health.
The question is not just how to respond to disruption, but how to build a more resilient supply chain that supports pets, producers, and consumers alike. Source: IFEEDER

Vitamins

4+ MIN

11/07/2023

Nutritional needs of cats and dogs

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

Vitamins

11/07/2023

Nutritional needs of cats and dogs

Vitamins

09/06/2023

How important is choline for cats

Vitamins

09/05/2023

DSM Establishes Tonganoxie, Kansas, Pet Food Premix Plant

Proteins

Symrise Invests in Bond Pet Foods to Accelerate Sustainable Innovation in Pet Nutrition Via Precision Fermentation

2+ MIN

22/04/2026

Symrise Invests in Bond Pet Foods to Accelerate Sustainable Innovation in Pet Nutrition Via Precision Fermentation

Symrise today announced a strategic equity investment in Bond Pet Foods, a U.S.-based biotechnology company that uses precision fermentation to produce animal-identical proteins complementing the existing pet food portfolio of Symrise. The partnership supports Symrise's ambition to develop biotech-enabled ingredients that work better for pets and the planet, strengthening the long-term competitiveness and sustainability leadership of Symrise Pet Food.
With this partnership, Symrise will leverage Bond Pet Foods' technology to help address key industry challenges, including supply-chain continuity and growing consumer demand for sustainable products that diversify the source of pet food ingredients. For pet food manufacturers, the collaboration aims to broaden access to high-quality proteins while supporting resilience and responsible sourcing.
'This investment marks an important step in advancing our strategy to develop next-generation sustainable ingredients with biotechnology. By combining Bond's fermentation capabilities with Symrise's application expertise and market insight, we can deliver high-performance nutrition solutions and create new growth opportunities for our customers,' said Diego Maurizio, General Manager, Palatability & Nutrition Business Line at Symrise.
Founded in 2017, Bond Pet Foods develops animal-identical proteins for pet nutrition using precision fermentation. The company has progressed its platform through several development agreements, building expertise in bringing novel protein ingredients toward real-world application.
'We have put great effort into building a new way to produce animal-identical proteins for pet food applications. Now, we find it exciting to see that work gaining traction across the industry", said Rich Kelleman, CEO of Bond Pet Foods. "Partnering with Symrise marks an important step forward bringing their deep expertise in pet nutrition and taste to further expand how our ingredients perform and can be used by pet food manufacturers,'
"This investment advances our ambition to scale biotechnology across our business. With this, we aim at effectively supporting long-term resilience, portfolio diversification, and a stronger innovation pipeline", says Walter Ribeiro, President Taste, Nutrition & Health at Symrise. "By helping our customers develop more sustainable pet food formulations, the collaboration reinforces Symrise's sustainability commitments and consumer-driven innovation strategy." Source: Symrise AG
About Bond Pet Foods Bond Pet Foods is a Boulder, Colorado-based company using precision fermentation to produce animal-identical proteins for the pet food industry. By combining yeast fermentation with food science, Bond creates high-quality animal-identical proteins that meet the nutritional needs of dogs and cats, while supporting a more sustainable and resilient food system.
Bond supplies these ingredients to pet food manufacturers for use in food, treat, and supplement applications.
The company's investors include leading funds and organizations across the biotechnology, ingredient, and pet nutrition sectors, including Genoa Ventures, Lever VC, ADM Ventures, Cavallo Ventures (Wilbur-Ellis), Agronomics, Thia Ventures, KBW Ventures, iSelect Fund, Stage 1 Fund, Plug and Play Ventures and Symrise North America. www.bondpets.com

Proteins

2+ MIN

16/03/2026

A to Z of Pet Food: Proteins

Made up of amino acids, proteins build and maintain structures in the body and help support muscles, bones, blood, organs and skin and coat health. Because dogs and cats can't synthesize all the essential amino acids they need, these nutrients must come from complete and balanced pet food. Sources of Protein Proteins are commonly classified into two large categories based on their source: animal-based and plant-based.
Animal-based protein includes chicken, beef, turkey, lamb and fish. Plant-based protein includes ingredients like soybeans, corn and lentils.
While animal protein sources have higher amounts of essential amino acids, dogs can still thrive on a well-formulated plant-based diet. Cats, on the other hand, are obligate carnivores and rely on animal-based protein for specific amino acids, like taurine, methionine and cystine. How Much Protein Does My Pet Need? The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) has set the following minimum protein requirements for pet food:
Dogs Adult: ≥ 18% crude protein Puppy: ≥ 22% crude protein Cats Adult: ≥ 26% crude protein Kitten: ≥ 30% crude protein
Puppies and kittens require a higher amount of protein in their diet to support growth and development. Additionally, cats need more protein than dogs and have more specific amino acid requirements.
Protein is an essential nutrient for dogs and cats, and diets containing more than the minimum required amount of protein are often beneficial. In fact, in obese dogs, high-protein, low-carb diets can promote both proper body condition and steadier blood glucose levels. Additionally, studies suggest that aging pets likely have a higher dietary protein requirement than younger pets.
That said, extremely high levels of protein, especially when not balanced with other nutrients, may pose health risks, such as disrupting a pet's calcium to phosphorus ratio or contributing to weight gain. Consult with your veterinarian to ensure your pet's protein intake matches their unique needs, including life stage, size and activity level. Looking Ahead: Emerging Protein Alternatives Did you know over 93% of pet food products worldwide contain animal protein? Although these are most often responsibly sourced as by-products, as the global population grows, so will the demand for animal protein—raising concerns about demand outpacing supply.
To ensure the long-term sustainability of pet food, industry research has turned toward alternative sources of protein, including insect-based ingredients, invasive species (such as Asian carp and blue catfish) and single-cell ingredients (like algae, fungi and yeast).
Another alternative protein source includes meat products not commonly consumed by humans, like alligator, kangaroo and rabbit. While these alternative ingredients are still being evaluated, they could play a key role in supporting a pet's complete and balanced diet in a more sustainable way. Source: Pet Food Institute

Proteins

16/03/2026

A to Z of Pet Food: Proteins

Proteins

06/02/2026

Protein in Food Allergies

Proteins

19/11/2025

Is Cultured Protein the Future of Protein in Pet Food?

Minerals

What Nutrients are Essential for My Pet?

3+ MIN

14/06/2023

What Nutrients are Essential for My Pet?

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

Minerals

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

1+ MIN

04/08/2022

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

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

Minerals

04/08/2022

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

Minerals

17/02/2022

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

By Luciana Chippano

Minerals

17/08/2021

Mineral choice matters: Maximizing pet food nutrition

Preservatives

3+ MIN

04/08/2025

Additives

The term 'additive' can be applied to a range of ingredients that manufacturers add to the basic ingredients that are at the heart of pet food. These minor ingredients include mainly essential nutrients such as vitamins and minerals, but also flavours, colours and agents to prevent harmful spoilage of the pet food due to fats going rancid or through bacterial contamination. Vitamins and minerals are presented in the factsheet Nutritional needs of Cats and Dogs.
Preservatives
Pet food safety is of critical importance. Preservatives may be added, largely depending upon the type of pet food product and processing, to ensure that food products remain nutritious and safe for consumption throughout their shelf life. The food must be protected from bacterial or mould contamination and spoilage, further it must be protected from degradation and the loss of nutrients during storage. The method of preservation used depends on the type of food because the way of processing also contributes to the food integrity and shelf life:
Dry pet food: The manufacturing process kills microbes and the low moisture content helps to inhibit the growth of most organisms.
Moist pet food: The heat applied in cooking of canned or pouch pet food kill microbes and the packaging excludes air, protecting the food.
Chilled pet food: Processed chilled pet food has undergone a controlled thermal process and this, together with refrigeration during storage helps suppress spoilage.
Semi-moist pet food: This generally has a low pH and contain humectants that bind water to the product, making it less available for use by invading organisms. Antioxidants
Antioxidants are used to protect pet food from deterioration due to oxidation. All pet food has some fat and/or oil content and these should be stabilised by including antioxidants to prevent fats from reacting with oxygen in the air (oxidising) and food becoming rancid which leads to losses in nutritional quality. The inclusion of antioxidants helps to maintain wholesomeness and quality of the food. Antioxidants are incorporated into dry and semi-moist pet food to protect them from exposure to oxygen after processing.
Antioxidant preservatives that might be included in dry pet food include: a variety of herbal or plant extracts including: vitamin E (tocopherols), vitamin C (ascorbates) or manmade antioxidants, which have been used in various human food for many years. Colouring agents
Colouring agents may be added to pet food to enhance the appearance of the food. These include a range of naturally occurring food colours, food dyes or mineral based colours. Emulsifiers and stabilisers
Emulsifiers help keeping the fat in the food and prevent the water from separating. Gums and lecithin are used to prevent separation of ingredients and to create the gravy or gel in canned, pouch and other moist pet food. Food gums include seaweed extracts and seed gums such as guar gum (from the guar plant).
Flavours
Flavours are used to enhance the palatability in some pet food and to provide product variation. Much of the appeal of prepared pet food to the dog or cat stems from the choice of raw materials, such as fish, meat, vegetables or cereals. As with food for humans, the cooking process often increases the palatability of pet food. Some flavours may be added to some pet food and these can be natural flavours such as extracts from fish or poultry, or agents designed to mirror natural flavours. Gut flora stabilisers
Gut flora stabilisers such as live micro-organisms can be added to pet food and have a positive effect on the gut microbiota. These live micro-organisms, classified as zootechnical feed additives by the European authorities and commonly known as 'probiotics', can be a good alternative to reduce the use of antibiotics in animals and more specifically in pets.
Download the factsheet.

Source: FEDIAF

Preservatives

Support Companion Animal Health & Your Brands with Premium LALPROBIOME Solution

2+ MIN

28/04/2025

Support Companion Animal Health & Your Brands with Premium LALPROBIOME Solution

Why choose LALPROBIOME? In today's pet food and supplement market, health-conscious consumers want more than just basic nutrition for their furry family members—pet parents seek scientifically backed, high-performance solutions that can help their pets leading longer, happier and healthier lives. That's where LALPROBIOME's cutting-edge microbial and antioxidative solutions can offer your products a competitive advantage. LALPROBIOME from LALLEMAND ANIMAL NUTRITION is backed by the LALLEMAND group's 160+ years of experience using fermentation to produce yeast and bacteria, global production facilities, and research-driven innovation. Our expertise can help you find the right microbial strain for the right application. We fully control our production process from the lab to packing to ensure the optimal efficacy of our yeast and bacteria based solutions. LALPROBIOME solutions can elevate and differentiate your brands with novel ingredients promoting unique and specific benefits in four categories: Postbiotic yeast Postbiotic bacteria Probiotic yeast & bacteria Antioxidative solutions LALPROBIOME's research strengths focus on three vital areas of nutritional support. Used alone or in combination, our solutions can help promote and maintain health for dogs and cats by: Optimizing the microbiota balance to aid digestion and strengthen gut barrier integrity. Reinforcing immune response using solutions with well-recognized and specific immunodulatory properties. Protecting against free radicals by helping better cope with oxidative stress. A Way to Lead in a Competitive Market Market research shows that people are improving their companion animals' environments, diets and medical care in an effort to increase longevity and well-being. Just as they are prioritizing their own health and nutrition, they want high-quality, functional and natural ingredients in the pet food, treats, and supplements they serve their companions. LALPROBIOME microbial and antioxidative solutions match consumers' current and future priorities by offering benefits for digestive care, immune support, and antioxidant and nutritional optimization—including skin, coat, and oral care—which makes them a must-have for dog and cat pet food manufacturers. Including LALPROBIOME solutions in your brands' formulations offers the market advantages of years of science-backed innovation, consistent quality, processing compatibility and customer support that is a leader in companion animal nutrition. Shaping the Future of Companion Animal Nutrition LALLEMAND ANIMAL NUTRITION's dedicated companion animals platform, LALPROBIOME, is working to help maintain companion animal nutrition and well-being with selected microbial and antioxidative solutions. As pet owners become more discerning, pet food, treat, and supplement manufacturers must stay ahead with cutting-edge, research-backed LALPROBIOME probiotics, postbiotics, and antioxidative solutions. At LALLEMAND, we're with you every step of the way, from selecting the right functional ingredient for your formulation, to ensuring efficacy through manufacturing and packaging, to addressing market trends. By partnering with LALLEMAND, you're enhancing your product line and contributing to the health and well-being of animals. Position your brands for future success—partner with LALLEMAND today. Source: Lallemand

Preservatives

28/04/2025

Support Companion Animal Health & Your Brands with Premium LALPROBIOME Solution

Preservatives

05/12/2024

LALPROBIOME, the Lallemand Animal Nutrition’s platform for Pet well-being

Preservatives

19/11/2024

Caring for our pets' bacteria

Palatants

3+ MIN

17/02/2026

Optimizing Palatability Across Life Stages: Understanding the Link Between First Choice and Intake Ratio in Dogs and Cats

This study emphasizes the importance of developing palatants formulations that cater to pets' distinct taste sensitivities, nutritional requirements and enjoyment across life stages, ultimately supporting the health and well-being of both cats and dogs. Based on over 1,500 two-bowl palatability assessments trials conducted for both species, cats and dogs, this research provided a robust pool of data, based on real-world data across a broad population of cats and dogs in different life stages. Key Findings Our research highlighted key palatability factors influencing preference, through controlled feeding trials and preference assessments. We evaluated the effectiveness of various palatability parameters across each life stage and species, taking a number of flavour enhancement strategies addressing palatability improvement. Palatability is known to drive acceptability and consumption of pet food. Two critical indicators identified aligned with pets' life stage were: Intake Ratio: The proportion of the food offered is actually consumed. First Choice: Which product a pet chooses first when given multiple options, driven primarily by aroma. In the present study, it was observed that both metrics are influenced by a pet's sensory perception, which is believed to change with age. One of the key findings is that first choice, related to aroma perception, is not only positively correlated with intake ratio, but also, in particular for cats from young age through adulthood and into senior years, the observed correlation is considerably high (>0.87) across all life stages (Figure 1).
Results: Correlation Insights Across Life Stages The relationship between first choice and intake ratio is based on data from over 1,500 two-bowl assessments for both dogs and cats. The results demonstrated clear patterns of correlation strength varying by life stage for both studied animal species. Figure 1: Scatter plots with the correlation between First Choice and Intake Ratio for cats according to life stages (young, adult and senior). Figure 2: Scatter plots with the correlation between First Choice and Intake ratio for dogs according to life stages (young, adult and senior). These results show that in dogs, first choice becomes a stronger predictor of intake as the animals mature, peaking in adulthood, while for cats, a consistently high correlation across all life stages indicates strong alignment between initial preference and overall consumption, even in younger animals. In the following table the correlation factors, between intake ratio and first choice, are captured for both cats and dogs, across the 3 life stages, studied. Table 1: Correlation (r-square) between FC and IR for cat and dog according with life stages. Conclusion The insights provided suggest that, while both species respond well to targeted palatants, life stage-specific adjustments are particularly impactful in dogs, especially in young animals where palatability preferences may still be developing. In cats, first choice was significantly positively correlated with intake ratio, for cats from young age through adulthood and into senior years. Palatability isn't one-size-fits-all. As dogs and cats grow, their sensory needs evolve and so should the approach. By considering first choice and intake ratio in the context of life stage, it's possible to deliver more appealing, effective and differentiated pet food products. To learn more about this topic, or to speak with our Science & Technology experts, please reach out to your AFB Sales representative or afbinternational.com/contact. By: AFB International Source: All Pet Food Magazine

Palatants

7+ MIN

27/01/2026

Impact of Insect Protein Meals on Pet Food Palatability

This article will focus on the incorporation of insect protein meals into pet food and the evaluation of its impact to palatability in dogs and cats' diets by analyzing the last public research available on this topic. Insect Materials as Pet Food Ingredients
Last decade, the use of insect ingredients as balanced sources of proteins and fats has become a global reality. In each continent, we can find research centers and universities with projects focused on insect materials and their use in humans, livestock and pet food diets.
Big scale production has also improved, so big hurdles to becoming profitable for producers and affordable for customers are about to be overcome. This positions insect meals and oils as relevant sources of proteins and lipids for the pet food industry.²
Insect ingredients not only meet the nutritional requirements for pets but are also a great tool for claiming sustainability, lower carbon footprint and innovative ingredients, just to name a few.³
While insect proteins can have a lower environmental footprint than most animal proteins, this is not as significant for the pet food industry, since pet foods mainly incorporate low environmental impact animal by-products from the rendering industry.⁴
Currently, the main sources of insect oils and meals are black soldier fly, mealworm and cricket. They are considered as good alternative protein sources and mostly have adequate amino acid levels, meeting the standard requirements for dogs and cats.⁵
In insect materials, protein is the nutrient composing the largest fraction, with values ranging from 40% to more than 60 % on a dry matter basis.
Fat makes up the second largest fraction, and generally, insect materials contain lower levels of ash compared to other animal protein sources (see Table 1). Insects are also packed with micronutrients, including iron, zinc, calcium, and B-vitamins, which are vital for various bodily functions.⁶
Table 1. Average nutrient composition of selected form of insects on a dry matter basis. One key property of insect ingredients is that it is possible to modulate their nutritional composition by changing the feeding during the insect rearing. Several studies confirmed this by investigating the impact of different diets on the content and amino acid profile, lipids and other nutrients in insect protein meals and oils. Consequently, we could find insect meals and oils from the same species but with a different amino acid profile or fatty acid profile.¹² Therefore, insects represent versatile raw materials for the pet food industry with fast growing expectations in the market.
As per Rabobank's research of 2021, see Figure 1, the global volume of insect ingredients incorporated in feed and pet food is expected to grow up to 500K MT by 2030, predicting pet food to be the second largest market.¹³
Figure 1. Increase of the insect production and use in feed and pet food. According to a review done in 2023, there are 43 insect-based pet food brands active around the globe, 35 of which are operating in Europe. Black soldier fly and mealworm are the most used species in pet foods.¹⁴
Despite the various advantages of using insect ingredients there are other aspects that must be evaluated when applying them in pet food. This includes potential allergic reactions, contamination risks during production, stability and shelf-life concerns and the ability to meet the nutritional needs of cats and dogs in a specific recipe. Insect Ingredients Effect on Palatability
Another important factor and key to the success of a diet is 'palatability'. Palatability is a critical factor in pet food acceptance. Cats are notoriously picky eaters, and their willingness to consume food is influenced by its taste, aroma, and texture. Therefore, understanding how insect protein affects these sensory attributes is essential.
Insects have unique flavor profiles that can vary significantly between species. For instance, crickets have a nutty taste, while mealworms can be more neutral. These flavors can be both an advantage and a challenge when formulating palatable pet foods.
Edible insects were first promoted as a sustainable method for food waste bioconversion, and it seems this practice is already implemented in Asia. However, how the heterogeneity of food waste sources affect fat oxidation, flavor and palatability of the final insect meal for pets is not well understood.
To maintain or improve palatability, manufacturers use flavor enhancers, fats, and other ingredients to mask or complement the natural taste of insect protein. For example, adding chicken fat or liver flavor can make insect-based pet food more appealing.
Currently there is limited reliable research on palatability of insects in pet foods, but we expect more long-term research to be done in the coming years to allow a standard and better evaluation of this factor. However, we could find in the literature some interesting palatability studies thanks to a review done by Bosch and Swanson.¹⁵
Some studies found that regarding palatability of insects, dogs and cats showed different preferences depending on the insect species and the inclusion rate of the insect ingredients.
In 2018, Beynen reported that dogs showed a preference for dry foods containing black soldier fly larvae meal over those with yellow mealworm meal (intake ratio of 60:40; n=10), whereas cats preferred the yellow mealworm-based food (40:60; n=10). Both insect meals represented 30 % of the total crude protein in these diets.¹⁶
In 2020 Kilburn et al. showed that a banded cricket meal inclusion rate of 8, 16 or 24 % in extruded pet foods did not affect the intake in dogs (n=8).¹⁷
Regarding cats' palatability, Paßlack and Zentek published in 2018 that 3 out of 10 cats had refused a food containing 35 % black soldier fly meal and 3 cats had an intake between 78 and 87 % of the food offered.¹⁸
For a food containing 22 % black soldier fly meal, one cat vomited and then refused the food completely and two cats had lower food intakes (83 and 88%).¹⁷
In cats fed a diet containing 5 or 20 % of black soldier fly meal for 2 days (n=20 per diet), 38 and 54 % of food was consumed. None of the cats rejected the 5% black soldier fly diet, whereas one cat rejected the 20 % black soldier fly meal diet. Future Prospects of Insect Protein in Pet Nutrition
Insect protein represents a promising frontier in pet nutrition, offering a nutritious alternative to traditional proteins. The impact of insect protein on pet food palatability is a critical factor that manufacturers are actively addressing through research, innovation, and consumer feedback.
While insect protein holds great promise, there are challenges that need to be addressed to ensure its widespread adoption in the pet food industry.
By Cristina Murcia García, PhD, Technical Service Manager | Kemin Nutrisurance EMEA
Source: Kemin Pet Food & Rendering

About the author
Dr. Cristina Murcia García gained her PhD in Chemistry with focus on red-ox reactions from the University of Bonn (Germany). Since then, she has specialized in managing oxidation in rendering and pet food products. She works as Technical Service Manager for Kemin Nutrisurance Europe where she provides solutions to improve raw materials and pet food safety and shelf-life.
References
1 World Resources Institute 2 FAO. 2022. Is the time ripe for using insect meal in aquafeeds? Bangkok 3 FEDIAF Fact sheet 2024. Insect-based ingredients in pet food 4 EFPRA – White Paper, Life Cycle Assessment of Rendered Products 5 Van Huis, A., Van Itterbeeck, J., Klunder, H., et al. 2013. Edible Insects: Future Prospects for Food and Feed Security. Rome: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) 6 Rumpold, B.A., Schluter, O.K. 2013.Nutritional composition and safety aspects of edible insects. Mol. Nutr. Food Res. 57, 802–823; and *Kemin Internal Documents 7 Makkar, H. et al. 2014. State-of-the-art on use of insects as animal feed. Anim. Feed Sci. Technol. 197, 1–33 8 Rumpold, B.A., Schluter, O.K. 2013. Nutritional composition and safety aspects of edible insects. Mol. Nutr. Food Res. 57, 802–823 9 Ramos-Elorduy, J., Pino Moreno, J.M., Correa, S.C.1998. Edible insects of the state of Mexico and determination of their nutritive values. Zoologia, 69, 65–104. 10 Józefiak, D., Józefiak, A., Kiero ´nczyk, B., Rawski, M., Swi ˛atkiewicz, S., Długosz, J., Engberg, R.M. 2016. Insects—A natural nutrient ´ source for poultry—A review. Ann. Anim. Sci. 16, 297–313. 11 Kemin Internal documents 12 Biancarosa, I., Araujo, P., Biemans, D., Bruckner, C.G., Waagbø, R., Torstensen, B.E., Lock, E.J. 2017. Modulation of nutrient composition of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae by feeding seaweed-enriched media. PLoS One. Aug 24;12(8) 13 Rabobank research, 2021 14 Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology, ISSN: 1226-8615, Vol: 26, Issue: 1, Page: 102020, 2023 15 Bosch, G., Swanson, K. S. 2021. Journal of Insects as Food and Feed, 7(5): 795-805 16 Beynen, A.C., 2018. Insect-based petfood. Creature Companion: 40-41 17 Kilburn, L.R., Carlson, A.T., Lewis, E. and Rossoni Serao, M.C., 2020. Cricket (Gryllodes sigillatus) meal fed to healthy adult dogs does not affect general health and minimally impacts apparent total tract digestibility. Journal of Animal Science 98: 1-8. 18 Paßlack, N. and Zentek, J., 2018. Akzeptanz, Verträglichkeit und scheinbare Nährstoffverdaulichkeit von Alleinfuttermitteln auf Basis von Hermetia-illucens-Larvenmehl bei Katzen. Tierärztliche Praxis Kleintiere 46: 213-221

Palatants

27/01/2026

Impact of Insect Protein Meals on Pet Food Palatability

Palatants

16/12/2025

Delayed Dry Palatant Coating: Does It Affect Palatant Recovery Rate and Palatability?

Palatants

22/10/2025

The Importance of Palatability in Treats to Strengthen Bonds Between Pets and Their Owners

Other microingredients

New Research: Plasma Positively Impacts Mobility-Related Outcomes in Adult Dogs

2+ MIN

25/03/2026

New Research: Plasma Positively Impacts Mobility-Related Outcomes in Adult Dogs

Ankeny, Iowa, USA – March 18, 2026 –> Understanding how nutrition influences mobility, inflammation, and joint-associated biomarkers continues to be an important area of focus in companion animal nutrition. A new study published in the Journal of Animal Science, based on collaborative research between APC and China Agricultural University, evaluated the inclusion of plasma in extruded diets for senior dogs experiencing mobility challenges.
This work is part of APC's broader research initiative exploring the connections between nutrition, gastrointestinal health, systemic biomarkers, and healthy aging in companion animals.
Mobility and joint health remain two of the most sought-after functional areas in pet nutrition. In this 42-day study, senior dogs with mobility challenges were evaluated across multiple endpoints, including lameness scoring, diet digestibility, and select serum and synovial fluid biomarkers associated with immune signaling, oxidative capacity and joint health. Differences were observed between dietary groups across several measured outcomes, including mobility assessments and select biomarker responses.
Key findings included:
Mobility assessments: Improved lameness scores compared to control diets over the study period.
Inflammatory markers: Favorable changes in select cytokine-related biomarkers associated with immune signaling.
Joint-related biomarkers: Improvements in metalloproteinase activity and other joint-associated measures evaluated in serum and synovial fluid.
Digestibility: Crude protein digestibility was improved, confirming nutritional performance of the diet.
'These findings add to the growing body of research evaluating how functional plasma proteins may support mobility-related outcomes, overall health, and longevity in adult dogs,' said Jerry Frankl, President and CEO of APC. 'We remain committed to collaborating with leading research institutions and advancing science-based nutrition strategies that promote healthy aging and long-term vitality in companion animals.'
To read the full study: https://academic.oup.com/jas/article/doi/10.1093/jas/skag043/8487757 Source: APC

Other microingredients

4+ MIN

09/03/2026

Gut Helath: What Does Science Say About the Microbiome and the Role of Plasma in Pets?

Today, the intestine is recognized as a key axis connecting digestion, immunity, and overall well-being. As a result, the microbiome has become one of the main drivers of innovation in animal nutrition.
At APC, this focus on gut health is not a recent trend but rather the natural evolution of decades of research in nutrition. The company specializes in functional ingredients for animal nutrition and began its work with plasma-derived functional proteins in livestock production, where the link between gut integrity, immunity, and performance is well documented. Over time, this expertise has been transferred to the pet food sector, where the microbiome is now understood as a crucial factor in improving quality of life for dogs and cats, even in apparently healthy animals.
The intestinal microbiome plays a key role in digestive, immune, and metabolic health, directly impacting overall well-being.
The Gut: A Key Ecosystem for Whole-Body Health
The gut is not just a digestive organ. It is a complex ecosystem where nutrients, microbiota, and the immune system interact continuously. A significant portion of the body's immune defenses is located in the intestine. Therefore, any imbalance in the microbiota can have effects that extend well beyond digestion.
Disruptions in this ecosystem are associated with recurring digestive disorders, poor stool quality, or food intolerances. Moreover, they are linked to inflammatory processes that may affect skin condition, immune responsiveness, and overall metabolism. Increasing scientific evidence confirms that maintaining a balanced microbiome is essential for long-term systemic stability. Plasma: A Functional Protein with Benefits Beyond Nutrition
Within this context, plasma has established itself as a high-value functional ingredient. It is a nutrient-dense protein obtained from surplus blood collected at facilities approved for human consumption. Through a carefully controlled spray dried process, its functional components are preserved.
Unlike many conventional protein sources used in pet nutrition, plasma provides not only amino acids but also bioactive compounds such as immunoglobulins, growth factors, and functional peptides. Many of these components are similar to those found in milk or colostrum. They act directly at the intestinal level, supporting digestion and nutrient absorption while helping reduce metabolic stress and inflammation.
Research shows that plasma promotes a more beneficial digestive and fermentation pattern in the gut. Diets containing plasma lead to increased production of short-chain fatty acids, key compounds for intestinal health. At the same time, they reduce digestive by-products associated with intestinal stress. Supporting the Microbiome Without Compromising Diversity
In addition, plasma modulates the microbiota gradually. It promotes bacterial populations associated with improved intestinal health while maintaining microbial diversity, which is essential for ecosystem stability.
Importantly, this effect goes beyond digestion. The intestine acts as a systemic regulator of the body. By improving intestinal integrity and supporting mucosal immunity, the overall inflammatory load can be reduced. Consequently, improved gut health may positively influence other tissues and systems, including those involved in chronic inflammatory processes such as joints.
Scientific Evidence Applied to Pet Food
To generate specific scientific evidence for the pet food sector, APC recently supported a study focused on healthy adult dogs fed extruded diets, the most common format in dry pet food.
The study, conducted in collaboration with the University of Illinois, was published in the Journal of Animal Science under the title:
Spray dried plasma promotes intestinal health and modulates fecal microbiota and metabolites in healthy adult dogs.
This approach is particularly relevant because it evaluates plasma not as a corrective ingredient but as a functional component that supports balance and optimal physiological function under normal conditions.
The conclusions are clear. Plasma inclusion:
Promotes more efficient digestion Increases beneficial intestinal metabolites Reduces digestive by-products associated with intestinal stress Helps balance the microbiota by promoting beneficial bacteria Strengthens natural intestinal defenses without inducing inflammation Improves overall diet digestibility, with effects directly related to inclusion level
In practice, the first visible improvements often appear in stool quality and regularity. Over time, microbiome balance contributes to greater digestive resilience and more stable immune responses.
Rather than positioning this approach strictly in preventive clinical terms, it aligns with functional nutrition. The goal is to maintain physiological balance and reduce the risk of future imbalances. The Future of Functional Pet Nutrition
This nutritional strategy is particularly relevant for pets with sensitive digestion, senior animals, highly active dogs, or those exposed to stress. However, the observed benefits in healthy adult dogs suggest that plasma can also form part of a long-term nutritional strategy.
Pet nutrition is evolving. It is no longer viewed solely as nutrient supply but as a tool to support specific physiological functions.
Looking ahead, nutrition will become increasingly personalized, evidence-based, and driven by functional ingredients acting on the gut–microbiome–immunity axis. Ingredients such as plasma, with demonstrated functionality, are redefining the future of animal nutrition.
Innovation will not come only from new recipes. It will come from understanding how ingredients interact with animal physiology to deliver measurable, sustainable benefits over time. Source: APC

Other microingredients

09/03/2026

Gut Helath: What Does Science Say About the Microbiome and the Role of Plasma in Pets?

Other microingredients

10/02/2026

Plasma: The Functional, Natural Miracle Ingredient for Dogs and Cats!

Other microingredients

04/02/2026