23/12/2025

Technology Can Be Useful, But Can It Replace Us?

By Candela Bonaura

It is known that pet nutrition has been questioned by myths and posts on social networks, as well as by people's speech—with less or no scientific basis. This allows pet owners to decide the nutritional path.
  Technology is often a trend or a style. Our dear ChatGPT cannot smell, touch, or feel, nor follow a medical or nutritional procedure, nor know how accurate or wrong its diagnosis is.
  There are also positive effects; it is undeniable that technology eases access to research-backed information. Moreover, it enables colleagues to connect, share, and plan research, as well as optimize the use of digital tools.   A Question for ChatGPT   What role do you think AI has or will have in dog and cat nutrition? The answer was 'artificial intelligence (AI) has a big potential to transform dog and cat nutrition in the near- and long-term future. These are the roles AI has and may have in the animal nutrition sector:
  Diet personalization: AI can analyze specific data of pets (breed, age, weight, activity level, health, and preferences) to design personalized dietary plans that optimize their well-being and health.
  Monitoring and early detection of health problems: By analyzing food consumption patterns, behavior, and vital signs, AI can identify early indications of diseases or nutritional disorders, allowing fast intervention.
  Food development: AI accelerates research and development of ingredients and innovative formulas for pet food, enhancing quality, palatability, and nutritional benefits.
  Production optimization: In pet food manufacturing, it can improve processes, reduce waste, and ensure consistency and product safety.
  Education and consultancy: AI tools can recommend and serve as a consultant in real time to pet owners, helping them make informed decisions about animal feeding and care.'
  While technology advances, it is possible that AI becomes a more integral tool for health management and pet nutrition, contributing to their healthier and longer life.
  In my opinion, AI and other technological tools are helpful to enhance our daily and professional lives, which cannot replace human judgement but improve it.
  Another negative point is that many professionals and employees are afraid that technology could replace them.
  One of my principal worries when I became a vet was not to forget my criteria and not to treat my patients as another number in the medical record. I promised myself to change career if that happens—so far, it hasn't. I still feel happiness, love, or even sadness for the condition of my patients and their families. That is what sets the difference and cannot be replaced by artificial intelligence.
  We should appreciate the contribution of technological tools while adding value from our human condition. 
  By Dr. M. Candela Bonaura
Source: All Pet Food Magazine

22/12/2025

Artificial Intelligence in the Pet Food Industry: Innovation, Marketing, and the Future of Communication

By María Candelaria Carbajo

When we combine technological breakthroughs—such as the surge of artificial intelligence—with changes in consumer behavior and social trends, brands enter a new era where personalization, efficiency, and innovation set the pace. AI is transforming not only marketing but the entire industry, from how pet food companies develop, commercialize, and sell products, to the way they connect with clients and analyze data.   From Traditional Marketing to the Digital Ecosystem   The success of the pet food market no longer depends on a good nutritional formula. Leading brands combine market research, product differentiation, emotional branding, and multichannel strategies. Internally, it means a new portfolio of flavors, changes in texture, or creative campaigns. Social networks and the trend of brand humanization enable brands to establish active communities among consumers, as well as between companies, employees, and industry stakeholders.
  This digital ecosystem is increasingly complex and extensive, demanding continuous precision and adaptation. Here, artificial intelligence sets a concrete difference.    How AI is Transforming Pet Food Marketing   The growing humanization of pets has raised the bar for brands. Pet owners now expect personalized nutritional recommendations, paying close attention to ingredients and labels, as well as brand storytelling with an emotional appeal. AI enables companies to meet these expectations with remarkable accuracy. Some brands already use technologies, such as 3D printing, to personalize food or digital platforms that recommend specific formulas based on each pet's profile through data analysis. These solutions not only add value but also foster customer loyalty.
  Artificial intelligence is already making its mark in pet care, including online veterinary consultancy, personalized training, and nutrition tools powered by algorithms. In marketing and communication, its influence is equally profound, offering capabilities such as:
  Automation of personalized email delivery systems tailored to consumers, clients, or leads' interests. Accurate audience segmentation of advertising campaigns.  Predictive analysis of consumer trends and market demands. Development of personalized messages and branding strategies based on data-driven analysis.   Benefits, Challenges, and Ethical Considerations   Operational efficiency, assisted creativity, improved customer experience, and data access that enables informed decision-making are among the primary advantages of AI in marketing. If the algorithm is not properly trained or used, AI results can be incorrect or incomplete. Those are challenges that impact our industry. The main discussion is that the human part is still crucial: with AI, companies believe some profiles or employees are not necessary, while others recognize the importance of having trained and updated staff that enhances their performance with this technology.
  Even though there are many tools, the use of user or third-party data, privacy management and limits, as well as handling sensitive information, are still unclear and not well defined.   A Strategic Tool for an Evolving Market   Implementing AI enables a better understanding of consumers, real-time communication adaptation, and discovering innovative market models. Companies joining artificial intelligence hand in hand will lead the way by building memorable, efficient, and sustainable experiences for a new consumer profile—a well-informed, connected, and emotionally involved one. 
  The future of the pet food industry is not only made in production plants but also in the algorithms that help better tell the story behind each brand. And in that narrative, AI is already making its mark.
  In a technological context, such as marketing, it is imperative to rely on AI —it is not a choice but a need to maintain a competitive edge.
  By All Pet Food
Source: All Pet Food Magazine

08/12/2025

Huge Growth Forecast for AI Use by Retailers

When it comes to the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the retail industry, as the old saying goes, you ain't seen nothing yet. Spending on such technology is poised to undergo a quantum leap in use by the end of this decade. Putting a dollar figure on that expected growth is a new report from Mordor Intelligence, which predicts retailer investment in AI will grow from $14.24 billion in 2025 to $96.13 billion by 2030, which translates into a whopping 46.54% annually for the period.
  'This exponential growth highlights the accelerating adoption of AI technologies across retail operations, from customer engagement and personalized marketing to supply chain and inventory optimization,' the report notes. 'As retailers aim to deliver seamless omnichannel experiences, advanced AI tools such as computer vision, natural language processing, and machine learning are revolutionizing how brands interact with consumers, manage logistics, and predict demand.
  The AI in retail industry is also witnessing a strong shift toward intelligent automation, the report notes, with retailers increasingly leveraging AI-powered chatbots, recommendation systems and demand-forecasting models to boost customer loyalty and operational efficiency.
  Here's more on two major trends the report forecasts:
  Ongoing improvements in vision-based checkout: Barcode-free checkout technology has become remarkably accurate, enabling retailers to expand from test phases to widespread use. By combining vision recognition with payment systems, these solutions help eliminate delays caused by traditional cashier lines. Some systems process images locally to meet privacy regulations while maintaining fast response times. Although initial costs are significant, the return on investment is driven by faster customer flow and deeper insights into shopping behaviors.
  Lower-cost cloud AI solutions: The cost of running AI processes is falling due to advancements in chip technology and significant investments by leading cloud providers. Companies like Amazon and Microsoft offer ready-to-use AI tools that help retailers deploy solutions faster and more efficiently. Collaborations between retailers and tech firms enable businesses to overcome talent shortages by adopting turnkey AI systems. This shift is putting pressure on organizations still relying on outdated data centers.
  Click here for more from the Mordor report.

14/10/2025

Challenges in the Manufacturing of Autoclaved Pet Food

By Ludmila Barbi T. Bomcompagni

In this context, autoclaves emerge as a promising technology for producing natural, secure, and long-shelf-life food without the use of artificial preservatives. This article explores the potential of autoclaves in the pet food industry in LATAM, addressing the technical aspects of the process, types of packaging, challenges in the formulation of natural products, investments, and logistic or commercial opportunities.   What Is an Autoclave?   It is a thermal sterilization process widely used in the feed, pharmaceutical, and medical industries. For the pet food industry, it lets them make natural, wet food that is highly microbiologically safe without artificial preservatives.
  The process involves the high-temperature treatment of packaged food using autoclave equipment —between 115 °C and 130 °C— and pressure for a certain period. This thermal process eliminates microorganisms, pathogens, and sources of decomposition ensuring product stability for months, even at room temperature.
  Compared to extrusion (for dry food), the autoclave preserves sensorial and nutritional characteristics like fresh food. This is a valued aspect in the natural product segment, where people seek simple formulas, recognizable ingredients, and minimum industrial interference. Moreover, autoclaves are compatible with different packaging, widening design possibilities and product positioning in the market.   Types of Packaging   When processing sterilized food in autoclaves, packaging selection is essential, particularly for natural pet food. The packaging must withstand high temperatures and pressures in the sterilization process while protecting the sensorial and nutritional characteristics of food. 
  The most used formats include: Flexible packaging: they are light, easy to store, and offer a good barrier against oxygen and moisture. They enable modern and practical presentation, valued by urban consumers.
  Metal cans: commonly used for wet food, they provide excellent thermal resistance and a long shelf life. However, they are heavy and have a major environmental impact, depending on the local recycling system. 
  Thermoformed trays (with sealed caps): they combine rigidity and practicality. Thermoformed trays are deal for individual portions. It can be made of recyclable or biodegradable materials to align with the 'natural' and sustainable proposal. The material must be compatible with the autoclave as well as costs, visual appeal, sustainability, and logistics. Packaging with intelligent barriers, such as multi-layer films or steam release valves, is gaining ground in the sector.    Challenges in Formulation of Natural Products   Formulating natural pet food sterilized in autoclaves faces technical and regulatory challenges since it is difficult to add additives. 'Natural' appeal requires clean labels, recognizable ingredients, and minimum chemical interference, which limit the use of preservatives, stabilizers, and palatants —commonly used in traditional products.
  During the thermal process, one of the main obstacles is ingredient stability. Besides being efficient in sterilization, the autoclave can degrade sensitive compounds, such as vitamins, natural antioxidants, and certain amino acids. So then, it requires careful selection of raw material and, in most cases, supplementation.
  On the other hand, the absence of artificial preservatives improves the importance of controlling pH, water activity (aw), and microbiological quality. Strategies, such as the use of plant extracts with antimicrobial properties (e.g., rosemary, green tea), functional fibers, and essential oils have been explored as natural alternatives. Natural zeolite, a microporous mineral with high absorption capacity, has gained importance. Its use reduces free moisture, enhances microbiological stability, and reduces fecal odors. It is also thermal stable, which makes it compatible with the autoclave process. However, zeolite must be carefully evaluated according to local regulations, its type and purity, and consumer perception, mostly in products with high natural appeal. 
  In other words, formulation must balance naturality, stability, and palatability while meeting the limits imposed by law and market expectations.   Investments and Infrastructure   Implementing a natural, sterilized food production chain in autoclave requires careful planning and specific investment, especially for companies that aim to join this niche with differentiation and quality.
  An industrial autoclave is the principal equipment. It can vary on capacity, automation levels, and operation (per batch or continuous). In addition, aseptic packaging systems, thermal sealing, temperature and pressure control are essential, as well as rigorous microbiological management. 
  Other investments are:
  Commercial kitchen design to prepare and homogenize formulas. Packaging equipment is compatible with the selected formats (bags, cans, and trays). Traceability and quality control systems are essential to ensure food security and regulatory compliance. Training technical staff in Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and thermal control.
  The initial cost can be high, but there are some alternatives, such as production externality (co-manufacturing) that allows trying the market with fewer risks. Another possibility is the gradual adoption of technology, beginning with small batches and improving it according to demand. Companies investing in this model are gaining added value and logistics flexibility since autoclave products are stable at room temperature by removing the need for a cold chain, which reduces distribution costs and widens the geographic reach.   Logistics and Distribution   Another advantage of these autoclave products is the stability at room temperature, which significantly eases logistics and reduces cooling and conveying costs. It allows them to be distributed to far regions or with limited infrastructure, widening commercial reach, especially in LATAM countries with geographic diversity.
  Moreover, its long shelf-life —between 12 and 24 months— facilitates inventory planning and entering sales channels, such as specialty retailing, E-commerce, and exportation. Sterilized products in autoclaves can be stored at conventional distribution centers, representing a competitive advantage against dairy and frozen foods.
  It is important to consider packaging weight and volume since it influences the cost per unit conveyed. Flexible packaging (bags) is more advantageous than cans or strong trays.
  Educating the consumer is also relevant. Since many pet owners still relate natural food with cooling, it is crucial to transmit that the product is safe and stable, even outside the cooler, because of the sterilization process in the autoclave.   Conclusion   To produce natural pet food, sterilization in the autoclave is a robust, versatile technological solution combining microbiological security, logistics practicality, and commercial appeal. Although it faces technical challenges, mostly in formulation and packaging selection, it offers big opportunities for innovation and differentiation in the LATAM market. 
  Having this technology, combined with clear communication and sustainable positioning, paves the way for new markets and helps brands consolidate as benchmarks of natural, quality pet nutrition.  
  References
[1] Terra Food Tech. Esterilización de alimentos enlatados. Disponible en: https://www.terrafoodtech.com/pt-pt/esterilizacao-alimentos-conserva/
[2] Loyal Machine. Autoclave Alimentaire. Disponible en: https://loyal-machine.com/pt/blog/autoclave-alimentaire/
[3] AFB International. Efecto del procesamiento térmico en la palatabilidad de los alimentos para mascotas. Disponible en: https://www.afbinternational.com/    
By Ludmila Barbi Trindade Bomcompagni
Source: All Pet Food Magazine

24/09/2025

Beyond Kibble and Cans: The Rise of Innovative Pet Food Technologies

By Juan Gómez Basauri, Ph.D.

Today, a new wave of technologies —ranging from freeze-drying and air-drying to high-pressure thermal pasteurization (HPTP), 3D printing, and fluid bed drying— is reshaping the production landscape. These innovations enable enhanced nutrient retention, food safety, customization, and alignment with evolving consumer values.
  This article explores and briefly describes these emerging processing technologies and the underlying drivers pushing the pet food industry beyond its traditional boundaries.   Traditional Processing Methods: The Cornerstones   Extrusion (Dry Kibble)
The most common method, extrusion, involves cooking a dough mixture (typically proteins, grains, and functional additives) under high heat and pressure. This produces shelf-stable, uniform kibbles efficiently and at scale. However, the intense thermal process can degrade heat-sensitive nutrients like thiamin and riboflavin and limit format customization.
  Retort Sterilization (Canned Food)
Used for wet foods, this method involves sealing ingredients in cans or pouches and sterilizing them at high temperatures (≥121oC). It ensures microbial safety and extended shelf life but can negatively affect texture, palatability, and nutrient bioavailability.

While effective, both methods face challenges in meeting the rising demand for transparency, nutrient integrity, and personalization.   Innovative Petfood Processing Technologies   Freeze-Drying This method removes moisture via sublimation under vacuum at low temperatures, preserving texture, flavor, and heat-sensitive nutrients. While ideal for raw diets, freeze-drying is capital-intensive and poses risks of post-process contamination without additional safety interventions.
  Air-Drying and Dehydration It involves drying foods at moderate temperatures (60–90°C) to produce chewy, jerky-like products. It supports nutrient retention better than extrusion but requires strict moisture control to prevent microbial growth.
  Cold Extrusion A non-thermal technique for forming doughs into patties or treats. Cold extrusion is well-suited for incorporating probiotics, enzymes, and other heat-sensitive actives but requires refrigeration or secondary processing to ensure shelf stability.
  Sous Vide (Gently Cooked) Slow cooking in vacuum-sealed pouches in a water bath at precise low temperatures retains freshness and nutrient integrity. This method appeals to the humanization trend but demands cold-chain logistics and has a shorter shelf life than dry products.
  High Pressure Processing (HPP) HPP inactivates pathogens in packaged food using high pressure (400–600 MPa) without heat, preserving raw-like textures and nutrients. Though effective and clean-label friendly, it involves high costs and limited throughput due to batch processing.
  High Pressure Thermal Pasteurization (HPTP) HPTP combines high pressure with mild heat (70–90°C) to enhance microbial inactivation, including spores. It bridges the gap between raw nutrition and safety, making it a promising option for fresh-style diets. However, it requires careful control to avoid nutrient loss or product degradation.
  3D Printing Still, in the early stages of commercial application, 3D printing enables the layering of custom pastes into specific shapes, dosages, or nutrient profiles. It opens doors for hyper-personalized nutrition, functional layering, and portion-controlled diets, though production speeds remain a constraint.
  Fluid Bed Drying This precision drying method uses hot air to suspend and gently dry product particles in a fluidized state. It's ideal for preserving volatile nutrients and coating small kibbles or treats with functional additives or palatants. Although energy-efficient and precise, it carries higher capital costs.   Why the Shift Toward New Technologies?   Humanization and Premiumization Modern pet parents expect their furry animals' food to mirror their own —clean-label, fresh, recognizable, and natural food. This cultural shift is pushing brands to adopt more transparent and minimally processed formats.
  Functional Nutrition Pet parents increasingly seek diets that support joint health, gut microbiota, immunity, skin, and coat condition. Many bioactives (e.g., omega-3s, vitamins, probiotics) are heat-sensitive and degrade during traditional processing, making gentle technologies more suitable.
  Ingredient Transparency Consumers want to 'see the real food.' Technologies like freeze-drying and sous vide better preserve the visual integrity of meats, vegetables, and superfoods, creating more trust in the product.   Food Safety: Evolving Risks and Responsibilities   Emerging technologies also introduce new safety considerations:
  Non-thermal processes (e.g., freeze-drying, cold extrusion) do not eliminate pathogens unless paired with validated interventions like HPP/HPTP.
  Water activity and shelf stability must be validated rigorously, especially in semi-moist or high-moisture products.
  As fresh, raw, or gently processed foods grow in popularity, regulatory scrutiny will intensify. In the U.S.A., the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates pet food similar to that for other animal foods. 
  Manufacturers must implement robust hazard analysis, kill-step validation, and post-process contamination controls to ensure food safety and compliance.   Final Considerations   The evolution of pet food processing is being driven by intersecting trends in consumer demand, food science, and technology innovation. While extrusion and retort sterilization will remain essential for many mainstream applications, they may not be sufficient to serve the growing market for premium, functional, and transparent pet nutrition.
  Brands have the opportunity for strategic diversification—leveraging traditional methods for staple products while incorporating alternative formats to meet specific consumer demands and positioning themselves at the forefront of pet food innovation. The future will favor companies that combine scientific rigor, processing innovation, and a deep understanding of consumer insight to deliver differentiated value across diverse product formats. 


By Juan Gomez-Basauri, Ph.D.
Source: All Pet Food Magazine