06/08/2024

Cutting-edge technologies in plastic recycling

By María Candelaria Carbajo

Technologies approved by the EFSA for recycling PET plastics   The panel of the European Food Safety Authority considers various post-consumer PET and polyolefin recycling technologies optimal for use, a crucial factor in the EU since only packaging made from plastics recycled by processes approved by the EFSA can be used legally. Let's get to know some of the approved and most used technology processes for recycling PET plastics.   Kreyenborg and his infrared approach   Kreyenborg IR Clean+ technology for recycling post-consumer PET consists of heating and decontaminating PET flakes using a rotary infrared dryer under an air flow, up to a defined temperature. The flakes are then decontaminated in a finisher under airflow and high temperature. This process has been approved for the creation of thermoformed trays and cups to distribute beer, wine, coffee, juices, fruits, vegetables, desserts, meats, cooked and raw dairy products, drinking water, and carbonated beverages.   Starlinger Technologies   Starlinger, one of the leading recycling machinery companies, offers the deCON process. In this, the flakes are preheated in a batch reactor before being introduced into the solid-state polycondensation (SSP) reactor, which operates continuously under vacuum. The entire process is executed with specific parameters of temperature, pressure, gas flow, and residence time.   Starlinger also introduces iV+ technology. In this process, the flakes are first pelletized, dried, and continuously crystallized in a reactor under airflow and high temperature. Subsequently, the flakes are introduced into an extruder at high temperature and under vacuum for some time, and the plastic is granulated. Then, the granules are crystallized at high temperatures in a continuous reactor under atmospheric pressure. Finally, the crystallized granules are preheated in a reactor before being transferred to a semi-continuous SSP reactor operating in a vacuum at high temperatures for a certain period.   EREMA and its multiple processes   EREMA's approved recycling technologies for PET are several. The EREMA Basic process consists of continuously feeding PET flakes into a reactor equipped with a rotating device, which operates in a vacuum at high temperatures. After a certain time in the reactor, they are continuously transported to an extruder, where they are melted. Finally, the product is filtered and pelletized.   Another EREMA technology is MPR + DS, which consists of introducing flakes into a reactor equipped with a rotating device, which operates in a vacuum at high temperature and where, after a specific time, they crystallize. Then, they are introduced into a twin-screw extruder, to be melted and extruded into balls or sheets. EDEMA also has MPR technology, which covers the first part of the process detailed above, in which the flakes are processed in a reactor equipped with a rotating device.   EREMA's Vacurema Prime is another of the approved processes. In this, the flakes are introduced into twin batch reactors, where they are heated for a certain time, possible contaminants are vaporized and the PET flakes are crystallized. The twin reactors then take turns moving the flakes to a continuous reactor in a constant back-and-forth process, where they are heated and decontaminated. Finally, they are transferred to an extruder, where they are melted and the melt is filtered before granulating the plastic.   Closed-loop polyolefin recycling technology   The panel also approved a process known as CAPEC, Boxes and Pallets in a Circular Economy. This involves recycling previously cleaned food-grade high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP) boxes into new boxes with up to 100% recycled content to store fruits and vegetables at room temperature or below.   The recycling process is simple: sorted and clean boxes are crushed into flakes, washed with drinking water at room temperature, dried with a centrifuge, ground, and packaged in bags. Or, if the desired result is pellets, the cartons are crushed, washed with potable water at room temperature, dried with a centrifuge, ground extruded, filtered, and packaged in bags. The resulting flakes or granules may or may not be mixed with virgin HDPE or PP before the dye is added, and the plastic is injection molded into new boxes.   BONUS: chemical technology can take PET recycling to another level   In contrast to mechanical technology, we find chemistry, which, through innovative processes, offers a second chance to non-recyclable plastic waste, converting it into high-quality material for the chemical and food industries. In the case of PET, unlike single-use plastics, it is versatile and can be reused infinitely. It accounts for about 7.4% of all plastics and is widely used in food packaging materials, films, and fabric manufacturing. Chemical recycling is presented as a purer alternative that ensures that the containers made with this procedure are suitable for reuse for food packaging.   Currently, only a small portion of PET is recycled, mostly transparent and colored bottles, due to limitations in the initial waste selection process. However, the ChemPET project proposes a solution with the implementation of chemical recycling. This technology breaks down plastic polymers back to their basic monomeric form and purifies them. It then returns it to the original polycondensation process, essentially replacing pristine fossil resources. That is, it transforms PET waste into a valuable resource to create a new virgin PET and achieves this by producing a stable and safe intermediate, known as BHET, which allows a new polymerization into PET. The resulting product, chemically recycled PET (crPET), matches the quality of virgin polymers and is even suitable for food-grade applications.   Conclusion   Certified circular plastics can be an important tool to help boost plastic waste recycling and improve plastic recycling rates locally and internationally. But, to achieve this, it is necessary to promote the development and access of various companies in the pet food industry to these types of procedures, optimizing costs and processes so that they can remain competitive in the market.   Source: All Pet Food

31/07/2024

Rendering in pet food: a path towards sustainability

By María Candelaria Carbajo

Various studies affirm that meat-based diets are not sustainable, and the truth is that today, most pets eat a carnivorous diet (or based on products made with meat). Facing with this problem, the pet food industry seems to be one of the most involved since statistics and studies carried out worldwide indicate that croquettes, the most chosen food for dogs and cats, are made, in a higher percentage, based on meat, a highly influential factor in positioning the market as the consumer of ⅓ of the meat that humans consume (considering that animals consume ⅕ of what we do).   Since dealing with this situation, the rendering process has been growing increasingly as an alternative to reduce the footprint and pollution produced by the pet food industry, seeking to transform animal by-products into useful and quality ingredients.   What is rendering?   Rendering is known as the industrial process that seeks to treat animal by-products to reuse them since, otherwise, they would be discarded. Through their heat treatment and physical transformation that destroys pathogens, removes moisture, separates solids and lipids or fats/oils, and more, rendering transforms inedible meat products into usable materials such as fuel, pet food, and livestock feed, creating a highly sustainable alternative.   Its importance for challenging environmental impact   In the United States, for example, rendering is vital, since around 50% of an animal is inedible (NARA, 2020). With rendering, instead of wasting this material, it is recovered and reused to obtain oil, fat, protein products, and even for the production of other industries, such as beauty or fuel. This is how widespread the use of products obtained by rendering is: not only are they nutritionally fed to livestock, pigs, chickens, and other animals, but they also offer sustainable alternatives for trucks, trains, cars, and ship mobility.   Rendering: benefits and impact   This process allows huge volumes of meat scraps and other meat waste to be kept out of landfills, reducing carbon emissions, greenhouse gasses, food waste, and more. Broadly speaking, rendering contributes to the three sustainability pillars:   Environment   Recovering meat and animal carcass scraps that would otherwise be discarded, rendering reduces the food production footprint, saves landfill space, and helps minimize the environmental impacts of the livestock industry. On the other hand, it contributes to water recovery, since it recuperates and cleans valuable water that, if not for rendering, would contribute to byproduct decomposition and cause water contamination. Additionally, rendering evaporates moisture from raw materials and processes all runoff and wash water for specific treatments.   Society   By recovering and transforming animal remains into new, sellable products, rendering impacts market products and, consequently, consumption. At the same time, it creates stable jobs, many of them in rural areas, due to the location needs of this type of factories, counteracting city gentrification. Furthermore, this must happen in areas close to meat processing factories, since, due to the perishable nature of these products, they cannot be transported long distances or exported, directly impacting local job creation. Economy   Rendering can improve the industry economy, but also, and mainly, the local economic context and the people who are impacted by the creation of these jobs previously mentioned.   What does a rendering process consist of?   Heat treatment and physical transformation: Animal by-products are subjected to heat treatment, usually through cooking or boiling processes to break down animal tissues and begin the transformation process. Destroying pathogens: Through high temperatures used in processing, pathogens present in the products are eliminated. Moisture removal: Moisture is removed from animal by-products to increase the shelf life of processed products. Separation of solids and lipids/fats/oils: During processing, the mixture is separated into several components. Solids, including proteins and minerals, are separated from lipids, fats and oils to continue the production of various products.   Rendering products: examples   Meat and bone flavor: It is used to produce food for birds, pets, and livestock for its amino acid profile as an organic fertilizer due to its high concentration of nitrogen, calcium, and phosphorus. This flour is an alternative renewable energy source, due to its high caloric content and can be made from beef, poultry, or fish meat, for example. Blood: This can be from cows or pigs, for example, and can be dried whole or separated into blood meal or plasma products. Blood meal is a dry powder used in aquaculture, poultry, and piglet feeding, and as an organic fertilizer, due to its high protein and nitrogen content. Cattle blood collection occurs after the edible parts are separated, dried, and turned into blood flour. This facilitates product incorporation into animal diets. The high protein content is ideal for livestock-fed plant by-products, forages, and cereal diets. Plasma: Plasma is a highly functional protein ingredient obtained from blood and can be used in the production of animal and pet feed to improve digestion, breathing, and reproduction. This is only one blood component and excludes others, such as red blood cells. Tallow: Tallow is cattle-solidified and processed fat. It is used to remove impurities. Beef tallow, for example, at room temperature, has a waxy texture similar to coconut oil or lard. In addition, it can be stored without refrigeration in airtight containers for several months without spoiling. It is ideal for biofuel production, a renewable, clean-burning diesel fuel substitute; manufacturing livestock and poultry feed and pet food, and producing soap. Tallow acids can also be used in a variety of products. Feather flavor: It is a by-product of poultry processing, which is made by hydrolyzing feathers at high temperatures and pressure to sterilize them, then grinding and drying them. It is a valuable source of protein and an ingredient for poultry, aquaculture, livestock feed, and pet food.   Conclusion   The rendering industry gives value to animal parts that are not normally used for human consumption by processing them into ingredients for pet food. Its sustainability benefits are clear and can be precisely analyzed, and that is why the rendering industry is increasingly dynamic and constantly changing. Year after year, new approaches and initiatives emerge, because both the environment and consumers seek to choose products committed to reducing the carbon footprint of their choices. Faced with this demand, rendering is presented as a highly valuable alternative to find a new life for those ingredients and raw materials that, until now, were discarded.   Source: All Pet Food

17/07/2024

Plant-Based Proteins for Pets

Historically, the primary plant proteins utilized in pet food applications included soy, corn, and wheat proteins; however, pea, potato, and rice proteins have emerged in recent years as other viable plant-based options.2   Protein is of utmost importance when considering adequate nutrition for pets. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) establishes minimum protein guidelines for pets in the United States. According to AAFCO, the minimum protein requirement for adult dogs is 18% and 22.5% for puppies, to support growth and reproduction.3 The minimum protein requirement for adult cats is 26% and 30% for kittens, to support growth and reproduction.3Interestingly, as consumers' interest in the utilization of plant protein sources in pet food increases, there are currently no regulatory standards or evidence-based data to determine the percentage of protein that should come from plant versus animal sources, or if it even matters.   Dietary protein is necessary to provide essential amino acids and build protein reserves in the body.4 Some plant proteins are commonly used in pet food applications for their complementary amino acid profile when paired with other proteins and grain sources.5,6 In general, plant-based ingredients are thought to have less variable nutrient composition when compared with animal-based ingredients.6,7   It is well established that dogs and cats who consume complete and balanced plant-based diets maintain overall health compared to animal protein-based diets.8,9 In addition, studies have observed that plant-based pet diets can have comparable nutrient digestibility as animal-based pet diets with similar nutrient profiles.6,10,11 This is true for both dogs and cats. A recent study by Golder et al.12 noted that cats can potentially digest plant proteins more fully and efficiently than dogs.12 However, these research studies are still limited, and the long-term effects are not as well studied. With that, pets that do not have a food aversion to animal-based proteins can still consume these diets and can maintain a supply of essential amino acids.   As consumer interests shift toward plant-based diets, new plant proteins will continue to be identified and utilized in pet food applications. These may include testing these new ingredients for safety evaluation before entering the pet food market, long-term data collection on the impact of health on pets, and sustainability.   Source: BSM Partners   References Loeb, J. 2020. The trouble with vegan cats and dogs. Vet Rec. 186(7):197. Domínguez-Oliva, A, Mota-Rojas, D, Semendric, I., Whittaker, AL. (2023). The impact of vegan diets on indicators of health in dogs and cats: A systematic review. Vet. Sci. 10(1):52. DOI:10.3390/vetsci10010052. 2024. Official Publication; Association of American Feed Control Officials: Champaign, IL, USA. Laflamme, DP. 2008. Pet food safety: Dietary protein. Topics Companion. Anim. Med. 23(3):154-157. Hill, D. 2004. Alternative proteins in companion animal nutrition. In Pet Food Association of Canada Fall Conference. Bednar GE, Murray SM, Patil AR, et al. 2000. Selected animal and plant protein sources affect nutrient digestibility and fecal characteristics of ileally cannulated dogs.Arch. Anim. Nutr. 53:127–140. DOI: 10.1080/17450390009381942. Vanelli, K, de Oliveira, ACF, Sotomaior, CS, Weber, SH, Costa, LB. 2021. Soybean meal and poultry offal meal effects on digestibility of adult dogs diets: Systematic review. PloSone. 16(5):e0249321. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0249321 Linde, A, Lahiff, M, Krantz, A, Sharp, N, Ng, TT, Melgarejo, T. 2023. Domestic dogs maintain positive clinical, nutritional, and hematological health outcomes when fed a commercial plant-based diet for a year. bioRxiv, 2023-02. Clapper, GM, Grieshop, CM, Merchen, NR, Russett, JC, Brent, JL, Fahey, GC. 2001. Ileal and total tract nutrient digestibilities and fecal characteristics of dogs as affected by soybean protein inclusion in dry, extruded diets. J. Anim. Sci. 79(6):1523-1532. Liversidge, BD, Dodd, SA, Adolphe, JL, Gomez, DE, Blois, SL, Verbrugghe, A. 2023. Extruded diet macronutrient digestibility: Plant-based (vegan) vs. animal-based diets in client-owned healthy adult dogs and the impact of guardian compliance during in-home trials. Frontiers Anim. Sci. 4:1288165. Bednar, GE, Patil, AR, Murray, SM, Grieshop, CM, Merchen, NR, Fahey, GC. 2001. Starch and fiber fractions in selected food and feed ingredients affect their small intestinal digestibility and fermentability and their large bowel fermentability in vitro in a canine mode. J. Nutr. 131(2):276-286. Golder, C, Weemhoff, JL, Jewell, DE. 2020. Cats have increased protein digestibility as compared to dogs and improve their ability to absorb protein as dietary protein intake shifts from animal to plant sources. Anim. 10(3):541. DOI:10.3390/ani10030541. About the Author: Ada-Miette Thomas received both bachelor's and master's degrees in food science with an emphasis on nutrition. Ada-Miette conducted research with a focus on human nutrition and studied the effects of carbohydrate sources on markers of Metabolic Syndrome in adults.

15/07/2024

Insect-based Ingredients

Common types of insects used in the production of feed   There are currently seven species of insects that are authorised in the EU for use in pet food2 . The top three most prevalent species of farmed insects for use in pet foods are illustrated below.   What is unique about insects?   Insects are able to eat by-products and foods that are surplus to human requirements and efficiently convert them into quality proteins and produce valuable byproducts such as chitin and insect oil. This biological reprocessing of by-products is the key concept underpinning the use of insect protein in animal feeds. Moreover, the excrements of insects, so called insect frass, can be used as a natural fertilizer.   Different forms of insect-based ingredients   The insects are mainly rendered into high protein meal (e.g. 55% protein with an average 80% digestibility) (Bosch et al. 2020) and fats, or made into puree which is stored frozen. Whole dried insect alternatives are available, but these are mainly targeted at the bird and fish market.   Nutritional profile & potential added benefits   Insects such as black soldier fly larvae are rich in protein and have a clear potential in animal nutrition. Additionally, insects can have high concentration of fats, minerals, and vitamins, depending on what they are fed and on their larval stage at the time of harvest (picture below).   Palatability   Studies show that cats and dogs may have different tastes when it comes to insects, and that the type of insect and the amount included can affect the food acceptability. Test reports by pet food companies showed that dogs may favour dry foods with black soldier fly larvae meal over those with yellow mealworm meal (YMW), while cats may favour the YMW-based food over foods with black soldier fly larvae meal (Bosch et.al. 2021).   Environmental Benefits   Insects require significantly fewer resources than traditional livestock. Life cycle assessment studies indicate that insect proteins can have a lower environmental impact (eg., lower land use, lower water use, less emission of CO2 – equivalents) than animal proteins from ruminants, pigs, and poultry when produced using renewable energy and fed with agricultural by-products (Van Huis and Oonincx 2017). These environmental impacts may further diminish as production facilities scale up and increase their capacity in coming years.   A gram of edible protein from beef requires 8-14 times more land and 5 times more water than a gram of protein from mealworms and has a higher environmental impact with respect to greenhouse gas emissions. Broiler chickens are associated with 1.3 – 2.7 times higher emissions, and beef cattle emit 6 -13 times more CO2 equivalents than mealworms, when measured in terms of 1 g of edible protein (Oonincx and De Boer 2012). As processing and insect feed is producer-dependent and technology is evolving rapidly, using suppliers' primary data is recommended when evaluating their environmental impact.   Insects are also efficient feed converters, depending on their species and the diet consumed. Mealworm and house crickets have been reported to convert some feed sources into body mass with similar efficiency to poultry (Oonincx et al. 2015). In conclusion, insects provide a sustainable source of animal protein, and producing valuable by-products such as chitin and insect oil.   Consumer attitudes and acceptance levels   Market research work undertaken by PROteINSECT (2016) indicated that a high percentage of consumers demonstrate acceptability of insects as a protein source in animal feed3 . Consumers also showed a desire for more information about insects as an alternative sustainable protein source.   Growing media attention and campaigns by farmers, academics, non-profit organizations (such as IPIFF4) and pet food companies are helping to increase acceptability of insect-based ingredients among pet professionals and owners.   The increased acceptability of insect-based pet food ingredients has been further bolstered by research which indicates that insects are a nutritious source of protein and other essential nutrients, as well as potentially being more sustainable than conventional meat sources for pet food.Moreresearchandlong-termstudiesareneededto substantiate these findings.   INTERESTING FACTS   • Farmed insects are typically fed on a variety of plant-based diets, such as spent brewery grains, fruits, vegetables, and other vegetable or cereal by-products. • The initial farms mainly began in the tropics but now span the globe. Today, there are over 100 farms in European countries such as Germany, The Netherlands, France, Poland, Belgium, and UK.   Currently, over 50% of insect production is being directed towards pet food. According to a RABO Bank report, the demand for insect protein is predicted to rise from 120,000 metric tons to half a million metric tons by 2030 (De Jong & Nikolik 2021).   Source: FEDIAF   References: 1 These are specific, authorised, species of insects that are commercially produced, under controlled conditions, for animal feed. 2 Regulation No. 2017/893 authorised the use of insect proteins originating from seven insect species which are neither pathogenic nor have other adverse effects on plant, animal, or human health. PROteINSECT (2016). 'Insect Protein – Feed for the Future. Addressing the need for feeds of the future today' at proteinsect.eu/fileadmin/user_upload/press/proteinsect- whitepaper-2016.pdf (accessed on 22 Sep 2020). Van Huis, A., & Oonincx, D. G. (2017). The environmental sustainability of insects as food and feed. A review. Agronomy for Sustainable Development, 37, 1-14. Van Huis, A., Rumpold, B. A., Van der Fels-Klerx, H. J., & Tomberlin, J. K. (2021). Advancing edible insects as food and feed in a circular economy. Journal of Insects as Food and Feed, 7(5), 935-948. 3 70% of those surveyed said that it is totally acceptable to feed insect protein to farmed animals. 4 The International Platform of Insects for Food and Feed.

10/06/2024

Pet food ingredients and environmental sustainability

Most pet diets are made with a lot of meat. In fact, if American dogs and cats were their own country, they would rank 5th in global meat consumption.2 Due to the significant environmental impact that raising meat has, it is important for pet owners and brands to factor in how different pet food options impact the environment when selecting or creating a pet product.   Wet versus dry   A study performed by Brazilian researchers investigated ingredients found in different kinds of pet food (wet, dry, homemade) and estimated the environmental impact, such as greenhouse gas emissions, land use, and water usage. The researchers found that wet diets have the highest environmental impact for both dogs and cats, followed by homemade diets, with dry diets having the lowest environmental impact.3 This is because wet diets utilize more animal ingredients, and diets high in animal ingredients have correspondingly large environmental footprints. The researchers also noted that most of the diets included in the study provided protein and fat in excess of what  dogs and cats require, which is likely due to the amount of animal ingredients used in these diets.3 Thus, it is important to select and formulate pet food with appropriate nutrient levels for environmental purposes while minimizing environmental impact.   Alternative proteins   Since traditionally raised animal ingredients have a significant environmental impact, there is a lot of interest in alternative proteins. In general, producing these protein ingredients requires less land and water, which reduces their environmental impact. For instance, plant-based protein sources have been used in pet food for years, and there are several therapeutic canine diets in the market for dogs with food sensitivities that do not contain animal proteins. Insect proteins like crickets and black soldier fly larvae are nutritionally dense and sustainable and have been gaining traction. Cultured meat and fermentation proteins offer other exciting new frontiers for creating proteins that can be utilized in the food supply. Cultured meat takes cells from, for example, beef or chicken and grows more meat via cell cultures instead of raising more cattle or chicken. Fermentation proteins utilize microorganisms' fermentation abilities to produce proteins that then can be used in diets. These alternative proteins are exciting new environmentally friendly options, but they are also novel ingredients that we have less knowledge about than traditional animal meats. It is recommended that food companies thoroughly analyze these ingredients and perform canine and feline feeding studies to utilize them in products responsibly. Consumers should also look for brands with dedicated resources to ensure their products are healthy for their pets. Regenerative agriculture   For environmentally conscious pet owners and brands that still want to utilize animal proteins, thinking outside of typical commercial agriculture may be the way to go. Regenerative agriculture focuses on improving soil health, which is important for mitigating climate change because soil can store carbon.4 Healthy soil is the largest store of terrestrial carbon, whereas poorly managed soil and unsustainable agricultural practices will lead to carbon being released into the atmosphere.4,5 Some strategies that regenerative agriculture implement include planting crops with 'no-till' and incorporating cover crops to minimize the disturbance of the soil.4,5 Animal agriculture can also be regenerative using 'adaptive grazing', which involves moving pastured animals through smaller sections of the overall land instead of always occupying the same space when housed in feed lots. This allows grazed land adequate rest and recovery, recycling of nutrients, and improves animal welfare since the animals have more space to move and exhibit natural behaviors.4,5   There are numerous options for pet owners to choose from, and brands do their best to appeal to the pet owners. Since we and our pets all share one Earth, the environmental impact of the pet diets should always be an important factor when producing or selecting a product. Whether it is proper formulation, utilizing or researching novel ingredients, BSM Partners can help create pet diets that are healthy for the pet and the world they live in.   Source: BSM Partners.   Resources American Pet Products Association. American Pet Products Association Industry Trends and Stats. Published online 2024. Accessed February 19, 2024. https://www.americanpetproducts.org/research-insights/industry-trends-and-stats Okin GS. Environmental impacts of food consumption by dogs and cats. PLOS ONE. 2017;12(8):e0181301. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0181301 Pedrinelli V, Teixeira FA, Queiroz MR, Brunetto MA. Environmental impact of diets for dogs and cats. Sci Rep. 2022;12(1):18510. doi:10.1038/s41598-022-22631-0 Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Noble Research Institute. What is Regenerative Agriculture?

04/06/2024

Sustainability: How Pet Food Utilizes Animal Co-products of Human Food

According to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), many naturally derived food commodities produce primary products such as muscle meats as well as secondary products such as heart, liver, kidneys, lungs, and gizzards. Secondary products (by-products) are often used in animal feed like pet food.1 Many popular resources available to pet parents advise against the feeding of pet foods containing animal by-products; however, the addition of animal by-products or 'co-products' can be palatable additions to pet foods.2 In addition, animal by-products can be a healthy and sustainable source of essential nutrients for dogs and cats.3
Sustainability   Commercial pet food production is highly related to livestock production as well as the human food industry.4 The use of animal co-products in pet foods is not only palatable and nutritious but also environmentally sustainable.5 Animal co-products used in pet food may include liver, heart, kidneys, lungs, tripe, plasma, and bone6 By utilizing animal co-products, the pet food industry can reduce the environmental effects of human food production by utilizing inedible meat, which is defined as adulterated, uninspected, or not intended for use as human food (9 CFR § 301.2),1 and poultry and fish co-products that would otherwise be disposed of.7   Palatability and Nutrition   The inclusion of animal co-products is one method some pet food companies use to improve the palatability of a dog or cat diet. As raw ingredients are difficult to handle and store in some pet food manufacturing facilities, many pet food companies opt to use rendered co-products in a meal form instead.1 In a study evaluating the palatability of poultry by-product meal in a dog diet, it was observed that the diet had an appealing appearance and smell to pet parents and was readily accepted by dogs without hesitation.8 Another study evaluating the palatability of dog diets containing chicken in fresh, dried, and meal form showed that diets with chicken meal and by-product meal were preferred compared to diets with fresh and dried chicken.9 The inclusion of animal co-products like meat meal is an effective way to include essential nutrients in a pet's diet without negatively affecting digestibility or fecal quality.10-12 In addition, rendered co-products are valuable to the pet food industry as they are nutrient-dense and considered affordable in relation to their nutrient value.13   Although many popular resources available to pet parents advise against it the addition of animal co-products in pet foods is a nutritious and palatable source of protein for companies and consumers who value sustainability.   By: Ada-Miette Thomas. Source: BSM Partners.   References Association of American Feed Control Officials. 2024. Byproducts. AAFCO. https://www.aafco.org/consumers/understanding-pet-food/byproducts/#:~:text=In%20the%20case%20of%20animal,not%20exclusively)%20for%20animal%20consumption. Corbin, J.E. 1992. Inedible meat, poultry and fish by-products in pet foods. In Inedible Meat by-Products. (pp. 329-347). Dordrecht: Springer Netherlands. Mora, L., Toldrá-Reig, F., Reig, M., Toldrá, F. 2019. Possible uses of processed slaughter byproducts. In Sustainable Meat Production and Processing. (pp. 145-160). Swanson, K.S., Carter, R.A., Yount, T.P., Aretz, J., Buff, P.R. 2013. Nutritional sustainability of pet foods. Adv. Nutr. 4(2):141-150. Mosna, D., Bottani, E., Vignali, G., Montanari, R. 2021. Environmental benefits of pet food obtained as a result of the valorisation of meat fraction derived from packaged food waste. Waste Manage. 125:132-144. Walsh, C. 2014. The use of animal by-products. EBLEX: Stoneleigh Park, UK, 1-73. Watson, P.E., Thomas, D.G., Bermingham, E.N., Schreurs, N.M., Parker, M.E. 2023. Drivers of palatability for cats and dogs - What it means for pet food development. Anim. 13(7):1134. Karthikeyan, N., Singh, R.P., Johri, T.S., Tanwar, V.K. 2002. Nutritional quality and palatability of pet food from poultry by-product meal. Indian J. Anim. Sci. 72(5). Shields, C.J., Rozzi, N.L., Aldrich, C.G., Talavera, M.J. 2023. Chicken proteins in dog food Effects of different chicken protein sources on palatability in dry adult dog food. Front. Anim. Sci. 4:1292658. Abd El-Wahab, A., Chuppava, B., Zeiger, A.L., Visscher, C., Kamphues, J. 2022a. Nutrient digestibility and fecal quality in beagle dogs fed meat and bone meal added to dry food. Vet. Sci. 9(4):164. Abd El-Wahab, A., Zeiger, A.L., Chuppava, B., Visscher, C., Kamphues, J. 2022b. Effects of poultry by-products inclusion in dry food on nutrient digestibility and fecal quality in beagle dogs. PLoS One. 17(11):e0276398. Chuppava, B., Siebert, D.C., Visscher, C., Kamphues, J., Abd El-Wahab, A. 2023. Impact of animal by-products on diet digestibility and fecal quality in beagle dogs. Life. 13(3):850. Meeker, D.L., Meisinger, J.L. 2015. COMPANION ANIMALS SYMPOSIUM: Rendered ingredients significantly influence sustainability, quality, and safety of pet food. J. Anim. Sci. 93(3):835-847.

31/05/2024

Canine oral health & insect-based pet food

About the study   Eight beagle dogs were fed a black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) meal-based extruded diet over a period of 50 days, in a cross-over study. The black soldier fly diet was compared to a control diet with a similar nutrient and ingredient composition but based on poultry by-product meal (PBP), for the same 50-day period.
Samples of the dogs' dental plaque were taken before and at the end of each period. VSC-producing bacteria were counted, saliva was subjected to microbiota evaluation, and bad breath was assessed using an odour intensity scale.   The study was conducted by the Federal University of Paraiba in 2023. The black soldier fly larvae meal used was ProteinX® from Protix, composing 29.5% of the diet. Overall improved oral health with black soldier fly larvae meal
1. Reduction of VSC-producing bacteria ProteinX realised a 7% reduction in VSC-producing bacteria in the dental plaque. This outcome is particularly notable, since these bacteria would typically increase with regular food consumption with no dental prophylaxis. The results show that food with ProteinX actually reversed the bacterial growth pattern from an expected increase to a decrease. VSC-producing bacteria are responsible for bad breath and dental and gum disease.     2. An increase in beneficial bacteria ProteinX seems to modulate saliva microbiota, increasing the abundance of Moraxella bacteria, according to the metagenomic analysis (using 16s rRNA gene sequencing). This group of bacteria is considered a marker of oral health and beneficial for the oral microbiome.     3. Breath evaluation The dogs' breath was evaluated after 50 days of consuming the test diet (PBP and BSFL) by a blind panel composed of four subjects using an organoleptic intensity scale5. Dogs presented a trend of a lower score for bad breath (odour intensity scale) when fed a black soldier fly larvae diet, and a significative higher frequency of score 1 (barely noticeable odour), indicating that dogs had breath improvement, probably able to be detected by owners.     ProteinX ProteinX contains components with antimicrobial properties that are able to disrupt the bacterial cell envelope and its homeostasis, leading to bacterial death. The components are antimicrobial peptides (AMP), such as cecropins, coprisin, defensins, cathelicidin and insect AMP-complexes; fatty acids (especially lauric acid) and polysaccharides, such as chitin6.   Mechanism of action of AMPs The anionic molecules in the membranes of bacteria attract cationic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) via electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions. Unlike bacteria, the cytoplasmic membrane of mammalian (host) cells with a neutral net charge has no or a weak interaction with cationic AMPs, meaning the host's cells are barely affected (figure 3).     If you want more information, visit the website HERE.   Source: Protix.   References: 1 OLSÉN, L.; BRISSMAN, A.; WIMAN, S.; ERIKSSON, F.; KAJ, C.; BRUNIUS ENLUND, K. Improved oral health and adaptation to treatment in dogs using manual or ultrasonic toothbrush or textile of nylon or microfiber for active dental home care. Animals, v. 11, n. 9, p. 2481, 2021 2 HENNET, P.; DELILLE, B.; DAVOT, J. L. Oral malodor in dogs: measurement using a sulfide monitor. Journal of veterinary dentistry, v. 12, n. 3, p. 101-103, 1995 3 ALLAKER, R. P. Investigations into the micro-ecology of oral malodour in man and companion animals. Journal of Breath Research, v. 4, n. 1, p. 017103, 2009. 4 Neto, E. S., Cardoso, R. K. N., Santos, L. A. T. A., Sampaio, F. C., Santos, E. M., Restan, W. A. Z., ... & Loureiro, B. A. (2023). Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal based extruded diets: potential to improve canine oral health. Journal of Insects as Food and Feed,1(aop), 1-13. 5 Greenman, J. et al., 2004. Study on the organoleptic intensity scale for measuring oral malodor. Journal of Dental Research 83: 81-85. https://doi.org/10.1177/1544059104083 00116 6 Veldkamp, T., Dong, L., Paul, A., & Govers, C. C. F. M. (2022). Bioactive properties of insect products for monogastric animals–a review. Journal of Insects as Food and Feed, 8(9), 1027-1040. 7 Geitani, R., Moubareck, C. A., Xu, Z., Karam Sarkis, D., & Touqui, L. (2020). Expression and roles of antimicrobial peptides in innate defense of airway mucosa: potential implication in cystic fibrosis. Frontiers in immunology, 11, 1198.

06/05/2024

‘Compelling’ case for vegan pet diets, study’s authors say

A new study of dogs that 'thrive' on a vegan diet, including some with recorded health improvements, is a step towards more sustainable pet feeding plans, its authors say. A leading academic advocate of the approach has claimed the case for it is 'compelling' following publication of the latest paper in the PLoS One journal. Meanwhile, the BVA has indicated that the findings of a long-awaited review of its diet policy could be published this summer.   Longest study   The latest paper from researchers based in California is thought to be the longest study of its kind into the effects of vegan diets on dogs. A total of 15 participating dogs were fed a commercially available plant-based diet containing pea protein for a year, having been served meat-based alternatives for at least the same length of time before that. The researchers said that approach enabled the dogs to act as their own controls during the study period. The analysis found 12 of them had maintained a normal body condition score during the research period, while three that were either overweight or obese when they enrolled reduced theirs.   Heart health   Vitamin D levels were normalised during the study period, after seven of the dogs initially presented with insufficient levels, while increased presence of L-taurine and L-carnitine was also recorded. The study further indicated that the use of pea protein as a main ingredient may have improved heart health in some participants, despite recent concerns of a potential link to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) cases. The authors said the paper offered evidence-based research of the merits of plant-based nutrition for dogs and was an 'important stepping stone' towards more sustainable feeding plans that they see as necessary on climate grounds. Lead researcher Annika Linde said: 'Evolutionary adaptations have resulted in a digestive system that enables dogs to maintain health on nutritionally complete omnivorous diets, including those free of animal ingredients.'   New evidence   She added: 'Our study offers new evidence on outcomes in clinically healthy dogs who thrive without consumption of animal-derived ingredients. Notably, foods produced independent of factory farming are also more sustainable and ethical.' The paper's findings have also been welcomed by University of Winchester professor Andrew Knight, who has been at the heart of recent calls for a rethink of wider professional thinking on the issue. He said: 'With 13 studies now demonstrating good health outcomes achieved by nutritionally sound vegan pet diets, and several others demonstrating major environmental benefits, a compelling case now exists for environmentally friendly vegan pet diets.'   Stance   Amid increasing interest in, and controversy surrounding, the deployment of non-traditional pet diets, the BVA set up a Companion Animal Feeding Working Group to review its stance on the issue last year. The body had previously declined to endorse either a vegetarian or vegan diet for pets, arguing that their usage increased the risk of pet owners failing to provide an appropriate balance of nutrients. But, although the group's work is still said to be ongoing, a BVA spokesperson told Vet Times they 'should have something to share' following the next meeting of the association's council in July. Asked whether that meant a final document was likely to be released around that time, she confirmed that was the case although publication after the following council meeting in September was also a possibility.   Source: VetTimes.

22/04/2024

We enable the green transition

When speaking of our environment, climate crisis, environmental pollution and resource scarcity are three of the most pressing challenges of our time. And time is the crucial factor here: the world needs to change – now. We all need to change.

In order to create a better future for our children and grandchildren, we must build a new economy. A greener one. We at ANDRITZ are doing everything to drive this change: We enable our customers to make the world a greener place with our sustainable solutions. To do this, they can choose from a wide range of technologies in all kinds of fields from decarbonization to recycling and waste-to-value systems on through to pollution control – and we are constantly working on further innovations to tackle more and more of today's and tomorrow's challenges. At the same time, we are, of course, also striving to reduce our own carbon footprint: We plan to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 1 and 2) by 50% compared to 2019 by the end of 2025. Hence, we implement measures to improve energy efficiency and increase the share of renewable energy sources at our production sites. Apart from that, we are continuously minimizing the environmental impact of our locations regarding water consumption and waste production – here too, the plan is a 5% reduction compared to the previous year. But all this is not a new phenomenon, it is not a trend for us. We have been engaging in innovative technologies for more than 170 years now. With our passion and our spirit we are improving things, step by step, day by day: we have always been engineering for the change.
  All our efforts have one common goal: a better future. We need to address the following three pivotal points to ensure that this change is successful: decarbonizing industries and mobility to mitigate climate change, transforming the economy into a true circular economy to use resources responsibly, and protecting our environment. We must strive to keep the environment as free from pollution as possible, safeguarding our air, water and soil to preserve biodiversity and ensure a healthy ecosystem for future generations. Source: Andritz. 

18/04/2024

Common black fly larvae added to list of alternative protein source in animal feed

The black soldier fly is a common, widespread fly of the Stratiomyidae family. After a meeting with the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry's Agricultural Product Standards Committee on Thursday, Deputy Agriculture Minister Anucha Nakasai said the committee had approved six new or updated items in agriculture standards. The items include BSF larvae for animal feed, updated durian farming methods, good hygiene practices (GHP) for egg collection centres, good agricultural practices (GAP) for growing orchids, GAP for sesame farming, and guidelines for analysing risks of food-based antimicrobial resistance drugs. Anucha said these standards are crucial for elevating the quality of Thai agricultural products and bringing food up to international standards, ensuring safety and building consumer confidence both domestically and internationally, as well as promoting Thailand to become the world's kitchen. Better agricultural standards will also help farmers sell their products with a bigger profit margin, thus enhancing their living standards, he said. Anucha added that one of the key topics at the meeting was the standard for BSF larvae as animal feed. The committee acknowledged that BSF or black soldier fly larvae could serve as a good source of protein that is easy to raise, has low breeding costs and few natural enemies. After hatching, the larvae grow fast, consuming a variety of organic materials and only producing organic, decomposable waste that makes the raising process sustainable and environmentally friendly. BSF larvae are also high in nutritional value, making them suitable as a key ingredient in feed for fish, chicken and pig farming. The meeting on Thursday also upgraded the regulations for mushroom manufacturing, in place since 2016, to standards that will ensure the production of quality mushrooms. Currently, there are more than 60 companies registered for large-scale mushroom farming.

Source: The Nation.

16/04/2024

Domestic Dining

Premium cat foods that are made in the USA continue to fare well on the market, with transparency and ingredient tracking an important selling point.
"Many consumers have become interested in providing better nutrition for all of their pets, not just their dogs," said Janet Scott, owner of Rawz Natural Pet Food, a manufacturer in York, Maine. For manufacturers, made in the USA is a point of pride and indicator of quality. "Consumers desire made-in-the-USA products overseas and at home in the U.S.," said Holly Sher, president and owner of Markham, Ill.-based Evanger's Dog and Cat Food Company. "The made-in-the-USA flag is correlated with quality and peace of mind." Retailers say most consumers are not aware of the difference between made in the USA and sourced in the USA. "And boy are they surprised when we tell them all about it," said Pattie Zeller, pack leader at Animal Connection All Natural Store for Pets in Charlottesville, Va. "We spend a lot of one-on-one time with customers and do nutritional consulting. We talk about sourcing and why it makes a difference, too." Animal Connection is big on transparency. For example, Zeller is particularly fond of Open Farm's commitment to transparency, including QR codes on packaging that show ingredient sourcing. Tabitha McKinney, senior category manager for dog and cat food at Feeders Supply Company in Louisville, Ky., agreed that made in the USA and sourced in the USA are one and the same in many customers' minds. In the past, these phrases would also be associated with a higher price tag, she said. "In some cases, this is true," McKinney said. "However, in most cases, made in the USA items are comparable in price to items made elsewhere, at least in the food arena."
  Making food in the USA: Benefits & challenges For cat food manufacturers, there can be pros and cons to sourcing ingredients in the U.S. Some benefits include: Maintaining supplier relationships. "[Rawz has] been able to work with the same manufacturers since we started our business in 2015," Scott said. "We have wonderful relationships and a great deal of trust in them, which certainly makes the process of making our foods in the U.S. worth it." Speed and logistics. "Making our food in the U.S. reduces lead times and logistical hurdles and helps us differentiate ourselves from the competition," said Grant A. Berry, director of sales for Bixbi, a manufacturer in Boulder, Colo. High quality standards. Because the U.S. has strict regulations and standards for pet food, manufacturers can be assured that their products are meeting specific safety and nutritional requirements, Scott said. Environmental impact. "Not only does sourcing locally allow [Evanger's] to control the supply chain tightly, often picking up our raw materials in our fleet of trucks, but it also helps reduce our carbon footprint as a company," Sher said. On the other hand, for manufacturers, some cons to sourcing ingredients in the U.S. can include: Higher costs. "Some ingredients cost more in the U.S. than outside the U.S.," Scott said. "Additionally, labor costs tend to be higher than in other countries, which can impact the overall cost of production." Ingredient availability. Some ingredients are not readily available in the U.S. to meet manufacturer needs or specifications, Scott said. Ingredient availability can also vary by season, Berry noted. While Bixbi focuses on sourcing most ingredients in the U.S., the company sometimes sources globally to ensure consistency. At press time, Rawz planned to release a new Limited Rabbit Recipe for Cats at Global Pet Expo in Orlando, Fla., in March. The grain-free kibble features a freeze-dried raw rabbit coating on every bit and is free from eggs, potato, corn, rendered fat, dairy, wheat, soy and canola oil, Scott said. "Sourcing within the U.S. is something that's very important to us, and we try to source domestically whenever possible," Scott said. "However, we have very high specifications for some of our ingredients, including high protein, and therefore we must source certain ingredients outside the U.S. to meet these specifications." Rabbit is one protein that Rawz has found to be difficult to source in the U.S., but the company has trustworthy suppliers in France and Italy, Scott noted. "It's important to us that we're transparent with our customers, which is why shoppers can see a complete list of sources for every single ingredient we use when they visit our website," Scott added.
Today's shoppers seem to be understanding of the fact that some ingredients are sourced or processed in other countries, McKinney said. On the other hand, Evanger's chooses not to source ingredients outside the U.S. "Using 100 percent USA-sourced ingredients is everything to our company and is always our priority," Sher said. "We source most of our meat and farm fresh fruits and veggies within 50 miles of our Markham, Ill., plant to ensure freshness of our premium dog, cat and ferret foods." One of Evanger's latest additions is EVx cat foods, a restricted diet line with solution-focused formulas including Bland Diet, Urinary Tract, Weight Management, Low Phosphorus and Senior & Joint Health. "It was and continues to be very well-received by our retailers and customers, with more and more pet parents looking to their neighborhood indie pet retailer owner to help guide them on health decisions as well as solve problems with the most common health challenges," Sher said. Manufacturers of U.S.-made premium cat food say they hold themselves and their suppliers to high standards. Bixbi puts its focus on high-quality ingredients, transparent testing, and meeting and exceeding standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), Berry said. The company prioritizes sustainable sourcing, such as cage-free chicken and wild-caught tuna. Its dry and freeze-dried foods are made at a family-owned facility and put through rigorous testing. Raw ingredients are tested based on their type and origin. Foods are batch tested for contaminants like salmonella, listeria, E. coli, yeast and mold—and also for nutritional content including protein, fat, moisture, fiber, minerals and amino acid levels. Products also undergo routine testing for heavy metals and environmental toxins. "We want your pet to get the most out of every bioavailable ingredient we craft our food with," Berry said. "Therefore, our recipes are thoroughly tested for maximum nutrient absorption and industry-leading digestibility results." Along with quality and transparency, Rawz places an emphasis on creating high-meat, minimally processed diets that are similar to feeding raw. "While we believe that the best way to feed an animal is with a raw diet, we understand that not everyone feels that same way, nor can everyone afford to feed raw," Scott said. When evaluating suppliers, the company researches and looks for options with a good reputation and transparent processes. "We've been using most of the same suppliers for the almost 10 years that Rawz has been in business, and we have a great deal of faith in them to deliver the best products for our customers," Scott said.
  Trustworthy partners  Just as trust between suppliers and manufacturers is important, so is trust between retailers and manufacturers. "We spend a lot of time evaluating brands and ask 'the hard questions' because our customers expect us to know the product inside and out," Zeller said. When deciding which products to carry, Zeller looks for quality ingredients, human-grade and humanely raised or wild-caught proteins, independent third-party testing results and nutritional profiles. For dry diets, she only considers products made in the U.S. or Canada. She also considers sales support, loyalty programs and store event support. "[For example,] Petcurean's commitment to quality ingredients is impressive," Zeller said. "Our sales rep, Charles Eiler, is great about engaging with customers when he's visiting the store." In addition to quality standards and testing, McKinney looks for brands that differentiate themselves in some way, such as incorporating something unique or offering solutions-focused diets. One major way that Rawz differentiates itself from other pet food manufacturers is its commitment to philanthropy. "We're a family-run business that has been in the pet food industry for 64 years," Scott said. "We started with Old Mother Hubbard, and then Wellness and have now created Rawz, so we certainly have a lot of experience when it comes to product development." One hundred percent of the company's profits are donated to the Rawz Fund, which supports organizations that help those living with brain or spinal cord injuries get the services—and service dogs—they need. The founders of the company and the fund, Janet and Jim Scott, found the inspiration for their cause close to home. Both of their sons suffered life-altering injuries from unexpected accidents. During their recoveries, the Scotts were inspired by the profound connection both sons developed with the family's yellow Lab. "Our focus continues to revolve around the recovery and success of our children, as it would for any parent," the couple writes on Rawz's website. "We wanted to share this ability with all individuals and families who are affected by injury and/or disability."

Source: Pet Product News

08/04/2024

Truly Green or Greenwashed: One way pet owners can discern which pet brands are sustainable

"Green", "neutral," and "small carbon footprint" are no longer simply cool catch phrases to have on product packaging. These days, more and more consumers demand these attributes from the brands and products they purchase. However, consumers often find it hard to tell if their purchasing decisions are truly beneficial for the environment, as these very same terms can be vague and misleading. Fortunately, many brands and manufacturers in the pet market are responding to a consumer cry for transparency on these issues and taking steps to reduce the carbon footprints of their products, from ingredient sourcing right down to the packaging. One organization that is key to helping pet brands toward their sustainability goals is the Pet Sustainability Coalition (PSC). It is a nonprofit that helps brands work with other responsible partners along the value chain and gives consumers the assurance that their hard-earned money is supporting sustainable and fair practices. Tempo Flexible Packaging is among the companies that have earned accreditation from PSC, having done so in late 2023. "Getting the accreditation from PSC helps solidify what it means to take steps to create a better future … and how genuine we are about our vision to be the preferred partner for sustainable flexible packaging in North America," said Optimist & CEO Leonardo Giglio. To acquire the accreditation, Tempo completed an in-depth review of its business operations and passed a third-party verification audit, the company reported. To keep the accreditation moving forward, it is required to demonstrate year-over-year improvements on its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) commitments and continue doing its part to create a better world for future generations of people and their pets.

Tempo's vision is to be the preferred partner of sustainable and socially responsible flexible packaging solutions in North America. As part of this vision, it is important to the company that it not only produces packaging designed for a circular economy, but that it ensures that its business and manufacturing practices contribute toward a better future. While the PSC accreditation is a formal recognition of the company's efforts, Tempo has been a pioneer in sustainable packaging design since 2015. That year, it received a PAC Global Sustainable Design Award for its first HarmonyPack—a recyclable pouch designed for a circular economy. "We knew we had to create a new path for Tempo and for flexible plastics because it was the right thing to do," said COO Lee-Anne Giglio. "We could not only add value to our clients and the end consumer, but also contribute to a better system and a better product for future generations." Today, the company's research and development team has developed HarmonyPack solutions for various categories, including all aspects of the pet industry. In addition to pursuing the PSC accreditation, the company has strategically expanded its production capabilities and manufacturing facilities over the last year. Tempo is already a vertically integrated, full-service supplier and the expanded space will house Tempo's customer service, pre-press, sales, marketing, and sustainability teams. This frees up valuable room for additional production space and enables new flexible packaging options such as extra-large, pinch-bottom pouches that can hold up to 30 pounds of product. Tempo is very fortunate to have built 54 years of exceptional partnerships within the pet industry and wants to offer brands support, knowledge, and, most importantly, transparency in the product life cycle and supply chain. The Pet Sustainability Coalition Accreditation not only gave the company that confidence and a standard to grow from—it also gave Tempo, and its industry partners, a powerful way to demonstrate that there is action behind the company's words.

Source: Pet Product News

13/03/2024

The innovation revolution in pet food

By María Candelaria Carbajo

Business challenges Nowadays, one of the main challenges for producers and manufacturers is the availability of labor. We are not the only market dealing with this problem. However, it represents a significant obstacle for pet food manufacturers to achieve their goals of meeting the growing pet owners' demands. The need for trained workers and the responsibility to maintain safe manufacturing practices and work environments are today, in an increasingly demanding and demanding context, fundamental issues. But not all is lost! In contrast to this problem, we know that the industry is experiencing an increase in demand driven by the growth of pet ownership. This represents an important opportunity for manufacturers to take the opportunity to develop new products and offerings for those new to the market. Product innovation Meeting the changing needs and demands of pet owners is of great importance. Animal food manufacturers are constantly immersed in a process of product renewal to provide food that is in line with the values ​​and expectations of consumers. We have known that, for some time now, sustainability is one of the main factors owners have in mind when selecting food for their pets. Awareness, both personally and for their pets, regarding the ecological impact of the products they purchase is increasingly high, and that is why they look for alternatives in pet food that promote environmentally friendly practices, focusing on the reuse of plastics and the sustainability of the production chain. This reflects a mentality that is more friendly to the natural environment and more ecology-oriented. Additionally, consumers are paying more attention to the ingredients that contain the products they choose. Pet owners carefully scrutinize ingredient lists, seeking transparency and opting for natural, healthy ingredients that contribute to their beloved pet's well-being and health. The push for development Lately, research has ceased to be the only factor driving the development of new products, beginning to share its space with unique ingredients and human food trends. Nowadays, it is easy to predict that when we see a new product gain popularity on human plates, it will not take long to reach the pet food shelves. The biggest difference between these two markets is, without a doubt, their palatability. For instance, there have already been cases of companies that, following human trends, have sought to develop snacks or supplements for pets in the form of chewable candies, also known as 'gummies,' and they have not worked since they stuck to pets' teeth. We already know having the best product in the world is useless if no animal is willing to eat it. Customization in production Product customization has been increasingly creeping into our industry. At first, in a more superficial way, such as personalizing large feed bags with the pet's name or putting together product packs for a specific animal. As people seek increasingly personalized paths to well-being, we find new proposals such as specially formulated foods, personalized probiotics, and the use of precision-based production. Technology Using HPP to improve production As pet food manufacturers look to meet the demand for safe, clean, and nutrient-dense products, High Hydrostatic Pressure (HPP) technology is emerging as a viable solution. Its ability to achieve food safety goals, offer clean labels and produce pet foods with a similar profile to raw foods makes it a technology with immense potential in the future of the industry. The data suggests that HPP technology could find applications in products like kibble, freeze-dried foods, and wet foods. This technology appears to be a compelling alternative to traditional high-temperature methods. Its advantages, such as maintaining nutritional integrity and obtaining the "raw profile" preferred by pets, are increasingly attracting industry attention, not only from large companies but also from medium-sized ones, which are already showing significant growth in their plans to use this technology.   Technology for everyday life Technology is not only being used to improve production and the final product, but it is increasingly impacting the small actions and everyday objects of pets' routine, such as automatic feeders, smart toys, GPS collars, and physical activity trackers.   Innovation: a topic on everyone's agenda The industry's challenges in terms of innovation arise from the pet food-producing field and extend to all the ecosystems that make up the industry. If we use our intelligence, knowledge, and technology to our advantage, we will be able to find new and innovative alternatives to answer the demands of both food and supplements, considering the trends, needs, and owners' lifestyle changes. The companies at the forefront that can quickly identify the new underlying human needs and wishes with respect to their four-legged animals will be those that, this year, will be able to gain a prominent place in their market and sector.   Source: All Pet Food Magazine.

12/03/2024

Black Soldier Fly Larvae as an alternative protein source in pet diets

The use of insects as a protein source has gained considerable popularity in the pet and human food industries as the consumer agenda focuses more heavily on sustainability.3 Insects are commonly consumed as human food in many cultures around the globe.4-6 Of the insects most commonly being produced on a commercial scale, black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) have been given considerable attention, as they are cheap to raise and possess a unique nutritional composition.7,8 The utilization of BSFL as a sustainable protein source in feed for swine, poultry, and aquaculture has been studied extensively, and researchers are beginning to study BSFL in feed for companion animals as well.3,9,10 According to previous studies, the environmental impact of BSFL production is far less than that of conventional livestock production.11,12 Black soldier fly larvae have the unique ability to transform organic waste such as cow manure, sewage sludge, restaurant waste, and fish offal into valuable biofuels such as ethanol and biodiesel, however, the nutritional composition of BSFL will differ depending upon their diet.13,14 Recently, BSFL, as an alternative protein source in pet food, has been the subject of much investigation. Many studies have been done to evaluate the nutrient composition of BSFL, noting a high-quality composition of nutrients.15 Black soldier fly larvae are considered a complete protein for humans, meaning they contain all nine essential amino acids.21 In addition, BSFL has one of the highest amino-acid scores compared to conventional protein sources such as fish meal.16,17On average, BSFL contains approximately 400 grams of crude protein per kilogram of dry matter (DM) and 300 grams of crude fat per kilogram of DM.9,18 A recent study showed similar results when comparing BSFL (36.5% inclusion) and venison as the primary protein source in extruded dog kibble.15 In dogs, acceptability of dry kibble containing BSFL is good, with dogs accepting foods containing up to 20% inclusion rate of BSFL; however, acceptability is lower in cats, with acceptance up to 5% inclusion.19,20 When evaluating the sustainability, nutrient composition, digestibility, and acceptability of protein products to use in pet food, BSFL is comparable to conventional meat products. While adequate studies have shown that BSFL is an acceptable alternative protein source in pet diets, more studies to evaluate processing, digestibility, and palatability would be beneficial.17 By: Ada-Miette Thomas
Source: BSM Partners References American Pet Products Association. (n.d.). Industry trends and stats. APPA. https://www.americanpetproducts.org/research-insights/industry-trends-and-stats Sutton, A., Costa, N.D. 2023. The role of black soldier fly larval protein and fat in companion-animal nutrition: challenges and opportunities from an industry perspective. Animal production science. Wang, Y. S., Shelomi, M. 2017. Review of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) as animal feed and human food. Foods. 6(10):91. Paul, A., Frederich, M., Megido, R. C., Alabi, T., Malik, P., Uyttenbroeck, R., et al. 2017. Insect fatty acids: A comparison of lipids from three Orthopterans and Tenebrio molitor L. larvae. J. Asia-Pacific Entomology. 20(2):337-340. Paul, A., Frederich, M., Uyttenbroeck, R., Hatt, S., Malik, P., Lebecque, S., et al. 2016. Grasshoppers as a food source? A review. Biotechnologie, Agronomie, Société et Environnement, 20(AgricultureIsLife). Paul, A., Frederich, M., Uyttenbroeck, R., Malik, P., Filocco, S., Richel, A., et al. 2016. Nutritional composition and rearing potential of the meadow grasshopper (Chorthippus parallelus Zetterstedt). J. Asia-Pacific Entomology. 19(4):1111-1116. Star, L., Arsiwalla, T., Molist, F., Leushuis, R., Dalim, M., Paul, A. 2020. Gradual provision of live black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae to older laying hens: Effect on production performance, egg quality, feather condition and behavior. Anim. 10(2): 216. Schmitt, E., Belghit, I., Johansen, J., Leushuis, R., Lock, E. J., Melsen, D., et al. 2019. Growth and safety assessment of feed streams for black soldier fly larvae: A case study with aquaculture sludge. Anim. 9(4):189. Barragan-Fonseca, K.B., Dicke, M., van Loon, J.J. 2017. Nutritional value of the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens L.) and its suitability as animal feed– A review. J. Insects Food Feed. 3(2):105-120. Makkar, H. P., Tran, G., Heuzé, V., Ankers, P. 2014. State-of-the-art on use of insects as animal feed. Anim. Feed Sci. Technol. 197:1-33. Smetana, S., Schmitt, E., Mathys, A. 2019. Sustainable use of Hermetia illucens insect biomass for feed and food: Attributional and consequential life cycle assessment. Res. Conserv. Recylcing. 144:285-296. Gligorescu, A., Fischer, C.H., Larsen, P.F., Nørgaard, J.V., Heckman, L.H.L. 2020. Production and optimization of Hermetia illucens (L.) larvae reared on food waste and utilized as feed ingredient. Sustain. 12(23):9864. Van Huis, A., Van Itterbeeck, J., Klunder, H., Mertens, E., Halloran, A., Muir, G., Vantomme, P. 2013. Edible insects: Future prospects for food and feed security (No. 171). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Tomberlin, J.K., Cammack, J.A. 2017. Black soldier fly: Biology and mass production. Insects as food and feed: from production to consumption. Wageningen Academic Publishers, Wageningen, the Bosch, G., Zhang, S., Oonincx, D. G., & Hendriks, W.H. 2014. Protein quality of insects as potential ingredients for dog and cat foods. J. Nutr. Sci. 3(e29):231-246. Penazzi, L., Schiavone, A., Russo, N., Nery, J., Valle, E., Madrid, J., et al. 2021. In vivo and in vitro digestibility of an extruded complete dog food containing black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal as protein source. Front. Vet. Sci. 8:653411. Loho, L., Lo, D., Romulo, A. 2023. Amino acid analysis and physiological properties of protein concentrate made from Black Soldier Fly Larvae (Hermetia illucens). In IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science. 1200(1):012028.  Bosch, G., Swanson, K.S. 2021. Effect of using insects as feed on animals: Pet dogs and cats. J. Insect Food Feed. 7(5):795-805. Abd El-Wahab, A., Meyer, L., Kölln, M., Chuppava, B., Wilke, V., Visscher, C., Kamphues, J. 2021. Insect larvae meal (Hermetia illucens) as a sustainable protein source of canine food and its impacts on nutrient digestibility and fecal quality. Anim.11(9):2525. Yamka, R.M., Koutsos, E.A. and McComb, A., 2019. Evaluation of black soldier fly larvae as a protein and fat source in pet foods. Petfood Forum, Kansas City, MI, USA, pp. 8-9. Paßlack, N., & Zentek, J. (2018). Akzeptanz, Verträglichkeit und scheinbare Nährstoffverdaulichkeit von Alleinfuttermitteln auf Basis von Hermetia-illucens-Larvenmehl bei Katzen [Acceptance, tolerance and apparent nutrient digestibility of complete diets based on larvae meal of Hermetia illucens in cats]. Tierarztliche Praxis. Ausgabe K, Kleintiere/Heimtiere, 46(4), 213–221. https://doi.org/10.15654/TPK-180372 Miron, L., Montevecchi, G., Bruggeman, G., Macavei, L. I., Maistrello, L., Antonelli, A., & Thomas, M. (2023). Functional properties and essential amino acid composition of proteins extracted from black soldier fly larvae reared on canteen leftovers. Innovative Food Science & Emerging Technologies, 103407.

04/03/2024

Grub’s up! Insect protein as pet food

Dog owners: how many times have you seen your pup chase a spider across the carpet and gobble it up? Dogs and cats are happy to eat insects in the wild; now they have the chance to eat them every day. Insect protein is on the rise as an alternative to animal protein in pet food. But is it nutritious enough for your furry friend? Read on to find out more about the rise of insect protein in pet food, its benefits, and how Sciantec can help.   How insect protein in pet food is taking wing   In 2019, the British Veterinary Association (BVA) publicly endorsed the use of insect protein in pet foods. Some insects, such as crickets, grasshoppers, and locusts, provide more protein than even meat and chicken eggs. However, research on how nutritious insects are is limited, and there are plenty of barriers to overcome before insect protein in pet food is widely accepted. The biggest barrier is legislation because processed animal protein in feed has been banned since the 90s. However, the EU is gradually starting to relax legislation. In May 2017, the EU partially lifted the feed ban rules regarding the use of insect processed animal proteins to be used in aquafeed. In September 2021, they could also be fed to poultry and pigs. At the end of last year, they also authorised insect waste (frass) for use in fertiliser to spread on our crops. There is also an EU non-for-profit organisation called the IPIFF: the International Platform of Insects for Food and Feed. This trade body represents 80+ members involved in insect feed and food, such as insect farms, on a legislative level. With these hurdles starting to be cleared, experts suggest that the market is now set to increase exponentially in less than 10 years. Some even project production to soar from about 10,000 metric tonnes today to 500,000 by 2030. The buzz around insect protein Now that the safety of insect protein seems to be more secure than before, we must ask if it is nutritious enough for our pets. Insects like crickets, mealworms, and black soldier flies offer stacks of rich, healthy proteins for your animal's diet. Farmed species can also contain high fat/oil content, mineral content, and vitamin levels, and have fantastic amino acid profiling. There is also some evidence that insects accumulate low quantities of heavy metals, mycotoxins, and pesticides. So, we might find the idea of eating creepy crawlies unpleasant, but the potential nutritional value of insect protein for animal feed is clear. To be sure, producers must undertake analysis from a specialist animal feed laboratory. How Sciantec can help We service several customers who use insect protein in pet food products. Nutritional analysis can include amino acid and fatty acid profiling, species specific energy calculations, crude protein, total oil, moisture and dry matter, crude ash, and more, helping our customers to ensure the safety and quality of their products. We also test for undesirable substances and contaminants to help producers remain compliant and safeguard public and animal health. With over 30 years' expertise in animal feed analysis and our extensive experience in the agriculture sector, we work closely with customers to undertake specialist research like determining the nutritional value of insect protein. We also deliver microbiology services to check feed and ingredients for Salmonella, E. coli, and other Enterobacteriaceae and help keep animals, livestock, and humans safe from disease. If you want to undertake nutritional or undesirables analysis, or you have a specialist project that we can help you with, contact us to discuss your requirements. Source: Cawood.

29/02/2024

Upcycling in traditional products

By María Candelaria Carbajo

Faced with these numbers, the upcycling technique becomes increasingly relevant in industries such as the food industry, which absolutely needs to take measures regarding raw materials and waste treatment.   What is upcycling? Upcycling, known as upcycling or creative reuse, consists of the use of products, waste materials, or waste to manufacture new ingredients or products of higher quality, ecological, and economic value. Thus, through recycling, healthy, and nutritious foods and ingredients are prevented from becoming waste, giving them a second chance to be consumed. Ingredients that can be recycled help pet food manufacturers improve their efforts to build sustainability. The products of this type most used in the industry have been, at least until now, those made from extracted meat by-products. Although converting meat by-products into protein-rich sources instead of throwing them away is something positive, nowadays, the most innovative ingredients and materials are those capturing the attention of pet food consumers concerned about the planet's sustainability. Many certified recycled elements can be easily integrated into any recipe, giving the new product a competitive advantage in sustainability. The main challenge is that these usually have the same nutritional properties as other more conventional, but not the same appearance. To work with them, it is essential that the processing and control systems take these variations into account, as well as formula design. Rescuing these ingredients not only helps eliminate food waste throughout the supply chain but also reduces demand for 'virgin' crops. But, when we talk about the inclusion of new ingredients and by-products, we must also talk about education and awareness. In the case of pet food and its relationship with cereal ingredients such as wheat, corn, and rice, commonly used as sources of carbohydrates, there is debate about how much of these nutrients are necessary for pet feeding. Although the pet nutrition industry struggles to eradicate misconceptions about these ingredients, the challenge still exists and, consequently, affects the use of these new proposals in food formulas. The truth is that recycled products prevent nearly one billion pounds of food waste worldwide each year, and this number may continue to grow as consumer demand for recycled products increases, which, Obviously, will be achieved through information and awareness. Currently, you don't have to look hard to find proposals from entrepreneurs or small manufacturers who, instead of working with large suppliers and processing plants, choose local farms and suppliers as they trust the quality of their raw materials, especially when we talk about those considered waste or by-products. The good point is that most of these elements can be easily integrated into any recipe, making a product (and its entire chain) more sustainable by reducing greenhouse gasses and using waste from other industries or chains in pet food formulas without risking quality, as may be the case of pumpkins used for decoration at Halloween or apple pulp from a cider factory.   According to the UFA (Food Upcycling Association): 'Recycled foods use ingredients that otherwise would not have reached consumption. They are sourced and produced through verifiable supply chains and have a positive impact on the environment.' This entity has already certified more than 200 ingredients as recyclable in the food sector, many of which have applications in pet food and treats. Examples of materials and ingredients used in upcycling: Sweet potatoes or other types of tubers that come from local organic farms and that have rare shapes that are not as aesthetic as those hypermarket chains seek to sell. Ends and pieces of meat and seafood that have not been sold in the supermarket. Fruits that, like tubers, are bruised or with amorphous shapes. Alternative proteins such as cricket, spirulina, or silver copi, an overpopulated fish. Used barley from local breweries. Eggshells. Salmon oil, produced from fresh salmon trimmings, such as the head, spine, and skin. By-products from the production of french fries or potato starch are applied in formulas to gain texture, shape croquettes, and improve digestion.
  Conclusion Recycled ingredients have revolutionized the pet nutrition landscape as a way to add value to elements that would otherwise go to waste while also supporting pet health. Various agricultural products and wheat-based ingredients, including blueberries, sweet potatoes, flaxseeds, carrots, and various flours, are currently used in the North American pet food and treat industry to capitalize on sustainability as a consumer priority. Converting by-products into pet food ingredients reduces food waste and makes more efficient use of the resources needed to produce human food. Renaming these recycled products could help pet owners accept them.

Source: All Pet Food Magazine.

28/02/2024

The unexpected new ways pet brans embracing sustainability

Consumers are interested in purchasing more sustainable products and "remain concerned about climate change and related sustainability issues," according to the National Retail Federation (NRF). Pet retailers can stay in step with customers by offering an array of products that recognize these concerns. Claudia Loomis, president of CB Pet Market, a small chain of pet stores in New Jersey, said that while her shoppers are showing more interest in eco-friendly and sustainable products, they are looking for a range of product attributes. "Sustainably sourced as a standalone feature will not be enough to sell the product," Loomis said. "For example, one of our most popular-selling dog chews are antlers. These are sustainably sourced as they are naturally shed by deer, elk or moose. But they are also a proven long-lasting chew with some nutritional value, making it a product pet parents can feel good about purchasing on several levels." Christina Reville, marketing coordinator for Healthy Pet, which operates production and distribution in Jesup, Ga., said that the company creates small-pet bedding and cat litter from sustainably sourced, responsibly rescued natural plant fiber. Reville said it's cleaner and healthier for the entire family—two factors that are important to pet owners. "Every year, Healthy Pet diverts millions of pounds of unused wood, pulp and paper remnants from landfills," she said. "These upcycled materials are crafted into our plant-based pet products. Plus, all finished product is biodegradable, making them better for pets, home and planet." In 2023, Healthy Pet began producing its Ökocat natural cat litter in a 100-percent recyclable paper bag after consumer research revealed that the natural litter and Ökocat consumer has a strong desire for 100-percent recyclable packaging. "Starting in October of 2023, the current box packaging began transitioning to new double-wall paper bags with a recyclable handle to directly answer the requests of our consumer," Reville explained. "Customers can expect to see the bags on shelves in 2024." According to Jane Wasley, head of marketing for Healthy Pet, the consumer demand for eco-friendly litter packaging isn't being addressed by very many companies. "Very few natural brands are meeting natural litter consumers' wants on packaging, with many still being in heavy non-recyclable, non-biodegradable plastic bags or poly pouches," Wasley said. Spencer Williams, CEO of West Paw, a pet treats and accessories manufacturer in Bozeman, Mont., said that the company has recycled almost 150,000 pounds of dog toys and spun more than 16 million water bottles into dog beds and toy stuffing. West Paw's Seaflex toy line reclaims ocean-bound plastic. In addition, the company's freeze-dried and air-dried dog treats are crafted with humanely raised and sustainably sourced ingredients and made in the USA. "We think not only about the finished product, but also about the materials, the whole supply chain and how it's made," Williams said. "We continue to bring new innovation to our treat line with a growing focus on regenerative beef production in Montana. New products will be coming out throughout 2024 that we're very excited about at West Paw. Many will continue our focus on regenerative practices that capture carbon, naturally sequestering it back into the soils." Jason Ast, co-owner of Just Dog People, a pet store in Garner, N.C., said that he and his customers appreciate how West Paw recycles old products to create new products "ready to be enjoyed again." "We also like Paw 5," Ast continued. "They say their snuffle mat removes over two pounds of textile waste from landfills. They also hire women in Ghana, teach them skills and help elevate their lives." Larry Wright, CEO of The Green Pet Shop, a manufacturer of pet accessories in Deerfield, Ill., said that all of the company's products have some type of eco-friendly component to them. "Our mission statement is to manufacture eco-friendly products that solve problems, are unique, and that help pets, their pet parents and the planet, at competitive prices as compared to non-eco-friendly products," Wright said. "At our company, we are all aware of the issues involving climate change and the danger it poses to our planet and future generations. We all take our responsibility to the planet seriously and are all involved in designing, testing and bringing these products to market." For 2024, Wright said The Green Pet Shop is introducing a line of leashes and collars that will piggyback off of the success of the company's Pooie Vuiton waste bag line. The new line, Bonejour by Green Pet, will be made from recycled canvas. Austin and Kat, a Seattle-based manufacturer of pet supplements, is also committed to sustainability in producing its chews, oils and toppers. "Our approach involves selecting farms, suppliers and producers that uphold the highest ethical standards, ensuring both quality and sustainability," explained founder Kat Donatello. "We're passionate about running our business in environmentally friendly ways, from sourcing eco-friendly packaging to reducing our carbon footprint at our Seattle Makery. We've also embraced sustainable manufacturing, considering the full life cycle of our products from raw materials to end-of-life, to minimize environmental impact."   CONSUMER PREFERENCES Interest in sustainability may be heightened in certain categories. Loomis said that sustainability in "anything the pet eats" gets the most notice at CB Pet Market. This includes pet treats and food. "Customers naturally want the most wholesome products for anything being consumed," she said. "We would like to see more supplements being made from whole and natural ingredients. We are beginning to see transparency in sourcing ingredients in the supplement category, but some of the traditional supplement brands we carry are [synthetic]-based vitamins and minerals. I would like to see more natural supplements, like green-lipped mussels as a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin. Again, supplements are ingested by our pets, so it is good to keep them clean, wholesome and as bioavailable as possible." Jenna Harrison, store manager for NorthPoint Pets & Company, a pet store in Cheshire, Conn., said that the store's biggest request for eco-friendly products is in home-compostable poop bags. "I do wish there were more home-compostable—not biodegradable—options available," she said. "People are looking for creative ways to reduce their waste output and environmental impact, and pet care is no exception." Ast agreed and said that poop bags are the eco-friendly option they get asked about most at Just Dog People. "I would say 90 percent of the people who shop for poop bags prefer 'quick biodegradable' options," he said. Reville said that Healthy Pet's research has revealed consumers want a "healthier home," which affects their buying habits across many categories—and products. "Whether it's buying organic pet products, nontoxic and plant-based cleaning products or paraben-free beauty products, more and more consumers are looking for products that help them live a cleaner, healthier lifestyle, even when it comes to their pets," she said. "We continually educate our retailers and consumers about the importance of switching to natural, sustainable products and the impact that it has on the planet." Retailers can play a valuable role in helping to alert customers to eco-conscious options, Loomis noted. "Brands that tout ethically sourced, fair trade and sustainably sourced are generally a bit more pricey than other brands, and often the call-out on the product packaging is not prominent enough to have a customer notice it on their own," Loomis said. "So, the role of the sales associate is important. The associates need to be knowledgeable about the products so they can point out the different features. When comparing two similarly formulated dog foods, for instance, and trying to help the customer make their choice, it is helpful to call out if the protein source in the food is sustainably or ethically sourced; that could be the differentiator that tips the scales to that brand for the customer." But not all efforts will pay off. Sometimes it's merely a matter of the interest level in a retailer's specific area. Ast admitted that at Just Dog People, they made a concerted effort to push a specific eco-friendly, sustainable dog food choice this past year, giving it prominent, upfront positioning and valuable space on the floor. They also created an attractive display, gave away free samples and ran a contest—all to sell only one bag of dog food. "This says more about the demographic makeup of our customer base than it does the quality of the product," he said. "From my experience, the interest in sustainability and eco-friendliness differs greatly depending on where you are in the United States. We are based outside of Raleigh, a large city. I believe if you were to ask dog owners in downtown Raleigh what they thought of eco-friendly dog products, they would have a range of knowledge and opinions. But outside of the city, the focus on eco-friendliness and sustainability simply may not be as big a concern." Yet that doesn't mean attitudes won't evolve. "Even so, the pet industry has been a hotbed for eco-friendly and sustainable innovation, so we are likely to see interest continue to grow," Ast added.

By: Lindsey Getz.
Source: Pet Product News.

22/02/2024

PET-TECH: cutting-edge technology and startups for the pet industry

By María Candelaria Carbajo

In turn, the pet universe seems to become the best friend of investors looking for new technological opportunities. More and more startups are entering the market with innovative game-changing offerings.
As the trend of treating pets like family members gains momentum, the pet tech industry is growing significantly, and venture capital firms are quickly recognizing the potential of this industry. Today, the pet industry is witnessing a rise in business initiatives aimed at the diverse needs of today's pet owners. Areas such as health and well-being, food and nutrition, technology, and pet services, and much more are the areas that attract all attention. Recently, startups in the industry have multiplied, and new ones continue to appear, mainly those of the DTC (Direct-To-Consumer) style.
  Why join the pet-tech sector? Pet humanization Digital natives spend more time searching for online solutions for their pets. They are spending more and more money on personalized solutions that fit their pets' needs. Today, it is not uncommon to see that owners buy more expensive products if they are ecological, organic, or kinder to the environment or the natural pets' growth. Just as in human nutrition, the boom in personalized food packages continues according to the consumer's requirements, tastes, or eating plans. In the pet food industry, this trend is only growing. The startup Butternut Box, for instance, has received £280 million in funding to continue its project to prepare and deliver healthy meals and snacks for dogs, according to TechCrunch. Other sectors attracting funding are the design of personalized meals by weight and needs of each pet and alternative proteins with vegan, cellular agriculture, precision fermentation, and insects. Disruptive healthcare models The high costs of veterinary care have always been a problem and, in many cases, an impediment when it comes to adopting or acquiring a pet or not. This is being addressed by the emergence of new comprehensive and lifetime insurance plans that are expanding the available and accessible options. The case of Get Joy, for example, has already expanded beyond food and has entered on-demand veterinary services after generating an initial round of funding in January 2022. There are also other successful cases, such as pet friendly, which promises personalized 'human-safe' subscription boxes for flea and tick medications and supplements with custom packaging featuring pets' pictures. Additionally, we are increasingly finding telemedicine platforms that connect owners with veterinarians, subscription delivery services, and wearable health monitors to track vital signs and detect early signs of potential health problems. A new pets' well-being era Human trends such as gut and mental health, immunity, oral and skin care, and anti-aging through supplements and other products have also extended to pets. A simple search online will yield pet spa-like salons with services like manicures and pedicures, body treatments like massages, and more. Toothbrush wipes, new products to clean tear stains, and ear cleaning products of natural origin are other products on the rise. Witch hazel, for example, has historically been used for skin care in humans and is now beginning to be seen in skin care and cleaning products for the face, eyes, and ears of pets. Apps and digital products The pet health app segment is expected to account for more than 25% of this market share by 2032. Many smart devices are already being developed to monitor pet health, such as the Dearbuds PE technology, launched in February 2023 by Linkface, which, through a digital device, controls the humidity levels of the ears of dogs and cats to avoid and prevent infections. Even the company behind the famous GoPro cameras is already thinking about this market. The Fetch Dog Harness model allows you to capture images from different dogs' perspectives while they run, play, or dig holes in the ground. Conclusion In the current macroeconomic environment, offering unique products or services that work to add real value and solve consumer problems is essential to establish yourself and gain market share. The industry is already clear that owners now demand the same for their pets as they would for themselves or any other family member.
The trends we have invested in for years in consumer brands are transforming the pet industry at an even faster pace, and investors are increasingly interested in participating in the capital allocation of innovative projects. The pet startup ecosystem is driven by a passion for pets and a commitment to innovation. Hand in hand with these emerging ventures, it will be possible to reinvent pet care, combining technology, personalization, and social impact to provide a comprehensive and enriching experience for both pets and their owners. With each new venture, the industry grows and offers more possibilities to improve the lives of man's best friends.

Source: All Pet Food Magazine. 

30/01/2024

State of Pet Homelessness Project: A global data initiative for understanding pet homelessness

The project provides data-led insights into issues which may impact pet homelessness in different countries. These insights can guide individuals and organizations working to tackle pet homelessness, and help them make a real difference.
  Methodology
The State of Pet Homelessness Project reviewed 930 sources to select 180+ data points, conducted nearly 30,000 surveys with pet owners and non-pet owners, and interviewed over 200 pet professionals working in the field of pet homelessness.
The Project reflects the state of pet homelessness at a specific moment in time when the research was conducted.
About the Project     Tackling pet homelessness helps both animals and people – bringing the benefits of the human-animal bond to more people and ensuring every pet gets the sustained care and nutrition they need to thrive.

Pets that don't receive the care they need are at risk of poor health and compromised welfare. Measuring the scale of pet homelessness is a complex task. To address this challenge, Mars partnered with leading animal welfare experts and organizations to launch the State of Pet Homelessness Project, a global data initiative. To bring transparency, awareness, and insight to the challenge of pet homelessness, we have set out to build a data set that can offer insights into a range of attitudes and behaviors that impact the issue.

The Project spent 7700+ hours gathering data, conducted surveys of pet owners and non-pet owners and expert interviews in over nine months of fieldwork.

You can visit the website HERE   Source: State of pet homelessness Project and Mars PetCare

22/01/2024

New published research shows pet ownership is good for our cognitive health as we age

In a team led by Professor Erika Friedmann - Department of Organizational Systems and Adult Health, University of Maryland School of Nursing - data was collected and analyzed from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Ageing (BLAS). This is currently the longest running scientific study of ageing in humans. For a period of up to 13 years, regular cognitive assessments were carried out on 637 adults over 50 years of age. 185 of those adults were pet owners. Analysis of the assessments found some key differences between pet owners and those without pets. Primarily, pet ownership and dog walking were found to support the maintenance of cognitive health. Cat and dog owners were also found to enjoy better short-term memory recall compared with their pet-free counterparts. Another difference was between dog owners themselves: those who walk vs those who don't. For dog walkers, cognitive deterioration was slower. The results of this study strengthen growing evidence of the many physical and mental health benefits of pet ownership. So far, these benefits include improving heart health, improving confidence in children, encouraging healthy ageing and even reducing pain following surgery. By continuing to advance HAI research, we continue to highlight the importance of pets to society - and the need for us to keep our pets healthy and serve our purpose: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS™

If you want to read the full study, CLICK HERE

Source: Waltham - Petcare Science Institute

15/01/2024

Regenerative agriculture in pet food, a door towards a circular economy in our industry

By María Candelaria Carbajo

More and more professionals and environmentalists are saying that continuing with the current production models is a path of no return toward the destruction of our planet. As an example, we can name Philip Lymbery in his book Farmageddon, where he argues that farm animals currently eat more than a third of the world's agricultural crops and waste most of them as feces and heat.   What is regenerative agriculture?   Agricultural production has increased in recent decades. However, the nutritional value of crops has been declining. According to a study from the University of Texas, the content of phosphorus, iron, calcium, protein, ascorbic acid, and riboflavin in crops has decreased between 9% and 38% compared to data taken between 1950 and 1999. The most likely reason for this is that over-tillage (the process of preparing the soil for crops) has killed off the microbes and fungi that make it biologically active, which increases crops' nutritional value. Regenerative agriculture is, first, a response to this type of problem. It is an agricultural production approach focused on managing land use to build healthy soils, promote biodiversity, and improve ecosystem services with the aim of producing more sustainable and resilient systems. Their practices seek to increase soil organic matter, reduce erosion, and promote soil health and fertility through cover crops, crop rotation, composting, reduced tillage, and agroforestry, among other techniques. This way, creating a more holistic and interconnected system that supports healthy and resilient ecosystems can improve productivity and profitability. However, its great potential lies in the fact that it has the great capacity to mitigate climate change by sequestering carbon in the soil and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural practices. Regenerative agriculture is an agricultural production management system that creates positive outcomes in soil health, ecosystem function, and biodiversity.   Key benefits of regenerative agriculture   If we talk about the benefits of regenerative agriculture, we must discuss its main goal, sustainability, but also its nutritional quality. • Emissions from agriculture still are one of the most difficult ones to reduce, and climate change is an international problem that, within our industry, we can begin to mitigate with this practice. • This agricultural production model can help improve crops' nutrient density, promoting healthy soil usage and reducing chemical fertilizers and pesticides. This would result in materials with a higher content of essential vitamins and minerals, which ultimately provides better quality raw ingredients for consumers. Very often, these are the cattle later used for food production, both for humans and pets, so the derived products will be healthier and more nutritious. The University of Washington carried out a study that demonstrated that crops from this production model have higher levels of nutrient density than those from standard models. Research shows that farms that use regenerative farming practices, such as no-till farming (planting crops without disturbing the soil beforehand), cover crops (working with vegetal species to improve soil health rather than for harvest), and rotations of various crops (changing the raw material grown on the same plot of land) produced crops with higher levels of vitamins and minerals than conventional farms.   Mindset change: Short-termism is not the only way of analyzing a situation   One of the main challenges we find when changing the current forms of production is the problems that can develop in the supply chain. When seeking to implement a change in the way of doing things, clashes will inevitably occur. In this case, wanting to have eco-conscious or sustainable business practices meets the costs of some of those practices right now, and how not only businesses but also consumers care about them. We also must consider that inflation and economic movements impact our industry, which makes many decision-makers prefer to wait or not risk too much. The key, in this sense, is to be able to generate collective conversations with the message that these changes may not necessarily be positive in terms of profit for companies or costs for consumers but that they are a bet to take care of the future, where we will see, at its best, the results of today's decisions. Another aspect to consider in the discussion is the number of points in the supply chain that go into creating a single final product. Furthermore, these differ depending on how the products and the value chain are built. The perspective with which we currently look at this issue is based on efficiency and profitability, but perhaps we should give up a bit of our attention on that focus to start thinking in terms of resilience. The biggest number of issues when implementing change arise around disruptions in those supply chains that ultimately create disruptions for the consumer, distributors, and vendors. What will happen 30 or 60 years from now if we can no longer produce today's raw materials because we make more decisions around profitability than environmental impact? To be able to bring the lens to the here and now is crucial. This way, by analyzing the present to achieve a better future, we will be able to set short-term profitability aside and choose measures and actions aligned with our companies' values. Thus, the short-term "benefits" have much more to do with building a brand and its ideals, and the positive, regenerative results are positioned a little more toward the future. Of course, every day more companies and organizations understand this perspective, but we need empirical science to confirm with data what really happens to the land and crops once regenerative agriculture is applied.   Regenerative agricultura: it's time to take action   Sustainability came to life when we realized that much of what we do in agricultural production, our value chains, and our products have a negative impact, depending on how we work and make decisions. The first proposal, that of sustainability, is focused on not creating a negative impact on our activities. On the other hand, regenerative agriculture proposes to go further and not only not produce it but also improve what we leave behind. As an industry, the possibility of addressing these problems as soon as possible is in our hands, if we want to protect all the agents involved in them, including our only planet Earth.   By All Pet Food Source: All Pet Food Magazine

11/01/2024

Circular Economy: The packaging challenges in the pet food industry

By María Candelaria Carbajo

The truth is that the packaging that we had on the market 10, 20, or 30 years ago, when in many places the recycling system was just beginning to have relevance, has changed significantly, and there are strong indications that it will continue to do so. A few years ago, the same pet food companies began to analyze their packaging to find a way to achieve new, more efficient proposals in terms of sustainability and circular economy.   But what are we talking about when we talk about the circular economy?   A circular economy is an integrative approach that seeks to minimize waste generation and maximize resources reuse, recycling, and regeneration.
In contrast to the linear 'use and dispose of' model, a circular economy encourages the creation of closed systems where products, materials, and resources are kept in circulation for as long as possible. It promotes a systemic change from the traditional model towards a more sustainable and regenerative one. The challenge, then, is not only focused in terms of sustainability but also on finding the most practical, functional, and attractive packaging for each product that hits the market.   The current situation in the pet food industry   Our industry has witnessed significant growth in recent decades, which has consequently led to an increase in the production of plastic packaging. These offer durability lightness, and practicality but also contribute substantially to environmental pollution and waste accumulation.
This market, like any other, generates waste and pollution on a daily basis, so trying to reduce it by working on one of the aspects with the greatest negative impact, the use of plastics in packaging, seems to be the most efficient option in the short and long term. Often, there is a disconnection between what happens to a package at the beginning of its useful life when it is designed, and what happens at the end of its life. Currently, gaps of 5 and up to 10 years can be found between the environmental recovery situation for which a container is designed and what really happens with it when it goes on the market. Considering the present context, not only of our industry but of the planet in general, it is undeniable to recognize that packaging plays an essential role in the food supply, protecting and maintaining the products from processing and manufacturing to distribution, handling, and storage to reach the final consumer.
Without efficient packaging, food distribution would be completely incompetent and, therefore, much more expensive. The functions of a food package, both human and pet eats, can be described as protection and containment, preservation, information, convenience, and service. These are, directly or indirectly, essential for physical, chemical, and microbiological food safety. In pet food, the requirements for a packaging system intended for a fresh, frozen, dehydrated, thermal, or aseptic processed product, in terms of barriers to oxygen, humidity, light, and so on, are all different. Reviewing the international situation, it is possible and clear to identify the efforts different companies and organizations are already making to find alternatives to a problem that will only increase, such as: Scientists at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) have developed an edible, transparent, and biodegradable material with considerable potential for application in food packaging. The team is studying bacterial cellulose, an organic compound derived from certain types of bacteria that appears to be a sustainable, readily available, and non-toxic alternative to plastics. Analyzing the waste generated by plastic pet food containers, Dow, a leader in materials science, Nestlé Purina, a leader in the safe food market for animals, and the Avina Foundation, a civil society organization focused on addressing the social challenges in Latin America, created the Pegada Limpa project. The proposal is to encourage the creation of a recycling chain for pet food containers, promoting the conversion of 300 tons of circular plastic and positively impacting the income of approximately 5,000 collectors in Brazil and Argentina. Other alternatives under development focus on biogas energy. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, modern biodegradable waste can skip eons and go directly to energy production via landfill gas recovery systems. Gas from decaying organic matter can be captured and burned. Like natural gas, biogas contains mainly methane and carbon dioxide, both greenhouse gases if they escape into the atmosphere. However, when they are held trapped in a properly constructed landfill, that biogas can be used to generate electricity. In this case, the bioplastic waste of one person in the industry could serve as electricity for others.
  What to focus on?   Active development of sustainable alternatives to traditional pet food packaging materials, such as biodegradable and compostable materials, edibles, and smart packaging technologies. By adopting these revolutionary options, the pet food industry can significantly reduce its environmental footprint. Improving waste collection, classification, and recycling to minimize environmental impact. Seeking collaboration between involved parties. Governments, pet food manufacturers, packaging suppliers, and consumers must work together to create a sustainable ecosystem. Promoting sustainable change along with consumer education. We must encourage pet owners to make informed decisions and opt for sustainable packaging solutions to raise awareness of the benefits and environmental impact. Asking governments for measures that facilitate the transition towards a circular economy in the pet food packaging industry, with, for example, mandatory recycling programs or ecodesign requirements.
  Pet food packaging: pursuing a more circular economy for our industry   It is well known that industries need to be increasingly aware of the impact on the environment and the well-use of resources. And, even though it is true that society has evolved towards a way of consumption that can be considered unbalanced and disproportionate with very harmful materials to the environment, awareness is also needed about the importance of generating and promoting change.
Material suppliers and packaging producers, the recycling industry, food companies, the waste management sector, the public sector, and consumers are all collectively and individually responsible for environmental impact success. Today, the circular economy presents a revolutionary opportunity for the pet food packaging industry to address the waste problem. By embracing sustainable packaging innovations, improving waste management practices, fostering collaboration, and educating consumers, we can create a more sustainable future for our industry.   By All Pet Food Source: All Pet Food Magazine

08/01/2024

How do we create a circular food industry?

By María Candelaria Carbajo

Focused on the pet food industry, this production model aims to minimize food waste as much as possible by maximizing the use of co-products, such as feeding livestock. Today it is already known that the optimal use of ecological remains requires animals that consume them with bodies capable of converting said remains into new food of animal origin. The proposal underlying the initiatives is to stop seeing certain by-products, such as meat ones, as 'waste' and begin to perceive them as a source of food or nutrients for certain animals or stages of a food production chain. But what else can be done to minimize food waste and promote fully circular global food systems? Industry experts say it is about optimizing both information and supply chains. Various organizations are researching how to turn food waste into animal feed, as 14.7 million tons could be safely used for animal feed instead of going to landfills only in the United States. In the case of pigs, for instance, they have a large stomach, which allows them to turn food by-products and waste into meat, while ruminants can turn grasslands into milk and meat. On the other hand, poultry is possible by-product converters in meat and eggs, but they require a high-quality intake to achieve it. Many environmentalists also see potential benefits in a circular food system that recycles potential waste products through livestock production. For its part, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) estimates that more than 13% of world food production loses between the production and wholesale stages of the supply chain, with an additional 17% wasted in the final sale instance to the final consumer. Additionally, food loss and waste contribute between 8% and 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. 'We need to work on recovering resources for circular food production.' 'We need to work on recovering resources for circular food production.'    Booming Trends   Some aspects of circular feeding could be seen as in full swing, such as the rise of interest in insects as a source of protein, algae, and even single-celled organisms to recover an even higher percentage of nutrients from produce that might, otherwise, be lost. The truth is that, in general terms, a great openness is easily perceived on the part of livestock producers and breeders in general, who tend to be predisposed to adopt any safe, effective, and affordable ingredient. Therefore, increasing the adoption of circular feeding systems depends, to a large extent, on factors such as accessibility. However, nutrient recovery is not new in animal feed. Recycling waste from food processing and other industries to create feed ingredients is critical, and repurposed feed, which would otherwise be inedible to humans, provides a cost-effective alternative to traditional, resource-intensive raw materials. Working in circularity directly impacts on: People Currently, less than 2% of valuable nutrients are recycled in food by-products and waste. By reusing them as fertilizer, animal feed, or raw materials for textiles and plastics, we can spur innovation, open new ways for business, and reduce environmental damage. This shift towards resource utilization presents immense opportunities for sustainability, employment, and economic prosperity. Nature We need to redirect the industry toward regenerative food production. For that, we should re-evaluate what and how we grow. Currently, more than 75% of food derives from only 12 plant and five animal species due to agricultural industrialization. Failure to address this problem will have profound consequences both for human and planet health.
By diversifying farming systems and ensuring a symbiotic relationship with nature, we can mitigate these risks and foster a more sustainable and resilient future. Weather Minimizing food loss and waste is crucial. At all stages, from field to table, much food is discarded nowadays. If food waste were a country, it would rank as the third largest emitter of greenhouse gases worldwide! By addressing this issue, we can make significant progress in mitigating climate change and creating a more sustainable future. It is about placing more and more emphasis on circularity in food systems to minimize waste and create a closedloop model where all resources are used efficiently and sustainably. In this paradigm, waste from one stage of the food supply chain would be reused as a resource for another, creating a continuous cycle of use and reuse. 'Unleashing the potential of commonly wasted resources is essential and urgent.'   Will we be able to create a circular economy for our industry?   The waste generated by society will decrease in response to climate change and food insecurity. For that, we need to start considering new alternatives. Today, the pet food industry already belongs to a circular economy in which some leftovers from the human food industry are used. That is an efficient way of using the planet's resources. But more education is needed to highlight these efforts and improve circularity connections. If we work for it, future generations will count on an efficient and responsible animal agriculture industry concerning the environment and its resources.   By All Pet Food Magazine.

18/12/2023

Alternative pet food, gaining ground in pursuit of a circular economy

By María Candelaria Carbajo

Why consider insects as a possible protein source for pets? Insect-based pet food uses, as the name suggests, insects as the primary source of protein, rather than beef, poultry, or fish. Global human population growth is projected to reach 10 billion people by 2050. In turn, pet ownership is also increasing, with a current estimation of more than 1 billion pets worldwide. Consequently, there is a rapidly increasing global demand for protein as a nutrient source. In addition, due to pet humanization, there is some concern about the direct competition between food production for both living beings. Today, food consumption by the world population of dogs and cats represents about a quarter of the environmental impact of production. In fact, in 2020, a study found that global greenhouse gas emissions from pet food were equal to those of the 60th highest-emitting country in the world. Knowing these numbers, it is imperative to prioritize both global food security and environmental impacts related to food production and consumption. Insect-based protein is presented as a great sustainable alternative with high nutritional quality to develop in the pet food sector. Some of the most used insects currently in this type of proposal are black soldier fly larvae, crickets, and mealworms. These insects are rich in protein, healthy fats, and essential minerals, making them an excellent source of pet nutrition. Most pet food brands are developing this type of pet food focused on dry dog ​​food, followed by the wet food sector, also for dogs. The insect-based alternatives present for cats are considerably fewer.   Advantages of insect-based pet food production Some of the reasons insects are increasingly being incorporated into new pet food recipes and formulations have to do with the nature of their primary production: Insects have a very high feed conversion efficiency and can be raised in organic side-streams, as plant by-products of human food production systems, thus recycling low-value food waste into high-value protein and fat. They require significantly less water and produce fewer carbon dioxide and ammonia emissions, compared to traditional protein sources. They need much less physical space. For example, commercial insect-rearing facilities using vertically integrated farming techniques can produce 1 ton of insect larvae every two weeks on 20 square meters of land. In addition, insects, depending on their species, can be a great source of essential nutrients, including amino acids, fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins.   Current consumers' perception One key factor to inserting this type of protein into the market, in addition to scientific research and development, is nothing more and nothing less than communication and marketing. Good advertising campaigns and awareness about the benefits of insects as a protein source can be great drivers of market growth in the short and medium term. As these shares increase, the perception by pet owners is expected to improve, and this, in turn, will fuel the sector's growth. In fact, in a recent study, more than 50% of pet owners who participated stated that they were willing to feed their dogs this type of food, while, in another, more than 90% of the participants expressed a positive opinion about it.   A possible future, based on insects? Today, we know that insect-based pet foods offer numerous environmental benefits compared to traditional meat-based options. Like any relatively new proposal, it needs more scientific evidence to back it up, and this depends not only on governments but also on the institutions themselves. To achieve this, it is essential to foster partnerships and active communication with veterinarians and professionals, both for new studies and to find new ways to improve consumer perception to promote insect-based pet foods. Some insect species can provide rich sources of highly digestible amino acids, fats, and minerals for pet nutrition. Its sustainability benefits, at levels of commercial insect crops compared to traditional livestock farming, are already demonstrated and constitute an interesting development area worldwide, which could even be transferred to human food. Adopting systematic marketing, producing more scientific evidence, and informing the consumer are 3 essential keys that, if used consciously, will increase the time it takes to market for successful adoption of these foods.   Source: All Pet Food Magazine

13/12/2023

Small actions also contribute to a circular economy

By Armando Enriquez de la Fuente Blanquet

The circular economy is a production and consumption model that involves sharing, renting, reusing, repairing, renewing, and recycling existing materials and products for as long as possible. It aims to address global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, waste management, and pollution. It is defined in contrast to the traditional linear economy. It is a strategy that aims to reduce both the entry of virgin materials and waste production, closing resourcing economic and ecological flows. The analysis of physical resource flows comes from the industrial ecology school of thought, in which material flows are of two types: biological nutrients, designed to be reintroduced into the biosphere without technical incidents, and nutrients, which are designed to circulate with high quality in the production system but do not return to the biosphere. Currently, in the pet food market, there is a wide variety of pet food seeking to meet nutritional needs. We see on the store shelves food for young, adult, old, sporting, sedentary, large, or small breed animals, and the like. This variety of foods supports a circular economy, as they provide a precise nutrient supply without excess. There is no waste of nutrients on the part of the pet. Pet food production has different stages: Raw material selection. Feed formulation. Food Manufacturing. Handling of finished food. Many of these production stages are already part of a circular economy. Let's reflect on the food formula. The objective of formulating a balanced pet food, or 'pet food,' is, first of all, to meet the nutritional requirements of dogs or cats. Nutrition is not in conflict with the circular economy, and it is possible to contribute through pet diets in different ways. Pet food has been using by-products and secondary products from the food industry processing for a long time and is always looking for new windows of opportunity. Let's talk, for example, about the sources of fatty acids, particularly omega-3. There are sources of both animal and plant origin, for instance, flaxseed is an excellent source of omega-3 (C:18:3), and this metabolite must be converted into DHA (C22:6) to meet the needs, but unfortunately, the dog or cat is inefficient in this process. Due to the above, it is common for pet food manufacturers to resort to other sources rich in omega 3-DHA to be added directly to the food, and the traditional sources are of marine origin, the so-called oily fish. This source of DHA can be a fish meal or fish extraction, but this requires large-scale ocean fishing and, therefore, makes it an unclean, inconsistent, and unsustainable source. It does not contribute as a circular economy resource. However, there are other sources of DHA based on seaweed as an alternative that are manufactured industrially without compromising the flora and fauna of the oceans and, in addition, are more consistent and sustainable. This source can contribute to a pet food strategy committed to the circular economy. In my previous article, 'How do you design a feed formula', I talked about the importance of raw material selection in the design of a premix. This contains nutrients that are added in very small quantities to the total diet of the food, and speaking of raw materials of the premix, there are different sources of trace minerals. Some of them, due to their high bioavailability, become an alternative to contribute to the circular economy. For example, as seen in Table 1, organic, or hydroxy, sources of trace minerals have greater bioavailability of the nutrient in question, for example, zinc from a hydroxy-zinc source can be twice as bioavailable as a zinc oxide source (217.9%). That is to say, if we use a hydroxyzine source, a smaller amount of the raw material will be required to cover the zinc requirement than if a zinc oxide source were used. Table 1. RBV: Relative Bioavailability Value of a Hydroxy-mineral vs. an Inorganic or organic one.   On the other hand, a hydroxy source also has an environmental impact, as seen in Graph 1. An inorganic source of Cu produces a greater number of metals in salts soluble in aqueous media, which makes it a less environmentally friendly mineral source. Small contributions help pet food contribute to a circular economy. Although a trace mineral is at levels of parts per million (ppm) within the balanced feed, and at this level of inclusion, it would seem insignificant, in the end, it is adding to the efforts of a circular economy.   Graph 1. Leachable copper level with different copper sources   Finally, the production and management of balanced feed must have a plan of good manufacturing practices to minimize waste, operating costs, and capital investments. The circular economy is a strategy for sustainability that seeks to reduce the consumption of natural resources and the production of waste, closing material flows. The circular economy has economic, social, and environmental benefits.   Source: All Pet Food Magazine

15/11/2023

Plant-Based Omega-3 Vs. Marine Omega-3 - The Nutritional Differences

However, it is equally important to understand that not all omega-3s are the same. To determine the most beneficial omega-3 source for pets, it's first important to know the differences between plant-based and marine omega-3s. So, let's explore these differences and discover which source is best for our furry friends.   The two most important omega-3 sources To begin with, it is important to understand the fact that omega-3 fatty acids predominantly come from two sources - marine organisms like krill, which are rich in EPA and DHA, and plant sources such as flaxseed, which are rich in ALA.   Plant-based omega-3: A closer look Plant-based sources like flaxseed, walnuts, rapeseed, and chia seeds, contain omega-3 fatty acids in the form of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).  For ALA to benefit a pet's health, it must go through a series of complex metabolic reactions to convert into EPA and DHA which are anti-inflammatory. Unfortunately, this conversion process is naturally inefficient in dogs and cats.   Marine omega-3: The superior choice? Marine omega-3s, such as those derived from fish, whales, seals, and algae are usually in the form of triglyceride-based EPA and DHA. Krill, however, is a remarkable marine ingredient that is rich in phospholipid-based EPA and DHA. Known as the "molecules of life", phospholipids play a crucial role as natural, integral parts of all human and animal cells. These phospholipids make it easy for pets to absorb and integrate the omega-3s from krill into their vital organs, where they maintain the strength, flexibility, and integrity of the body cells.   The seven vital organs that marine omega-3s can have a positive effect on   The health advantages of marine omega-3s Marine omega-3s offer many health benefits, including: Skin and coat health: Omega-3s can enhance skin hydration and reduce inflammatory reactions, and alter lipid composition in skin and fur cells. Cardiovascular health: EPA/DHA modifies blood TG, HDL cholesterol, plaque development, heart rate, and heart muscle functions to reduce cardiovascular risks. Cognitive and visual development: DHA is vital for brain and eye development by being an important building block for the eye, cognitive and behavioral function. EPA and DHA are vital for reducing inflammation in brain tissue and diminishing the amount of neuronal loss in aging. Liver functionality: Omega-3s aid in lipid breakdown to prevent fatty liver, enhance insulin sensitivity, and have anti-inflammatory effects in the liver. Kidney support: EPA and DHA promote healthy kidney function by inhibiting inflammation and reducing blood pressure. EPA reduces the production of omega-6-derived pro-inflammatory signaling molecules. Joint health: Omega-3s reduce mobility issues and joint pain by inhibiting inflammation. EPA and DHA also reduce pro-inflammatory signaling molecules and occupy the same enzymes that painkillers (NSAIDs) block to give pain relief.   Recent research insights Recent research, including a study by Aker BioMarine on Alaskan Huskies, has shown the superior efficacy of marine-based omega-3s over plant-based sources in raising the omega-3 index, a measure of EPA and DHA levels in red blood cell membranes. More than this, a new study conducted by the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and Aker BioMarine wanted to determine what is the most effective source of omega-3 for pets. The research involved 45 Alaskan Husky sled dogs over four weeks and tested three different omega-3 sources: krill meal, fish meal, and flaxseed, each at similar inclusion levels in the Huskies' diet. The findings were clear: krill meal significantly outperformed the other sources, even at a lower inclusion level of 3%, raising the omega-3 levels in the dogs from 1.3% to an average of 2.4%. Fish meal followed, increasing the levels from 1.3% to 1.9%, while flaxseed showed no significant impact.  Scientist Hanna Lindqvist concluded that the type of omega-3 added to pet diets does matter, and krill meal proved to be a more powerful ingredient, even in smaller quantities, demonstrating its potential to enhance the health benefits of omega-3 in pets. "The type of omega-3 added to pet diets does matter, and the phospholipid omega-3 in krill appears to be more effective than triglyceride omega-3 from fish or alpha-linolenic acid from flaxseed."   Krill: A source for many other nutrients Not only is krill a great source of marine omega-3s, but it's also a great source of other essential nutrients, including marine proteins, choline, and astaxanthin. Moreover, Antarctic krill stands out as one of the most sustainable sources of marine omega-3s globally. Its sustainability factor adds to its appeal, making it an excellent choice for pet owners who prioritize both the health of their furry friends and the well-being of our planet.   By: Qrill PET

08/11/2023

Procens, the company that produces 100% natural insects’ protein flour and oil, through a circular economy model

The key to success? The development of bioplants for breeding black soldier fly larvae to convert food waste into quality protein for animal feed and biofertilizer for soil regeneration through a 100% natural and sustainable process. Recently, they sealed their alliance with VitalCan, a leading company in the sector, to develop innovative products based on natural insect ingredients. They also signed an agreement with a firm from Balcarce to convert their potato waste, peels, and defective fries, into an organic amendment to incorporate into potato crops.   Towards a circular economy in the pet food industry     Procens creates solutions for a market segment seeking new sources of healthy and sustainable insect-based proteins In the current context where sustainability is increasingly important, both for producers and consumers, collaborations such as the one achieved with VitalCan are a great step forward so that companies already established in the market can begin to offer balanced feed based on insect proteins in some of their products. Thus, this sustainable production model development in the industry remains at the center of the intentions, seeking to promote a circular economy that transforms food waste into high-quality protein for animal feed and organic amendment for crops. With its products, Procens makes it clear once again that, from the union of innovation, collaboration, and a clear purpose, initiatives can be generated to achieve systemic change and a regenerative economy. The company demonstrates how by-products can be transformed into new resources with high added value through local development, reducing the environmental footprint and benefiting society as a whole through the collaboration of an entire ecosystem. So, how does this process work to transform food waste into protein flour and insect oil?   Insect transformation plant The first step, as stated by Julien Laurencon, one of the founders of the project, is to recover food waste from potatoes, fruits, and vegetables for example. These are finely grinded and mixed, which allows them to obtain a balanced substrate to feed the larvae and ensure their optimal development. We achieve this without adding any chemicals or antibiotics, only with a natural fermentation process in which efficient microorganisms intervene. On the other hand, there is the breeding of flies (adults) in captivity and under controlled conditions. Flies live an average of ten days. This endemic fly, the Black soldier, (Hermetia Illucens) does not feed in its adult stage, so it does not carry contamination, and its only purpose is to mate and lay eggs. 'We give them ideal conditions, with 30 degrees of constant temperature, more than 70% humidity, and 12 hours of light and 12 of darkness so that they can reproduce. They lay eggs in a place adapted for this purpose, which are harvested daily to be hatched, recovering what is called a neonate, a newly hatched larva, tremendously efficient to biodegrade food waste. With our technological development, they reach maturity in only 12 days multiplying their weight by ten thousand, eating the substrate that we prepare from the mix of food waste.' This leads, then, to the biodegradation process: the larva eats and defecates the matter processed through its digestive system while accumulating protein and fat in its body to prepare for its pupation cycle to transform into fly. 5% of the eggs are recovered to maintain what we call the breeding stock (the colony of flies to continue having eggs, larvae, and flies); The remaining 95% goes to this growth process to finally harvest the larvae once they reach maturity. On the one hand, the biodegraded matter will be processed to become an organic amendment for soil regeneration (like a biofertilizer) that will allow reducing the use of chemical fertilizers while improving the biology of the soil and allowing carbon sequestration. On the other hand, the larvae are an excellent source of protein and fat. Fat is extracted through a centrifugation process. The product obtained is an oil of similar quality to coconut oil. The leftover dough is an expeller that is dried and ground to get a 58% protein flour used for animal feed.   - 58% easily digestible animal protein - 100% natural product: without antibiotics or genetically modified organisms (GMO) - High palatability - Hypoallergenic property - Alternative for animals with food sensitivities - Antioxidant potential   - 41% lauric acid, modulator of intestinal flora - 100% natural product: without antibiotics or genetically modified organisms (GMO) - High palatability - Has antimicrobial activity At Procens, for every 1,000 kilos of waste with which they feed the larvae, they achieve 150 kilos of fresh larvae that will become 50 kilos of protein flour and about 16 kilos of oil and generate 140 kilos of organic amendment.   Procens, a company that works to help transition to a more sustainable animal feed industry At this first stage, its products are aimed at pet food and fish, but in the future, it will also be found for pigs and chickens (in the early stages of breeding). Without a doubt, the company, which has just raised its evaluation to certify as a B Corp with a score of 106pts, well above that requested, is making a lot of progress on the Latin American continent to be able to promote a circular economy model where the current production does not negatively impact future capacities and is on the way to fulfilling its purpose of preserving, fostering and regenerating life on earth. For more information, visit their website.   Source: All Pet Food Magazine

02/08/2023

Ancient, ancestral grains: myth or superfoods?

By María Candelaria Carbajo

Ancient, ancestral grains When we talk about ancient grains, we talk about millet, quinoa, spelt, amaranth, and teff, to name just a few. This term refers as they have been found in many geographies and cultures and because they have suffered minimal alterations over a very extended period of time. When used for pet food production, these types of grains go through minor processing stages.   Scientific evidence A lack of knowledge can lead us to think these ancient grains are new to the pet industry, but nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, there are scientific studies that prove some of its characteristics and advantages. Pezzali and Aldrich (2019) evaluated the digestibility of a cereal-free food containing potato, pea, and tapioca starch versus another containing ancient cereals, such as spelt, millet, and sorghum. They found no differences in digestibility. Scientists at the University of Illinois say ancient grains are a prime example of an increasingly popular trend in human and, consequently, pet food. For their study, 10 adult female Beagles ate, for 10 days, 1 of 5 dog food formulas, which included up to 40% rice or 1 of 4 ancient grains: amaranth, white proso millet, quinoa, or grits. By analyzing their droppings and blood data, they discovered that when carbohydrates are used as the main source (up to 40%) in extruded foods for adult dogs, ancestral grains are well accepted, with no detrimental effects on stool quality or macronutrient digestibility. Furthermore, oats and amaranth inclusion were especially beneficial in changing the fermentative end products indicating a butyrogenic effect. Although oats did not have a significant impact on postprandial glycemic or insulinemic responses in healthy dogs in this study, it can be inferred that they may benefit obese, insulin-resistant, or diabetic dogs.   Ancient grains benefits Each grain offers its own characteristics and advantages. In these cases, since they have not been refined, like white rice or other grains, the nutrients remain, whereas when the grains are refined, they lose vitamins, minerals, fiber, and much of their nutritional value during the milling process. Digestibility Ancient grains provide prebiotics and fiber. They are especially used for dogs with food sensitivities or obesity problems. They are easy to digest and can help maintain a healthy weight. Nutritional quality The nutritional quality of food is essential to have healthy pets. Ancient grains are very high in nutrients such as fiber, protein, omega-3, omega-6, B vitamins, zinc, and magnesium, and boost the immune system and thyroid function. For example, the proteins and vitamins found in quinoa help promote good muscle health, boost metabolism, and improve brain health. Millet and sorghum, meanwhile, are perfect for gluten-free diets, as they are rich in antioxidants and help fight inflammation in older dogs or those with chronic inflammation problems. Lightly processed ingredients Most superfoods for dogs are made from ancient grains. This is due, in part, to the way they are processed. Reduced absorption rate Ancient grains are less of a burden on the digestive tract because they are easier to digest and break down, preventing potential blood sugar spikes and digestive problems from slower absorption. Healthy ingredients These types of grains are not selectively bred nor have they been modified over time, which is why they are considered more natural and healthy.   From myth to reality with scientific studies The lack of knowledge about these ingredients arises from comparing ancestors' diets to today's pets. If we look at the diet of a wolf or wild cat, we do not see them eat grains directly, but these are found in what their prey has eaten, and they are what their bodies need as evolved species. Today, we know that the advantages of ancestral cereals are multiple, from providing a more dense nutrient profile and less processed varieties to presenting the least allergenic potential. All these details position ancient grains as premium and a trend in pet food. Therefore, we need to listen to our audiences to design formulas that meet their needs and those of their pets while driving the most detailed research to fully understand the power and impact of these ingredients.   Source: All Pet Food Magazine

15/06/2023

Clean labels: the bridge to a more transparent industry

By María Candelaria Carbajo

In recent years, consumers have become much more conscious about the care of their pets and, consequently, about the products they offer for their nutrition. The industry, then, has to ensure its products are of good quality and made with ingredients that people easily accept when reading the labels.   What are we talking about when we talk about clean labels? When pet owners read, a few years ago, the ingredients on the pet food labels they chose, they used to find, for the most part, complex terms that made them lose confidence about the quality of said food for their pets. Today, with this trend, we are facing a slow and progressive change, which jeopardizes what has been sustained up to now and requires the industry to offer new alternatives. Thus, the clean-label trend arises to calm people's fear of harmful chemical equations, incomprehensible terms, and complex compositions.   It's all about perception One of the most significant challenges facing this trend is that there is no single perception of what clean-label food really is. While we all understand that it would be a transparent and easy-to-understand label, for some consumers it may mean short and simple recipes with few synthetic vitamins, preservatives, and other artificial ingredients. For others, it may be discovering a product made from 100% natural ingredients with no artificial preservatives, non-grain carbohydrate sources, non-GMO ingredients, natural colors and flavors, limited ingredient diets, by-product-free protein sources, vegan ingredients, or locally sourced, for example. According to reports from the International Food Information Council (IFIC), almost 2 out of 3 participants believe ingredients influence their purchasing decisions. Meanwhile, according to a BIS Research study, the global market for clean-label ingredients was valued at $19.77 billion in 2020, and it's expected to reach $32.08 billion by 2026. With these predictions, it is clear that clean-label ingredients are the food industry's alternative to the growing consumer demand for consumables without questionable ingredients.   The importance of clean labels (and their ingredients) The transparency of the ingredients and their description on the labels lies in openly sharing the sources of the substances used in food and the practices followed to obtain them. Today's consumers know they have the right to know all the information they want about food ingredients. The plain consequence of this market demand is a late increase in sales of organic products and a decrease in processed foods or foods with artificial additives. This, in turn, is reflected in 'free from' style labels or stamps on product packaging that have had to be reformulated to come as close to natural as possible, avoiding adulterated or artificial ingredients as much as possible. In this sense, new technologies and food science are playing a significant role in helping manufacturers innovate their solutions to go to market with more transparent products and labels.   Clean-label challenges Inevitably, to ensure clean label ingredients maintain and expand their reach, flavor, and product developers began paying more attention to nutritional profiles.   Leaving the known behind Some formulas will be easier to modify and adjust than others. Transforming a current product may require various adjustments and validation processes, since changing preservatives is not the same as eliminating, for example, a main source of protein or carbohydrates. In many cases, what begins as a small modification ends in a product requalification and almost a total redesign. For other ingredient categories, such as colorants, the alternatives may be limited. However, we already find companies working on finding solutions to this challenge. Color additive suppliers are already developing natural alternatives to currently certified pigments, such as caramel colorants which, while perfectly compliant with the clean-label category, only achieve a certain level of darkness.   Naming what is needed Another industry challenge is related to the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients necessary for a complete and balanced pet diet. Most owners prefer ingredients they recognize and can pronounce, which is why the most difficult ingredients to tackle are vitamins and minerals, but the truth is that pets require them, as well as specific bioavailable fatty acids and amino acids for a complete and healthy diet. In this regard, the AAFCO requires that supplemental vitamins and minerals are included in the packages with the approved names, and although some may be difficult to recognize, perhaps the best option, in this case, is to educate people on their importance. On the other hand, we can mention the difficulty that arises when it comes to achieving a clean label on wet foods since these usually contain guar, cassia, or xanthan hydrocolloids, carrageenan, or carob, profitable alternatives to achieve the proper viscosity in these foods. However, with the increase in demand for natural and recognizable ingredients in packaging, more and more manufacturers are looking to replace these gums with clean-label ingredients, such as rice starch.   Challenge accepted: clean and transparent labels (and products) Reformulating a pet food product to meet clean-label criteria can take considerable time to have it validated and ready for launching to the market. New ingredient qualification, establishing long-term viable material supply chains, and quality control validation of the final product design are some of the critical steps that affect the redesign process. The positive thing about this request for ingredients that satisfy the demanding preferences of new pet owners is that it has allowed industry suppliers to innovate and work to offer healthier and more transparent solutions.   Source: All Pet Food Magazine

18/05/2023

Vertical farming: a possible solution to the challenges of the food industry

By María Candelaria Carbajo

Is vertical farming the answer to industry challenges?   We know that costs, raw materials availability, land and water use, greenhouse gas emissions, and weather-related contingencies are only some of the challenges facing a growing food industry. It seems that vertical farming can help solve, or at least alleviate, some of these challenges. Vertical farming is a revolutionary approach that proposes growing crops in vertically stacked layers to make efficient use of space and create closed-loop ecosystems. It usually works climate-independent, with controlled-environment agriculture, which optimizes crop growth, and even, in many cases, uses soilless cultivation techniques. Most commonly deployed to grow crops, such as leafy greens and herbs for human consumption, there are also companies that have already started using them for livestock feed crops. Currently, the vertical farming market is expected to reach $24.11 billion by 2030.   Vertical agriculture, a path full of possibilities Climate change is destroying or seriously affecting dozens of ecosystems around the world, which affects land for cultivation. Short growing seasons also affect the ability to produce enough food for populations internationally. That is why having the ability to grow food indoors and avoiding the unpredictability that comes with outdoor cultivation could prove to be the most rewarding solution for the industry. Vertical farming is presented as an alternative that solves problems such as irrigation restrictions, land limitations, low forage years, access to quality feed, inflation, and rising and unpredictable input costs. Its great advantages lie in that it uses less water and land for production, can reduce methane emissions, combat deforestation, use fewer fossil fuels, generate less food waste, and even alleviate some interruptions in the supply chain. Therefore, that's why it's considered one of the most viable forms of sustainable production and supply. Another notable benefit is its ease of implementation since it can be installed where it is most needed.   Addressing the problem from the grassroots We can highlight that vertical farming, by allowing local growth, can make producers need less labor for growth and harvesting. They will be able to control pests and diseases better and scale their production to achieve sustained quantities throughout all annual seasons. Instead of focusing on producing a product directly for human consumption, this alternative addresses an important problem from its bases: livestock feed and nutrition, produced in a sustainable manner.   Automation, at the center, once again Automation will play a fundamental role in vertical farming management. With networks of sensors connected to a digital control panel to monitor all crop parameters, not only is labor reduced but the raw ingredients are improved. Furthermore, with artificial intelligence, health, and growth rate can be optimized, and diseases or mold can be predetermined, for example. Even the harvesting process can be automated so that, with the push of a button, the crop can be cut and transported.   Resilience: new paths for the industry Vertical farming seems a great alternative to address labor shortages and sustainability concerns. It allows out-of-season food growth and supplement crops during the growing season. If implemented correctly and at scale, it can have a major impact on regional food security, gas emission reduction, and global food transport. The positive thing about this type of agriculture is that it is not tied to the externalities of climate change. And that, in a world beset by the climate crisis, makes it a promising food production method.   Source: All Pet Food Magazine

08/05/2023

Elaboration of pet food with 3D printing: myth or possibility?

By María Candelaria Carbajo

Let's get to know a little more about this technology that, it seems, is coming to settle, little by little, in the food market.   Potential of pet snacks created with 3D printing 3D printers often serve as rapid prototyping and production devices. And, with the correct raw materials, some of those print creations can be consumed. As of today, most of these 3D-printed consumables are intended for humans, but the first experiments for animal food have already taken place since the technologies and ingredients for the production of pet food and meeting its requirements.   3D printing features Also known as solid free-form manufacturing or additive manufacturing, 3D printing has a wide range of applications in different areas, such as biotechnology and design science, mechanical and biomedical engineering, aeronautical science, the pharmaceutical industry, and of course, the food industry. Impression materials Food materials used for extrusion-based 3D printing can be broadly categorized into natively printable materials, such as chocolate and cheese, which have excellent printing properties and extrude smoothly during printing. Second, non-printable traditional food materials, such as vegetables, meat, eggs, fish, and fruits, are non-printable by nature and require pre-processing. Related research Various studies have focused on analyzing the properties of different food inks and 3D-printed constructions based on animal proteins such as beef, poultry, fish, eggs, shellfish, milk, cheese, and dairy ingredients. Some studies examine the development of special diets based on animal proteins and the possibility of 3D-printed products based on cultured meat. Currently, studies have already been carried out with raw materials such as: Beef Fish Milk and dairy products Egg Cheese   Study conclusions Research and studies carried out so far indicate that 3D food printing offers numerous possibilities for the development of customized structures and products based on animal proteins including, among others, extraordinary flexibility in geometries, textures and flavors, and personalized nutrition. On the other hand, this technology requires the reduction of the size of the meat particles and the dilution of the meaty and salty taste and, in general, this is expected to reduce the value of premium meat products. Precisely for this reason, it is considered a great option for the use of harder and lower-value cuts and trimmings.   The three-dimensional printing of consumables, until recently, was a utopia Products made with 3D printing hold great potential for the pet food sector, even becoming an important marketing tool to attract new potential consumers, especially young people. Among the various forms, 3D printing is, by far, the most impressive emerging technology available to the food industry for preparing complexly shaped, personalized foods. In addition, it provides extraordinary flexibility in geometries, textures, and flavors, and is already attracting the attention of most companies in the sector. However, although the future looks very promising, the truth is that pet food production with 3D printing is still in an experimental stage and, of course, will require further research and significant improvements before becoming a commercial reality.   Source: All Pet Food Magazine

04/05/2023

How can technology improve supply chain challenges?

By María Candelaria Carbajo

In context Two years ago, the chaos caused by the pandemic revealed the downside of common practices like just-in-time manufacturing and inventory control, inevitably causing many companies to revise their operating strategies. But, the truth is that, if we analyze objectively, most of these problems existed before March 2020. But what is the main cause? What are the recovery forecasts? What are the current stressors? And most importantly, what can we do to address these challenges? To make things worse, in the pet food industry, countless headlines in recent times highlight the rise of pet ownership, the expansion of the sector, developments in production and packaging, and even remark that food exports are increasing, all aspects of a solid and growing sector… with a supply chain plagued with obstacles and difficulties. Among these articles, we find a few that speak to this B-side: complications with ingredient procurement, container and packaging sourcing, transportation management, and potential risks to the availability of meat and poultry products due to livestock diseases, for instance. It is due to several of these drawbacks that organizations are digitally transforming the way they manage their supply chains by implementing technologies such as Blockchain, artificial intelligence, machine learning, IoT, and augmented reality. The result will be a massive increase in automation as well as trust and transparency throughout the supply chain, with increased physical asset tracking capabilities and shared documentation globally. Advanced manufacturing and automation are already changing supply chains and will continue to reshape the workforce and supply cost management.   What will happen, then, with pet food supply chains? Once again, we can affirm that new technologies have the power to provide some answers and new paths to follow. First, let's see what the current challenges are: Transportation The bottlenecks stifling transportation are not new: they have only been exacerbated during the pandemic. Logistics-related challenges include coping with ever-larger ships and other forms of transportation, which means unloading more merchandise in tight spaces; the need for more modern cranes to operate at higher speeds, traffic congestion, lack of parking for truckers, and more obstacles. Raw material supply Supplies of animal matter are scarce. A recent pet food consumption report by the US Institute for Pet Food Education and Research indicates that beef and animal fats are the 4th and 5th largest category of animal ingredients in pet food by volume. What's happening is that, as fuel refiners add "renewable diesel" to their product mixes, they are using up stocks of the fats used to process biodiesel, including animal ones. The greater diversion of this raw material towards biofuels recently has pushed up the prices of all kinds of animal fats internationally. On the other hand, to these increased costs, we must add possible outbreaks of viruses or diseases that can further reduce the availability of ingredients of this type. As the last point, we cannot fail to highlight the warlike factor presented by the Ukraine war. Raw materials such as sunflower oil, white fish, cereals, and Russian fertilizers continue on the list of main affected in terms of availability, logistics, and distribution. Packaging disadvantages The problems that affect pet food manufacturers also affect manufacturers of packaging materials (and vice versa). Limited supplies of materials to create packaging or containers such as glass, cardboard, and aluminum and the scarcity of cargo containers to move them, for example, are a plus that delays and hinder the development of a fluid and efficient chain. The lack of materials is closely related to the energy crisis that has been taking place year after year in China, a major producer and exporter of these materials such as aluminum packaging, whose process requires magnesium, an element that requires a lot of energy to work. This need drives the government to reduce the manufacture of this type of packaging, which directly implies its availability.   New technologies at the service of the supply chain Digital printing In response to the problems with these materials necessary for the creation of packaging, digital printing appears: not only does it offer a much faster response time, but several companies that are implementing it can obtain all the necessary materials in their local industry (or, at least, at a national level). The B side of this packaging option is its limitation in terms of bag sizes that can be achieved today.   AI in control systems The current technology allows connecting people to almost anywhere in a production facility. If we use technology for communication, production teams will become more collaborative and effective, and operational and maintenance support areas will be able to reach multiple facilities. The companies at the forefront of technological innovation in the industry are already using high-performance graphics that highlight only the relevant information, as well as intelligent notifications based on the parameters of each machine.   Industry 4.0 Internet of Things (IoT) technology enables data conversion into actionable insights, Big Data analytics, and machine learning training to improve performance and adjust it at optimal times, as well as global access to data through cloud-based storage. Today's solutions deliver data at microsecond intervals and overlay machine learning to make small adjustments to the process that optimize production results as they go. This technological advance implies computing power, technical connectivity, and data integration improvements. For its part, data acquisition and integration with automated enterprise resource planning (ERP) and manufacturing execution systems (MES) improve efficiency and optimize processes.   Hyper-automation Hyper-automation is a framework that combines various technologies, such as legacy platforms and emerging technologies. It is being widely adopted in service-oriented and repetitive supply chains, such as the generation of compliance documents and the exchange of information through software applications.   Digital twin in the supply chain A digital twin in the digital supply chain (DSCT) digitally represents the physical supply chain. It emerges from all the crucial and relevant data in the supply chain (end to end) and becomes the basis of decision-making.   Edge Computing It's all about processing and analyzing data close to its collection point while matching IoT devices. This technology is especially needed during the demand for low-latency processing and real-time, automated decision-making.   Smart (more) warehouses Organizations are pushing for "smarter" warehouses by leveraging emerging technologies like IoT and RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) for better data transmission and avoiding blind spots.   We definitely can transform operating models with technological proposals Given the vulnerabilities in supply chains exposed during the pandemic, the logical progression would be to leverage digitalization with smart technologies. For this, companies must seek innovative technologies with the potential to disrupt and transform current operating supply chain models. Technological advancement will drive changes to the existing system for delivering products and services, and will revise the process of generating and sharing data across a more diverse set of functions. Undoubtedly, the future of supply chains and global trade, in general, will be completely transformed with the development of an increasingly digitized environment.   Source: All Pet Food Magazine

22/04/2023

World Mother Earth day

Climate change, human-induced changes in nature, as well as actions that disturb biodiversity, such as deforestation, intensive agricultural and livestock production, or the increasing of illegal trade in wildlife, may accelerate the rate of destruction of the planet. This Mother Earth Day is the first to be celebrated within the United Nations Decade for Ecosystem Restoration. Ecosystems support all forms of life on Earth. The health of our planet and its habitants directly depends on the ecosystems health. Restoring those that are damaged will help to end poverty, combat climate change, and prevent mass extinction. But we will only succeed if every person or corporation does their part. As we always mention, and more than ever on this World Mother Earth Day, from the pet food industry we remember that we need a change towards a more sustainable economy that works for people and the planet. That is why the companies in this industry, which does not stop growing, are committed to developing in harmony with nature, either by incorporating equipment that reuses non-renewable resources and minimizes environmental impact using sustainable packaging, certifying standards norms that guarantee their processes, etc.   United Nations International Days The existence of international days predates the creation of the Organization; however, they have been adopted by the United Nations as a powerful instrument to promote these issues. Each international day offers many participants the opportunity to organize activities related to the goal of the day. The organizations and offices of the United Nations, governments, civil society, the public and private sector, schools, universities and, in general, citizens, turn an international day into an opportunity for awareness activities. So as a media, we take the advantage of promoting these dates, highlight them and remind the pet food community that the growth of the industry must accompany these initiatives. Each one of us is important to achieve change! What do you think?   Source: All Pet Food

13/04/2023

NIRS, the solution to food quality analysis

By María Candelaria Carbajo

The NIRS technique, a possible path toward consistency The NIR technique measures the response of NIR light in a sample of the material and uses this information to determine the composition or other qualities. Thus, it's able to estimate the levels of nutrients in food products. Through mathematical models dedicated to the matrix to be measured, NIR devices are capable of delivering a concentration prediction of, as in this case, raw materials and finished products from the food industry. During the calibration process, prediction models are developed that characterize the relationship between the NIR spectra of a particular material and conditions such as moisture, oil, protein, and fiber, among others. This technology, near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, is a precise, non-destructive approach to sample analysis. Traditionally, it was carried out by scientists in the laboratory, but today we find portable devices on the market that bring this technique closer to different application spaces that, once a prediction model has been validated, can be used to obtain results from new material samples in seconds, saving time and money in laboratory analysis.   Advantages of NIR spectroscopy Affordable cost Since there are no consumables to buy once you have the device, there are also no costs associated with each measurement. You may only have to pay the annual subscription to the device system. Fast results This system has considerably reduced the time required for analysis. It is no longer necessary to wait for physical or chemical properties to change to obtain a result. We can know a material's composition at any time. Versatile and simple With the possibility of measuring multiple parameters, NIR technology becomes very versatile, being able to offer the most varied information with just one measurement. In addition, the analysis and interpretation of the results can be done easily and with minimal training. With careful instrument design, measurements can be made by non-experts in spectroscopy. NIR analysis and the availability of comprehensive calibrations are particularly useful in helping producers manage the wide variety of ingredients typically used in pet food production. Validated technique NIR spectroscopy has been validated and has long been used as a standard material analysis technique and as a decision-making tool in various industries. No need for chemicals The analysis can be performed without any reagent. There is no need to worry about the risks of hazardous materials when taking a measurement. No sample preparation In most cases, analysis with NIR technology is non-destructive. On the contrary, measurements are made without altering the matter or product. Product quality guaranteed Among the myriad uses of NIR analysis in the pet food plant, one example is fat and moisture control to obtain the correct bulk density and physical stability of final products, which is especially important to ensure that products remain intact when the bag is opened, but still have the proper texture and palatability. For its part, humidity levels are also critical to storage considerations.   NIRS in the pet food industry Near-infrared spectroscopy is used in the pet food industry for the rapid evaluation of various macronutrients and gross energy content. It is a fast and accurate method of predicting energy content in commercial extruded dog foods, and it's useful and reliable for the pet food industry when a sufficiently comprehensive calibration set is available. Feed producers often make several products with different recipes for a variety of animal species, and while having a global calibration simplifies the management and maintenance of that calibration, more specific techniques are often required to account for additional variations between products. On the other hand, the applications and the spectra can also change due to sampling differences, instrument aging, different presentations, and years of cultivation. To adapt to the new conditions, the calibrations must be modified, and that procedure should ideally be simple and effective.   An example of a portable spectrometer: Neo Spectra by Si-Ware Recently, at Cipal 2022, the event we organized for the meeting and exchange of knowledge of the pet food industry, we learned about the Neo Spectra portable spectrometer, a mobile device that offers accurate and reliable results from anywhere. This, like many other devices on the market, allows easy and accurate measurement of a wide variety of parameters in materials, both homogeneous and heterogeneous. But, in addition, the Neo Spectra proposal allows access, through mobile applications, to prediction models created by experts worldwide uploaded in the same cloud. Some of its features are: Comprehensive coverage Collect samples from one to 10 mm in diameter with a single scan Ergonomic and one-hand use High-memory capacity   Towards the real value of NIR technology Near-infrared spectroscopy is the most useful and reliable technology when a large enough calibration set is available. While the use of NIR has long been a standard part of operations, new versatile portable devices are now allowing the value of this technology to be further exploited, making it available to everyone, from anywhere, instantly, quickly, and accurately.   Source: All Pet Food Magazine

22/03/2023

World Water Day

This day is celebrated under the motto 'Groundwater: Making the invisible resource visible', by the UNESCO, the leader agency of the ONU. In 2015, the world committed to 6. ° Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) as part of the 2030 Agenda: the promise that everyone would have safely managed water and sanitation. This year the celebration of this world day coincides with the start of the ONU Water Conference 2023 (March 22-24, New York). This will be a unique opportunity to seek solutions to the current crisis. Billions of people and countless schools, businesses, health centres, farms and factories are restricted because their human rights to access water and sanitation have not yet been fulfilled. Today, we are very far from achieving it. For this reason, from the pet food industry we understand the seriousness of the problem and we assume the responsibility of taking care of this non-renewable natural good, as a form of constant valuation of a resource that allows us to produce food, improve the quality of life of pets and thus see a booming industry grow. We are aware that we have at our fingertips a resource that even today is not available to the entire world population. And we are also convinced that there are rapid and transformative measures, among which the individual action of each one of us can be included. That is why today, we tell you about the interesting Non-Thermal Plasma Technology - NTP of the Aerox Injector, which contributes to the care of two resources: air and water. Currently, the emission of odours into the atmosphere by industrial processes is also worrisome and is being increasingly regulated by government authorities and entities that work to minimize the impact of pollution on our planet. The Aerox Injector system is recognized worldwide as "The Best Available Technology" for the control of odours that are generated during the pet food manufacturing process, without the use of water. Among its main advantages and unlike other technologies, the non-use of water for its operation stands out. Therefore, in addition to not causing odour pollution, and the consumption of a non-renewable resource such as water, it does not generate the disposal (discharge) of contaminated liquid effluents into the environment, so it is not necessary to treat a secondary polluting effluent.   How is the system working? The Aerox Injector is a non-thermal plasma unit located outside the process air exhaust duct that draws in ambient air with a fan, passing it through a three-stage filter and a small heater to discard the air of particles. After the purification process, this air passes through the NTP modules, where free oxygen radicals are generated using a minimum of electricity. These radicals are then injected into the exhaust air duct of the process, reacting with the components that cause the odour, oxidizing them and transforming them into odourless and harmless components to the neighbours and the environment. The reaction occurs instantly in less than 1 second.   Image 1   Additionally, we could mention that it achieves odour reduction levels of up to 95%, and it has a compact size making it very adaptable to installations. In addition, if possible, we can treat the combined process air outlet ducts with a single Aerox Injector (see image 1). In this way, today we can confirm that the technology and solutions applied to the pet food industry pursue the constant challenge of minimizing the impact on their production processes.   You are invited to visit CLIVIO SOLUTIONS and AEROX websites. Source: Clivio Solutions

16/02/2023

What is the technology inside pet food?

By Armando Enriquez de la Fuente Blanquet

A good way to distinguish technology from science and art is through its purpose: Science seeks the truth through scientific methods. Art seeks to reach human feelings, intellectual pleasure, and the beauty of all things. Technology seeks to satisfy human needs and desires, to solve practical problems using, in part, science.   Technology can be more broadly defined as entities, both material and immaterial, created by a mental and physical effort to achieve some value. In this usage, technology refers to tools and machines that can be used to solve real-world problems. It's a broad term that can include simple tools, like a crowbar or wooden spoon, or more complex machines, like a space station or a particle accelerator. Tools and machines do not need to be material; virtual technology (such as computer programs and business methods) is also included in this definition of technology. Pet food is the combination of a large number of technologies. If we start from the first contact with a product we buy in the market for our pet, that's the packaging. The packaging today is resistant, transportable, and allows food to be kept in the best conditions so that it preserves the quality and balance of all its nutrients throughout its lifetime. Once we open the packaging (if we are talking about a dry product), we can find croquettes of different shapes, colors, and figures, which are highly digestible for our dog or cat. These croquettes were achieved by an extrusion process, and have high palatability, largely because inside them, there are the ingredients selected to meet quality and safety standards that guarantee the nutrient content. If we go deeper and deeper into that kibble, we see that it contains micronutrients, and they are present in the amount that the dog or cat needs at ppm or mg/kg levels, and sometimes up to ppb or mcg/kg. One of these micronutrients is vitamins. Today, all vitamins are commercially produced in pure forms. Most are produced by chemical synthesis, but some are also isolated from natural sources (like fat-soluble vitamins), while others are produced microbiologically (such as thiamine, riboflavin, folate, pyridoxine, biotin, pantothenic acid, and vitamin B12). In some cases, synthetic vitamins can be significantly more bioavailable than vitamins from natural sources. The chemical stability of some vitamins can be improved by using a more stable chemical form or formulation. For instance, the calcium salt of pantothenic acid is more stable than the free acid form. Similarly, the esters of vitamins A and E (retinyl acetate, tocopheryl acetate) are much more resistant to oxidation than alcohol-free forms. Vitamin preparations can also be coated or encapsulated in a way that excludes oxygen and/or moisture (fig.1), making them more stable. They are often spray-dried or prepared as adsorbates to improve their handling characteristics.   Fig.1 Vitamin A microencapsulated or microsphere   Once again, technology makes it possible to guarantee the vitamin levels the pet requires in the balanced food eaten every day. However, within the kibble, a series of chemical events can occur that will compromise the life of these vitamins. The presence of trace minerals such as zinc, copper, iron, manganese, iodine, and selenium, in their free state, interact with other nutrients, degrading them or affecting digestibility. These free metals bind to other nutrients, making them unavailable. Generally, the raw materials of the balanced feed provide trace minerals, and it would be enough to prevent deficiencies, but presents variable bioavailability and does not meet the requirement, so it is necessary to supplement the diet with trace minerals that can be from inorganic, organic or hydroxymineral sources. Inorganic trace minerals (sulfates) have a weak ionic bond between the copper ligand and sulfate, as seen in Figure 2. The metal is easily exposed and, as mentioned above, will affect other nutrients. No inorganic or organic trace mineral available today has the same chemical structure, mode of action, or bioavailability. Hydroxy minerals have an OH group that creates a strong, covalent bond with the metal. Covalent bonds have many proven advantages, including bioefficacy and feed stability.   Fig.2 Chemical structure of different Cu sources (sulfate, proteinate, and hydroxy)   Guaranteeing the nutritional levels of each nutrient requires selecting high-quality ingredients and, in particular, speaking of vitamins and minerals, stable sources. In addition, it is necessary to ensure that the nutrient is present, despite the loss that may occur when going through the thermal process or its interactions with the metals in the diet. I'll take biotin as an example. Although there are variations depending on the reference, biotin doses of 0.6-1.2 mg/kg are recommended in Davenport's work to keep the skin and coat of dogs in good condition. The amounts are very small on the order of ppb, so 2% or 10% commercial products are generally used, which can be in the form of ground products or spray-dried products. A crushed product may contain around 2 million particles per gram of commercial product and a spray-dried product up to 40 million particles per gram of commercial one. Therefore, a product with a larger number of particles improves dispersion. There is one area that I would not want to overlook, and that is that pet food is becoming more and more sustainable. A good example is the use of new sources of omegas, particularly DHA, from marine algae. These sources help reduce the exploitation of marine fishing and, in this way, help conserve ocean biodiversity. As science and knowledge advance, pet food is the result of technological advances by being better every day, being more precise in meeting nutritional requirements, and supporting the health and well-being of our pets in a sustainable way.   Author: MVZ. Armando Enríquez de la Fuente Blanquet Source: All Pet Food Magazine

09/02/2023

Blockchain, the revolution in data exchange and transparency in food traceability

By María Candelaria Carbajo

Technology revolutionizing the market   Blockchain is being presented as the solution to track the food system from beginning to end. Much is said these days about market disruption, and along with it, we can name tech innovation. However, when it comes to agricultural technology, few have managed to demonstrate its potential to improve safety, sustainability, and traceability, as Blockchain is proposing now. Although the rise of this technology happened hand in hand with Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, it took a short time for companies to notice its potential for other uses and functions. Among them, we may remark on the possibilities and benefits it could bring to the pet and human food industries.   But what is Blockchain? In simple words, Blockchain is a shared database that stores information in blocks with fixed storage capacities, linked by cryptography or code. New data forms new blocks, which are linked to the previous one in chronological order.   How does Blockchain impact the pet food industry? The truth is that, to this day, we can name different reasons to adopt almost any technology, but if we talk specifically about Blockchain, we can surely number more than one! Indeed, we dare to say its great advantage is that data, once captured in the chain, is unalterable. Currently, many pet food companies are focused on implementing Blockchain technology for agricultural tracking and final product delivery to know all information about the pet food production environment. Some examples are: field-level data mapping, crop data, traceability, sustainability, warehouse receipts, and order payments.   Blockchain benefits in food traceability The traceability area is adapting and taking advantage of Blockchain benefits. As of today, we are seeing it being used to handle the volume and complexity of data involved, such as keeping track of supply chain data, origin field, ingredient expiration dates, food safety warranty, and carbon footprint measurements. Currently, it is estimated that 95% of Blockchain applications in development are focused on traceability. The truth is that data ownership and business models based on related data are sensitive topics, surrounded by debates, at least until now. However, the interesting thing about this technology is that the information embodied in Blockchain is immovable and unchangeable. In this technology, as it is a decentralized system, there is no data "owner", as we have conceived the term until now. Otherwise, the property corresponds to everyone and no one at the same time, allowing all people to access the information in the chains. Thus, we could say that everyone is the owner of their own data, which, in turn, is shared freely and transparently. Therefore, we understand that another great Blockchain benefit is the ease it brings to do more efficient, less risky, and less expensive international business. It should be noted that the benefit is mutual: while companies obtain as much knowledge as possible about the history of their raw materials, consumers themselves, who may one day have the possibility of accessing data from the entire chain, could gain in-depth knowledge of where the pet food and their ingredients come from. Due to its ability to collect data chronologically in a chain, and with total transparency, the industry recognizes that Blockchain can be especially beneficial in terms of traceability, not only because of the possibility of knowing the history of all matters and procedures, but also because it offers quantitative models to efficient detection of toxins, dioxins, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), heavy metals, mycotoxins, Salmonella and other pathogenic bacteria. Sampling and automated testing, for example, can control final product contamination and adulteration, while creating a quantifiable record that can feed (and be nourished from) different companies. This way, Blockchain technology application increases ingredient traceability from the raw material to the consumer's plate. In a fragmented industry such as the food supply chain, this technology not only helps store data but keeps track of past quality, which also adds credibility to suppliers.   Obstacles in Blockchain adoption Blockchain is a relatively new technology for companies, and because it is in its initial phase, early adopters (those who are the first to implement it) will encounter some obstacles: Investment: interest in technology needs protection regarding investment return, which is nowadays difficult to affirm. Regulation: data protection regulations of each region or country may interfere with Blockchain use and expansion. Standardization: to this day, there is still no global standard for Blockchain use in food value chains. Quality assurance: Blockchain cannot guarantee product safety or quality, but it allows stakeholders to quickly identify problems and bad actors. Scalability: the community continues to face the challenges of growing at scale.   Blockchain, a possible path to food traceability digitization As new pet food production technologies create more efficiency opportunities for the entire supply chain, factories could take advantage of accumulated data to make their processes smarter. What matters is that regulated and shared data benefits consumers, at the end of the day, with more competitive pricing strategies and stronger analytical projections that result in better animal health, sustainability, and welfare. Blockchain in food traceability digitization is in its initial stage. However, it hides a great potential for the food and agriculture sectors. Achieving end-to-end supply chain transparency will be a great goal and benefit for all supply chain members.   Source: All Pet Food Magazine

25/01/2023

Dr. Eckel and Evonik to cooperate on phytogenics

Dr. Eckel Animal Nutrition has entered into a partnership with Evonik, one of the world leaders in specialty chemicals, effective January 1, 2023. Evonik plans to launch a first product from the partnership – a phytogenic solution developed by Dr. Eckel – in Europe in the first quarter of 2023. Phytogenics are plant-based feed ingredients which play an important role in sustainable solutions for livestock farming. Dr. Eckel is one of the most experienced and innovative suppliers in the field of phytogenics. The value-orientated family business is one of the world's foremost companies in the sector with a specific focus on animal welfare, developing products that make animal nutrition more resource-efficient, climate-friendly and healthy. 'As a dynamic company with a high pace in product development, we are able to create innovations in a comparatively short period of time,' says Dr. Antje Eckel, founder of Dr. Eckel Animal Nutrition. 'With a strong partner like Evonik, we can allow selected products to access a much wider market in a short time. We are therefore very happy that together with Evonik we can open up new target groups and customers.' Evonik Gut Health Solutions focus primarily on stabilizing the gut health of animals through probiotics. The partnership with Dr. Eckel will allow Evonik to address further animal health issues with selected products that expand Evonik's portfolio. "It often needs complex solutions to maintain health and productivity in the barn without antibiotics," says Gaetano Blanda, head of the Animal Nutrition business line at Evonik. 'In combination with our existing Gut Health Solutions, phytogenics will help farmers achieve this goal.' Source: Feed Planet 
 

15/12/2022

Ways to boost innovation in the pet food industry

By María Candelaria Carbajo

With premium-type food products playing a leading role in the industry due to the trend of transferring people's consumption habits to pets, the only thing to do is to look for ways to improve the production chain. This way, we can reduce costs, be more efficient and offer better quality products. All this, hand in hand with innovation and technology. We have selected 4 aspects in which to work to promote innovation: 2 areas of the production process and 2 ways of working within companies.   2 areas of innovation in the pet food industry Selective extrusion We can work on specifically innovating the extrusion process using, of course, innovative technologies. How? Looking for selective extrusion. That means looking for only food starches to undergo the extrusion process. In this way, all the other ingredients are added in later stages through cold processes. With this elaboration process, food quality can be guaranteed, as ingredient transformation is carried out without altering their nutritional characteristics, preserving all the organoleptic and nutritional properties. Sustainability is the only way to create a future Consumer demand, hand in hand with human trends, drives innovation towards the search for more comfortable but above all, sustainable packaging. When we talk about product packaging of premium pet food, the one booming in the industry, we must say that its consumers are increasingly taking into account how environmentally responsible the packaging and information it provides is. One of the essential areas of innovation in this direction is to seek improvements in printing, both in quality and in costs and production process (with a sustainable approach, of course). The truth is that packaging is the first impression when selling a product. Years ago, it was a 100% physical experience, but now the online world has also been added. And either in one of the two formats, we must seek to offer what is expected of these products: convenient packaging with high-definition printing, such as a resealable opening, or materials that prolong food conservation. Today, sustainability innovation grows around packaging trends on recyclability and renewable resins. And as better technologies become available, we can improve recycling streams and costs. Many companies are considering post-consumer resin to build new packaging types or launching proposals to encourage consumption with the least possible impact, such as, for example, product pickup in stores.   Two approaches to foster innovation   Innovation can come from anyone, anywhere When we talk about promoting innovation in a company, we are not only talking about leaders looking for great ideas but about implementing an innovation culture that penetrates all areas and hierarchies. Innovation can happen and come from any level. We will never know how talented our employees are if we don't give them a chance to prove it! Innovation can come from anywhere if, as company owners or leaders, we are willing to consider someone else's ideas and learn from what they tell us and then... get ready to take action! Launch, learn, and improve This is how start-ups work: launching fast and then seeking constant improvement is their philosophy. But we do not need to be a technology start-up to implement this methodology. If we see the first result of an innovative idea as a sample from which to collect market information and improve it later, we are already doing it. It is there, in the feedback, where you get products that stand out in a market! It doesn't matter what we're working on. If we assume that the first version will never be good enough, we open the door to keep on working on new versions: more efficient, more precise, and more suitable for its possible consumers.   Conclusion If there is something we must be clear about it in order to improve with innovation is that all company areas must participate to achieve success. Working with a focus on putting innovation at the service of the industry, we will obtain truly healthy food, tailored to the different pet needs without putting the planet we live on at risk. We remember, finally, that innovation does not have to be monumental; even the smallest things you seek to innovate on can have an incredibly significant impact down the road!   Source: All Pet Food

13/12/2022

New demands for the pet food market: what alternatives do we have?

By María Candelaria Carbajo

The industry is analyzing alternatives, which include that some existing ingredients, which have been used in a particular way until now, can play new roles in pet food recipes.   Let's understand the context Supported by the human trends of consuming organic food, reducing meat consumption, and reviewing the production chain and the environmental impact of each food people consume, the pet food industry is suffering changes. Driven by those consumers increasingly aware of health and its impact on the ecosystem, the industry is motivated to seek new alternatives to meet the changing demands. Regarding sustainability, a survey carried out by Euromonitor International Global Lifestyle shows that the importance and concern about the environmental impact and the climate crisis are significantly greater among people who have pets than those who do not. In fact, almost 70% of pet owners are concerned about climate change and seeking to reduce their negative impact on the environment. These numbers do not drive but compel our industry to take action and listen to what pet owners are looking for when it comes to buying food, snacks, and accessories for their four-leg loved ones.   Small change, great results Changing food formulation is not an easy task. Although within the industry it is believed that it can grow with what already exists, that is, without having to look for new ingredients, the complexity is not less. Making a small change to a pet food formula can have a great impact on the final product, from palatability to processing and packaging. And the truth is that some of these changes may be completely unexpected and discovered by trial and error and, in many cases, may not even be detected until a consumer puts it into words. That is why, if we work with raw materials that we already know, the impact of changing their function within a formula may be less or, at least, more controlled. In this sense, when applying changes in formulations, we can say that success, beyond the result, is anticipating and managing the 'cascade effect' changes.   Challenges and opportunities in search of greater sustainability In recent years, as trends are already telling us, pet food ingredients have been in direct tension with sustainability. And while there is a large part of millennials who want their pets to be vegetarian or vegan (if possible), there are other trends, such as the ancestral diet, which encourages animals to eat as similar as if they were in their natural habitat. That ingredient, in most cases, would be meat. And for that, we have to consider that meat production significantly increases the industry's carbon footprint, as it is one of the most polluting food processes. Challenges seem not to stop, and we have to face that with consumers who negotiate less and demand more: mostly, they no longer want their pets to feed on meat by-products. This is due, in large part, to misinformation. However, until we can educate the audience, they will continue demanding and preferring foods with human-grade meat (that is, suitable for consumption by people) as the formula's main ingredient. Thus, it is clear how opportunities often meet new challenges aroused by a constantly changing industry. As we move towards new usage alternatives for the ingredients we already have, we must face various demands and obstacles that will suddenly emerge.   The challenge is also indoors Similarly, applying changes to the functionalities or roles of ingredients not only has external challenges but also, and to which we must give the most importance, internal ones, which arise from food production and the complexity it entails. To change ingredient role, the most important details to keep in mind and review the cascade effects are: Functionality The ingredients that we use and have in stock, and on which we apply changes, must provide the functionality needed from a nutritional perspective as well as from the very practicality of the product. When applying changes to formulations, chemical reactions between ingredients must be considered, because they can modify proteins, amino acids, fatty acids, fibers, vitamins, and minerals availability, among others. Packing Since each ingredient has its own benefits, as some are very good at retaining water and others are good at providing a matrix of structure, there is a need to consider how best to package the final product (thinking about the new formulation). Should it be all the same? Is packaging with other characteristics needed? What product changes affect its conservation? Supply chain A factor that exceeds us as manufacturers of pet food is raw materials availability. If we make a formula change that impacts the amount we need of one of the ingredients, we must, before moving forward with the process, ensure that our current suppliers can provide the necessary amounts. If they don't, we will have to look for alternatives, either from suppliers or go back to step 1: the ingredient! It may not be a question of inventing anything new but rather of getting creative and, based on science and information, finding new ways to combine ingredients to improve the results and reduce the environmental impact. Of course, we must not forget to take into account the focuses of today's industry: quality, sustainability, and well-being.   Source: All Pet Food  

06/12/2022

Research, gaps, and demands in the pet food industry

By María Candelaria Carbajo

Research support   If we talk about research, we must mention Champion Petfoods, a Canadian company that has shouldered the commitment to research to grow as an industry. This company has awarded a 5-year grant to Guelph University, a leading institution in veterinary medicine and animal science, intending to advance quickly and continuously in various pet food research. Together with other international research experts, the University, thanks to this grant, will be able to expand the fundamental knowledge of pet nutrition to different companies and organizations. The faculty conducts research in nutrition, physiology, molecular biology, behavior, reproduction, genetics, and more. Combining industry experience and scientific knowledge guarantees high-quality studies and research with the correct orientation to offer the most appropriate solutions to the market. Finally, what is remarkable about this event is not only the fact of advancing research that leads us towards a better industry but also the opportunity to train new students and leaders in the sector.   Lack of research means bigger gaps The global pet food industry benefits from all market and academic research because shared knowledge creates expansion. Topics from veterinary medicine and animal nutrition to advertising and economics are essential when it comes to growing and improving the industry. However, lately, we have found that few researchers stop to assess whether the information flow they seek to provide will supply the knowledge that the industry needs to keep on evolving. Lonnie Hobbs, a scientist who specialized in agricultural economics at Kansas State University, questioned this: Do academic studies and industry reports provide the insights leaders need to grow? To answer the question, he designed a questionnaire to assess what industry leaders expect from scientific research among several companies of different sizes, a characteristic by which the companies were divided to identify the specific needs of small, medium, and large ones.   Conclusions Some of the conclusions obtained based on the answers to the questionnaire are: Large companies as well as small ones with less than 100 employees prefer to research in the production area. However, the leaders of medium-sized companies consider research in raw materials as the most important research topic. Thus, some criteria interest all brands, regardless of their size. The ongoing conflicts and entanglements in supply chains are one of those: all companies would like to receive advances regarding raw materials and their sourcing to improve their operations. Many leaders consider there is a significant knowledge and research gap on this topic. Processing methods and technologies are other topics that companies of all sizes consider a priority in industry research. Another aspect they all demand of great importance when it comes to research for the sector is predicting consumers' tastes and preferences. The leaders also pointed to the search for new sustainable proteins as the challenge they consider the most complex to overcome throughout the next decade. Finally, we can highlight that all the leaders, regardless of what their company dedicates to or the current size, have highlighted the need to carry out research that obtains answers from real market consumers. That way it is possible to know more about the current client of the pet food industry. The differences in perspective arise in the how: while small-scale companies consider consumer surveys and trend summaries a great option, medium-sized companies prefer to focus on customer complaints. For their part, large-scale companies highlight the use of external resources and internal customer feedback as the most significant information gaps.   A key factor: humanization The participants overwhelmingly identified the humanization of pet food as one of the top trends driving the industry, suggesting that more research on the various ramifications of this trend is needed to guide market decisions. It seems like a paradox but effectively, defining how and what to investigate results in great exploitation of time and money investments to find advances or points of improvement and innovation in the industry. Conversations with sector leaders result in identifying not only its importance to find funding and research spaces but also to identify the specific topics that pet food leaders need to know more about. The reason is quite simple: they are the ones who can best guide researchers on where to place their efforts, produce the most relevant results for the industry, and, at the same time, attract more funds for future research. Undoubtedly, the collaboration between parties guarantees us all to provide the necessary resources for quality research for the benefit of the industry and, above all, of pets.

17/11/2022

Humanization and premiumization of pets on an industrial scale

AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) makes it very clear the term Human-grade is not edible for humans and that it´s closely related to the conditions in which they are manufactured, the packaging used and that the raw materials are very close to federal regulations for the production of food for human consumption. The organization also emphasizes that not everything that a human consumes is safe for your pet. First of all, it´s important to understand the real meaning of humanization in pets, and this is closely related to the natural expression and as a permanent trend that our pets today are considered members of our family. Also their owners already treat their pets as children and consequently, we humans are increasingly receptive to using products for our PETs similar to those we use for ourselves. This consumer profile, which is growing absurdly, is looking for premium, high-quality products, which are healthy, highly nutritious and improve the living conditions of their pets. I personally compare human-grade PET foods to electric cars. Although the value of electric cars is high, there are consumers who pay for these kind of vehicles. Most manufacturers in this category of vehicles are expanding, to the point that almost all brands already produce electric cars and prices are becoming more competitive and accessible because there´s more supply and demand is growing steadily . For human-grade PET food it´s the same, there are few companies that produce it and its prices are not cheap at all, but it´s expected that industries in the sector take a close look to these opportunities, and many are already investing in conditioning their factories to produce pet foods as if it were human food. North America is responsible for almost 50% of world sales of 100% human grade pet food and this is largely due to the fact this market was driven by the expansion of consumer knowledge about the positive influence on the health of their pets.  When we talk about pet food, just two categories of food quickly come to my mind: Dry extruded food and Treats (wet, semi-moist, dehydrated, freeze-dried, cookies, dental, etc). When we refer to dry extruded foods, we highlight extruders, dryers, counter-flow coolers, grinding mills and coating systems for liquids. Now, when we talk about treats, the picture changes in a great extend. I recommend that, if you are going to produce treats, it´s better to start by choosing the types of products you are going to produce instead of choosing the machines first, otherwise, you´ll have to adapt to what the machines do, and not always it´s exactly what you want to produce, or what the market request. The machines, processes, raw materials and even formats in treats, varied and new products appear every day. In dry pet food there is not much variation.   Mini Jerky based on salmon (50%) protein Cat food using fresh meat (45% protein) – produced in twin screw extruder   Soft Treats with 85% meat - Human-grade quality Treats 100% Human-grade – Jerky 100% beef   To produce human-grade pet food, one of the main characteristics is to use fresh raw materials and this means their shelf life is shorter. Dry extruded foods usually last around 12 months. Starting from this point, it´s already a challenge to offer the market a product (without preservatives) with a shorter shelf life. Another challenge to produce human-grade food is to develop an adequate facility to process certain raw materials, even more so if they are fresh and have a high percentage of moisture. In the United States, there are few companies that have been approved by FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and that their facilities comply with the human grade process. This means for industrial pet food factories, using the term Human-Grade on their packaging is not for everyone. If you still have no idea of what a pet food factory dealing with human-grade pet Food would look like, think of a sausage factory where there are stainless steel mixers, industrial cold chambers for meat blocks, stainless steel emulsifiers, shiny floors, all employees with gloves and face masks, stainless steel bench tables for handling products, low ceiling, stainless steel packaging and transport system, etc. Above this, you have to check if the ingredients used are human grade. Many companies buy raw materials with Human-grade and GAP (Global Animal Partnership) certifications. The challenges don´t end there, achieving good palatability with fresh food is not easy. When we make dry extruded foods, we have endless enhancers that enhance flavors and aromas, but when we talk about human quality, this is already ruled out because it automatically loses its human quality essence. And, last but not least, the packaging and labeling system at a human quality level. For this reason, FDA has gone so far as to list humane-grade pet food requirements within its Code of Federal Regulations (21 CFR – Title 117). Perhaps now, we can better understand why the United States accounts for nearly 50% of all human-grade PET food produced globally. Apart from this, the government bodies are so demanding that, in a certain way, they have transformed these companies into factories that really offer a high quality food and there is no doubt pets receive a super nutritious food and that improves their health. I believe the most important thing is the local consumer has realized the pet food industry has been revolutionized and today brings a high quality product. Recently, I´ve visited several supermarkets and pet shops in the United States, and in all the points of sale, I have found a wide variety of human-grade pet foods that vary between 08 to 40 dollars. But the question that we ask ourselves now, despite the fact that the path outlined is not easy at all, why do we need to produce human-grade pet food? The answer is, demand is increasing, pet owners are looking for this and can pay for it. Applying this to our reality, we realize that in our countries we don´t have these governmental bodies that require us and determine how to make human grade pet food, and even more, place 100% human grade food in the packaging, or that the raw materials are in the condition of human consumption. If companies want to choose to produce this type of product, it´s essential to highlight the following principles: Transparency, honesty and commitment to animal health. If the industry takes a decision to produce much more premium foods, you can start with producing extruded fresh meat based foods using twin screw extruders. In this sense you´ll be familiar at working with blocks of frozen meat, which is later grinded, emulsified and injected into the preconditioner of the extruder. The percentages of meat can vary from 25 to 70%, and depending on the extruder you can that increase that percentage. Functional or natural ingredients such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, glucosamine, prebiotics and probiotics are already part of human-grade foods. Many dehydrate fruits and vegetables are grinded and use it as part of ingredients in formulations. Despite the fact very small amounts of these raw materials are still used, the marketing department places great emphasis on this and places a certain emphasis on such functional ingredients in its packaging. Again, here you already start to get familiar with using other types of ingredients. These ingredients can also be used in treats or snacks for dogs and cats. Dehydrated and freeze-dried foods are gaining more and more prominence in these categories and it can be said they are human grade food. We can´t leave behind Puree Cat Food, a kind of food cats love. I consider it´s very hard to adapt a dry pet food extrusion factory and transform it into a human grade pet food plant . The ideal would be to start a project fromthe very begining, thinking about new conditioned environments and take into consideration all the points that I ´ve stated in this feature. Personally, I would call this "Sustainable Innovation Disruption" because we are going to produce a better performing product to sell it with more benefits to our best customers. Take into account maintaining innovation is a strategy widely used by companies already successful. This success is not so easy to keep and only those who apply Disruptive Innovation can achieve it. Keping a disruptive mentality in the pet food market means aiming to create good products who attracts customers in low-cost market segments and new markets (Low-end and New market), which can´t affect customers who pay for premium food or who expect better quality.   Fuente: Oscar Diez

29/09/2022

Towards sustainability: dichotomies and challenges in the Pet food industry

By María Candelaria Carbajo

What do we talk about when we talk about sustainability? We speak of sustainable practices when the needs of the present are fulfilled without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own. Sustainability has a great objective: to guarantee a better life quality for all in a way that can be sustained in the long term. If we expand the concept of sustainability, we find that it is not only about caring for the environment: it also refers to social equity creation and long-term profitability increase. Based on these two concepts, a sustainable product will never become such if, at least, it does not achieve social equity or have growing profitability in the long term. 'A sustainable food system provides healthy food to meet current food needs while maintaining healthy ecosystems that can also provide food for future generations, with a minimal negative impact on the environment.' APHA Definition   Sustainability is a shared goal We cannot talk about sustainability without being aware that our industry is interdependent with many others simultaneously. Therefore, we cannot talk about sustainability without considering the ecosystem around the pet food industry. If we want to create a more sustainable industry, we must think about ecological, social, and economic aspects that not only impact us but the entire food system in general. The interdependence is endless: from sourcing and choice of ingredients, through marketing, packaging, and distribution, to carbon and water footprints, which vary greatly between plant- and animal-based ingredients, production strategy, and geographic location. To speak of a "sustainable" production process, we must measure several factors, such as: land use, waste management, greenhouse gas emissions, and biological diversity. That is because it is not only a matter of measuring how much plastic waste we cause but also of evaluating the real environmental impact of all the life stages of our products in terms of global warming, eutrophication, acidification, photochemical smog, and land use, among others. This situation can be seen at the local, national, regional, and international levels. Furthermore, if sustainability advocates for social equity, it also considers promoting local production and distribution infrastructures, the affordability and accessibility of food for those who need it, and the protection of farmers and other workers, consumers, and communities involved in the system. Thus, as the industry uses by-products of human food production, it is intimately related to livestock production and the human food system. That is a challenge in itself: while we are already involved in the sustainability of systems using what for others is a waste, we face pet owners increasingly demanding cleaner and more transparent labels. And from the logic and (lack) of knowledge that most of them have, in terms of nutritional quality, the by-products or waste of food production for humans are synonymous with poor quality.   The core concept: nutritional sustainability Applying these concepts to pet food production, we seek an industry with nutritional sustainability in which we are able to provide enough energy and essential to maintain the good health of the animal population without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own nutritional needs. And yes, a component of the sustainability of a food system must essentially be its ability to provide adequate and safe nutrition to its end users. But is that all? Of course not. As part of it, food can affect health not only because of its nutrient content and the amount consumed but also because of non-nutritive components, such as pesticides, fertilizers, preservatives, heavy metals, and microbiological contaminants. Indeed, many food systems may be nutritionally sustainable, yet the ecological, social, and economic aspects of sustainability need to balance to support comprehensive sustainability. To be clear: The current global food system is nutritionally unsustainable… for many reasons In developed countries, excessive consumption of highly processed and inexpensive foods high in sugar, saturated fat, and sodium has been a key contributor to the epidemic of obesity and obesity-associated diseases in humans. In contrast, the unavailability of affordable, nutrient-rich food in developing countries keeps contributing to hunger and malnutrition. In the near future, and if we continue down this path, this condition will only worsen as more crops such as corn, wheat, sugar cane, and palm oil (among others) are used for ethanol production or biodiesel and compete directly with food production. Furthermore, if we consider that most countries with the highest population growth are underdeveloped with poor economies, political instability, or inadequate agricultural land, what we can predict is not exactly... encouraging.   The important thing is: what are we doing?   Upcycling This is a new word for something that, in the industry, we have been doing for a long, long time. It consists of using waste from human food production that would otherwise have been wasted; we are talking about meat by-products and vegetables with non-standard shapes. ● We are exploring new alternatives as protein sources such as insects, peas, or algae. ● We are looking for alternatives to potentially harmful micro-ingredients like titanium dioxide. ● We are evaluating the incorporation of new supplements such as prebiotics, postbiotics for pets, apple cider vinegar, or nutraceuticals. Packaging Once pet food is produced, we face packaging dichotomies. Pet owners want containers with low environmental impact yet beautiful, colorful, practical, and convenient: resealable or single-serving containers that keep contents fresh for a long time. Due to a need for marketing and differentiation in the market, packaging (especially premium and super-premium quality) tends to be made of high-barrier materials with very bright and colorful graphic prints. Transferring this type of packaging to renewable resources or with low environmental impact is difficult today. ● Re-use: While working on the research and development of more sustainable materials, many companies choose to offer reusable containers with refill systems. Thus, although the material is harmful, reducing its amount, pollution and impact is reduced. ● Clean (and educational) labels: It's not just about being transparent about food content but about educating consumers about our choices. If we never take care to make pet owners aware of the benefits of, for example, insect-based formulas, it is very likely that this raw material will never be accepted as valid as dry pet food. ● We are promoting paper bag usage since they have a lower carbon footprint. ● The use of recyclable plastic is being promoted to create single-use packaging.   In summary We can say that the food system does not meet the needs of present generations, so it fails even before reaching future generations. Undoubtedly, industry professionals must begin to think about and evaluate the current supply chains and systems and allocate new resources. As a result, we will create new resources to approach, little by little, a more sustainable process in all its senses. And although it is a path that still has a long way to go, more and more ways are being found to innovate with alternatives and more sustainable ingredients and raw materials. Today we have the opportunity to address these challenges and positively impact the sustainability of the pet industry through the redesign of products and manufacturing processes and promoting public education and favorable policy change for the care of the ecosystem. Pet foods made with sustainable ingredients are the future.   Source: Pet Food

25/08/2022

Market trends and the development of new protein sources in Pet Food

According to the United Nations Organization (ONU), the world population will reach almost 9.6 billion in 2050 (ONU, 2019). The food needed for this population, with an ever-increasing lifestyle and meat consumption, will be 48.6% more than current production. To meet this demand, an intensification of food and animal production has been promoted, which must be done in a sustainable way to guarantee a healthy planet for a constantly growing global population (FAO, 2017; Liua et al., 2022). In this context, the "Sustainable Development Goals" (SDGs) were developed, which is an interrelated strategy for the promotion of sustainable development practices and solutions, to which it is expected that, in 2030, every developed country and its industries will be aligned to (ONU, 2015). The growth in population and pet ownership contributes to the expansion and greater representativeness of the pet food segment in the global market. In relation to its trends and the important role that the sector plays in world production, the industry must also contribute to SDGs achievement in the direction of sustainability in the coming years. In relation to pets, the term "sustainability" can be defined as the conscious management of resources and waste necessary to meet physiological needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own environmental, social, and economic needs ( Acuff et al., 2021). In the pet food industry, it is common to work with a wide variety of raw materials. However, current debates are focused on protein sources, the macronutrient with the highest ecological cost (Berardy et al., 2019), and is an essential compound in diets for carnivorous species such as dogs and cats. It is also one of the criteria for the choice of balanced feed by their owners (Laflamme et al., 2008). In general, pet food formulations are known for their excess protein, with a great diversity of products in the segment and varieties of products on the market, such as those free of grains and natural foods (Beaton, 2014; Wall, 2018) that promote direct competition with some ingredients of human food (Swanson et al., 2013; Okin, 2017). On the other hand, dog and cat foods are positively associated with the rendering process, which promotes environmental benefits by transforming by-products from slaughtered animals into nutritionally useful ingredients such as animal-derived meals (HOA) (Meeker; Meisinger, 2015; Wilkinson; Meeker, 2021). Despite the conventional use of HOA in animal feed with its respective environmental benefits, other protein sources are also used in feed formulation, such as soybean meal and corn gluten. Research and development of different types of alternative proteins are interesting, as they have nutritional and sustainability potential independent of conventional animal production, contributing to less competition with foods intended for human consumption. In addition, debates must be generated about the need to use increasingly lower amounts that meet their requirements. In this context, similarly to what happens in human food research (Karmaus and Jones, 2021), the main emerging proteins of interest for pet food have been those obtained or derived from unicellular microorganisms and insects. Microalgae are a big bet as a sustainable food source due to their ability to convert sunlight and inorganic and organic carbon sources into biomass of high nutritional and functional quality (Nicolai et al., 2019). In turn, some species are rich sources of protein and essential amino acids with antioxidant effects and are also sources of lipids such as polyunsaturated fatty acids. In general, the term crude protein, within the diverse group that makes up the microalgae, the species can be highlighted: Spirulina platensis and Chlorella Vulgaris that have between 60 - 71% and 51 - 58%, respectively of this nutrient (Souza et al., 2019). However, the ideal nutritional composition of algae depends on its cultivation, processing, and environmental factors, such as pH, light intensity, nutrients, CO2 supply, and temperature. Compared with other protein foods, microalgae are presented as competent organisms to synthesize essential amino acids such as: leucine, isoleucine, methionine, lysine, threonine, valine, or histidine (Guil-Guerrero et al., 2004). They also may present similar or even higher values in terms of lysine and methionine when compared to: legumes, corn, and soy-based products (Spínola., 2021). However, small deficiencies can be observed among sulfur amino acids such as methionine and cysteine, characteristic of plant proteins (Becker, 2004). Despite having balanced food for dogs and cats on the market, including microalgae, mainly Spirulina platensis and Chlorella SPS with levels of up to 0.4% (Beynen, 2019), there is still little research evaluating the digestibility and palatability of these elements in pet food. In addition to this, and beyond the fact that the use of microalgae in the pet food industry is gaining importance due to the high nutritional values and the increase in production, obtaining the total biomass is still not enough to meet the enormous industry needs, contributing to its inclusion only in premium- and super-premium-rated pet foods. Within the products of microbial origin, yeasts are by-products of the brewing industry (Butolo, 1991), which are currently being applied in large numbers in fermentation processes (Bourgeois and Larpent, 1995). In pet diets, yeast use has been incorporated due to its high protein and low lipid content, showing beneficial effects on the health of the dog microbiota (Lin et al., 2019). However, little research has been done related to them as a protein source in dog and cat food. In the pet food industry, yeasts already work as a functional ingredient at a low inclusion rate, which can be justified because high inclusion levels are associated with soft and malformed fecal matter, with a level recommendation of up to 15%. This is due to the limited availability and high price in the market, such as that of brewer's yeast (Martins et al., 2013). In a study (Martins et al., 2013), when comparing the inclusion in diets with 15% of different types of yeast: brewer's yeast, whole sugar yeast, and self-lysed yeast (spray-drying process), it was observed that Brewer's yeast had more protein and tended to be more digestible than the two cane yeasts. However, the digestibilities of all three yeasts were adequate for use in dog diets. A recent study concluded that dry cane yeast can be included in canine diets with safe levels close to 30% (Reilly et al., 2021). Despite the potential for sustainability and the advantages in relation to other microorganisms, mainly due to its ability to assimilate a wide variety of substrates, its high growth rate, and ease of separation of its biomass (ICIDCA, 1999), the use of Yeasts as a source of protein in diets for pets is little known, and further studies are necessary. Regarding the use of insects in animal feed as an alternative protein source to those already existing, this can be justified by its nutritional value and environmental benefit. Edible insects constitute a good protein source whose concentration can vary between 40-70% in dry matter, depending on the species (Lisenko, 2017; Sosa and Fogliano, 2017). They also have a good level of essential amino acids (Oliveira et al., 2017). In addition to this, insects are a great lipid source, which can vary from 10 to 50% in dry matter, with a large amount of linoleic acid (18:2 n-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (18:3 n-3) when compared to other sources (Lucas et al., 2020). In addition, it has adequate levels of vitamins (riboflavin, pantothenic acid, biotin, folic acid) and minerals (calcium, iron, and zinc) (Govorushko, 2019). It is estimated that up to 50% of the insect industry is dedicated to the pet food segment (Huis, 2022). The investigations have been based mainly on the larvae of the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens), tenebrio Molitor (Tenebrio Molitor), and cricket (Gryllodes sigillatus), being processed in the form of flour. Measured as fecal nitrogen, in dogs and cats consuming defatted, dried, and ground extruded diets of black soldier larvae (BSF), with an average inclusion level of 2%, digestibility ranged from 73.4 – 87.2% (Bosch and Swanson, 2021; Paßlack and Zentek, 2018; Yamka et al., 2019). In in vitro digestibility tests in dogs, results reached a coefficient of 89.7% (Bosch et al., 2014). Studies with tenebrio flour had apparent digestibility values of 83.6% for dogs and 80.4% for cats by the conventional method and varied between 91.3 – 92.5% in vitro digestion for dogs (Bosch et al., 2014; Bosch et al., 2016). With the inclusion of 8-24% cooked, ground crickets in extruded dry dog foods, digestibility ranged from 82.1-86.0% (Kilburn et al., 2020). Regarding the availability of essential amino acids, BSF can be limited to methionine for cats and threonine for dogs (Bosch and Swanson, 2021). Fecal quality was also investigated, with an inclusion of 24% cricket meal, and no inconsistencies were observed (Kilburn et al., 2020), also being verified with BSF at a 30% inclusion in dry extruded feeds (Meyer et al., 2019). Some studies (Kilburn et al., 2020; Paßlack and Zentek, 2018; Yamka et al., 2019) show that, in terms of palatability in dogs and cats, there are different preferences according to the insect species and their level of inclusion in diets. But, in general, dogs seem to accept food containing up to 10% BSFL meal and 24% crickets, while for cats it is 5% BSF. The nutritional composition of insects may allow the total substitution of some sources of plant origin, such as soybeans, used in balanced feed. Bosch et al. (2014) verified that the crude protein content of insect substrates was higher when compared to soybean cake protein and was similar to that of poultry and fish meal. In addition, insect-based diets are considered hypoallergenic and are emerging as an option for guardians of cats and dogs suffering from food sensitivities (Bosch and Swanson, 2020). Other interesting aspects of the use of insects for feeding dogs and cats are their effectiveness in feed conversion, low greenhouse gas emissions, and low water and land use needs when compared to other species (Van Huis and Oonincx, 2017). Thus, they are not necessarily in competition with food for humans (Liu, 2020; Huis, 2020), and their management tends to be more sustainable than in other conventional animals such as cattle, pig, and poultry production (Bosch and Swanson, 2020; Liu, 2020). To have a more efficient and more widespread pet food production, more studies are necessary for a better understanding of aspects such as: undigested fractions of insects (chitin), present in the cuticle of these species, its prebiotic potential, and the impact on pet health (Bosch and Swanson, 2020). In addition, better legislation would have to be developed, the amounts of inclusion determined, and research into aspects related to the preference, acceptance, and trust of dog and cat guardians for these alternatives because they are also part of this challenge. Overcoming barriers to sustainability will require successful production strategies, support from cat and dog guardians, and further research.   Por: Jéssyka Laura Galdino Costa / Ingrid Caroline da Silva / Josiane Aparecida Volpato / Fernando José González González / Ricardo Souza Vasconcellos Fuente: SINPET

13/07/2022

Diet modulation in adverse reactions in dogs and cats

By Erika Stasieniuk

The intestinal epithelium acts as a physical and immune barrier, preventing the content present in the intestinal lumen from diffusing to other tissues and organs and compromising their homeostasis. Adverse food reactions are abnormal responses to an ingested food and can be divided into 2 main groups:   1) Food intolerance or intoxication, reaction without the involvement of the immune system; 2) Food hypersensitivity or allergy, immune-based food reaction;   When the adverse reaction does not involve the immune system, the terms intolerance and food poisoning can be used, related to metabolic, idiosyncratic, pharmacological reactions and ingestion of toxins present in some food. Food poisoning results from the direct action of a food or food additive. Examples include excessive nutrient intake (vitamin A or D intoxication, selenium), food contaminated with microorganisms or their toxic metabolites (decaying material, mycotoxins), specific foods (onions, chocolates), or food preservatives (benzoic acid or propylene glycol in cats). Gluten-induced enteropathy (celiac disease) is a major food intolerance, which causes chronic inflammation of the small intestine. "Gluten" is a crude mixture of gliadin and glutenin, and is normally well digested by pancreatic enzymes in the intestinal lumen, and intracellular enzymes in the brush border of the mucosa. Familial gluten-sensitive enteropathy has been described in Irish setters. However, this sensitivity can affect a larger number of breeds of dogs and cats. In this breed, this pathology can be observed between four and seven months of age as an inability to gain weight accompanied by chronic diarrhea (Garden et al., 2000). Food hypersensitivity or, more simply, food allergy, is included in the differential diagnosis of dogs and cats affected by clinical manifestations associated with skin diseases. It represents an immune-based adverse reaction to food as well as food anaphylaxis. Despite the relatively low prevalence of food hypersensitivity in small animals (compared to other allergies such as atopic dermatitis and flea allergy dermatitis), many animals have a multifactorial etiology, which means they are allergic to flea saliva, flea food, and dust mites at the same time. Thus, in supposedly allergic animals, it is essential to determine whether or not the food participates in the clinical picture. Food allergies usually occur as non-seasonal itchy dermatitis, with or without gastrointestinal signs. Pruritus varies in severity, and the distribution of the lesion is often indistinguishable from that seen in atopic dermatitis triggered by environmental allergens. The feet, face, armpits, perineal region, groin region, and ears are often affected. It should always be suspected in dogs with pruritic otitis (external unilateral or bilateral), accompanied by secondary bacterial or fungal infections. Generally, the main food allergens are water-soluble glycoproteins, which have a molecular weight ranging from 10 to 70 kD (thousand daltons) and are stable to heat, acid, and protease treatment. Meat, dairy, and wheat are the ingredients that most commonly cause adverse food reactions in dogs. Specific food allergens identified in dogs include chicken serum albumin, bovine IgG (milk and beef), sheep IgG (lamb), muscle phosphoglucomutase (beef, lamb), and Gly 50 and 75 kD soy proteins. Meat, soy, rice, dairy products, and fish are the ingredients that most commonly cause adverse food reactions in cats. Elimination challenge tests confirm the diagnosis of an adverse reaction to a specific food. Resolution of clinical signs occurs after food elimination is present in the patient's diet, followed by a signal return when the patient faces the original food.   How to adjust the diet for adverse reactions to food? Theoretically, the treatment would eliminate the agent causing the adverse reaction from the animal's diet. This option is more feasible when we talk about adverse reactions that do not involve the immune system since it is easy to identify which ingredient or food is causing the direct reaction of intolerance or intoxication to the organism. Food allergy is an immune reaction to proteins ingested in the diet that are mistakenly identified by the body as antigens, generating an immune response that involves GALT (gut-associated lymphoid tissue). As protein is an essential macronutrient for dogs and cats and we cannot eliminate it from their diets, our strategy in pet food is to include protein sources in quantity and quality, which will be key factors in the management of adverse food reactions in dogs and cats. Thus, the protein/energy ratio in hypoallergenic diets is a parameter of great importance for the formulation since the denser the diet, the less protein the animal will ingest. It would be interesting if the hypoallergenic rations had ME equal to or greater than 4000 Kcal/kg, both for cats and dogs. However, not only the % of crude protein inclusion in hypoallergenic diets should be considered; the type of protein is a key factor to improve the immune response. Using unprecedented protein sources or synthetic amino acids is an excellent strategy since the animal has never had contact with them, and their immune system does not identify them. Some products replace beef or chicken with exotic meats for pets, such as lamb, salmon, rabbit, venison, ostrich, among others. However, the cost and availability of these proteins make it difficult to produce and market this type of food. The immune system recognizes proteins with a molecular weight greater than 5 kD; those with a lower weight are absorbed and are not identified. Currently, the most commercialized hypoallergenic foods are those formulated with hydrolyzed protein. They undergo a denaturation and fragmentation process by chemical reactions. New products with the analgesic concept are coming onto the market; in addition to hydrolyzing the protein sources, the other ingredients are, for example, protein-free; only the starch fraction of the carbohydrate sources are used to ensure that no protein is produced. They do not even have plant-based allergens. The ratio between ω6 and ω3 fatty acids in animal tissues can be modulated through diet and thus influence the inflammatory response of animal skin. To improve the performance of polyunsaturated fatty acids, there must be an optimal ratio between them. According to Reinhart et al. (1996), a ω6:ω3 ratio between 5:1 and 10:1 can significantly reduce itching conditions. Vaughn et al. (1994) determined an optimal ω6:ω3 ratio of 10:1 to 5:1 for adult dogs, while Wander et al. (1997) studying elderly dogs, found a significant decrease in prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) only with the ω6:ω3 ratio of 1.4:1.   By: Gabriela S.C.P. Corte Real, Ludmila Barbi, Erika Stasieniuk Source: All Pet Food

01/07/2022

A year of innovation in pet food

There are exciting innovations in age-specific treats and foods, while products with sustainable slogans have potential. In this article we´ll discuss the major innovations that have been launched in recent months and the opportunities they represent for pet food manufacturers. Capitalize on clean label trends Consumers in the mass market are increasingly looking for recipes that do not contain harmful substances, such as artificial additives. According to consumer data from Mintel, a market research company in London, 41% of UK adults buying pet food are looking for all-natural foods. These clean label considerations are also impacting the type of food pet owners are choosing for their four-legged companions. Between 2019 and 2020, around 53% of pet food and product launches in Europe featured a "natural" slogan, and it's a category of claims that has grown steadily over the last five years - according to Mintel. The natural tagline category is dominated by the phrase "no additives/preservatives," which appears in 43% of launches Pet owners' expectations of clean labels have shifted from "safe" and natural ingredients to requiring access to product origin and manufacturing information.   Germany. wet food United Kingdom. Hownd Hemp prizes and 100% vegetarian snacks   Functional pet foods and products gain traction Pet food brands are responding to owners' interest in ensuring their pets live long and healthy lives by developing foods and treats that promise a wide range of functional health benefits, often linked to popular ingredients like CBD for anxiety, probiotics for healthy gut microbiota, or DHA for cognitive functions. 72% of pet food and products in Europe featured a functional claim/slogan (i.e. immune system, joints, muscles, nervous system), according to Mintel. Beaphar's Snack, launched in France, contains cannabidiol (CBD), which has acclaimed beneficial properties for dogs, such as improving vitality, stimulating the immune system, and supporting joints and muscles. France. Beaphar treats and snack with CBD.   Pet food joins the cause of climate change The climate crisis will remain a long-term consumer concern, and brands must innovate to reduce their environmental footprint, sourcing from sustainable ingredients to plastic-free and compostable plastic packaging. As a result of the crisis, consumers are looking for organic products in all facets of their lives, including pet food and products. In France, 72% of pet owners say they try to buy pet food from environmentally friendly companies. In Europe, most of the ethical and environmental claims concern the packaging, whether it is made from recyclable materials or with an environmentally friendly process, such as soy-based inks.  United Kingdom. Scrumbles recycled material, no plastic and ethical company logo.   LATAM markets increase natural launches In Latin America, claims of naturalness (no additives/preservatives, all-natural product, GMO-free) have seen growth as a percentage of pet food and product launches. For example, additive/preservative-free claims more than doubled between 2015 and 2019 to reach 22% of all pet food and product launches in Latin America between 2019-2020. Lastly, other texture trends, and special dietary products, are also emerging, creating plenty of new areas of innovation to explore, as around 36% of pet owners in Brazil worry that their pets will get bored of eating the same type of food every day. Brasil. Padaria pet, wet petfood made with steamed ingredients.   Peru. Completely vegan feed for dogs.   What's next? This innovation review highlights what has been brought to market. In the short to medium term, consumers, including pet owners, will completely change the way they interact with each other, with brands, and pet food companies, due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Power, immunity, transparency of supply sources, and online availability will be important factors in the purchase decision. In the future, other opportunities, aided by new digital technologies, will facilitate the emergence of new products and services in the personalization space. Experimentation with unconventional sources of animal protein, which can benefit both pets and the planet, as well as advances in biotechnology will be of growing interest.   By: Diana Mercado

29/06/2022

Technological challenges in pet food manufacturing

By María Candelaria Carbajo

Technology applies to absolutely everything: we have already discussed how e-commerce and the Internet have grown within our industry. Let's now see what are the main challenges in pet food manufacturing that technology can help us overcome. In recent years, dog and cat food markets have been ranked the most dynamic worldwide, with a global average annual growth of more than 5%. Even in 2020, with the production and logistics problems presented by the pandemic, the market kept growing. A recent report by Grandview Research states that the global pet snacks and supplements market alone was valued at $1.47 billion in 2020, with the CAGR currently expected to be 5.9% through 2028. All these trend factors indirectly promote the technology use improvement in the sector since it allows us to improve, streamline and perfect food production processes. Current technological challenges in the pet food industry Automation Automation in pet food processing is no longer an option; we need speed and agility in manufacturing. We need processors that get better at running; this way, we can expand quickly and efficiently. The biggest challenge is, perhaps, full-scope automation, not automation of different instances individually; beyond achieving automated machinery, the problem lies in creating automation that goes from the arrival of raw material to the distribution point. Humidity content Pet food can be distinguished based on its water content and stability over time. For instance, dry or canned food has a longer shelf life due to its water content and pasteurization process. From a technological point of view, the main challenge is to ensure the correct storage of products with a higher amount of moisture for longer periods without losing their quality and palatability. Fat content In this case, technology is already answering how to achieve a higher fat content in food. With technological innovation applied to extrusion, be it simple, coating, or vacuum infusion, we can produce products with higher fat content. Products with two structures Another technological innovation seeks to facilitate the product's gelatinization process. To this day, that takes place by steam treating the products before the extrusion stage (known as the co-extrusion process). This format allows the manufacture of products with two structures, one of them as a coating to increase its long-term stability. Glycemic response modulation Thanks to the technological machinery evolution used in the extrusion process, it is possible to modulate the glycemic response of animals to the food they consume. With what? Other sources of starch, such as sorghum, which are less digestible than traditional starch sources (such as rice or corn), allow the manufacture of better pet food. Drying In the extrusion process (especially in the drying phase), the challenge is to improve the quality control operation. Water content values above the recommended level make food more vulnerable to microbiological instability. That is why we need precise and detailed quality control systems to achieve the correct quality; this will also allow a homogeneous effect on the product structure and the batches manufactured. Innovative technological solutions Deville Technologies presented a solution in 2021 to improve the automation of the pet food production process. The company has developed (after years of testing with rabbit muscles, beef liver, salmon fillets, and duck hearts) a dicing machine that meets the industry's needs. The FAM CMD.2 Dicer is designed with minimal cutting tools and complete separation between zones. It also features higher durability to handle a variety of product temperatures while producing at high capacities, eliminating process steps and increasing your competitiveness. In addition, the equipment has a built-in metal detector to ensure that there are no foreign objects within the workflow. For its part, Key Technology designed a sorting solution for pet food processors. They developed VERYX®, a digital grading platform specifically to identify and remove foreign material and product defects. The platform seeks to eliminate cross-contamination, improve product quality and safety, and reduce labor. It works with various formats and products such as croquettes, chews, dry, dehydrated, or freeze-dried sweets. It can work at the end of the production line to ensure the quality of the final product or near the reception of crude oil to inspect the products' ingredients. It can detect color, size, shape, and structural properties, with the ability to remove defective products or materials such as plastics, glass, paper, and other foreign objects. These are the main challenges facing technology implementation in the pet food industry. The examples are only two launches from 2021, but we are sure that, in 2022, many more will come from the hand of large technology companies seeking to improve the production process and the final product that we offer to the pet food market. Would you tell us what technology is most urgent for the pet food production process for you?   Source: All Pet Food

23/06/2022

Automation and data, a quantum leap in the pet food industry

By Luciana Chippano

What do we talk about when we´re referring to automation? Automation is about using technology to execute repetitive tasks with little human intervention. In many cases, the intervention becomes null. Incorporating automation into pet food production guarantees us a reliable and optimized solution to speed up the production operations, reduce costs and human errors. From basic automation that needs the help of men to function correctly, going through comprehensive automation and reaching integrations with other control or traceability systems, for example, the possibilities of incorporating this technology into the production process are simply countless.   Automation in pet food production The truth is that, in most cases, the first idea is to look for solutions that can directly impact human lives. This, some time ago, meant that the pet food industry was left behind. But today, when the lines between requirements, demand, and standards among pet and human food are virtually invisible, we can find ways to benefit from advances in equal measure. In this sense, the key is to adapt the solutions that come onto the market. As pet food has become more humanized, the transfer of equipment from human food processing to the pet food industry has become more common.   A key aspect in the advance: the data If we talk about automation, we can't avoid talking about data, an ingredient that, when harnessed, can give us an invaluable amount of information to improve our processes, products, and market reach. Most of the advances achieved in recent times regarding process automation happened thanks to, precisely, the collection, grouping, and arrangement of data. For example, the cost of collection sensors has dropped significantly, making it more cost-effective to add them to machinery. This change, along with advances in networking, allows a pet food production chain to be interconnected. Data travels to a central location, from where it is available in real-time (such as to make process adjustments), or deferred, to observe long-term trends and support continuous improvement projects. Nowadays, data is primarily useful to trigger certain events or system responses according to a "stimulus." In the case of machinery such as microbalances, extruders, and dryers, feedback from various sensors is used to adjust process control. However, in the long term, it is expected that more complex and intelligent systems are developed with the help of artificial intelligence or machine learning to respond to even greater variations. Ultimately, better data availability allows us to improve processes, making them more accurate and efficient. Given that, we could have greater control over plant operations, quality control, raw materials reception, product manufacturing, energy consumption, waste, efficiency, and production costs, among other variables that act in production.   The great benefit of data: real-time information The data accumulated in historical periods is undoubtedly useful to make intelligent decisions in the future, but perhaps the 180º turn that they bring us to the industry is, in reality, immediacy. Connecting a data flow to a plant decision-maker is a revolution, as we can find errors or mismatches live and take action on them. When a problem is not detected in time, we will be producing, throughout an entire batch, a product that does not meet specific requirements or standards, and in the end, we will have generated nothing but waste. This can apply to knowing the accuracy of utility inputs such as water, steam, and electricity and certifying that temperatures are correct, for example, to ensure repeatable, efficient, and safe processes. Data and automation do not replace men; on the contrary, it empowers them; now, a control employee with real-time data can make decisions about the production carried out. And that is an invaluable asset for the company's efficiency, profitability, and success. Finally, we must say that data also brings flexibility and transparency to the process. Having this information automatically available allows us to give response to the need to keep up with a constantly evolving market while continuing to produce. Good automation offers the flexibility to reduce time-to-market with new products, additions, and ingredients.   Summary Automation allows us to respond to market advances and trends; It makes it easier for us to comply with new standards and, in turn, improves the technical capacity and functionality of the production system. Implementing automated systems brings innovation, and only with it, we will achieve cost-effective processing and consistent product quality. Having state-of-the-art automated machinery is the door to constant improvement to faster, more precise, and efficient production. Finally, it is important to say that having total and real-time control of the process helps achieve integrated traceability, so we do not doubt that automation is a checkmate in the pet food processing and production.   Source: All Pet Food

14/06/2022

The packaging revolution: service and sustainability

By Luciana Chippano

A significant increase in pets in households worldwide, together with increased interest and expectations of owners about the quality and variety of products, that is, the trend towards humanization, drives innovation. In this sense, we can say that the motivation for advances in technology and sustainability is the consumer himself. Without going any further, if we compare the pet food and snack packaging of a decade ago with those of today, we would find significant differences. From the rise of chilled foods or individual-serving packs to greener-packaged big bags, new materials and formats are literally and figuratively revolutionizing the market.   Regulations in Latin America In the member countries of MERCOSUR (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Venezuela, and Bolivia -in the integration process-) and their associated states (Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, and Suriname), the reuse of plastic materials for contact with food is prohibited by GMC resolution 56/92, except for some future conditions. In the last 15 years, several factories focused on PET decontamination technologies have emerged in Latin America. In fact, in the MERCOSUR countries, there are already mandatory regulations and standards (and other voluntary ones) related to safety issues of post-consumer recycled PET. These requirements have taken as references to international organizations for risk assessments, regulations, and scientific opinions, the FDA of the United States, and the EFSA of the European Union. In the region (and in the world), PET is the main post-consumer recycled input, although there has been an interest in expanding the current legislation to other recycled plastics.   The (re)evolution of graphic design, at the service of information One of the significant improvements of this packaging revolution involves the availability of information. Nowadays, having clear and extensive information is a priority for all consumers and, therefore, it must also be for manufacturers. Whether it's usage information, ingredients, or recycling advice, companies and their design teams focus on treating packaging aesthetics not only as something attractive to stand out from their competitors, but also as a utility in itself: to inform, and with information, provide security to the consumer, and therefore… Sell. To this day, hundreds of studies and investigations have stated that consumers respond to the visual presentation of a product. Therefore, it is only logical that we are witnessing the implementation of high-quality graphics and design on pet food packaging in first-world countries (such as Germany, the United States, Germany, and Russia). The visual appeal of packaging extends to aesthetics; today, it has more to do with how products present as a whole. For this very reason, graphic design is a focus of innovation in the industry. Currently, the driving force behind the pet food category is the differentiation of product presentation on the shelf to visually communicate the premiumization of that specific food (and the industry in general).   Sustainability, the focus of innovation Indeed, innovation in the pet food industry is disrupting: nutrition, food formulation, ingredients, packaging, and technology, among other aspects. However, we find 3 common points in all of them: sustainability, limited resources use reduction, and pollution and waste reduction. In this sense, the continuous push for more sustainable packaging is more relevant than ever in the market. At this time, it is imperative to pay attention to how we package the products and the waste the process produces. Undoubtedly, we are already aware (or we should be), at an individual and corporate level, that we have only one planet; and that we must be better stewards of resources and the environment. The same consumers say that given to choose on equal terms, they prefer brands that work to achieve more sustainable packaging.   Cases of success in packaging innovation: walking towards sustainability ● More reusable packaging and custom-made paper bags are being introduced to the market, which reduces the carbon footprint. ● The global manufacturer Nestlé has partnered with Amcor, a packaging manufacturer, to jointly launch the industry's first flexible and recyclable autoclave bag, a high-barrier container for pet food. ● Another large packaging manufacturer, Mondi, developed in 2020 the BarrierPack Recyclable, a fully recyclable plastic laminate container and qualifies for store delivery labelling. ● Printpack developed Preserve, a line of recyclable packaging for pet food that meets the design standards of How2Recyle, a communication system for ways to recycle packaging. In addition, they are made with post-consumer recycled materials and renewable sources such as corn, sugar cane or trees.   In general terms, the market is experiencing new innovative and sustainable formats for different types of food and snacks, such as flexible stand-up bags. Ther are also seen all kinds of single-portion packaging, both for traditional food and treats (made in the historical human 'cereal bar' format). This, together with sweets in 'bakery'-style cardboard boxes, make up a reflection of the human market. For its part, following the line of providing information and reducing product waste, we found new options with the possibility of reclosing or sealing the product inside the container to preserve it and transparent places so that the consumer can visually corroborate the state and quality even before you buy it. However, innovative packaging solutions must provide correct aromatic and fat barriers, high-quality conservation, and palletization optimization apart from customer practicality and sustainability. The prospects for the evolution of packaging are more than interesting. The industry is consolidating its forces in creating more creative, safe, and sustainable packaging that meets the new regulations to preserve the health of animals. In conclusion, we can say that the pet food packaging industry is seeking to find that long-awaited balance between shelf life, food safety, and environmental impact.   Source: All Pet Food

31/05/2022

Artificial intelligence in the pet industry

By Luciana Chippano

Artificial intelligence and robotics have the potential to revolutionize the entire pet industry, from food processing to healthcare and disease prevention. Let's delve a little deeper into production and preventive medicine, the sectors with the highest implementation of IA today.   IA in food production Automation, artificial intelligence and robotics are becoming increasingly important in food and beverage processing, both for humans and pets. Although the main objective is not to incorporate AI in certain instances of the process, but to integrate it systematically and comprehensively into all the operations of the production process, the advances and tests go, logically, by sectors: Quality control The use of robots in the palletizing area is not new. However, AI is breaking into these operations providing the possibility of improving quality inspections. For example, a robotic palletizer with a vision system allows better detection of defective or poor-quality food batches, allowing the process to be stopped before it is finished and thus saving time, costs and efforts. If we talk about quality control, any type product classification is complex and necessary. Normally, there would be one person doing these inspections, but now we have vision systems that can detect anomalies and take action to remove defective products or help employees making better decisions. Disease predictive models The pet care industry is moving toward prediction: instead of tackling diseases once they occur, there is a growing focus on extending pet health and preventing health problems. Currently, we can collect a wealth of data about pets from veterinary medical records, diets, daily activity, and even genetic makeup. This contains hidden patterns that, if connected, lead us to a better understanding of the behavior and responses of animals to certain stimuli. Artificial intelligence allows us to cross and review these patterns efficiently and effectively. In a way, what it does is unlock the latent power of the data of one and millions of pets. The implementation of AI seeks not only to understand how the genetics and behavior of a pet can reveal valuable information about its general health but also the collective construction: crossing patterns, behaviors, and analysis, we will find new ways to assist animals in the process of development of a problem or disease.   Case studies For example, in the case of scratching dogs, AI can be used to find movement patterns in dogs diagnosed with a skin condition and detect, in advance, when they will start scratching more often, through activity monitoring with a sensor on the necklace. The same technology works to detect when a dog starts to develop joint problems like osteoarthritis. AI can be used to identify subtle variations with gait activity tracking devices to identify possible arthritis preemptively or, at least, earlier in the disease development process. In the case of obesity, the extra challenge is that the studies and controls carried out by veterinarians are not recorded uniformly: sometimes they remain as notes, sometimes as a body condition score, etc., which makes it difficult to obtain an adequate set of standards for pet weight and body condition scores in a large sample. To address this, Mars Petcare developed a natural language processing (NLP) algorithm for veterinary hospitals that efficiently extract this information. The model has helped detect 30% more cases of obese pets and identify a specific problem with overweight and obesity in cats. The system allows veterinarians to explore treatment pathways after diagnosis while assessing which interventions were most successful and make the best decision for each particular case. Because many diseases have better outcomes if detected and treated earlier, predictive models have the potential to be transformative for veterinary care. However, the goal transcends prevention: if we at least manage to treat it in advance or stop part of its development, we are already gaining more quality life time.   Pet wearable devices and IA Innovation We are already seeing an explosion of AI tools in the pet industry, and it will continue that way for some years to come. The new generation of wearable devices, now for pets, uses AI to interpret data. A clear demonstration of evolution and innovation is that of activity trackers. These are no longer limited to tracking the number of steps a pet has taken; today they seek to identify behavior patterns that may impact health. For example, monitoring animals that scratch and lick can help owners and veterinarians identify an underlying cause when these behaviors increase or change. In 2022, it is difficult and even illogical to think that the growing industry, such as pets, will not be transformed thanks to artificial intelligence. In our case, we will see more and more improvements and implementation in veterinary care, diagnostics, and pet food production. Without a doubt, we can affirm that we are moving towards a reality in which AI puts at the center what should be in it: food manufacturers, owners, and veterinarians at the service of artificial intelligence in pursuit of care and improvement quality life of all pets. After all, anything that involves nutrition and care improvement means working towards longer, happier, and healthier pet lives.   Source: All Pet Food

19/05/2022

Automation resources for the animal feed production segment

Secondly, an increased level of automation is needed to guarantee stipulated quality standards; and facilitate processes control and data accessibility by industrial managers. This phenomenon of an increased level of automation, real-time process control, and digitization of information is globally known as the "Industry 4.0 ". However, we can´t avoid asking ourselves how this phenomenon applies to animal feed production. What resources do we already have available today? And what advantages can these automation features bring to the productivity and efficiency of industries? Next, we try to describe, in a summarized way, what technologies are currently available for each production process of a feed manufacturing industry.   Reception of raw materials It is possible to establish "entry routes" for each raw material received: since the moment the automation software gets the information about what raw material is being received, it can automatically determine the "path" which that raw material must take to arrive at its destination. That is to say, to establish through which equipment the product will pass until it is properly stored. In addition, the reception and dosage silos usually have minimum and maximum level sensors or load cells, so it is possible to know exactly how much merchandise is in each silo, or at least if the said silo is full or empty. This technology is essential to avoid, for example, cross-contamination in the reception process, that is, to prevent the soybean meal that the factory is receiving from going to a silo that already has a different raw material, such as organ meal.   Dosage of macro and micro-components Through dosing automation software, it is possible to know exactly how much of each raw material was used in a given production batch and the variation for the quantities previously stipulated. That is to say, we can know how much, more or less, of each product was dosed in each batch. In addition, it is possible to know how much of each product was used in a day, month, or year, which permits automatic inventory controls. Another available resource is the register of the formulas produced. This way, when there is a need to make a product already registered, it is only possible to select the existing one, which must contain all the information in terms of raw materials used, quantities, and location. In addition, it is possible to issue alerts if, for example, there is not enough stock of a specific raw material to comply with the provisions of the registered formulation.   Grinding Generally, above the mill, we have a feeding system, which can be done through a dosing thread or, more commonly, a rotary valve. The automation software can increase or decrease the rotation of this feeder valve according to the amperage main mill motor. That is to say, if the equipment is working very close to the maximum amperage of the motor, the automation will make the rotation of the valve automatically decrease, consequently reducing the volume of raw material entering the mill per period. On the contrary, automation will increase the product flow entering the mill if the main motor is working with excessively low amperage. In addition, it is possible to install sensors in the mill to measure temperature and vibration, for example, and parameterize the software so that it turns off the equipment if the maximum allowed vibration limit hits. Extrusion By using load cells in the tank that feeds the extruder's dosing thread, it is possible to know how much flour enters the equipment per period. From these data, and using flowmeters, it is possible to automate process parameters, such as the dosing thread rotation, the cutting system rotation, and the volume of inclusion of water and steam in the preconditioner for each formulation to be extruded. It is also possible to automatically increase or decrease the flour volume entering the preconditioner, based on the amperage of the main engine of the extruder. That is to say, if the amperage measurement shows that the motor is working near the limit, the software automation automatically decreases the rotation of the dosing thread. Similarly, alerts can be issued if, for example, there is a lack of flour in the agitator tank or the steam entering the preconditioner is under pressure. Finally, the measurement in real time of the food density after the extruder is out; thus, the level of water activity of the food after passing through the dryer can also be performed.   Pelletizing The main automation features currently existing for the pelletizing process are automatic lubrication systems for rollers, adjustment systems for the distance between the roller cover and the die, and the function of increasing or decreasing the thread rotation. The feeder supplies the pelletizer according to the amperage of the principal motor. These features primarily aim at reducing equipment downtime for process adjustments and maintenance. Coating Taking as example batch coating system of oil, palatants, or molasses, we can install load cells in the lung silo or in the coating itself, in order to know in an accurate way the exact volume of feed to be coated in a specific batch. With this information, and using load cells or flow meters to control the liquids to be added, it is possible to stipulate the exact percentage of each liquid to be dosed and their time and sequence application. That is, which liquid will be applied first and which one later. This happens in addition to registering the formulas used, already with the process parameters of each product. Bagging There is automation software for bagging that automatically performs the self-correction of the weight reached in each bag: based on the stipulated weight and comparing it with the weight reached in the last weighed bags, the software automatically seeks to reduce the variation and get as close as possible to what is stipulated. In addition, there are semi-automatic and automatic bags. Semi-automatic bag lifts dose and weigh the products, but they require the operator to open and place the bag in the bagger. Automatic baggers already have a Cartesian suction cup system or robotic arms that open and position the bags in the correct form, which eliminates the need for human labor in the process. Palletizing There are Cartesian or robotic systems to automate the function of positioning the bags and forming the pallets according to the previously stipulated layout. In addition to providing labor cost savings, these systems can also ensure that the pallets will actually be assembled according to the previously stipulated design, i.e. number of bags per layer, number of layers, correct positioning of each bag, etc. Author: Luiz Gomide Ferraz By: Ferraz Maquinarias

12/04/2022

Pet Food Industry Trends in 2022

By Luciana Chippano

In this article, we will discover the trends on the way to step strong in 2022 in the pet food industry. The 2020 pandemic has brought about a resounding change in how many people think, live, and position themselves in the world; this inevitably translates into how they treat, care, and provide for their pets.  In this sense, the most expected is to find that pet owners prefer different options than what they used to choose in the pre-pandemic world. Factors such as being more at home, reducing spending on leisure and entertainment, increasing environmental awareness, the sustainability of products, and health care, have bloomed in new trends. Although we have already seen them appear in 2021, in 2022 they are no longer optional. Instead, they are a must in the game of demand.  We already know that many people decided to add a 4-legged friend due to the pandemic. A large part of the 'new owners' are millennials living alone who have found themselves immersed in loneliness that a pet could balance. Generation Z is another example of young people choosing pets at a very young age.  The smallest races are the most preferable  The high rate of urbanization, the small size of households, and the practicality when it comes to caring and cleaning, make cats the most chosen pets, which particularly happens with millennials and men! Secondly, by logic the small dogs. These types of pets have many strong points: • On the one hand, we know that young people and young adults live in (much) smaller houses than a few years ago, around 35-40 square meters. Imagine a Rottweiler in a studio apartment! In addition, many countries have imposed bans on certain large breeds as considered a social risk. Thus, the options decrease; the most logical and empathic decision, both for the human and the animal, is to look for one that, thanks to its size, can move comfortably and enjoy all the spaces of the house no matter its size. Cats, for instance, can find places to rest everywhere, even in a studio! On the window sills, in cool and sunny corners, on armchairs... • On the other hand, this type of pet greatly accompanies the lifestyle of today's young adults: often with short and long trips or stays away from home. These animals are easy to care for, either by inviting a friend or family member to be at home or by moving them to someone else's home. They are, in a way, children adapting to the needs of their parents. Feeding decisions to make Pet humanization is a trend that has been present since 2020, since pet owners, especially the youngest, are convinced to transfer their own feeding decisions to pets as much as possible. Their logic is linear: "If I decide for my health, why wouldn't I make it to take care of my pets as well?" In fact, between 2016 and 2020, there was a 41% increase in launches of this type of food. With increasing awareness, owners are broadly opting for more natural diets (such as the BARF diet) or science-based formulas in which each ingredient performs a specific function for a dog's health. Pets are not an expense but an investment Of love, companionship, support... Pets are no longer seen as "entertainment" and quickly became family members. And just as no one thinks that buying organic food for their (human) children is an "expense" but rather an investment in their health, the same has begun to happen with pets. The financial company Morgan Stanley forecasts an increase in spending in the industry of up to three times, reaching USD 275 billion in 2030. Additionally, a recent AlphaWise survey reported that nearly 2/3 of young adults ages 18-34 plan to add a pet to their lives within the next 5 years, resulting in a 14% increase in pet possession. In the last 12 months, 35% of pet owners spent more money on food, veterinary appointments, accessories, toys, and various products for care, hygiene, and well-being. Focus on sustainability In 2020, 21% of all new food launches worldwide emphasize their improvements on sustainability, both at the level of production, packaging, and recycling. Simultaneously, pet owners are beginning to pay more attention to these details when choosing food, as they are more aware of the importance of protecting the environment and the implications of continuing to contribute to its pollution. Animal mental health is important The pandemic and lockdowns worldwide impacted pets' mental health, which is still analyzed today.Talking about anxiety in pets is, for example, just a result of how the mental health of pets began to have greater importance.  The fact that pet owners are working from home and that children play all day in spaces shared with their pets has inevitably affected animals' behavior. However, more time is still needed to investigate the real impact at the mental level in each case. Direct to consumer The pandemic significantly accelerated the insertion of electronic commerce in our industry, a change that had been happening very slowly and progressively. The traditional brands have always had to reinvent themselves betting on digital marketing, something somewhat forgotten in our sector, and, in turn, new ventures focused directly on this exchange appeared. Thus, contact between manufacturer brands and consumers was strengthened, bypassing the exchanges on third-party platforms or supermarket or store chains.  The rising popularity of plant proteins and meat alternatives Plant-based ingredients and alternative proteins are gaining much ground in research and testing within the pet food industry, due to consumer demand for meat alternatives (especially from millennials). Ingredients such as cereals, insects, or protein grown in the laboratory are the innovation focus at the service of the pet food industry.  Trends? There are many!  No doubt, the general trend focuses on a greater awareness of the physical and mental pets' health (and this is in line with self-care awareness increasing in people). A strong bond between people and their pets' results in inevitable changes in our market demand. These should drive and motivate us to search for better offers, solutions, and products.  Which trends do you consider are the most important for the pet food Industry? by: All Pet Food

08/03/2022

Sustainable pet food manufacturing process

By Luciana Chippano

What are we talking about when we refer to sustainability in the pet food industry? Sustainability in the pet food industry can be defined as those practices and beliefs that could continue to be practiced, if desired, indefinitely. We speak, then, of sustainability, when there is the conscientious management of the resources and waste necessary and / or produced to satisfy the physiological requirements of pets, so that the ability of future generations to meet their environmental and social needs is not compromised. or economic. Today there are several aspects of the industry that can be considered sustainable, such as the use of by-products from the human food industry and the decrease in the use of energy and natural resources during production. In fact, pet food production is more sustainable than many other human food industries in terms of ways of using farmland, energy and water. What is the current situation regarding sustainability and pet food? The analysis carried out in this report on the life cycle of pet food has identified that the category with the most significant impact on the environment is the production of wet food, compared to that of dry food. Likewise, it was determined that the production of food for dogs has a greater impact than that of cats. The truth is that the excessive use of resources has become a concern as the world's population increases, and this runs for both humans and animals. The environmental footprint of pet ownership and the provision of necessary supplies are consequently growing. But what is driving this increase in pets? The common reasons that lead people to buy or adopt pets are: Have company at home and during times of physical activity, running outdoors, for example. Search for psychological benefits, including an increase in self-esteem. Lower risk of depression and greater social commitment in children. Consequently, growing urbanized pet populations are related to negative environmental impacts, such as loss of wildlife biodiversity due to predation and disturbance and increased consumption of goods and services as a result of the process of increased humanization and concern. for the welfare of pets.   Carbon footprint of the pet food life cycle The environmental impact of a food system can be quantified by analyzing all the material inputs (energy and natural resources) and products (waste and emissions) together with their associated costs, a process known as LCA (Life Cycle Assessment). The LCA of dog and cat food is very complex, considering the variety of raw materials, manufacturing technologies and packaging options that exist today. The environmental impact of food and agricultural systems can differ considerably, as can geographic location and manufacturing technology (extrusion, canning, baking, or freeze-drying, for example). However, despite these many complexities, in 2018 the European Commission adopted the PEFCR as a standardized model to calculate the environmental impact for the complete life cycle of pet food for dogs and cats.   Sustainability in the pet food industry, in data Dog food, more polluting. Dog food, both in wet and dry format, has a greater environmental impact than the one of cats, in part, probably due to the greater volume of food consumption.   Wet pet food over dry pet food The estimated impact of wet food exceeds that of dry food. This is due to its use of natural resources for the production of the containers necessary for its conservation. In general, the most relevant impact categories for pets are climate change, eutrophication (excessive nutrient enrichment of an aquatic ecosystem), land use and the depletion of natural resources (water, minerals and fossils). Manufacturing The greatest potential for improvement in sustainability is within the scope of production, precisely in the manufacturing sectors and the use of farmland, energy and water.   Dog food and cat food together = less pollution than other industries While it is true that there is much to improve in our industry, the truth is that the production of food for dogs and cats has a much lower environmental impact, compared to industries of food products for humans. The impact on farmland is not directly affected by processing, but is affected by energy and water use which, for example, could be reduced by operational planning, the installation of more energy efficient machinery or the reduction of the amount of water used during extrusion. Packaging The bags and containers for pet food are commonly manufactured from layers of polyethylene plastic and its derivatives, paper or cardboard, and / or metals such as aluminum, tin or steel. The problem, furthermore, is that most pet food packages are single-use and not recyclable. The report states that this sector is one of the most problematic when it comes to sustainability: packaging manufacturers face many challenges in order to increase the sustainability of their products without losing effectiveness in conversation and prevention of contamination. Conclusion Yes, there are opportunities to improve sustainability in all phases of the pet food life cycle, including formulation, ingredient selection, manufacturing processes, packaging materials, transportation methods, reducing food waste and even in the disposal of waste. However, the industry's current ability to adopt more sustainable practices is limited, largely due to negative perception by pet owners about, for example, novel ingredients or by-products. Faced with this, in addition to implementing measures to transition to sustainability, we can work on educating consumers about the importance of this process and about the impact that occurs throughout the life cycle of feeding their pets. Without question, advancing sustainable animal care practices will require a collaborative effort among pet food industry stakeholders, veterinarians and owners to achieve the common goal: to be more sustainable. How do you see the current situation? Do you think it will improve? Source: All Pet Food

03/03/2022

Current Vision of Functional Foods when feeding of Cats and Dogs

Providing pets with a nutritionally balanced diet is the responsibility of the guardians. In this context, numerous innovations related to the development of healthier foods and specific properties called "functional foods" have emerged, fostering a prosperous market. Cats and dogs present significant differences in the processes related to the digestion of food. Thus, while cats are carnivorous, dogs appear to be omnivorous like humans (1), sharing carnivorous traits such as: lack of salivary amylase, short gastrointestinal tract, and deficit in vitamin D synthesis (2). Some studies show epidemiological relationships between food components and high-incidence current diseases, such as allergies, gastrointestinal diseases, obesity, oral health, etc. (3), with obesity being the most commonly observed nutritional problem in companion animals (4). Cats and dogs have lived with humans for thousands of years (5), leading to a strong mutual emotional bond. In today's society, human beings regard their pets as close beings of emotional, therapeutic, and even psychological support, which has led to their full introduction into homes, intimately sharing the lifestyle with their guardians (6). In general, most of the owners consider them as one more member of the family according to some statistics (63% of them in the United States and more than 71% in Italy) (7 and 8), coexistence with these animals proliferates; for example, in Spain there are 5.8 million cats and 9.3 million dogs in households (9). This trend towards humanization, especially in urban areas, has led to tutors selecting foods made with ingredients for consumption or human grade, erroneously considering them to be more appetizing, digestible and safe (7). However, this categorization is not legislated in any animal feed regulations or regulations. On the other hand, as is the case with their owners, companion animals are increasingly affected by diseases linked to health problems related to overweight and obesity (10), such as diabetes, cancer, respiratory diseases, musculoskeletal system and skin disorders, which projects a reduction in life expectancy. The reasons and/or practices that cause these health problems in our pets are mainly (11 and 12): Excessive caloric intake due to errors or deficits in the follow-up by the owners of the recommended nutritional guidelines. An absence or excessive decrease in physical activity routines. The transmission of bad eating habits from their owners to pets (13). A certain confusion among consumers in the face of a wide and varied range of food. Therefore, guardians play a fundamental role in the health of their animals, mainly through the selection of food through the commitment and responsibility of maintaining the health and well-being of their pets by providing a nutritionally balanced diet (3 and 5). Today's consumers have a growing interest in knowing more about the nutritional content of food (quantity and quality), with special detail on those nutrients that may have adverse effects on health such as certain fats, excess sugars, some anti- feeding etc. (14 and 15). There are different studies that have shown some deficiencies in the labeling of its products by the pet food industry, the most common being: inadvisable nutritional profiles, breaches of legislation, poor labeling of ingredients/contents (16). The correct labeling will contribute decisively when selecting a food product for pets. Likewise, guardians look for ways to improve the health, quality of life, longevity and well-being of their companion animals, looking for food that is most similar to human food because they tend to anthropomorphize their pets (6). This context is inducing the appearance of numerous innovations in the development of healthier foods, among which the so-called "functional foods" stand out, with a prosperous future market. Functional foods are those that, in addition to providing essential nutrients (water, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals), provide health benefits when consumed regularly as part of a diet (17). In the function of foods with beneficial properties, the presence of functional ingredients (bioactive compounds, also called nutraceuticals) is key, and their development is possible through strategies that allow the addition of these functional ingredients, increasing their content or limiting others that could have a negative or deleterious effect. However, this new type of product, more nutritionally and functionally specialized, requires consumer awareness, making the pet food sector responsible for transmitting the necessary knowledge so that the qualities of functional foods are understood and known. This type of food constitutes a new category of products within pet food. In recent years, there has been a great interest in functional foods in the pet sector (18), even knowing that consumers are not aware or aware of their existence, the transmission-understanding of the labeling of these products being essential. products for cats and dogs by consumers. The consumption of these functional foods would complement the supply of conventional products, provided that the production processes are capable of offering competitive prices to be purchased regularly. Recently, a study has confirmed that many (most) veterinarians agree with the use of functional foods when they perceive these products to be safe and effective, suggesting that rigorous scientific rigor be applied in their marketing (18). In conclusion, companies in the pet food sector are considerably increasing the incorporation of functional foods in the diets of cats and dogs, despite the limited scientific evidence that supports their effect on these animals, so it is necessary to encourage research to determine its justification, safety and efficacy.   BIBLIOGRAPHY 1. Bosh, G., Hagen-Plantiga, E. A., & Hendriks, W. H. (2015). Dietary nutrient profiles of wild wolves: insights for optimal dog nutrition? British Journal of Nutrition, 113: S40–S54. 2. NRC. National Research Council (2006). Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. 2nd ed. National Academies Press; Washington, DC, USA. 3. Wernimont, S.M., Radosevich, J., Jackson, M.I., Ephraim, E., Badri, D.V., MacLeay, J.M. et al. (2020). The Effects of Nutrition on the Gastrointestinal Microbiome of Cats and Dogs: Impact on Health and Disease. Frontiers in Microbiology, 11, 1266. 4. German, A.J. (2006). The growing problem of obesity in dogs and cats. The journal of nutrition, 136: 1940S–1946S. 5. Grześkowiak, Ł., Endo, A., Beasley, S., & Salminen, S. (2015). Microbiota and probiotics in canine and feline welfare. Anaerobe, 34: 14–23. 6. de Godoy, M.R., Kerr, K.R., & Fahey, G.C. (2013). Alternative dietary fiber sources in companion animal nutrition. Nutrients, 5: 3099–3117. animal nutrition. Nutrients, 5: 3099–3117. 7. AVMA. American Veterinary Medical Association (2012). US Pet ownership & demographics sourcebook. AVMA: Schaumburg, IL. 8. Russo, N., Vergnano, D., Bergero, D., & Prola, L. (2017). Small pilot survey on parents' perception of the relationship between children and pets. Veterinary Science, 4: 52. 9. ANFAAC. (2021). Census study. National association of pet food manufacturers (ANFAAC). 10. Theysgeur S, Cudennec B, Deracinois B, Perrin C, Guiller I, Lepoudère A, et al. (2020). New bioactive peptides identified from a Tilapia byproduct hydrolysate exerting effects on DPP-IV activity and intestinal hormones regulation after canine gastrointestinal simulated digestion. Molecules, 26: 136. 11. Chandler, M., Cunningham, S., Lund, E. M., Khanna, C., Naramore, R., Patel, A., & Day, M. J. (2017). Obesity and Associated Comorbidities in People and Companion Animals: A One Health Perspective. Journal Comparative Pathology, 156: 296–309. 12. Öhlund, M., Palmgren M., & Holst B.S. (2018). Overweight in adult cats: a cross-sectional study. Scandinavica Veterinary Act, 19, 60: 5. 13. Marshall-Pescini, S., Passalacqua, C., Miletto Petrazzini, M.E., Valsecchi, P., & Prato-Previde, E. (2012). Do dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) make counterproductive choices because they are sensitive to human ostensive cues? PLoS One, 7, e35437. 14. Brugiapaglia, A., Lussiana, C., & Destefanis, G. (2014). Fatty acid profile and cholesterol content of beef at retail of Piemontese, Limousin and Friesian breeds. Meat Science, 86: 568–573. 15. Realini, C. E., Guàrdia, M. D., Díaz, I., García-Regueiro, J. A., & Arnau, J. (2015). Effects of acerola fruit extract on sensory and shelf-life of salted beef patties from grinds differing in fatty acid composition. Meat Science, 99: 18–24. 16. Hill, R.C, Choate C.J., & Scott, K.C. (2009). Comparison of the guaranteed analysis with the measured nutrient composition of commercial pet foods. Journal American Veterinary Medical Association, 234: 347–351. 17. Hasler, C.M. (2000). The Changing Face of Functional Foods, Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 19: 499S–506S. 18. Elrod, S.M., & Hofmeister, E.H. (2019). Veterinarians' attitudes towards use of nutraceuticals. Canadian Journal Veterinary Research, 83: 291–297. AUTHORS Dr. Domingo Ruiz-Canoa,* - A) Mr. Ginés Sánchez Carrascob - B) Professor Marino B. Arnaoc - C) Postal addresses of the authors A) R&D Department of ALINATUR PET FOOD, S.L., Lorca, 30817-Murcia, Spain. B) Production Department of ALINATUR PET FOOD, S.L., Lorca, 30817-Murcia, Spain. C) Department of Plant Biology (Area of Plant Physiology), Faculty of Biology, University of Murcia, 30100-Murcia, Spain. * Correspondence author: Domingo Ruiz Cano e-mail: [email protected]

24/02/2022

"Sustainability in the Pet Food Industry"

Each one with different degrees of practical execution, but all promoting changes and questioning the current paradigms of production, distribution and consumption of the goods that society requires to run properly. The pet industry can´t break free from this reality and innovations are being incorporated aimed at increasing sustainability and reducing the environmental impact of responsible pet ownership. The deployment of these changes are taking place simultaneously at various organizational levels. Starting with the most formal level, all the national ones have approved laws to control industrial activity to minimize its environmental impact, in our country there is a national framework and provincial regulations, all these laws are mostly based on the sustainability objectives of the United Nations, and are the guiding framework for the other organizational levels. Then we have several examples of second-degree institutions such as business chambers or federations, non-governmental organizations such as ISO or foundations dedicated to sustainability and certification bodies. At a more basic level are companies of various sizes, among which transnationals are clearly ahead. It is worth to set apart between companies that produce general goods or services and the emergence of new companies that provide goods or services specifically related to sustainability, such as The Ocean Clean Up, a company whose objective is to remove floating plastic from rivers and oceans around the balloon. Finally, and not least, it is the decentralized organization of citizen-consumers, who have also incorporated new behaviors and fundamentally consistently demand greater environmental care from companies and governments. Figure 1: cascade of relationships between the different international commitments, national legislation, business strategies and demands / new behaviors of citizens around the new vision on business sustainability.   Now, what are the specific guidelines and concepts that apply to the pet industry and its social relationships At the legal level, all companies in Argentina must comply with the regulations derived from Law 25675 (2002) National Environmental Policy, on the other hand, there is already specific legislation on climate change Law 27520 (2019) Adaptation and Mitigation to Climate Change . Each province and municipalities also got some specific regulations that are those of effective compliance for the operation of production units. The management of gaseous emissions, liquid effluents, industrial and hazardous solid waste, are some of the key aspects for obtaining the Environmental License, a document that indicates compliance with the legislation. In the business field, additional certifications have emerged that seek, in addition to complementing, to some extent exceed current regulations to achieve an organization oriented towards sustainability in all its operations and business strategies. The most important are the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System standards and the certification as Company B, which implies changes in the same structure of the corporate contract to include caring for the environment as a business objective at the same level of importance as the profit itself. Of all concepts that have emerged from this new way of thinking about our activities, perhaps the most important on a practical level are the Environmental Impact Analysis and the Life Cycle Assessment. The first focuses on determining the individual incidence of an operation or ingredient with respect to standardized environmental indicators such as the emission of greenhouse gases or the contamination of bodies of water. The second monitors the entire life cycle of a manufactured product, from the purchase of its ingredients to its final disposal as waste. Both concepts help to make practical decisions and carry out objective evaluations of our industrial activities to constantly and significantly reduce the negative environmental impact, but also to increase the positive one. Let's check the sources of information on environmental impact of the pet food industry. The most important study carried out to date was by FEDIAF (European Pet Food Industry Federation). The study did a thorough analysis on the value chain of our industry with the concept of 'cradle to grave' (from the cradle to the grave, literally or the entire life cycle as it is usually used in Spanish).  The first important point to highlight are the standardized impact factors assessed: Climate Change - Biogenic Climate Change - Climate Change, Use and Transformation Particulate Material - Acidification - Eutrophication and Pollution Water use - Land use - Fossil resources On the other hand, the value chain was divided into four areas: Ingredients Manufacturing Packaging Use and Final Disposal (landfill, recycling, reuse) Finally, it should be mentioned the dry and wet products for cats and dogs were all analyzed separately. Since the results of each impact factor are expressed in very different units, a qualitative comparison of each area is presented as a percentage. Figure 2: Comparative graphic analysis of the study on the environmental impact factors carried out by FEDIAF for the pet industry in Europe. Percentage environmental impact of each of the four areas of the value chain in the four types of food, in which the category was divided to conduct the study. The result of the analysis makes it possible to clearly differentiate between wet and dry food. Thus, for example, pet foods got a greater environmental impact due to the ingredients that compose them, and in wet foods the impact of the packaging increases in percentage, mainly due to the fact they are packaged in smaller containers. Another interesting fact that emerges from the study is the four areas of the industrial chain, the ingredients are the ones that have the greatest combined impact, and in particular they contribute to Climate change and the Eutrophication of waterways.   Figure 3: Dry pet food. Quantification of the impact of each area of the value chain on the different environmental factors studied. As can be seen, the ingredients have the greatest environmental impact in this type of product. Figure 4: Wet pet food. Quantification of the impact of each area of the value chain on the different environmental factors studied. As can be seen, the ingredients and packaging have the greatest environmental impact in this type of product.   These important conclusions emerge from FEDIAF's analysis: Ingredients have the greatest impact in the environmental of our industry, the generation of those ingredients in reality, and especially those of animal origin. For example, beef has an environmental impact on the climate change factor - greenhouse gas emissions that is 10 times higher than that of soybean oil, to take just two examples. (See figure 5). In dry foods, the contribution of ingredients to environmental impact is significantly higher than in wet foods. Figure 5: Greenhouse gas emissions with impact on climate change in the production of various foods. Source Our Wolrd in Data, official database of the University of Oxford used by the UN to monitor the progress of the 2030 sustainable development goals. Packaging has the second highest weight in pet food manufacturing considered only the materials. In the case of packaging, its impact is due to the consumption of fossil resources and contribution to climate change, but also to the emission of particulate material. The contribution of packaging is significantly higher in the case of wet pet foods, since they use smaller containers and the proportion of packaging in the product is higher. Distribution is in third place as the area with greater impact on the environment, mainly due to the consumption of fossil resources, the contribution to climate change and the pollution of water courses. Being its relative impact a little higher in wet pet food than in dry pet food.   From the conclusions of the FEDIAF study it is evident that any serious initiative to reduce the impact of our industry on the environment must include ingredients and packaging, analyze two practical cases to exemplify the use of the concepts defined so far in the real world, Changes in the packaging, and please don´t confuse recyclable with low environmental impact. In 2019, North American pet food company Earth Animal considered a packaging change for its dog food Wisdom® I wanted to understand the total environmental impact of three different flexible packaging options: Biological base (your existing packaging) Traditional multi-layer petroleum-based plastic Monomaterial ready to recycle Through the services of the non-governmental association Pet Sustainability Coalition[1],the main benchmark in sustainability for the pet industry in the US, a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment was carried out in order to compare the options. The main summary is without a correct life cycle assessment an incorrect decision would have been made. Figure 6 shows a summary of the results of the life cycle assessment that was used to make the final decision. Figure 6: Earth Animal compared the impact of fossil fuel use, greenhouse gases, and water consumption throughout the life cycle of three different packaging options. Results for every 11500 bags of 500g capacity.   As can be seen in the graphical analysis, although the bio-plastic that the company currently uses consumes a little more water during its production, it consumes fewer fossil resources in its preparation and emits less greenhouse gases. With which it is clear that bio plastic continues to be the best option globally analyzed. An important point to consider is that, through a complete life cycle assessment, it becomes clear that a recyclable material is not always the best option to make a change. Reducing the impact of ingredients in the pet food industry. Another case analysis carried out by the Pet Sustainability Coalition for Josera, a US pet food company, was carried out to compare the impact of two different ingredients in a hypoallergenic formulation, taking into account not only the impact of the ingredient itself, but also the of its production and transport. Figure 7: Comparison of the impact on greenhouse gas emissions with a negative impact on climate change for two formulations of a hypoallergenic product from the North American company Josera. The environmental impact was calculated taking into account all stages of the life cycle of each ingredient, from its production on the farm to its transport to the pet food factory. Data from the Pet Sustainability Coalition.   The conclusion of the study carried out by the Pet Sustainability Coalition for Josera is that the formulation of a food to reduce skin allergy problems based on insect proteins is 82% less environmentally expensive for the planet than a product based on lamb proteins. While the relative impact of the plant and mineral ingredients that make up the insect meal formulation is higher, the environmental footprint of insect protein is only 18% that of lamb. Therefore, the total environmental impact of the insect-based product is a lot lower. It should be noted that insect proteins and plant proteins have a significantly lower environmental impact than proteins of animal origin, especially those of beef. That´s why a real way to reduce the environmental impact of our industry, especially the emission of greenhouse gases, is to replace animal protein sources with vegetables and insects, which emit less greenhouse gases, use less surface area. soil and less pollute waterways. Finally, we will briefly analyze a recent article that allows us to put the impact of the pet food industry in context. The study is only for dry foods so the total values of the industry added to wet foods are higher. Emissions: 56 - 151 Mt CO2 eq, which is comparable to 1.1% - 2.9% of total agriculture. Emissions from the pet industry would rank it as the 60th country (Philippines) Land use: 41 - 58 Mha land use, equivalent to 0.8 - 1.2% of total agriculture. Impacts comparable to an area twice the size of the UK. Water use: 5 - 11 km3 water, 0.2 - 0.4% of total agriculture. Although it is not one of the industries that has the greatest impact on the environment, our activity is not negligible at all. That is why our responsibility as professionals in the sector is to seriously evaluate the alternatives to minimize our environmental footprint.   Source: WMG    

23/02/2022

Trends in freeze-dried pet food mixes

By Luciana Chippano

And so, like the food industry itself, the pet food sector is undergoing significant changes as a result of changes in the lifestyle of owners and their pets. The general market trend has been, for some years now, moving towards the development of foods specially designed to treat the most common problems and conditions of pets: digestive problems, in the joints, sensitive skin and coat and obesity, for example. In this sense, freeze-dried pet food is a great ally.   But what is really freeze-dried food? Freeze drying is a process similar to dehydrating food; It is carried out with the aim of increasing its durability and nutritional quality. This special way of drying the raw material eliminates the water thanks to the product freezing, the pressure is reduced and the water it contains is sublimated by converting it into water vapor. The great benefit is that there is almost no loss of nutrients. The truth is that, as pet owners seek new ways to perfect their pets' diet, the integration between mixers and supplements has increased: from pork, pumpkin and turkey to blueberries and green New Zealand mussels, we find every day more variety in pet food components. Thus, it can be said that consumer trends continue to move towards preventive care and diversification of food. Mixers are freeze-dried supplements that can be added to typical croquettes or patés, or they can be served alone as a healthy snack. These recipes typically do not contain grains, gluten, corn, wheat, soy, or by-products such as growth hormones, antibiotics, artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. 17% of those surveyed said they are buying dog food toppers, mixers and add-ons, while 14% do so for their cats. 18% of those surveyed agreed with the use of mixers and toppers at meals. The reception of these new accessories is still small but it will be more and more positive.   What is the relationship between freeze drying and mixers? In this way, there are two main factors that relate them: Freeze drying is a "safe" process to increase the confidence and bond of pet owners with these more specialized products. It is a safety test that allows them to be more open to trying food options other than croquettes. Although freeze-drying is a process that increases the price of dry feed, you can take advantage of its benefits by diversifying meals with freeze-dried options such as mixers or snacks to add a new variety of food. To achieve this, we need, from the industry, to create greater awareness about the benefits of a rotating diet and the intake of a wide range of nutrient sources. "Pet lovers are beginning to understand that pets, like people, can enjoy a diverse diet instead of always consuming the same food." Keith Arnold, (https://www.linkedin.com/in/keitharnold1/) from Champion Petfoods.   Mixers and toppers, beyond the nutritional benefit Pet food is always aimed at providing complete nutrition. However, with the new supplements such as mixers or toppers something remarkable happens: beyond the fact that they provide a wide variety of different proteins, they are a sign of affection for pets. The factor by which they are booming is because, quite simply, they are a product that has managed to be the most convenient, they fulfill more than one function: they are a new experience for pets, they are a pampering on the part of their owners, and they are an improvement in the nutrition of the animals. Plus, they are a great way to hide the smell of supplements, and this is especially good for animals that are a little… exquisite. They are also very practical for cases in which pets need more than one supplement, since, for example, thanks to a single topper, a supplement for joints, bones, probiotics and improvement of the digestive system can be incorporated. The wide range of uses that freeze-dried foods offer is appealing: they can be used as a food on its own, as a food supplement, or even as healthy snacks.   Companies that innovate with freeze-dried food Some of the companies that are already encouraged to innovate and implement lyophilization in supplements and toppers are: Instinct (https://www.amazon.com/-/es/motivadores-Instinct-incluye-recetas-natural/dp/B00YWPHXTK?th=1) offers a variety of mixers and freeze-dried dry food of different flavors and protein qualities. Wellness Natural Pet Food (https://www.amazon.com/-/es/motivators-Instinct-incluye-recetas-natural/dp/B00YWPHXTK?th=1) offers its mixers under the motto "no more boring bowls" and toppers to supplement the diet with protein without cereals, based on 100% raw frozen food. Stella & Chewy's (https://www.amazon.com/Stella-ChewyS-Freeze-Dried-Mixers-Grain-Free/dp/B00N240SQ2) presents mixers to complement dry feed both in nutrition and in taste and palatability. More and more people are adopting or buying pets; it is a number that is increasing worldwide. This is due, in part, to the increase in individual dwellings and the delay in paternity and maternity of the new generations. Today, freeze-dried foods, toppers and mixers represent the greatest growth opportunity for companies both large and small in the industry. It remains, then, to bet on continuing the development of this type of product that will bring mutual benefits: better nutritional quality and palatability for pets and an increase in sales and the pet food sector for manufacturers and distributors.   By: All Pet Food

10/02/2022

Sustainable trends in pet food packaging

By Diana Mercado Cisneros

For years, pet food manufacturers have been targeting advancements in packaging sustainability as brands have sought ways to use more environmentally friendly materials and better manage end-of-life impact. Recently, however, several key trends are making sustainability a near-term imperative. Specifically, manufacturers are seeing a shift in consumer attitudes toward packaging, broader partnerships and infrastructure to support meaningful change, and an ever-changing competitive marketplace.   Consumer interest in more sustainable options Consumers are increasingly committed to reducing landfill waste and protecting marine ecosystems, and are even making commitments at the purchasing level. A survey of more than 15,000 consumers revealed that nearly three-quarters are willing to pay more for sustainable packaging (Boston Consulting Group/Trivium Packaging, "Global Buying Green Report," 2020). In a recent study, specific to the pet care sector, involving 608 premium pet food (dog and cat) shoppers: 75% said they would look more favorably on a brand that would change its packaging to be more sustainable 80% said they intend to reduce their impact on the environment. And nearly 1 in 3 said they would switch to a brand with more sustainable packaging. (Source: "Premium Pet Food Purchaser Survey Results: Trends, Behaviors and Insights Pet Food Manufacturers Can Leverage to Convert Consumers," Mondi and Dow, 2019. See the full report at https://northamerica. mondigroup.com/en/pet-food-packaging-research/).   Competitive pressure from leading pet food brands Nestlé Purina has set a public goal of making 100% of its packaging reusable or recyclable by 2025. The company estimates that 80% of its current packaging is already recyclable. At Hill's Pet Nutrition, the goals are also ambitious. The pet food manufacturer has committed to make its packaging 100% recyclable, reusable or compostable by 2025, and to have 25% recycled plastic content in all its packaging. It will also continue to eliminate problematic and unnecessary plastics. Around 70% of Hill's global packaging (by weight) is now recyclable from the end of 2019. It is currently working with its material suppliers to further innovate. Mars Petcare is also aiming for 100% of its plastic packaging to be reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2025 and a 25% decrease in virgin plastic use by 2025. Mars says it is taking action by eliminating unnecessary packaging, exploring reuse models, redesigning for circularity and investing to close the packaging waste loop with recycling systems that work for businesses and communities.   Actions for pet food manufacturers As organizations seek to set and achieve sustainability goals, pet food manufacturers will be well served to: Minimize packaging to reduce waste. Design recyclable packaging Implement packaging reuse Redesign packaging with more sustainable materials Choose materials from renewable sources Educate consumers about packaging labels and ways to support companies with more environmentally friendly packaging   "Sustainable objectives for brands have become goals with action plans to achieve success'. 4 tips for pet food manufacturers looking to improve the sustainability of packaging Beware of excessive shrinkage: Downsizing packaging too much can damage the product inside, increase overall costs and hurt brand perception. Consider all sustainability factors of your material: For example, some materials degrade into microplastics. So while faster degradation may be beneficial in itself, such a trade-off may present a less desirable option once you look at the big picture. Keep an eye on durability: Material made from recycled products is not as durable and is less so after each round of recycling. The increased cost and decreased overall durability means that recycled material is not suitable for all products. Document the source: If recycled content is used, the origin of the material must be known, according to ISO 11-607. Now it's time to take action. We're really trying to get the message across that brands don't have to wait for someone to tell them what the next phase of the pet food market should be or how to create something for themselves every step of the way, because often part of the solution already exists.   Source: Diana Mercado

21/01/2022

Petfood: key industry trends to look out for in 2022

What are the major trends in petfood processing and where is the industry heading in 2022? What can we expect to see in products and packaging, and what factors are driving these changes? Joost Lotgerink Bruinenberg, Sales Manager at JBT FTNON – a major equipment solutions supplier to the petfood industry – here examines some of the key trends that have emerged over the past 12 months and details how these are likely to develop in the next 12. Petfood, and in particular wet petfood, is an industry that is experiencing rapid growth worldwide at both a local and an international level. But at the same time, there are some significant trends that are likely to shape the future of the industry moving forward.
One such trend is in plant-based meat replacement products. A tendency in human foods as much as petfood, plant-based has emerged as a major business opportunity over the past 12 months, driven both by consumer concerns about the environment as well as the increasing expense of conventional meat. This has led to companies such as JBT increasingly offering plant-based processing solutions for the petfood industry. At the same time – and again driven by environmental concerns – there is a move away from plastics towards alternative, sustainable packaging options. Likewise, there is widespread movement towards reducing the carbon footprint across a petfood processing line; and JBT FTNON is working closely in partnership with our customers to help achieve their environmental goals. Away from the environment, there has also been a significant trend towards offering irregular chunks in petfood packaging. JBT FTNON is currently development a solution and we expect this to be ready to present to the market in Q1 or Q2 2022. Of course, this is just one of the developments that JBT FTNON has been developing in order to further improve our petfood systems and meet the evolving demands of processors. Most significantly, JBT FTNON has been working on machine cleanability and ease of maintenance by engineering better access for maintenance and cleaning. These changes mean FTNON equipment is now even easier and more straightforward to clean. This complements existing JBT FTNON petfood processing solutions, such as the two-color injector for our extrusion system, steam and cooling tunnels adapted to the needs of can and pouch filling alike, and our angular cutting unit which will soon be able to handle irregular chunks. FTNON also recently established an international Petfood Competence Network, which brings together expertise from across the petfood industry to encourage cooperation for the greater good of all companies involved. And thanks to JBT, FTNON now has a local presence, globally. With petfood as an industry really moving forward and expanding, being able to offer immediate support is invaluable. JBT has vast experience then it comes to the life cycle management of the equipment and helping customers keep operations running with the highest yield. By using the global service network and Augmented Reality remote support (PRoSIGHT™), JBT's customer care team is always near at hand when it matters. LEARN MORE about JBT FTNON's solutions for petfood by JBT All Pet Food

10/01/2022

Wet Dog Food Sales Are Up

Dry dog food has long dominated the market, but within the past year, requests for wet dog formulas have been on the rise, according to industry insiders. Manufacturers are capitalizing on consumers' wet food requests by adding more wholesome ingredients to their formulas, while pet specialty retailers are offering an increased, more diverse selection of wet food products in stores. 'With so many new pet owners and new customers to our stores, demand for more wet food options has grown significantly,' said April Wright, owner of The Dog and Cat, which has two locations in Vermont. Wright also reported increased attention on fresh ingredients and said Fromm Family Foods and Weruva are extremely popular in both retail locations, adding that both manufacturers 'make it easy' for customers to satisfy their pets' dietary needs because they equally offer a vast assortment of wet options. Bethany Lontz, store manager of Blue Dog Pet Shop in Lemoyne, Pa., said wet food with sustainable sourcing is popular, and Weruva dominates as the store's most popular line. 'Most customers that are buying wet food are doing so either because they have older dogs that they want softer food for, or they're looking for a topper because their dog is picky with just dry food,' Lontz added. 'People also like to see food that looks similar to theirs, so shredded foods with veggies in them are usually quicker to sell than pâté diets.' Justin McClenaghan, owner of Justin's Pet Store in Cobourg, Ontario, Canada, reported seeing an increase in customers buying cans of wet food as toppers or meal enhancers. 'People are looking at their pet's food bowls wondering what it must be like to eat the same, dry thing every day without a change,' McClenaghan said. 'Having spoken to many customers, the idea of simply giving your dog kibble, and kibble alone, is old fashioned. More than ever people want to spoil their dogs with more diverse meals.' The COVID pandemic required pet owners to spend more time with their pets and further evaluate their companions' eating habits, said Rob Cadenhead, general manager of Gott Pet Products, the St. Francis, Wis.-based parent company of Hound & Gatos. As a result, the motivation to add variety to pets' diets prospered, along with requests for high-quality ingredients. 'Demand for wet food has been higher in these pandemic-challenged times, which is driven by pet owners having more quality time to spend with their dogs,' Cadenhead said. 'They're more interested than ever in serving something special and super tasty to their pets, which is what wet foods and toppers are all about.' While the pandemic has driven demand, supply chain issues could take a massive toll on future sales of wet food products, insiders noted. Kevin Eddy, president of Pet Food Warehouse, a pet store in South Burlington, Vt., reported supply chain issues with canned items prior to the pandemic. Eddy noted a boost in wet food sales over the past six months, but wondered about the effects of recurrent supply chain issues. 'At the moment availability is our biggest concern,' Eddy said. 'Now with the massive global supply chain issues, availability is even more uncertain.' Fortunately, some manufacturers are looking for ways to keep customers—and pets—a priority and combat supply chain frustrations. 'Our parent company, Wixon Inc., recently announced plans to invest over $15 million in a large-scale project that includes purchasing new manufacturing and packaging machinery and acquiring a 100,000-square-foot facility in an industrial park near our headquarters,' Cadenhead said. 'But what's equally important, it will assure our retailer partners of an even steadier product supply.' Pricing Does Price Affect Consumers' Decision to Buy? Dog owners can be hesitant with cost when introducing wet varieties into their pets' diet, industry insiders reported. Pricing is almost always a consideration when people are comparing wet recipes and brands, said Rob Cadenhead, general manager at Gott Pet Products, the St. Francis, Wis.-based parent company of Hound & Gatos. 'Purveyors of premium diets need to justify why pet owners should pay more for their brands,' Cadenhead said. 'Hound & Gatos recipes, for example, are exclusively prepared with traceable ingredients from reliable suppliers. They're made with 98 percent real meat, poultry or fish, which are considerably costlier than grains or plant-based proteins.' Wet is an essential part of a dogs' diet and should be added to bowls to improve their meals, said Jason Trickett, vice president of merchandising for Ren's Pets, a Canadian retail chain with more than 30 locations. 'Consumers are looking to make the right choices for their pet, because they are part of the family and they want to ensure they are feeding the highest-quality products,' Trickett said. 'We don't see price as a barrier into the category, and we see wet as an easy addition to improving a pets' diet.' But for customers who are budget conscious, wet food toppers can be great alternatives. When wet food is used as a topper, more people are inclined to splurge as it can last them four to five days, said Justin McClenaghan, owner of Justin's Pet Store in Cobourg, Ontario, Canada. Making the proper recommendations for a canine and understanding a customer's price range can make a great difference when cost is a concern, said Larissa Wasyliw, vice president of e-commerce and marketing at Ren's Pets. 'There are statistics out there that pet parents would rather spend money on their pets instead of themselves,' Wasyliw said. 'They truly care about the well-being of their pets and want to feed them the best they can.' Consumer Education Understanding and Sharing Dietary Benefits Dog owners are increasingly embracing wet diets as a way to give their pets more variety or simply as a topper to kibble. Customers that are new to the category might require guidance from their local independent pet store to find the right option for their dogs. Rob Cadenhead, general manager at Gott Pet Products, the St. Francis, Wis.-based parent company of Hound & Gatos, advocated taking a 'consultative approach' with customers shopping the wet dog food set. 'Some are simply looking for a tasty topper to add variety to their pet's meal routine, while others are searching for a healthier diet or have specific nutritional issues in mind,' Cadenhead said. 'Hound & Gatos offers a wide range of materials to educate staff members on our complete product line. We also provide training sessions throughout the year to help further employee knowledge.' Staff training is key, said Jason Trickett, vice president of merchandising for Ren's Pets, a Canadian retail chain with more than 30 locations. 'Vendor product knowledge training has been happening across all our 33 locations now that lockdowns are over,' Trickett said. 'Staff listens carefully when a customer comes in and recommends the best option for the pet. Our vendors are also excellent with keeping our teams up-to-date on all of the product information.' Having access to a large variety of wet food diet lines can be critical for customers who have ingredient concerns due to their pets' dietary complications, industry insiders noted. 'Pet owners are becoming more educated that enhancing a dry food diet with wet, freeze-dried or frozen improves the health and well-being of their pets,' said Kevin Eddy, president of Pet Food Warehouse, a pet store in South Burlington, Vt. Increased resources and tools are available online for consumers to learn more about enhancing pets' wet diets. 'Shoppers themselves are becoming more self-educated using the internet as a tool for knowledge,' said Justin McClenaghan, owner of Justin's Pet Store in Cobourg, Ontario, Canada. 'More and more people are buying canned food without asking for opinions from staff.' Trade Talk Ann Hudson, vice president of marketing for Whitebridge Pet Brands in St. Louis. What's driving demand for wet diets in the dog food category? What innovations does Whitebridge offer in this segment? Humanization of pets continues to be a primary driver for most things that are happening in food and treats. We sleep with our dogs, we travel with our dogs and we eat with our dogs. And why shouldn't their meals look and taste just as good as ours? Tiki Dog Taste of the World recipes are made with human-grade ingredients and hand-packed in individual-serving sized cups to keep each meal fresh and conveniently easy-to-serve. With ingredients like ham and pasta noodles in Italian Carbonara, rice and red peppers in Asian Stir Fry and shrimp and tomatoes in Spanish Paella, each recipe is modeled after international cuisine. Made with dog-safe, human-grade ingredients, they look and smell just like people food. Shopping for wet is more fun, and because the investment per can or cup is lower, owners can afford more variety in flavors and formats. Owners feel a certain amount of guilt when they dump extruded kibble in a bowl and walk away. Wet food is a meatier and tastier choice than dry food. Unfortunately, most wet foods are made with unhealthy carbohydrates, poor-quality proteins and are too high in fat. Because they all come from a small group of plants in the U.S., they all look and smell the same and use similar ingredients. Tiki Dog has more than 60 different wet recipes, including four new Whole Foods items in cups. Each version is packed with brown rice in a flavorful consommé made from lobster or fish. Other recipes include Meaty, a taurine-rich line of meat-only limited-ingredient diets for dogs who are intolerant to legumes or grains. by Alexis Mattson - PeT Ptroduct News
 

17/12/2021

Consumer trends and their impact on Wet Food Processing technology

. Taking care of pets, especially food, is a crucial discussion. Experienced parents care about the well-being of their pet. New parents demand sustainability. They want manufacturers to care about animal welfare. Both new and experienced parents are changing the ways they meet feeding needs.   Market trends Globally, the humanization of pets has received a lot of attention. The move from owner to pet parent has been a crucial and defining trend in the pet food market, even more so in developed countries. With new pet parents entering the market and many long-time owners taking more time to research the products they give their pets, there has never been a better time to think carefully about how to position the products in the market. Consumers are becoming aware of the health of their pets and are buying foods with high nutritional value in order to promote their well-being. Therefore, today they are not only looking for basic products, but also locally produced, natural, with specific health benefits and a smaller environmental footprint, including vegetarian and hybrid options. The trend of humanization has increased health awareness and has generated a demand for foods free of sugars, grains, coloring or chemical additives. Many consumers are likely checking pet food labels. With the emerging trends of humanization and premiumization, the demand for pet food is expected to grow even more in the coming years.   Wet pet food With the new trends, wet food has gained an important role, as consumers look for food based on the benefits that wet food offers. Wet foods are higher in protein and fat than dry foods ... wet foods are often perceived by pets as tastier than dry foods. Also, most wet foods do not contain preservatives, so they are intended for quick consumption, unless they have gone through sterilization processes. In general, the benefits of wet food are: • Higher Moisture Content - Wet food may be a good option if your pet isn't drinking as much water as he should, or if he has a medical condition that could benefit from adequate hydration. • Palatability: wet food is often more aromatic and flavorful compared to dry food. • Satiety: wet food tends to create a longer-lasting feeling of being "full." Increased satiety is helpful for weight control • Easier to chew: Pets that have dental disease or other oral abnormalities may find wet foods easier to chew than dry foods.   Global data for wet pet food Revenue from the Wet Food for Cats and Dogs market was USD 24,709 million in 2020 and will reach USD 37,833 million in 2025, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.48% between 2020-2025. South America is slower growing, but wet food growth is faster than any other category. The current behavior in the leading countries shows that this trend will have a strong impact on the continent. The projection for the next 5 years for South America shows that countries such as Brazil, Argentina, Peru and Chile will increase more than 5% in volume.   Sustainable solutions for processing At JBT we offer a global solution for the processing of wet pet food. Our JBT-FTNON brand, with over 60 years of industry experience, supplies a complete pet food processing line starting with the hopper system, then extruded into ropes, steamed, cooled, and finally it is cut into standard or irregular pieces. Energy efficiency is a key element of this system, designed to be as modular as possible, using the same components or spare parts. Its easy maintenance means that cleaning times can be shortened, while there is a strong focus on achieving a consistent, high-quality result in terms of texture, color and taste.   Food preservation: A key element Packaging selection can significantly influence shelf appeal and build long-term brand loyalty. Cans remain the predominant packaging for wet food, emerging as the largest segment in 2018. Cans are predominantly used for packaging cat products, with a focus on easy-pull openers that make a "pop noise" to which many cats react instantly. JBT - TwinTec, our one-piece filler / sealer, offers perfect synchronization between filling and sealing. TwinTec technology sets new standards in hygiene and food safety: long-lasting stainless steel with integrated cables that ensure easy access, perfect operation and maximum operator safety. Available with a Unifiller Filler or Vacuum Filler, this machine fills and closes cans at speeds up to 600 cans per minute.   Key Element: Sterilization Container sterilization is a proven thermal processing technology that makes low acid food products (pH> 4.5) safe to consume and extends shelf life, without refrigeration, for wide and stable distribution. The Batch Retorts are all equipped with a steam water spray system, which guarantees uniform and efficient thermal processing of packaged foods, offering consistent high quality products, thanks to the excellent temperature distribution. JBT - Your Global Solution Our global network of research and technology centers allows you to work with a team of experts who ensure that your products will be processed, sterilized and packaged effectively: less time, better quality and less energy.   Source: JBT Corporation

10/12/2021

Create a successful marketing strategy for the Pet Food Industry

By Diana Mercado Cisneros

What elements influence decision making when making a purchase? A good marketing strategy First steps to generate a successful strategy First of all, you have to think about your SMART objectives and have them very clear, that way you can create your strategies with a common goal. Whether you are looking to increase your sales, improve your web positioning or optimize your presence in social networks, to make your efforts work you need to establish them in a way that they are specific (S), measurable (M), achievable (A), relevant (R ) and on time (T). Now, let's review another very important point: the 4 P's - Product, price, promotion and place. The product, as its name says, is what is going to be offered, what your company will contribute to its customers. Pricing, is one of the most complex marketing decisions, involving multiple factors such as manufacturing costs, markup, demand, competitive positioning, potential audience purchasing power, and many other characteristics. In this part, aspects such as payment methods or discounts are also taken into account. The promotion, this part includes all the communication actions that your company will carry out to publicize the products in order to increase sales. This is where all the advertising strategies, public relations, sales tactics and of course, the marketing would come in. Point of sale or distribution, refers to the different channels through which your products will reach consumers. If it is planned to put the products in a specific store, if it will only be available online or if it will be a comprehensive sale. This point covers aspects such as access, storage, transportation management or inventories, in addition to the customer experience.   Increase your sales using digital marketing When you are going to develop your strategies remember to keep your SMART objectives in mind, based on these some tactics may be more effective than others.   Content marketing This refers of creating content of value for users in such a way that they receive something in return. For example, you have seen that most web pages today have a blog section and also out of nowhere a pop up or an advertisement appears that offers you a free resource, in return you have to leave your email but there it is the detail. Today's consumer is not going to give you their data without receiving anything in return. In the case of pet food brands, they are creating content that will give the user knowledge about caring for them or they run raffles in which contact information is requested to participate in a raffle or to receive a discount coupon. In this way, brands make sure to attract prospects interested in their products. The Petco company knows the importance of content marketing and created this promotional so that by simply requesting contact information, they receive a discount on the first purchase.   Email marketing Through emails you can create a personalized communication channel, based on the needs of your subscribers. Email marketing is a tool used to create specialized databases, either for customers who have bought from you once, those customers who buy from you frequently and for those who have never bought from you, but have shown interest. Depending on how segmented your database is, you will be able to create the campaigns and adapt it to the needs of your clients and encourage them to act in the way you want; whether it is buying a product, accessory or taking advantage of the discounts and promotions that you have created for them. These campaigns can be run whether you are a pet food manufacturer or distributor. In the case of manufacturers, making and sending special promotions for distributors and others for customers turns out to be a good tool to increase sales. Social networks With this tool you not only promote,  you can interact with your customers in order to know what they want, what they need, as well as  brands or distributors of pet food for them. In fact it's an excellent platform to make everything go viral, make campaigns that involve both pets and owners and publish the results on social networks, they are the perfect way to make your followers feel that there are humans behind any brand. It is very important that you know the type of audience, because social networks work prety well for certain sectors and not so well for others; Develop a strategy adapted to your target market since each audience is different and you must create content focused on your target audience. Companies like Kantek Premium are aware of the great capacity that social networks have to humanize a brand and get closer to its audience. Recently, there was a landslide and collapse of a fence at an animal shelter in Mexico City, the company began to share and request support for the shelter through its networks. It is also possible to broadcast En Vivos and create valuable material for followers, in such a way that your company and your product are positioned as opinion leaders. As Petco does, who periodically make this type of content for their audience and generate very good results.   Complement your strategy with conventional marketing In addition to the digital ones mentioned above, it is important to complement with some conventional tactics. ● First of all, don't forget to participate in pet food industry events such as: PET and VET Business Fair in Brazil, Pet Food Forum 2021 in Mexico. Some will be virtual due to the current situation. ● Sponsorship of events. You have to sponsor non-profit events, or congresses, as well as pet shelter or organization dedicated to the care and protection of them. ● Conventional advertisements in newspapers, television, radio or Online platforms. You can choose one or two of these types of strategies and complement your digital tactics in such a way that you achieve your goals.   It is time to apply what you have learned Whether you're a pet food manufacturer or distributor, developing a marketing plan will give you direction and achieve your goals. If you want to increase sales or retain your customers, marketing tactics will help you achieve it.   by All Pet Food

06/12/2021

Emerging protein sources for the pet food industry

The impact that our civilization has on the functioning of the environment is increasingly evident and less debatable. Although there are still niches of controversy and rejection of the idea that human development is responsible for changes in the functioning of the climate and global processes of the planet, a large part of the population has already adopted this idea as true and has also taken measures concrete to mitigate the footprint that each of us leaves. The vision of this crucial issue for society is strongly influenced by age range, so young people are not only more concerned about this issue and less likely to deny it, but also take the lead in incorporating concrete behavior changes that modify their consumption habits. There are several very marked trends in the new generations regarding their way of facing consumption to meet their needs, one of the fastest growing is to replace the consumption of products of animal origin with alternatives, mainly vegetables. This has generated a whole range of profiles that can be classified into one of these groups. Flexitarians: they admit the consumption of meat and animal products in a moderate and sporadic manner, mainly on social occasions, they give priority to the consumption of vegetables and vegetable derivatives. They represent approximately 16% of the global population and 85% are under 60 years of age. Vegetarians: they do not consume meat, but they do consume some derivatives such as dairy, eggs and honey. About 10% of the world's population is vegetarian, India alone has over 350 million vegetarians. Vegans: do not consume any type of animal product, including leather and events where animals are used. They represent 3% of the world's population. Regardless of the specifics of each group, together they represent 29% of the world's population and share these common traits: 60% of the three groups are under 44 years of age. More than 70% carry out wellness activities such as exercise and meditation. More than 60% carry out activities related to caring for the environment, including preferential purchasing from socially responsible companies. More than 40% prefer to spend money on experiences rather than goods. Now, how does all this impact the pet food industry in a concrete way? On the one hand, the strong trend towards the humanization of pets makes people transfer their habits to their pets, on the other hand, the decrease in meat consumption brings with it a decrease in the supply of by-products of animal origin, generating uncertainty about protein supply in the immediate future. The end result is that a constant trend has been generated in recent years towards the development of vegetarian or vegan products for pets and the incorporation of alternative protein sources, for the development of new products. Perhaps the most consolidated trend regarding the incorporation of new protein sources is the so-called Grain Free, in which in addition to replacing the starch in cereals, traditional proteins are also replaced by alternatives that come from legumes and vegetables. But this trend is not necessarily vegetarian. If it is important to highlight its presence because it has already generated a permanent market space and where alternative ingredients and formulations have already made the way to break two great barriers, the cultural one for humans and that of palatability for pets. When developing vegetarian pet food alternatives, the key point to be resolved is the protein source, which must not only be concentrated, but also must have a complete amino acid profile for the nutrition of dogs and cats.   There are currently three main categories of alternative proteins available Established and available sources: soy, pea, lupine, potato, wheat and corn protein. They have a robust industrial chain with sufficient scale to supply the needs of the human and pet food industry. Due to their scale, they have competitive prices and are constantly available without seasonality or breaks in market stocks. Almost all these proteins are the result of a process of separation of the components of these vegetables. In the case of soybeans, what is most interesting is its oil, and the protein is a by-product of this separation; in the case of corn, wheat and potatoes, what is of interest is their starch and proteins remain as an important secondary product. In the case of peas and lupines, both starch and proteins are important products for the meat processing industry. They have large cultivated areas, the vegetables have been genetically improved by natural selection or genetic engineering to have very high yields, the production technology is highly developed and the consumption of water and the use of chemicals in these plant species have been optimized. They are already present in most pet foods on the market today. Emerging protein sources with limited availability: purified proteins from chickpea, lima beans, lentils, rapeseed and beans. They have fewer cultivated areas globally, tend to be more environmentally friendly crops and are often certified organic. Its industrialization chain is not fully established but more and more plants are adding installed capacity to process and separate proteins, starches, fibers and oils from these vegetable sources. In general, the production of these proteins is specific to the production of proteins themselves, and not a by-product of a larger-scale industry, so their prices are above well-established sources. While they have volume limitations on a global level, they can be counted on on a regular basis for specific uses, the global supply of pet protein cannot yet be solved by relying on these emerging solutions. They usually add additional interesting benefits for the environment, such as increasing crop diversity, allowing crop rotation, many of them are free of genetic modifications (but this also reduces their yield) and also add a quota of local availability of protein sources that reduces the incidence of freight and transport energy costs. Emerging sources of alternative proteins: Isolated proteins from Quinoa, Sunflower, Algae, Duckweed and Insects (crickets and fly larvae mainly soldier). As they are novel sources of protein in general, they have already been established with criteria of circular economy and careful availability near the source of consumption to avoid emissions and unnecessary energy costs. On the other hand, almost all of them do not compete directly with human food, both in their final use and in the way they are grown. In the special case of insect proteins, although they are not plant based, they can be considered friendly for the development of vegetarian products. All these novel sources have smaller and underdeveloped cultivation areas, they also have industrial chains that are not fully established and a large part of them are being introduced to the human and animal food market, so some cultural barriers for their consumption must still be broken, on all insects. However, they have very interesting prospects for long-term sustainability. Duckweed is an aquatic plant and both it and algae can be grown in water without occupying land areas. Both have high crop yields, close to 20 tons / ha / year for duckweed and 40 tons / ha / year for algae. The amino acid profiles are complete and also, in the case of algae, they have a high concentration of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids in their fat. A major disadvantage is that they are only suitable for hot and temperate climates. Quinoa has the advantage of being adaptable to many types of climates and naturally having high yields, it also has a very complete amino acid profile and a high protein content. Culturally it is already fully accepted by the population and is even considered a superfood and a beneficial product for food. Analyzing in detail the case of protein from insects, it should be noted that from the point of view of sustainability they are the ones that have the best perspective. Insects can grow by efficiently consuming organic waste from other industries, insect meal is low in fat and very rich in proteins with a full amino acid profile. Far fewer resources are used to produce a ton of insect meal than to produce a ton of animal meal (less water, less energy, less acreage, and fewer emissions). The insect protein industry was already born under the concept of circular economy, so it tries to solve all the problems related to its relationship with the environment during its scaling up. Finally, we will briefly review the challenges posed by the development of pet foods based on alternative protein sources, mainly plant based to offer vegetarian or vegan alternatives to consumers. Regarding nutrition, it is necessary to make sure that the protein sources have all the essential amino acids for dogs and cats and if not, pure supplements should be used, mainly methionine and lysine. Another technical challenge is solving the palatability of the food, since vegetable fat sources are less palatable to pets than animals. On the other hand, the current flavorings are all based on the hydrolysis of animal proteins, there are alternative solutions based on other proteins, but still under development and with little availability in the local market. As in the case of human food, the change to a vegan or vegetarian diet must be monitored to ensure that the intake of amino acids, vitamins and minerals essential for the body is met. On the other hand, this type of diet does not have to be less palatable or less pleasant for both humans and pets, so the search for satisfactory palatability solutions is a highly dynamic field in the food industry since they have not yet been covered. fully meet the expectations of consumers seeking wellness, convenience and enjoyment.   Fuente: All Pet Food

03/12/2021

Emotional discoveries trend: opportunities to share feel-good experiences with fur babies

This insatiable search for new culinary experiences has even transferred to pet food, allowing owners to add some fun escapism to their furry companion's meal routine. These products can also be opportunities to celebrate family or holiday traditions with the fur baby. For Millennial pet parents, it is more about identifying themselves with innovations employing their usual digital codes Discover fun pet food experiences that please pet parents and their companions. Enjoy the full article HERE   By: Diana Pet Food

02/12/2021

How data can help us End Pet Homelessness

At Mars, the world we want tomorrow is one where no pets are homeless. But before we can achieve this, we first need to understand what contributes to this issue in different countries across the world. This is why we teamed up with animal welfare experts and created the first-ever State of Pet Homelessness Index.   Using data from over 200 global and local sources as well as quantitative research based on attitudinal data, the Index is the first, methodological measure of pet homelessness, currently covering data across 9 countries: the US, UK, India, Mexico, Germany, Russia, South Africa, China, and Greece.    Every country receives an index score between 0 and 10 (where 10 = no pet homelessness exists) based on data collected across three focus areas.   The Index model also accounts for country-specific context and identifies the challenges and contributing factors that can help inform initiatives addressing this issue in each of the 9 countries.   The data also reveals several common challenges across the nine countries:   Pet–friendly housing limitations: 55% of respondents say it is difficult to find dog-friendly rental homes; 44% agree it is difficult to find a rental when you own a cat  Negative perceptions of stray or shelter animals: 50% of prospective owners say they worry about the pet's history if adopted from a shelter, and 47% worry the pets are emotionally damaged. One in four think that stray animals are more likely to be aggressive  The Index data also suggests that across the nine countries measured, nearly half (47%) of pet owners have concerns that when life returns to normal post-pandemic, there will be more homeless pets than ever.  Some pet owners also report uncertainty about whether they will be able to provide sustained care for their pets once life goes back to normal, leading to a concern that more pets may be at risk of homelessness.   Jeffrey Flocken, President, Humane Society International says, 'Companion animals are a source of comfort and unwavering affection for us, and we believe they deserve the love and care they need to thrive. I'm hopeful the Index can be used by animal welfare organizations and policymakers, pet professionals, academics and researchers to better understand the scale and factors influencing the issue and to point towards the most impactful interventions. At Humane Society International, we are ultimately aiming to reduce the time companion animals spend in shelters before finding their forever homes and prevent them from being relinquished or abandoned –and this Index will inform our ongoing efforts to do just that.'    Source: Mars 

30/11/2021

2021 Earth Hero Award Goes To Industry Game-Changer, Petco

We have many opportunities throughout the year to spotlight our — particularly through the PSC Accreditation Program — but the Earth Hero Award is unique in that it focuses on transformational work within the industry. It is designed to recognize members who not only live the high standards PSC encourages and measures, but also influences others in positive ways. Petco has been a sustainability champion for PSC since their founding partnership in 2008. Always active, their work continued to ramp up as their sustainability leader, Francesca Mahoney, was promoted to a newly established leadership role as Head of Sustainability in 2020. Mahoney built on impressive 2020 achievements (including the elimination of 3.6 million pounds of cardboard waste and 30,000 pounds of plastic waste, upcycling of 1.5 million plastic bottles into pet accessories and the elimination of 3.2 million pieces of packaging waste) to drive toward even more ambitious goals for 2021. In April 2021 Petco made the news again by setting a public goal to increase its assortment of sustainable products to 50% by the end of 2025. They established five key pillars to assessing these targets, including Responsible manufacturing Sustainably sourced materials Sustainably sourced ingredient Responsible packaging Animal welfare From this public announcement Petco has launched a tsunami of sustainability work in our industry and PSC has been there on every step of the journey, both as an expert voice and with functional and educational support to Petco, their vendors, associates and broader community. Petco has inspired the entire industry, not only by setting ambitious goals, but also by backing them up with the resources, support and leadership to make the goals attainable. Together, Petco and PSC are driving positive impact within the pet industry by educating, engaging, and collaborating with pet suppliers to incorporate sustainability practices across the industry. Congratulations to our 2021 Earth Hero, Petco!   Source: Pet Sustaintability Coalition

25/11/2021

Mars Petcare launches Airport certification

The certification, in time for the holiday travel rush, comes in response to a rising demand for pet-friendly travel options, as a recent survey shows 85 percent of pet owners are likely to travel within the next year, and 65 percent saying they would like to bring their pets along, company officials reported. Following the company's recently launched partnership with Hilton's Homewood Suites by Hilton and Home2 Suites by Hilton brands, the new Airport Certification aims to accommodate the growing desire from pet owners to travel with their dogs and cats, and encourage other airports to make the travel experience more welcoming to both people and their pets. 'Our new Airport Certification is a natural extension of our Better Cities For Pets program into the travel space, an area where pet parents are looking for more welcoming and accommodating experiences for their pets,' said Ikdeep Singh, regional president at Mars Petcare North America. 'It's clear that pet parents want to travel with their cats and dogs and working with leaders like BNA help us ensure we're meeting their needs and delivering on our purpose: A Better World for Pets.' As the first airport to obtain the new pet-friendly designation, Nashville International Airport has prioritized the safety and ease of traveling with pets and service animals, installing a variety of pet-friendly amenities before and after the security checkpoint, officials said. New features include: A dedicated Dog Park, located in the Plaza on the fifth floor of Terminal Garage 1 to provide much-needed outdoor green space to traveling pets and pet parents complete with a hydration station and waste stations Two curbside relief areas at the North and South terminals, each equipped with a hydration station and waste station An indoor relief area located in Concourse D post-security, also equipped with a hydration station and waste station Enhanced visual wayfinding signage throughout the airport to make locating pet-friendly amenities easier for travelers Celebration of pet ownership throughout the airport, with two custom pet-themed murals in the North and South terminals where travelers can stop and snap a photo with their pets to document their trip. With these new spaces installed, pet owners will have options before and after the security checkpoint ensuring a more comfortable airport experience for travelers and their pets and service animals. To develop the new certification, Mars Petcare collaborated with the Civic Design Center, a leader in designing public spaces, and American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), leveraging their insights and aviation expertise. The organizations provided feedback and guidance on the certification assessment, including input on relevant amenity enhancements and solutions that would facilitate welcoming, safe and comfortable travel environments for pets, pet parents and all other travelers. To apply for the new Airport Certification through the Better Cities For Pets program, airports must be located within 90 miles of a Better Cities For Pets certified city. To spread the word about the new Airport Certification, Mars Petcare teamed up with Nashville-native and acclaimed singer-songwriter Cassadee Pope, who recently checked out the pet-friendly updates at the airport with her French bulldog, Cuppy.   Source: Pet Products News

15/11/2021

Pet owner attitudes and expectations toward dog aging

They are more than ready to adopt solutions that allow their animal to stay healthy while growing old so they can share more time together. But what is dog owners' perception of aging? What do they do to fight aging? What do they expect from anti-aging solutions? Here are the results of an exclusive survey conducted with more than 1,600 dog owners from the UK, Spain, France, and the USA to better understand their attitudes and expectations about dog aging.   Enjoy the survey HERE

25/10/2021

Life cycle assessment: How to measure pet food environmental impact

From the identification of the impacts to the calculation of an environmental score, this complete analysis enables manufacturers to develop pet foods that meet pet parents' desire for sustainability. From life cycle assessment to environmental score, discover how to measure the sustainability of your pet food!   Enjoy the full article HERE

19/10/2021

GEA raising the bar for sustainable heating and cooling solutions

By renaming and reshaping our Refrigeration Technologies division to GEA Heating & Refrigeration Technologies, we've empowered our teams of experts to contribute more than ever before. This is how we put 'engineering for a better world' into practice.   Raising the bar #1: better heat pumps GEA Red Heat Pumps Heat accounts for more than half of the global total final energy consumption. Despite best efforts, today it is still mainly produced using fossil fuels. If we are to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels, we need a real game changer. When it comes to decarbonizing heat, heat pump technology with its proven track record is just that. Using heat pumps to cool our warming planet makes a lot of sense.

In that respect, we at GEA focus on extending the heat pump portfolio providing higher temperatures, which is exactly what's required for process heating in food and beverage production and district heating networks. Thanks to our strong in-house R&D, we constantly have technology leading products in the pipeline. We will soon be launching an extended product portfolio, with special emphasis on higher efficiency and reliability heat pumps based on a new line-up of high-pressure compressors. This will enable our customers to achieve higher supply temperatures for their processes than ever before.   Raising the bar #2: better use of data Automation and digitalization are key elements in our climate strategy. Many of the new products that we will be launching as we go forward will benefit from data generated within our own organization and throughout the entire lifecycle of our equipment and solutions. By carefully analyzing these data, we gain insights that enable us to give our customers the best possible advice on how to further reduce energy consumption in and increase availability of their production plants. Better use of data ensures that our customers gain more speed on their road to decarbonization.   Raising the bar #3: better access to sustainable technology As a technology leader, GEA is committed to driving change in the market. That's why we've recently launched a multi-million-euro investment in the extension of our test centers throughout Europe.

Thomas Strotkoetter, Head of the Compression Technologies Business Unit, says: 'Thanks to our extended testing facilities, our customers will have easier access to the latest heat pump technology and will be even more motivated to opt for the right sustainable solution for their applications.'   Raising the bar #4: better integration of heating and cooling In applications such as food, beverage and dairy processing, products are usually heated up and then refrigerated. In seeking a sustainable approach, we felt that bringing cooling and heating together was the logical thing to do. A circular approach offers many advantages: it enables our customers to reduce and reuse as much energy as possible. Low-grade waste heat will be upcycled efficiently for all required processes.

Kai Becker, CEO of GEA Heating & Refrigeration Technologies, says: 'Our integrated cooling and heating solutions represent a real blueprint for converting heating operations from conventional to carbon-neutral in the food processing industry and in district heating networks, since the required heat is generated by largely reusing waste heat."

'At GEA, we strongly believe that collaboration and innovation are of the essence to remain at the forefront in tackling the climate challenges that lie ahead. That's why we bring our wealth of in-house expertise in cooling and heating closer together, and that's why we're now renaming our refrigeration technologies division to GEA Heating & Refrigeration Technologies.' GEA Integrated Refrigeration and Heating Plant   Raising the bar #5: accelerated decarbonization transition   Time is running out for the world to change its ways if it is to achieve the goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. By providing the most sustainable heating and cooling solutions and by minimizing our customers' carbon footprint as well as our own, GEA is tackling one aspect of climate change head-on.  Sustainable Engineering Kai Becker adds: 'Being part of the GEA Group allows us to go even further. Combining our first-class products and solutions in cooling and heating in co-developments with GEA process experts, with customers and external partners leads to more sustainable and fully integrated applications. GEA has the knowledge, the technology and the ability to successfully implement innovative projects that enable customers to build green factories that comply with current and future emission targets.'  The SEnS initiative is an excellent example of our drive to ensure sustainable solutions for our customers worldwide. GEA's Sustainable Energy Solutions (SEnS) can revolutionize the integration of processes and utilities (cooling and heating) to force down energy consumption, reduce carbon footprint and slash total cost of ownership across multiple food industry sectors.

We're raising the bar for fully decarbonized food, beverage and dairy processing.
We're raising the bar for ourselves, our customers and our partners.
We're raising the bar to protect our planet for future generations.
Will you join us?   Source: Gea Group

18/10/2021

Royal Canin invests in ICON Level Membership with Pet Sustainability Coalition

The change represents Royal Canin's continued expansion of its commitment to sustainability leadership in the pet industry. Icon members are leaders whose investment in PSC helps to advance their company's environmental and social performance. Icon level members are also important partners in the Pet Sustainability Coalition's work on major systemic issues facing the pet industry. Royal Canin's increased engagement will provide PSC with important industry expertise and financial support to advance its industry-wide priorities, which include: finding sustainable solutions to complex packaging needs, advancing the sustainable sourcing of proteins, and the promotion of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the industry. 'As one of the largest pet food manufacturers in the industry, and a brand within the MARS Petcare family, Royal Canin's selection of an Icon membership is a major milestone that indicates the significance of sustainability as a key business topic for brands large and small. MARS has one of the most aggressive sustainability plans amongst its peer group and we are honored to support their efforts within Royal Canin to advance their progress within their petcare business', says Caitlyn Dudas, Executive Director, PSC. 'At Royal Canin, we strive to create a sustainable world for pets, people, and the planet,' says Cecile Coutens, Regional President of Royal Canin North America. 'With a mission of Creating a Better World for Pets, we have lived our sustainability commitment with our sites sending zero waste to landfill, achieving 100% sustainable fish sourcing and contributing to reforestation projects around the world to name a few. We have an important role to play and want to extend our sustainability leadership, while inviting others in the industry to join us in helping to create a more sustainable world in which our pets, people, and planet thrive.'   Sustainability at Royal Canin Royal Canin's investment in PSC is one of many important steps toward the science-based pet health nutrition company's ambitious sustainability goals. In addition to the examples mentioned above, Royal Canin has assessed the carbon and water footprints of all their raw materials and established reduction goals. The company is optimizing product formulations and sourcing strategies that consider their environmental impact. Royal Canin maintains valuable partnerships with the World Wildlife Fund, is an Ellen McArthur New Plastic Economy signatory member, and a member of the US Plastics Pact, as a Mars Inc. division. All goals and targets are in the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi). 'While each of us can promote sustainable practices within our own entities, becoming an ICON member of the Pet Sustainability Coalition enables us to join forces with other highly motivated PSC members to increase the impact of our collaboration in sustainability,' commented Coutens. Royal Canin, a division of Mars Inc., has been a member of the PSC since 2018. Participating at the Icon level membership enables the company to help guide their partners and customers to becoming more sustainable and builds on the company's longstanding commitment to reduce environmental footprint and provide cats and dogs with products that are responsibly sourced.   Source: Pet Sustainability Coalition

12/10/2021

Sustaintability in the Pet Food Industry

The unprecedented levels of pollution, the constant thawing of glaciers and the poles and the extinction of species, are beginning to alarm countries around the world that are already taking measures and launching policies to reduce environmental impact. This is how sustainability emerges as a key concept to solve environmental problems. From being an emerging trend, it became a fundamental pillar to transform human practices in a radical way. The world of pets is not an exception. For some years now, the food industry has shown a growing concern to implement greener means of production, as well as to produce products with a positive impact on the planet. These changes, which have been brewing for some time, go hand in hand with the constant need to improve the quality of life of pets, being a fundamental part of it, not only the food, but also the place where they live. Today, 3 out of 4 consumers in the world expect companies to invest in the sustainability of their products. This is clearly visible in the new generations, who are increasingly committed to environmental problems. In fact, on March 15, 9,000 people representing different organizations and governments from all Latin American countries met virtually at the "Forum of Sustainable Development Countries" to endorse the 2030 Agenda for a sustainable future in the region. Sustainability consumer archetypes There are different types of sustainability consumers who are located at different ends of the curve of sustainability adoption, going from the extrinsic (external environment) to the intrinsic (individual environment). The archetypes, based on studies developed by Kerry, are: Inactive Sustainability is important, but it is not a key factor in the purchase decision. They think that the responsibility for taking sustainable action rests with governments and industry. His vision of the subject, therefore, is extrinsic, related to the conservation of resources, recycling and welfare of animals and the community. Prices and lack of intention are the main barriers to acting sustainably. This type represents 51% of consumers who are not motivated by sustainability. Passives They tend to be older: Gen Xers and boomers who prioritize sustainability but are disappointed by the lack of sustainability-related resources, products and planning. Their association is extrinsic to sustainability: environmental protection, animal welfare, animal waste. Price continues to be a key barrier to this archetype. Followers They are the nation's young people, typically young Millennials and Generation Z, who make sustainability a priority, but lack the time and resources to carry out their work. They are in a state of transition, moving from adopting an external vision to an internal vision of the impact of sustainability. They are more likely to switch brands if they don't align with their vision. Pioneers They are the bearers of the torch of sustainability and multifaceted, they have a more mature vision of the subject. The pioneers have internalized the environmental, social and individual impact of sustainability. They are more willing to sacrifice convenience, price, and brand loyalty to support sustainability. It is an archetype with aspirations, influencing family, friends, colleagues and the community at large and representing the largest group of consumers concerned about sustainability, driving the industry to make changes that meet their expectations. The influence of sustainability in pet food The changes that occur in consumers have a direct impact on the ways of producing in all industries. In the food industry in particular, globally, there was an average annual growth of 57% in food and beverage launches with an 'environmental ethics' statement. Sustainability is what drives consumer purchasing choices in Latin America, a region that shows the greatest concern for it. 73% of Latin American consumers say they care a lot about sustainability issues, compared to a global response of 57%. In fact, this growing importance for sustainability has been growing in the purchase of consumers both in supermarkets and in restaurants: 75% of Latin American consumers say they are strongly influenced by sustainability when they buy food or beverages at the supermarket. 72% of Latin American consumers say they are strongly influenced by sustainability when ordering food or drinks in a restaurant. The main drivers of sustainability associated with health and nutrition The transition towards more sustainable practices, especially in health and nutrition, are motivated by different factors related to contributing to well-being and a higher quality of life. The percentages are: Eat more fruits and vegetables: 36% Eat healthy (no more, no less): 35% Exercise, stay active: 31% Limit, reduce sugar consumption: 28% Mental well-being: 26% Healthy aging: 24% Without additives, preservatives: 23% Weight control: 22% Consume fresh food and beverages: 22% Nothing artificial: 19% Limit / reduce fat: 19% Reduce meat consumption: 18% Unprocessed food and beverages: 17% Limit / reduce sodium: 17% Taking into account that there is a process of mimicry between trends in people and the world of pets, it is no coincidence that these motivations are also transferred to the feeding of pets. Pet owners are increasingly concerned with providing them with food that not only provides the necessary energy and nutrients, but also improves their quality of life in various ways, such as those mentioned above. In conclusion, sustainability, today, emerges as the fundamental pillar in the production of food for both people and pets. Consumers are more committed to environmental causes, which is why they are increasingly inclined towards products that have a minimal impact on the planet. It is about improving the diet with quality products, free of preservatives, additives, flavorings, etc., as well as protecting the place where we live and ensuring its continuity for future generations. Source: WMG

07/10/2021

Organic trace minerals for pets´s mental health

How can we address some of these challenges, especially those related to cognitive function in pets?   1. Take a preventative, nutrition-based approach. Providing proper nutrition is still considered one of the most effective and financially viable ways to decrease an animal's disease risk. An important part of any animal's health and diet is immuno-nutrition, which can be defined as the effect of providing specific nutrients — typically, a combination of certain amino acids, nucleic acids, vitamins and minerals — on the animal's immune system. With the direct link between a healthy digestive system and immunity, the importance of gut health cannot be overstated. Gut health, immunity and the microbiome have also been shown to be linked to cognitive health. Research in this area has proven the gut and brain communicate regularly through a highly complex interactive system. This highlights the important role of nutrition, not only for the growing and developing puppy, but for the aging or senior dog as well.   2. Optimize gut health by increasing microbial diversity.     Gut health can be improved and maintained in several ways, but increasing microbial diversity — as well as reducing pathogens and increasing beneficial bacteria, such as the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria species — is key. Adding prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics to an animal's gut health program has been well-researched and established as important for maintaining good gut health. Furthermore, products such as mannan-rich fractions of yeast (MRF) and certain fermentation solubles — including mannan oligosaccharides (MOS) — as well as nucleotides and branched-chain amino acids are being incorporated into pet food for dogs and cats at a growing rate. Senior or geriatric dogs tend to have reduced concentrations of Bifidobacteria species, and studies of MOS have shown that they are correlated with significant increases in beneficial populations, which can help offset the negative effects of age on colonic health. MRF have also proven to be beneficial in pet diets in several ways. They basically provide a source of attachment for certain pathogens and escort them through the digestive tract, preventing colonization and reversing dysbiosis. MRF also support nutrient utilization, help maintain digestive function and enzyme activity and work to control inflammation.   3. Support immunity and cognitive health in dogs and cats with antioxidants.   We've looked at how immuno-nutrients affect gut health, but what impact do they have on the overall immune system? Trace minerals are essential in many metabolic and physiological processes, and using the organic, more bioavailable form of these essential nutrients has been proven to be beneficial in multiple ways. Recent companion animal studies of Bioplex®and Sel-Plex® showed that, even when supplemented at much lower levels than their inorganic counterparts, these two products supported and promoted better trace mineral status, bone mineral density, growth and immune measures in both cats and dogs. Certain trace minerals, including selenium, are also known to be important antioxidants. Since antioxidants can help minimize free-radical formation and oxidative stress, including them in pets' diets is often considered an important part of any immune-nutrient strategy to help prevent and managed age-related health issues. Some of the leading age-related health problems in pets include immune-related issues, joint health, cancer, diabetes and heart disease. Two other emerging concerns and interests for pet owners with older pets are cognitive health and function. When it comes to cognitive health, there have been several studies linking antioxidants and their role in counteracting oxidative stress to potential improvements in cognitive performance. It seems that impaired neuroprotection that results from oxidative stress has been implicated in neurodegeneration, and as such, inhibitors of oxidative damage — especially antioxidants — are considered very promising as potential preventatives. Selenium is considered to be not only a very powerful antioxidant but a major agent of immune stimulation as well. Several studies in humans, companion animals and other species have shown that selenium can reduce oxidative damage, optimize immunity and thyroid health, and even help prevent mental decline. The problem with selenium is that its availability, utilization and efficacy depend on the dietary source or form in which it is provided. Inorganic selenium (i.e., sodium selenate or sodium selenite), the most widely used form of selenium, is not only highly toxic; it is also poorly absorbed, can induce DNA damage and can have very strong pro-oxidative properties, making it a poor choice as an antioxidant. Because of toxicity concerns, inclusion rates for selenium are regulated, and the suggested levels are set with an eye toward preventing a deficiency rather than supplementing for optimized immunity and health. As such, it is worthwhile to reconsider our selenium supplementation strategies and find ways to maximize selenium status that, ultimately, support cognitive health as well. An animal's selenium status can easily be improved by substituting inorganic selenium with the organic form of the mineral, such as that included in Sel-Plex. Studies of Sel-Plex have evaluated its potential antioxidant characteristics in several species, including transgenic mice, and the results have shown a substantial increase in glutathione peroxidase and significantly decreased levels of DNA and RNA oxidation. Poor selenium status, on the other hand, has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease. Selenium has been shown to lower markers of inflammation, indicating that it may help decrease an animal's risk of heart disease by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, which have been linked to atherosclerosis. Since pets are also susceptible to certain heart conditions, implementing nutritional strategies to improve selenium status and, in turn, reduce oxidative stress and any subsequent inflammation could potentially have positive benefits for geriatric pets as well.   Conclusion Thanks to the growing trend of increased awareness and interest from pet owners about the overall health and well-being of their animal companions, we can expect nutrition to play an even more prominent role as part of a preventive approach to maintaining pet health. The importance of the pet microbiome cannot be underestimated, as it serves as the foundation of a healthy GI tract, immunity and overall health through all life stages. When looking at antioxidants, the opportunity also exists to make seemingly small changes — like switching from inorganic selenium to an organic source — that can actually have a significant impact on the overall immunity, health and cognitive function of the animal. Immuno-nutrients will continue to be an important part of a targeted nutritional approach to caring for pets, but it is also important to look for product-specific research and validation when creating your pets' health plan.   Source: Alltech

23/09/2021

Data analytics for Pets

How is Mars Petcare using data to help dogs and cats?   Dogs and cats can't talk, so they can't tell us when they start to feel ill or otherwise may need healthcare. At Mars Petcare, we are using data and analytics to reveal new insights into pet health. By identifying changes in health as soon as possible, we hope to reduce the impact that disease can have on pets' wellbeing. We already have diagnostic tools that can help predict the onset of disease, technology that can detect changes in pet behaviour that could signal a change in wellbeing and we are using leading-edge data science applications to enable a new era of preventive pet care. And it's not limited to healthcare. There are several areas of our business where we're using data science, from optimising supply chain and hospital operations to personalised marketing and retail assortment. We are positioned to collect information on the behaviour, health and genetics of pets around the world through our nutrition, health and pet service businesses – and we want to use that privilege to be a force for good. Mars Petcare has a number of pet food brands, including Pedigree™ and Whiskas™, as well as Royal Canin®, our health nutrition brand. We're also very proud of our global network of more than 2,500 veterinary hospitals and diagnostic labs that employ more than 65,000 compassionate veterinary professionals. We've got a DNA business called Wisdom Panel™, while Whistle™ helps us understand pet health through activity and behaviour tracking. Scientists at the Waltham Petcare Science Institute work to advance science to better understand pets' needs and overall wellbeing. The scale and granularity of this data across our businesses provide a phenomenal opportunity to generate insights that will help enable pets to live happier, healthier lives.   What is your latest breakthrough?   Pet Insight Project is a pioneering mission to collect and interpret the health stories of hundreds of thousands of dogs. It's enabled by Whistle FIT, a smart, collar-worn device that captures information about a dog's behaviour – like a fitness tracker for dogs. It has a three-axis accelerometer to sense how much a pet moves up to 150 times a second. Pet Insight Project invites citizen scientists to send in videos of their dogs doing certain activities, such as eating, drinking and scratching, whilst wearing the Whistle device. By pairing the data from the device with the video footage, we have built ML algorithms that can detect when dogs are exhibiting certain behaviours. We can now detect previously unseen behaviour patterns that could be early indicators of changes in wellbeing. For example, an increase in the amount of time a dog spends drinking each day could be a sign of ill health, such as diabetes or kidney disease. We can notify the pet owner of these changes through the Whistle app, often before they have noticed the change in behaviour themselves.   How does your data help vets?   Profession wide, it's estimated that the anaesthetic mortality rate is twice as high for cats as it is for dogs. We applied Natural Language Processing to unstructured medical notes and processed data from 1 billion raw medical notes, creating 300,000 structured anaesthesia records. Our research to try and better understand the risks associated with feline anaesthesia mortality has identified six unique risk factors. The next stage of this project is now in development – a predictive algorithm that can provide real-time feedback to veterinary teams to help make anaesthetic procedures safer for cats.   Tell us about your work in AI and ML   Our AI and ML algorithms are written mostly in-house, but we also partner with third-parties and academic institutions. Another great example is our application of ML to X-rays. There is a dearth of veterinary trained radiologists globally, and a huge year on year increase in demand for radiological reads by veterinarians. Using 2.2 million X-rays, we have built ML models that can identify 42 findings in thorax and abdominal X-rays in cats and dogs, with many more findings to come. We can now provide a service to veterinary hospitals where ML can be used as an initial assessment for an X-ray. We're also using predictive models to optimise our retail assortment, so that we can provide pet owners with more tailored product offerings.   How can data help in early disease detection?   Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the number one cause of death for cats over five and affects 30% to 40% of all cats over the age of 10. RenalTech™ is an AI-driven diagnostic tool that can predict whether a cat will develop CKD up to two years before traditional clinical diagnosis. It was developed by data scientists at Waltham Petcare Science Institute using the medical data of more than 150,000 cats and 750,000 veterinary visits over 20 years. It's available to veterinarians through our diagnostic lab Antech's network. By having an early insight to the onset of disease, pet owners and veterinarians can partner to create a proactive, personalised care plan for the pet.   What does the future look like for pet care?   A common use of AI in human health is the development of predictive models: where a computer can spot very subtle patterns in data that are an early indicator of a health condition or disease. Because so many diseases have better outcomes if they are picked up and treated earlier, predictive models have the potential to be transformative for pet healthcare, as in human healthcare. We believe that going forward, we'll continue to tap into the potential of new technologies and tools to drive preventive and more personalised care, which can allow us to work harder and smarter to improve the lives of our pets. Already scientists are using the power of AI to not only understand how a pet's genetics and behaviour can share powerful insights about their overall health, but to also help predict disease in pets. Individualised nutritional support may ultimately help in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases. In the future, veterinarians and pet owners will be able to partner even better to keep pets healthy and happy.   What motivates your team?   Pets make our lives better, and we're privileged to have the opportunity to use science and data to make their lives better too. By responsibly harnessing pet data, we have the opportunity to change the lives of millions of pets and the pet care industry. What motivates and unites us is our purpose: A better world for pets.   Source: Sunday Times

22/09/2021

Apple vinegar in dog food?

By Luciana Chippano

Vinegar is a combination of acetic acid and water that is obtained through a two-step fermentation process. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires vinegar to contain at least 4% acetic acid, but it can vary up to 8%. Vinegar contains a significant amount of vitamins, mineral salts, amino acids, and polyphenolic compounds.   Applied studies   The FDA has stated that apple cider vinegar contains only trace amounts of vitamins and minerals except for potassium (11 grams per tablespoon). But despite not overflowing with essential nutrients, it is beneficial for the health of people and animals.   Glucose reduction   In 2010, the research journal Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism published a study showing that the anti-glycemic properties of vinegar reduce blood sugar levels that tend to rise after a meal in a healthy adult body. These results are consistent with a 2006 Japanese study that showed that eating vinegar with food prevents increases in blood sugar. A 2005 study conducted by Arizona State University evaluated patients with type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, or no diabetes symptoms, while they ate an 87g carbohydrate breakfast right after drinking a glass of water with 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar or a placebo. Consuming apple cider vinegar water was found to slow the rise in blood sugar in all three groups, by as much as 34%. Additionally, based on other rat or test tube studies, the researchers speculated that vinegar interferes with the absorption of carbohydrate-rich foods.   Benefits of apple cider vinegar   Those in favor of the use of apple cider vinegar in dog food claim that it is an excellent ingredient to maintain the acid-alkaline balance of the body, and also helps with digestive health, to fight allergies and even parasites such as fleas, ringworm, ticks, fungi and bacteria, skin problems and even bladder infections.   Better absorption   Apple cider vinegar aids digestion by increasing stomach acid levels, resulting in better absorption. Apple cider vinegar promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract of dogs.   Prevention of malignant viruses and bacteria   Vinegar contains antiseptic properties that help prevent the growth of harmful viruses and bacteria in the digestive tract. Plus, it doesn't interfere with the body's beneficial bacteria, the immune system's first line of defense against harmful microbes.   Arthritis   This condition of chronic inflammation of the joints is a fairly common disease in both animals and humans, and one of its causes is believed to be the accumulation of toxic waste in the tissues, which subsequently causes irritation, something in which The addition of vinegar in canine pet food formulas may help. Several studies have shown that apple cider vinegar has a significant impact on pain caused by arthritis and that it also slows its progression.   Blood pressure   Potassium, the most highly concentrated nutrient in apple cider vinegar, is beneficial for both your heart and blood pressure, and helps prevent stroke.   Osteoporosis   The manganese, magnesium, silicon and calcium present in apple cider vinegar have a positive impact on the maintenance of bone mass, essential to prevent the development of osteoporosis.   Constipation   When we add fiber to the diet, such as the pectin in apple cider vinegar, we are helping the body to have regular and adequate bowel movements, which prevents the body from reabsorbing toxins and waste.   Cataract prevention   Apple cider vinegar is good for preventing the development of cataracts, since the beta-carotene it contains provides antioxidant properties that are very beneficial to fight free radicals, a molecule that causes alterations in the structure of the ocular lens.   Fatigue   Today we live exposed to higher levels of stress than in ancient times. And that, of course, affects animals as well. Stress causes the elimination of lactic acid, which can lead to fatigue and which, in turn, can be combated with the amino acids contained in apple cider vinegar. The enzymes, as well as the potassium it contains, also help maintain energy and vitality.   Metabolism   Currently, a large percentage of pets do not get enough exercise which, together with poor quality food, regularly leads to overweight. Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight contemplates an effective and efficient metabolism, and in this the malic acid and tartaric acid contained in apple cider vinegar help, since they balance the acid content and eliminate the harmful bacteria found in the digestive tract.   Muscles   Lactic acid in the muscles is the cause of muscle pain and stiffness. Apple cider vinegar can help break down acid crystals, making them easier to remove from the body. This is especially good for competition or training animals.   Summary   Apple cider vinegar can provide countless benefits to the health of canines, and it is a component that, adding it in small doses to pet food formulas, can significantly improve them. From the industry, we can promote studies and research to deepen our knowledge of its advantages to introduce it to more and more offers on the market. What do you think of this ingredient?   By: All Pet Food

20/09/2021

JBT FTNON: at the cutting-edge of pet food innovations

Through energy-efficient, easy-to-maintain and cleanable systems, FTNON is delivering a range of solutions to the pet food industry, which are helping customers maintain a consistent, premium quality, while also – in a highly-competitive industry – keeping running costs as low as possible. 'The pet food industry is really booming at the moment, with people tending to buy more premium products than in the past where you have more meat in a can or a pouch,' explains FTNON's Joost Lotgerink Bruinenberg. 'We see that pouches are seen as more of a premium product, and demand is growing, for both cats and dogs.  'That's the trend and you see it when you go into a supermarket: five years ago, it was a few metres, now it's one big lane for dry and wet pet food, so the customer has more choice. And the big players are also investing in new factories to fulfil the market demand.' Plant-based foods
Another major emerging trend is in meat-replacement products. Although not significant in pet food at the moment, Lotgerink expects the category to follow the importance of the trend in human foods in the near future. 'Given the shortage of meat in the industry, this is likely to be a strong trend in pet food in two-three years' time,' he predicts. 'Companies are already thinking about it and are looking to change their recipes to be more plant-based.' Sustainable solutions
FTNON's solutions for wet pet ood begin with meat preparation before entering an emulsion hopper and subsequently an extruder where the meat is made into 'ropes'. Following steam cooking and cooling, the product enters the cutting stage to be made into standard or irregular chunks. These are then conveyed into a can or pouch for filling and closing. Using custom-made hoppers, plus steam and cooling tunnels, as well as the extrusion system, FTNON's systems can handle small capacities of 300 kg up to 5,000 kg, depending on customer needs.  Energy-efficiency is a key element of a system designed to be as modular as possible, using the same components or spare parts. Being easy to maintain means cleaning times can be shortened, while there is a strong focus on achieving a consistent output in terms of texture, color and flavor at a premium quality.    'We are trying to achieve a system which is energy-effective,' says Lotgerink. 'We need to use steam to cook the product and of course heating it costs energy, but by constructing and insulating the hood in a specific way, we don't use so much steam and therefore we are much more energy-efficient compared with others in the industry.' 'Customers are looking at sustainable systems: they don't want to pay so much for utilities, so we try to be really effective in that way, and it's something we're looking to develop more and more.' Further improvements are already underway for FTNON's pet food solutions, with work being done to refine systems for irregular chunks, while JBT's Internet-of-Things iOPS program will also be integrated. But perhaps most important of all is FTNON's worldwide reach, thanks to JBT. 'Our pet food solutions are tailored to customer needs, but through JBT we also have a local presence to serve the customer, globally,' adds Lotgerink.   Source: JBT Corporation    

17/09/2021

How to read properly pet food labeling?

It is common for owners of companion animals to have doubts when it comes to what food to choose for their companion animals, whether they are dogs or cats. For this reason, the animal health company Virbac, which has the Veterinary HPM line of feeding for companion animals, gives some keys to guide them when reading the label. First of all, they advise not to be fooled by packaging claims. 'If you visit the animal feed section of any supermarket you will see how colorful and striking it is. Sacks of strong colors and with messages such as chicken flavor, 'rich in chicken and rice', 'natural', 'super-premium' ', they advice from Virbac. However, they remember that, "far from what is highlighted in the package", you have to go to the "small print" and analyze all the ingredients. "When we find the slogan' chicken flavor 'or any other protein, we already know that chicken may have nothing and that this flavor may simply be the result of a mixture of flavorings," they point out. On the other hand, they explain that the mention 'with chicken', 'with veal' etc. indicates that it must contain at least 4%, but that protein can come from by-products such as heads, crushed bones, viscera or legs, that is, the protein source will not be of quality. The next step is when you see the statements "rich in chicken and rice," for example. "Here the minimum percentage of chicken must be 14%, but its origin can also be by-products", they add. "If the source of animal protein appears as is: 'chicken', 'lamb', 'salmon', etc., the minimum content already rises to 26%, but by-products are still allowed,". Therefore, it is when mention is made of 'chicken meat', when it is only evident that it does not come from by-products and must contain a minimum of 26% chicken meat. Regarding this, they point out that it is not the same that the meat is fresh or dehydrated. "If the meat is fresh, we must know that a high percentage of moisture will be lost during processing, so that amount of fresh meat will be reduced in the final product," they clarify. On the other hand, if the meat is included already dehydrated, there will be no loss of moisture during manufacturing and the indicated amount of that source of animal protein will be closer to that of the final product.   LOOK FOR THE INGREDIENTS AND READ THE LIST CAREFULLY   'Normally, we can find the ingredient list on the back or side of the package and we should always read it before buying a dog or cat food. As also happens in human food, the ingredients must always appear in descending order, that is, they must be written in order from highest to lowest amount in which they have been used to create the product ', they detail. Thus, they advise that, since cats and dogs are carnivorous animals, if a dry food begins its ingredient list with 'rice', 'corn', 'cereals' etc., first, it would not be conforming to what a carnivore should eat. Another indicator of poor quality that they indicate is the use of vegetable or animal by-products, since anything is included here, it is difficult to get an idea of ​​the origin of the raw materials. "Taking into account the above, what tells us that this product has an acceptable quality? Without a doubt, the fact that the first ingredient is of animal origin', they affirm from Virbac. In this sense, they explain that it will normally appear as fresh or dehydrated meat, accompanied or not by a percentage. "Next, the rest of the ingredients will appear and make sure there is not an excess of cereals, legumes or vegetables," they point out. Other ingredients that can be found in dry pet food are probiotics, fibers, chondroprotectants, as well as different synthetic nutrients.   THE IDEAL PET FOOD: HIGH IN PROTEINS AND LOW IN CARBOHYDRATES   Taking the above into account, Virbac recalls that cats and dogs are carnivores and their diet must be adapted to this condition. "The food of our animals is the basis of their health, so we must opt for the best possible quality," they say. For this reason, they insist that the premise of "high in animal protein and low in carbohydrates" must always be taken into account, as we promote from the Virbac Veterinary HPM range of food.   Source: Animal's Health

14/09/2021

Achieving multiple benefits with functional fiber ingredients - A holistic approach to Pet Food innovation

The better understanding about the functionalities of different fiber types are often key to successful product developments that go beyond traditional applications such as pure fiber enrichment in dry foods.   Turning to functional fiber for added fortification Texture and uniformity of pet foods are key quality attributes that are important to appeal both pet owners and their furry friends. Given the variable nature of pet food ingredients and the complexity of the manufacturing process, creating the right consistency can be a challenge for the manufacturer. From a functional standpoint a novel type of fiber based on long cellulose particles is gaining enormous traction in various types of 'grain free' recipes with higher meat inclusion. In extruded and baked applications the long and fibrillated fibers help to improve binding of ingredients and to add a particular firm texture in the final product. Thereby only small amounts of the fiber also prove to shorten drying time. Long cellulose fibers tend to keep the surface of the extruded product open and support moisture evaporation. In wet pet foods the long and thin cellulose particle enhances texture in meat chunks and reduces syneresis because of the high water retention and emulsion capabilities of the fiber. During retorting the fiber network helps to maintain the shape of the chunk and prevents unpleasant cook-out effects into the gravy. Additional cost saving effects can be achieved through the replacement of more expensive binder sources when reformulating lower-cost pet foods with cellulose fiber. On-trend Pet Food segments with fiber-based solutions In recent years there has been rapid growth with smaller pet food segments like raw/frozen foods and meal toppers. These product categories allow pet parents to put their own touch on mealtimes. However, unlike more traditional formats like dry and wet foods, the category of pre-prepared complete raw foods is still more a niche segment because handling and preparation time of frozen foods does not provide the same level of convenience as opening a bag or a tin. In frozen foods, for example, the issue of syneresis is still very common. This means if pet owners are defrosting such foods prior to feeding, the molded products start loosing their shape and most of the liquids like water and blood start to leak out which does not look attractive to the pet owner. To overcome such issues, cellulose gels that are designed for human food applications such as ice cream or beverages, are used today also in fresh and frozen foods. Existing frozen food lines were redesigned with these easy dispersible cellulose gels to offer more convenience for pet owners. Cellulose gels are typically made by the process of copolymerization with Microcrystalline cellulose and other gums to create unique properties that are usually not found in conventional fiber gums. The fiber exhibits strong gel thickening behavior while having a good suspension ability, but also functions as emulsifier, fat and water binder. Beyond fresh and frozen pet foods, the segment of toppings, gravies and mix-ins is another emerging product category where manufacturers and pet owners can benefit from the strong stabilizing system of a fiber gel. Special vet-broth formulas, for example, are today supplemented with fiber gels to create a strong viscous emulsion when the powdered blend is mixed with water to support pets that need additional hydration. The unique film forming properties of the fiber gel are also helping to preserve freshness of dry foods once the meal topper is served as a supplement by the pet owner. Because of the fat-like characteristics, cellulose gels are creating a more creamy texture of the final product that can increase appetite appeal for picky eaters.   Fiber innovation for more differentiation on shelf Cat and dog food products are more sophisticated than ever and reflect many of the trends that are seen in food products for humans. Foods that come in different flavors, textures and shapes, claim to help maintain active lifestyles, and address specific health needs by the use of unique, marketable and functional ingredients. The downside of many nutritional and sometimes very costly ingredients is that they may potentially improve the quality of life for pets, but they are not visible to grab the attention of impulse buyers that are willing to spoil their pets with special treats and foods. So developing innovative marketing concepts with appealing ingredients is still a major challenge for the pet food industry. Microbeads made from natural and biodegradable cellulose fiber ingredients are a new concept creating an exciting innovation platform for the pet food industry from which to launch more complete solutions in dental foods. Although initially developed as cleansing and polishing ingredients in all type of personal care products for humans, the fiber pearls are today used in pet food formulations that target the oral care claim. The cellulose microbeads are compressed by an intense mechanical process to create round shaped pearls with a size of up to 1mm. These co-processed fiber pearls resist impact by heat and moisture and survive even harsh manufacturing processes such extrusion, tableting or retorting. This guarantees good visibility in the final product. Due to this unique characteristic the pet food industry is using these ingredients as abrasive agents for enhanced dental foods and to make oral care products looking more appealing to the consumers.   Getting greener with natural fiber ingredients   As pet owners increasingly look for clean label, sustainable and natural products finding the right fiber ingredient is more important than ever. More recently, plant-derived co-products of the human food chain became a ripe source of innovation for fiber ingredients. Fibers made of local sourced apples, for example, are becoming a preferred choice in a variety of pet foods and treats because of its unique composition of insoluble and soluble fibers, as well as pectin. Apple fiber is typically made of upcycled pomace procured from juicing companies. From a functional standpoint, the pectin content helps bind moisture and oil in pet foods and treats to enhance processability, moistness and final texture. In semimoist foods it may even replace chemical emulsifiers and moisture-binding agents. On top of it, this type of fiber delivers nutritional benefits due to prebiotic effects and provides also a positive sustainability story for brands. Latest developments in the field of fiber ingredients provide plenty of new opportunities for innovation. As pet food product developers brainstorm the next big chewy dog treat or nutritionally complete cat food, they may want to consider some of the suggestions that offer ways to differentiate products and break into untapped areas in the pet food industry.   Author: Peter Graff Source: JRS Animal Nutrition

06/09/2021

What is "Premiumization" for a Pet Parent?

By Armando Enriquez de la Fuente Blanquet

The Pet Care market grows year after year, with Pet Food being the one that contributes the most to this market, and manufacturers are always looking to capture the attention of the Pet Owner. When we consult the different agencies that study trends to meet consumer needs, we see Nielsen, for example, telling us what the consumer does not like (GMO, hormones, artificial preservatives for example); o Pet Food Industry, which publishes what the consumer is looking for (functional ingredients, protein content, superfoods for example); or Euromonitor, which highlights the attributes that a food must contain (health and well-being, sustainable, sources of protein for example).   How does all this can be linked to premiumization?   I would like first in this article to highlight the role that a Pet plays in our lives and in society. For many centuries, Cats and Dogs have been associated with humans as work, guard, and companion animals. Human beings in return have fed them and many times have even shared their food with them, but today the feeding of Dogs and Cats has evolved rapidly and has reached industrial feeding, which contains the balance adequate nutrients a Pet needs. Currently Pets have taken a more important role in the life of human beings and are considered a member of the family. And so we live the beginning of the "humanization" of Pets where humans went from being pet owners to being "parents" of Pets, a significant term because our "furry" child requires greater care and well-being. As Pet Owners become more likely to treat their Pets as members of the family, they tend to pay more attention to their Pet's food, seeking to make it healthy; not only feed it to meet its requirements, but something else is sought, it seeks to nourish them correctly, since good nutrition guarantees good health. Here we begin to see how premiumization begins: understanding that the pet parent seeks the best to feed his furry child.   Going further into the topic, the Pet Food market is estimated to be worth more than $ 140 billion. This market has evolved over time to offer Pet Parents different types of products, always seeking to meet the nutritional needs of the Dog or Cat. We have dry, wet or semi-humid foods, in addition to prizes or snacks of all kinds, and other types of diets that, without detracting from them, still occupy a very small space in the market. But there is nothing else left in the types of presentations, as we have already been talking about. In the market there is a wide range of products that have been categorized within a segmentation that in practical terms is divided into three: economic (or standard) foods, medium-price (or premium) foods, and premium (or super-premium) foods. ). This terminology can make us think that it is a segmentation linked to the monetary value of the product, and in some way it is, but it also determines the quality of the food, because a premium food is made with ingredients of greater digestibility and greater nutritional value for the pet. But if we reflect a bit, a product that contains high-quality ingredients should cost more than one with lower-quality ingredients. So the next question would be, if a Pet Parent, as we have been seeing, is convinced to give a Pet Food that guarantees a better quality of life to his Pet, will he be willing to pay more for that food? The answer is yes. We can see this in the evolution of the prices per kg of food for Dogs or Cats in the last 9 years, where the annual growth rate has been 3.3% and, in addition, the forecast for the next 5 years shows a trend still higher to reach a variation of + 4.1%, according to Euromonitor, 2021.       Regardless of the segment, the Pet Food must meet the nutritional needs that the Pet needs, according to guidelines such as AAFCO, NRC or FEDIAF. However, a premium food refers to a particularity that makes it stand out for its extreme quality and for being aimed at a particular group, for example, therapeutic or human-grade foods.   So, what is premium quality?   There are multiple factors, ranging from nutritional levels (protein content, fat, etc.), specification of ingredients (meat as protein of animal origin), attributes that will give the pet a better quality of life (longevity, vitality, etc. .) or innovations seeking to satisfy the well-being of the dog or cat (dehydrated, 'grain free', etc.).   What is a pet parent looking for?   The benefits observed, attributable to a food, are related to the feelings of the Pet Owner towards his furry child, which can range from the importance of a modern container to maintain the nutritional value (smaller size, sustainable, etc.), which the ingredients are of high quality (meat and not by-products), that the pet eats it with pleasure (high palatability), that the shape and quality of the kibbles is superior and can be seen with the naked eye (size and shape of the kibble), that the product connects with the pet owner (breed, age, health benefits, simple and clear information, etc.), that the product meets a need for my pet (geriatric, active dogs, etc.), that is a superior formula (protein level, with probiotics, with vitamins and minerals, etc.), among others. All of the above speaks of a superior product, or premium, in the eyes of the Pet Parent. We must consider within the premiumization the demographic phenomenon where Generation X begins to decline and the Millennial Generation, and not too far away also Generation Z, begin to direct market trends. The younger generations have only grown up knowing pets as equal members of the family, eating a diet designed for the Dog or Cat. New Pet Owners are taking a holistic view of wellness and health that prioritizes simplicity and transparency. Consumers are bargaining for the highest quality foods when feeding their pets. Healthy food is seen as an investment in a pet's longevity, with premium nutrition. But these generations of pet owners are also considering value for money when operating within pet care. Many are looking to find premium features at more affordable prices. That said, premiumization becomes complex and is not simply changing the category of food that is given to the Pet. If my Dog ​​or Cat eats an inexpensive food, I'd better change it to a more expensive food. But the requirement of the current pet parent is that the additional cost that he is paying for his food must be well founded with science, evidence, testimonials, etc. According to Mintel (2021), Pet Food manufacturers are in a constant process of innovation to offer Pet Parents this premium product, but beware, the values ​​sought by the pet owner may vary from region to region due to the degree of humanization in which this market is found. In the USA the market seeks more functional attributes, to ensure maintaining the health and happiness of your pets in a simple communication with the use of "clean label". In Asia, on the other hand, the attribute of quality and safety are aimed at reducing the risks of diseases, perhaps as a consequence of a pandemic issue. In Europe everything related to sustainability and natural products (free of artificial additives) takes importance. Finally, in Latin America, the pet owner looks for the so-called 'superfoods', which is based heavily on fortification to favor specific health aspects. So, if we recapitulate a premiumized product, it contains a higher level of nutrients, it is made with better quality ingredients and it is also fortified with additives such as vitamins and minerals, omegas, chondroprotectors, natural antioxidants, etc. Remember that fortification must follow the same quality guidelines, for example, if we focus on the fortification of trace minerals, we know that the chemical characteristics associated with different sources of Cu, Zn and Mn such as sulfate, hydroxychloride, or organic chelate can affect the interaction between metals and other nutrients present within the gastrointestinal tract of the pet. A premium product will look for the best sources of raw materials to give the confidence that the pet owner looks for in a premium food. In conclusion, a Pet Parent does constantly seek to premiumize the nutrition of his furry child. This premiumization consists of a food with a higher protein content as an initial stage, with a protein source that guarantees the best availability of nutrients. Premiumization also consists of seeking health benefits for the dog or cat, attributable to fortification. The millennial or generation Z pet owner, in addition to ensuring health and well-being, demands scientific evidence. Premiumization, in addition to the nutritional benefit of the Dog or Cat, must satisfy some needs of the parent such as sustainability and the manufacturer's social commitment. And finally, the pet parent will be willing to pay more, but only just enough.   Source: All Pet Food

02/09/2021

Novel insect protein approved for the US pet food market

Insects are an interesting alternative to traditional animal proteins. Alternatives to traditional ingredients of animal origin need to be sustainable, pure, of high quality, and cost-effective to have a place in tomorrow's pet food industry. Black soldier fly (hermetia illucens) larvae meet these criteria. Although it is of animal origin, insect protein has a much lower ecological impact than traditional animal protein. The only insect species currently commercially viable for pet food applications is black soldier fly (larvae and meal).   Increasing demand for proteins   IQI Trusted Petfood Ingredients believes that the production of insect protein is important to keep up with increasing worldwide demand. Together with its supplier Entobel, IQI offers a unique portfolio of insect fat, dried proteins and frozen insects from black soldier fly (BSF) production for use in pet food.­ The insects are processed into different products, including good-quality and sustainable insect meal and insect oil. Having supplied the European market for several years, IQI will now introduce BSF larvae and meal onto the US market.   Future demand for insect protein Earlier this year, IQI provided input to a report by the Dutch Rabobank on trends in the pet food industry and in particular those relating to the increasing future demand for insect protein. According to Rabobank, because of the sustainability aspects and functional benefits, there is great potential to develop specialized ingredients and products from insect protein for a variety of applications. IQI supports the report's main conclusion that demand for insect protein, mainly as an animal feed and pet food ingredient, could reach half a million metric tons by 2030, compared to today's market of approximately 10,000 metric tons. Pet food is predicted to become the second largest category of insect protein production by 2030, surpassed only by aquaculture. The approval of BSF larvae and BSF meal for the US pet food market is an important step in this direction. AAFCO approval of BSF ingredients for use in cat food is expected in 2022.   By: IQI Trusted Petfood Ingredients

27/08/2021

Kitty, want an insect?- Nuna is the first cat food in North America to be made with insect protein

However, as president and CEO of the Hagen Group, the world's largest private multinational maker and distributor of pet products, he is electrified by the market potential of the novel product. 'It's a small niche, but sales are building each month,' said Hagen, son of company founder and Canadian pet industry pioneer Rolf Hagen.   Availability   The two-flavour Nuna line is part of the Hagen Group's Catit brand. Made from a mix of insect, yeast and meat protein - chicken or fish - the dry kibble went on sale both online and at retail locations across Canada in January, 2021. It is also available in the U.S., but only via the Catit.com website. The Nuna line is made from a mix of insect, yeast and meat protein. Currently it is available in two flavours.   The line is also now being launched through Hagen's extensive network of pet retail companies in Europe and the United Kingdom. A container was also shipped to Korea in April, the start of what Hagen hopes will be a lucrative foray into the Asian market, where Catit is already a top brand, thanks to its many lines of quality cat products including wet food, interactive toys, drinking fountains and furniture. 'Our partners in China are very excited,' said Hagen. 'The cat market in China is looking for high-end products like this and we're already one of the top brands there, as well as in Japan. They believe there is a niche for a very educated and quality product like ours.'   Whole black soldier fly larvae are run through a mechanical press to extract oil.   Floured larvae Developed over the past few years at Hagen's 270,000 - sf facility in the west - end Montreal neighbourhood of Saint-Laurent, the Nuna line uses the floured larvae of black soldier flies, the same animal protein alternative being used by Nestlé's Purina to make their new Beyond Protein dry dog food line in Europe. Catit also uses the same ingredient to make Bug Bites fish food under its Fluval brand. According to Hagen food scientist Grégoire Guot, the project's goal was to use the nutrient-rich larvae as an eco-friendly substitute for the more resource-intensive meat from farm-raised animals that are found in traditional cat food. 'Insects are still considered animals so making a vegan food was never the plan, but cats can't survive on insects alone either,' said Guot. All felines, he noted, from the world's 500 million house cats to the remaining 3900 tigers in the wild, are obligate carnivores, meaning they rely on meat to survive because their bodies can't digest plants properly.   Testing recipes Guot said the challenge facing Hagen was to find a balanced formula that was both nutritious and tasty to cats. 'People think cats are finicky but they're not that difficult,' he said. 'They just like to eat what they know, and there is a genetic aspect to it: cats tend to love what their mothers ate.' Guot said it took a year of taste testing by different panel of cats (both internally using pets of Hagen employees and externally employing professional cat tasting panels in Ontario) to find the right blend of protein and flavours for the new Nuna line. 'We tested a few different recipes,' Guot said about the panels, which typically involve 40 cats that are kept for two days in a common area with free access to automatic feeders. The amounts of food they eat and their reactions and behaviours are recorded for statistical analysis to help measure acceptability, palatability and digestibility. Once the two Nuna recipes were approved, focus switched to production. Unlike airtight wet cat food lines like Catit's Divine Shreds and Fish or Chicken Dinner, which are cooked in sealed cans or pouches to protect them from oxidation and contaminants, dry food kibble like Catit's Gold Fern, which is 95 per cent meat and green-lipped mussel, need to be created out of ingredients that can provide 12 to 18 months of shelf life.   Processing   Supplied by various American and Canadian insect producers, including Maple Ridge, B.C.'s Enterra Feed and some small Quebec firms, Hagen began processing whole black soldier fly larvae by first running them through a mechanical press to extract the oil, which is then treated to remove impurities and stabilized using a natural antioxidant blend. 'The larvae are essentially peanuts,' said Beno Choquette, an agronomist who has worked 23 years for Hagen, where he is in-charge of laboratory work and regulatory affairs. 'They are high in calcium and protein and there are trace vitamins and minerals and some amino acids. However, we need to supplement it with protein from yeast (an ingredient used for decades in the pet food industry) and meat protein (chicken or fish) to complement the nutrition profile.' After going through a Hammer mill, the insect meal and additives are reduced to a flour mix that is conveyed to a computer-controlled, twin-screw extruder and cooked at low temperatures (to prevent nutrient degradation) to form dry, pellet-size kibbles. After extrusion, the preservative-free kibbles are sent to a single pass dryer (to add shelf life), sifted and enrobed in flavours. Once cooled, they are bagged in recyclable packaging - a first for Hagen o- n one of the company's eight fully and semi-automatic packaging lines.   Niche product Though it is only a small addition to the Hagen Group's 25-strong list of brand name pet products for aquatic species, birds, cats, dogs, reptiles and small animals, Rolf Hagen Jr. says the sustainability mindset behind the innovative Nuna line is now driving R&D in a company that was founded as a small seed brokerage in Montreal in 1955 by his late father, a young German immigrant who left his war-ravaged homeland for a new life in Canada. 'There are many benefits from using black soldier fly larvae, but they cost eight times more than soybean so they will remain a premium category product in terms of protein pricing,' said Hagen. The Hagen Group, he added, 'is not a prototypical pet food. We have an eclectic array of equipment (and) use a batch system of production that allows us to create targeted speciality runs.' Still, Hagen is confident the insect pet food market will continue to grow, and he is ready to ramp up the Nuna line to large-scale production if and when demand warrants it. 'We birthed it (and) if it is successful commercially the goal would be to produce it in a traditional pet food factory,' he said. 'We have partnerships with pet food makers that would make it happen.'   Source: Food in Canadá    

25/08/2021

Let's talk about the current situation: How is the pet food industry in Latin America?

By Luciana Chippano

Livestock production is considered a social, economic and cultural strategy activity throughout the region, since it preserves the well-being of communities while simultaneously providing security for daily subsistence, ecosystem care, wildlife conservation and satisfaction of cultural traditions and values. In Latin America, including the Caribbean region, livestock is considered essential for the food security of the population, both human and animal. In fact, more than one billion (1,000,000,000) people around the world depend on this sector. Latin America, due to its climatic conditions and soil fertility, becomes an ideal place for the development of this sector. During the last few years, livestock production in the region has grown even above the expected average growth. However, the high costs of animal feed and the inefficient use of available food resources, the risk of transboundary pests and diseases and the negative impact of climate change negatively affect the productivity of the sector. Everything that happens in livestock production impacts the pet food industry, since they are closely related in terms of the need for beef and poultry meat by-products for the production of pet food. For example, small producers of livestock activities each day represent a larger portion of the total producers in the region, and it is they who provide our industry with organic products and free animals.   Where are we going: customization The trend that is going strong, even in underdeveloped countries like those of Latin America, is, without a doubt, to personalize everything and humanize pets as much as possible. The evolution precisely of the young generations (millennial and Z) towards a 'society of mime' is a phenomenon that has managed to create new massive economies. The highest pet ownership worldwide is in Latin America: 80% of the population in both Argentina and Mexico have at least one pet; Brazil follows suit with 75%. Behind come Russia (73%) and the United States (70%). In addition, Brazil is today one of the top 5 markets worldwide for pet care products.   In crises, an opportunity   Beyond the economic crisis and the stagnation of economic growth in Latin America, the pet market in the region has experienced exponential growth. Precisely, it is not thanks to economic problems, but 'because of' since, as has happened with the pandemic, people choose to enjoy more of their homes and the comfort of home. And what better than an animal company for those moments? Until a few years ago, the "pampering" of having a pet (not to mention giving the same or more to a human being) was considered upper-middle class. Today the new generations even restrict tastes for themselves in order to have a pet and have it in the best conditions. The region has a combination of factors that lead to the pet ownership rates it presents: Massive inequality in terms of income levels and quality of life. High rates of urbanization in cities. Economic instability and high rates of inflation in almost all Latin American countries. Saturated educational systems. Access to housing limited to a very small percentage of the population. As a result, we have a young and adult middle class with a considerable part of their income exclusively dedicated to renting someone else's home, so they consider it practically impossible to achieve a quality of life or income that allows them to have children. Thus, instead of goods, they seek to invest in experiences, including: Pets.   And how do the prices come? Corn is one of the main ingredients for pet food in Latin America. As the global economy recovers from the crises caused by the coronavirus, demand for basic products will increase. Such is the case in China, India and the US, so some pressure is already being exerted on international corn prices. In fact, in the last 6 months, corn prices have risen steadily, accumulating a rise of 64.3%. Since corn is a key ingredient in a large amount of pet foods in Latin America, so its rising price is likely to affect the price of various foods.   Summary As the economy recovers in 2021 and beyond, the prices of many commodities are likely to increase, so pet food producers will have to pass these increases on to end consumers. Likewise, there is still much to explore in this new vein that is gaining more ground every day: the decision to add pets to the family to go through socioeconomic crises in a more pleasant way, whether caused by the coronavirus or by the general situation in the region, which offers us the opportunity to not only increase the quality of what we offer, but also to expand our range of possibilities.   By: All Pet Food

18/08/2021

Pet well-being focus drives demand for rice protein in pet foods

In 2019, the global pet food market had a value of €73 billion and it's predicted to reach €103 billion by 2027.1 This expected growth is being driven, in part, by increasing demand from pet owners for more natural and premium products, which is a direct reflection of what is happening in human nutrition. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): 'Trends in companion animal nutrition often mirror those in humans, reflecting the desire of pet owners to feed them diets that they consider to be healthy and beneficial for the well-being of their pets.' As consumers move towards purchasing pet foods that contain more natural, healthy and safe ingredients, governments are encouraging this transition and also demanding more label transparency when selling such products. Pet owners want their pets to stay healthy and foods containing health-promoting ingredients can help to support their pet's well-being. They are also concerned about food allergies; as such, there is now a growing demand amongst owners for hypoallergenic and clean label pet foods that address these needs. Here, Karel Thurman, Commercial Director at BENEO Animal Nutrition, discusses how producers can make the most of this trend using rice protein to create veterinary diets and premium pet food products.   Human and pet trend crossover continues Although limited ingredient diets have been translated into more transparent and recognisable ingredient lists, the original purpose of these diets was to alleviate pet allergies. Veterinary data show that 20–30% of dogs and approximately 15% of cats that have been diagnosed with pruritus, allergic skin disease or atopic dermatitis, suffer from cutaneous adverse food reactions (CAFRs), which are likely to represent food allergies (FAs) of immunologic origin.2 Studies such as these substantiate a driving demand for hypoallergenic ingredients and products that can help owners to support their pet's limited-ingredient diets, as well as the prevention of allergies. BENEO's research has shown that two in every five respondents say that using no allergens — such as gluten, soy, corn and wheat — makes food seem a lot healthier. This highlights that concern about food allergies applies to the majority of pet owners, meaning that pet foods that support limited-ingredient and hypoallergenic diets hold mass appeal and is an area sure to grow in popularity in the years to come. Other consumer trends that continue to crossover to the pet food category include increasing demand for added protein, digestive wellness and plant-based products. Digestive wellness is also an increasing concern. Mintel figures show that 81% of European cat and dog food buyers believe that actively looking after their pets' digestive wellness is essential for their overall health; as such, natural, easy to digest ingredients are therefore a key purchasing decision driver for pet owners.3 With pet owners becoming increasingly conscious about what is in their pets' food, it's no surprise that demand for hypoallergenic, highly digestible and plant-based veterinary and premium diets is on the rise. To meet this need, more and more manufacturers are incorporating rice protein into their pet foods. This is largely because of the fact that it is a high quality, concentrated protein source with an excellent amino acids profile.   Rice protein for pets with food allergies Similar to humans, many cats and dogs suffer with gastrointestinal issues. There can be many causes for these issues, including parasites, viruses, bacterial infections, pancreatitis or simply eating something they shouldn't. For pets with symptoms that only present when eating a diet, gastrointestinal problems can also be caused by a food allergy or an intolerance. With unique protein and carbohydrate sources, limited-ingredient diets reduce the number of potential triggering allergens in the end product. As a hypoallergenic, clean label ingredient that is free from the most frequent food allergens, rice protein is well suited for use in such diets. With this in mind, BENEO's rice protein is a high quality and concentrated protein with a protein content of more than 80%, which is produced in Europe from non-GMO raw materials sources.   Rice protein for sensitive pets In pet foods when high digestibility is required, rice protein is also the ideal ingredient. It has shown an apparent digestibility of 87% in dogs, making it not only attractive for pets with allergies, but also for sensitive pets such as puppies and older animals.4 In addition, BENEO's rice protein is produced in alkaline conditions, which leads to significantly better digestibility than other rice proteins that have been isolated using an acidic treatment.5   By: Beneo

11/08/2021

Lenda - Leaving an impact on Pet Food

There are many brands of food, toys and accessories for pets that are launched on the market daily, but entering a booming sector is not enough to succeed, differentiation is the key to being able to compete. Lenda, based in Galicia (Spain) took its first steps in 2016 and, less than 5 years later, is a benchmark brand in the natural food market for dogs and cats in Spain, being at the top of the rankings of brands that are highly valued by their dog, cat and, by default, human customers. In 2020, Lenda's growth was 40%, highlighting the 144% increase in the largest chain specialized in pets in the country. In addition, since 2019 Lenda jumped into the international market, currently being present in 21 countries worldwide. Lenda Pet Food has 5 different ranges, thus covering the needs of pets and the market. All this with the best quality at the best price, the biggest 'claim' of the brand. The Lenda range is its flagship, a product made with 100% natural ingredients suitable for human consumption, which falls within the so-called 'Super Premium' brands. Thanks to its packages of medicinal herbs, chondroprotectors, MSM ..., Lenda not only takes care of the diet of your dog or cat, but also cares about their intestinal, joint and immune health, preventing and extending the life of pets. It should be noted Lenda VET Nature, a range that the Galician company has launched to complete its offer and give a twist to what already exists on the market. Sold solely and exclusively in veterinary clinics, since it requires a prescription, Lenda VET Nature is made with natural ingredients and does not use preservatives or chemically synthesized dyes. Its 7 references cover 16 of the 20 nutritional objectives and its novelty is that they not only deal with the pathology of the pet, but also add bio-functional nuclei (prebiotics and probiotics), functional and packs of medicinal herbs that deal with of the animal's diet, its joint and gastrointestinal health. To complete these two ranges, Lenda offers a Premium range, L-Unico, also made with natural ingredients and with a high percentage of meats. Once again, recipes enriched with medicinal herbs. Finally, SuperPepe comes to cover the Premium and Economy range, to complete a portfolio of food for dogs and cats that covers all the needs of the market. In addition, Lenda is a committed company that strives to make its mark and contribute to a slightly better world. For this reason, the recipes are made with local products to reduce the carbon footprint, it is renovating all its packaging so that they are all recyclable and the merchandising is "ECOfriendly". The company's social commitment goes through supporting associations and animal protectors, has a Social Responsibility plan, supports minority athletes and collaborates with the UNHCR association, in addition to having a Labor Equality Plan. In short, in a short time Lenda has become a benchmark in the sector, thus taking care of those who take care of us, our pets. And you, what kind of footprint do you want to leave on the world? By: Lenda

02/08/2021

IndiePet and the Pet Sustainability Coalition Partner to ignite the independent retailer community

With the ever - increasing consumer demand for sustainable products  coupled with an increased desire for purpose at work from employees, retailers of all sizes and locations have an opportunity to grow stakeholder engagement by incorporating environmental and social impact into their business strategy. To turn this opportunity into action, the Pet Sustainability Coalition (PSC) and IndiePet are announcing a new partnership that will provide education, membership access and implementation tools to accelerate sustainability in the independent pet channel. Whether it's an employee-led sustainability team, equipping its merchandising team to identify authentic sustainable products that differentiate the shopping experience, or saving money through efficiency improvements in-store, retailers have a plethora of options to capitalize on the rapidly advancing sustainability movement that's alive and well in the pet industry. Through this partnership, PSC and IndiePet are coming together to ensure retailers have the knowledge and support they need to identify and implement the sustainable opportunities that will best move their business forward, serve their community and drive real impact. 'Independent pet retailers are known for our deep connections to our communities and that includes being responsible corporate citizens. We also have tremendous passion for both social and environmental sustainability, but often we don't know where to start or we just can't give as much time to this portion of our business as we would like. PSC and iIndiePet are committed to building a unified approach to sustainability that fits the IndiePet channel and that makes it easy for independent retailers to customize a sustainability plan that fits their business and their community' said AL Puntillo, President of the Independent and Neighborhood Pet Retail Association (IndiePet). The three primary goals of the PSC + IndiePet partnership are education, membership access, and retailer tools so that independent retailers can be part of the sustainability movement building in the pet industry: Education: Sustainability topics advance quickly and retailers are short on time. PSC will work with IndiePet to offer credible information in digestible sizes to inform the retailer community. Topics ranging from sustainable proteins and packaging to employee engagement techniques are on the top of the list. Find content from PSC in the IndiePet monthly newsletter and keep a lookout for more in-depth education offerings soon! Membership Access: Retailers play a critical role in the sustainability movement but less than 10% of PSCs members are retailers. PSC and IndiePet both offer significant discounts to their existing members to join both organizations. Retailer Tools: PSC is offering a free sustainability assessment report to all interested IndiePet Members. Retailers can identify low hanging fruit and learn how they compare to other businesses of similar size and type when it comes to environmental and social impact. Other member tools include retail case studies like All The Best Pet Care that used PSC's Employee Survey to evaluate employee interest in sustainability and launch a successful employee-led sustainability team. Catch PSC and IndiePet together at SuperZoo at the inaugural IndiePet meeting on Aug 16th from 4:00 - 5:30pm at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. To RSVP visit  To learn more about this partnership or to get started with a PSC Membership email. to reach PSC  to reach IndiePet   Author: Caitlyn Bolton  Source: Pet Sustainability Coalition    

23/07/2021

The consumer and product trends which will impact the pet food market in 2021 and in the years to come

Pet owners are also looking for functional benefits to help reduce the risk of their pets developing lifestyle diseases. Pet food safety remains a concern for owners, and brands are responding by highlighting ingredient quality, and reducing unwanted additives. This article explores how the pet food world will evolve in the near future and beyond by identifying major themes that will unlock opportunities that matter for the industry. Read more about this article here.   Fuente: Diana Pet Food

12/07/2021

Insects in feed: Sector ready to upscale

Since July 2017, when using insect proteins in aqua feed was authorised in Europe, more than 5,000 tonnes of insects have been produced in the EU for fish production, according to a survey by the International Platform of Insects for Food and Feed (IPIFF). IPIFF forecasts that by 2030 3 million tonnes of insect protein will be produced annually. To reach these volumes production will need to be scaled up. By September 2019, insect producers in the EU had invested more than € 600 million in scaling up their production and, according to IPIFF, more than € 2.5 billion will be invested by mid-2020. However, this growth depends on the right legislative framework.   Insect protein legislation In certain regions outside the EU, such as Africa, Asia and Mexico, consumption and farming of insects is commonplace. Producers in these regions – where legislation is fragmentary or even absent – have fewer restrictions. In Europe, insect production is a relativity new and fast emerging sector, but legislation has yet to catch up. Insects are classified as farmed animals and can only be fed with feed ingredients that are authorised for farmed animals, such as plant origin material, eggs, milk and derived products. This is creating several challenging issues, for example insects cannot be fed with former foodstuffs containing ingredients of animal origin – on the other hand, insect protein may not be fed to farm animals, with the exception of aquaculture species. 'To upscale insect production it is essential that wider use of former foodstuffs is legalised. In addition, feeding insects with such foodstuffs can play a major role in reducing food waste and is therefore in line with the new released 'Farm to Fork' strategy of the European Commision. Authorising former foodstuffs containing meat and fish as insect feed is one of our main priorities.' says Constantin Muraru, Communication Manager of IPIFF.   Insects part of a sustainable Food Chain In the 'Farm to Fork' strategy, the European Commission sets goals for a sustainable food chain. According to IPIFF President Antoine Hubert, producing insects for using in feed and food is in line with moving towards a more sustainable and resilient food system. 'Insects could bring value by upcycling former foodstuffs and by-products of the feed industry and insect production would contribute to the EU's self-sufficiency in terms of protein-rich feed materials. Besides, insects or by-products from insect production – such as insect faeces – could provide sustainable biobased solutions,' Antoine Hubert explains. To fully contribute to the objectives of the 'Farm to Fork' strategy IPIFF states that unlocking certain regulatory opportunities is needed and the association therefore considers it essential for the European Commission to develop a roadmap for the revision of the EU legislation on animal by-products. 'IPIFF and its members are fully committed to playing a proactive role in collaboration with the EU institutions and national authorities,' concluded IPIFF Secretary - General Christophe Derrien.   Automatising insect feeding is essential It appears that there are still many hurdles to be overcome. Nevertheless, companies continue to invest in the insect business. Since insect protein was legalised for use in aqua feed, production got a boost. Insect producers from other regions are moving to Europe and feed companies are exploring the possibilities of adding insect products to their range. VDL Agrotech, which specialises in feeding machines for pigs and poultry, is developing a feeding machine for the insect market. Feeding insects is labour-intensive, as this is now usually done manually. 'Insects are kept in crates and they need to be hand-fed every day. We are developing a system which ensures that feeding the insects is automated. Mechanisation and automation are necessary to achieve higher production volumes and to keep the cost price attractive.' Tim van Heertum, project engineer at VDL Agrotech, explains. The feeding machine the company is testing will mechanically transport the crates in which the insects are housed to a central feeding station. 'Each insect producer has their own feed recipe, so the idea is that the feeding machine will dose different types of feed, such as various grains, liquids and even carrots, for example. The type of feed also varies for the different stages in the life-cycle of the insects. This is why we aim to include an identification and registration system. Developing the new feeding system is now in the test phase. The first prototype of the machine should be available by the end of this year", according to Tim van Heertum.   Insect companies are waiting for the green light The insect sector is developing rapidly and companies are ready to take their insect business to the next level. Unfortunately, legislation is not on their side and, as a result, the sector seems to be on hold. Until former foodstuffs containing meat and fish are allowed as substrates and insect protein can be used as an ingredient in pig and poultry feed, the scale-up will proceed slowly. In the meantime, companies are investing in automatisation of their production, providing new feed ingredients for the aquaculture market. As soon as legislation allows, this innovative sector will grow rapidly.   Arnold van Huis, Emeritus Professor, Tropical Entomologist, Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University.   'Using insects as animal feed has additional benefits'   Why use insects as feed for animals? Using insects as animal feed has additional benefits, not just for nutrition, but also in terms of animal health. Research is being carried out into whether insects can be helpful for reducing the use of antibiotics. For instance, you can boost the immune system of animals by feeding insects and chitin works as a probiotic. Also, the black soldier fly has been investigated for its antimicrobial properties and, in pigs, the lauric acid from this fly can prevent diarrhoea. So, I think these health effects make insects very interesting as animal feed and quite a lot of research is currently being done in this field.   Will insect meal mainly be used as an additive in animal feed? I do indeed think it's about mixing rather than replacing the entire feed with insects. Insects will always remain an ingredient, which is also usually the case with those used in fish feed. In some cases, you can replace fish meal by 100% insects, but in other cases this proportion is only 25%. it depends on the species of fish.   The feed industry is very cost-driven, so how will insect meal fit in? Using insects for animal feed can only be profitable by making production cheaper, for instance by growing insects on organic residual flows. However, such residual flows are also increasingly being used directly as feed for animals and will therefore become more expensive. The question is whether the insect business can compete with this use. That is quite a challenge, as the insect companies have had to invest heavily in production. Pharmaceuticals, mycotoxins and pesticides are broken down by this fly. It is said that the black soldier fly has other advantages, for instance using insect protein to make bioplastics or using insect lipids as biofuel; could this be more interesting economically? When you're not sure whether the residues which are fed to the insects contain heavy metals, then you might start thinking about using the insects for something else. In addition, the black soldier fly may have other advantages. In China insects are used for biodegradation of catering waste and manure. Biodegradation is very important there. Here biotransformation can play an important role. In Europe we have a major manure and nitrogen problem, so it could be an option to use the black soldier fly to tackle this problem. The flies could possibly convert nitrogen into proteins. A lot of research still needs to be conducted in this field.   What about feed safety when insects are fed with former foodstuffs? Heavy metals are accumulated in the black soldier fly, so you have to watch out for that. Pharmaceuticals, mycotoxins and pesticides are broken down by this fly. That is a major advantage. To ensure feed safety, the residues must be certified.   In the EU the use of insect protein in feed is restricted; do you think this will change in the near future? Using insects in feed is completely new, and legislation has not been able to keep up. I expect that this will change. In the US, black soldier flies can already be fed to chickens. Europe can't afford to lag behind. I think that point will be reached in about one to two years from now. Free range chickens eat uncertified insects, which are found in the soil, but even if insects are certified, feeding them is not allowed. People are beginning to realise that this is nonsense. There is a great deal of research going on now and there are many steps that still need to be taken. For instance, in genetics. We started studying in this field only one or two years ago, compared to at least 50 years' research on livestock species. Insects have a very short lifespan and research can therefore proceed quickly. However, I think we are only at the beginning and there is still a lot to learn.   Source: All About Feed

02/07/2021

The Top Three Distributors on Independent Pet Join Forces

2020 was not an easy year for distributors who were caught in a complex web of serving retailers; many who struggled to keep doors open or shift to online purchasing and delivery services, and at the same time distributing products from brands that are experiencing massive supply chain disruption. And then, to add pressure to an already stressed system, pet parents also stockpiled pet food causing unpredictable demand shifts. Nonetheless, the industry fared well as pandemic pet ownership soared, and out of the ashes of struggle comes new opportunity for building back better. As the first distributor member of the Pet Sustainability Coalition, Pet Food Experts had an active year when it comes to sustainability, spending much of 2020 and early 2021 hard at work to support Flex Forward, the first all-inclusive pet food packaging recycling program. Using reverse logistics, PFX rallied retailers and pet parents in the Pacific Northwest to generate approximately 8,000 lbs or 33,500 total used pet food and treat bags. This initial test was set out to inform a potential nationwide recycling program with more than 300 million pet food bags currently ending up in a landfill due to their hard-to-recycle nature. While this unique pilot is a small step in addressing the waste footprint of the 100-billion-dollar pet industry, if scaled, it would provide a solution to one of the industry's most pressing environmental issues. 'Bringing industry leaders together is a necessary escalation in supporting the large-scale efforts that must be mobilized to advance sustainable business practices worldwide,' said Michael Baker, Pet Food Experts' Chief Executive Officer. 'We are making sustainability a priority and this partnership is a step forward in our commitment to reduce the overall environmental impact in our day-to-day business operations,' continued Baker. This is only a single example where collaboration will be required to achieve PSC's vision for the pet industry to make a positive impact on the environment and communities where it does business. Since 2020 was the hottest year on record, there is an increasing sense of urgency to take action. The business community is one of the best levers for change as it can often move faster than the government, and with more impact than an individual, while at the same time reaping greater profitability and return on their investments. While Phillips and Animal Supply Company are new to the Pet Sustainability Coalition, they have arrived ready to take action and with robust enthusiasm. 'As part of our commitment to the pet industry and the environment, Phillips Pet Food & Supplies is proud to become a new member of the Pet Sustainability Coalition. We see our partnership with Pet Food Experts and Animal Supply as the first step in our effort to lessen the environmental impact our industry has on the planet.' said Blaine Phillips, Chief Executive Officer of Phillips Pet Food & Supplies. 'As we begin a new chapter in the evolution of Phillips Pet Food & Supplies, we are proud to strengthen our environmental focus as well as helping to enhance our manufacturer and retail partners focus on sustainable business practices.' 'At Animal Supply Company, our vision is to have a world where every pet and human is happy, healthy, and safe. This means taking an active responsibility in protecting our planet earth through meaningful sustainability practices that lead to a cleaner and more eco-friendly future for our families, retail partners, and vendor partners. We're proud of our industry forging this partnership with PSC and we look forward to making a difference in changing this world through aggressive social responsibility aimed at protecting the environment', says Tim Batterson, CEO, Animal Supply Company. With three major distributor partners now collaborating to drive impact, the Pet Sustainability Coalition is poised to accelerate and scale its programs to deliver optimal solutions that will catapult the industry forward toward a future that is better for pets, people and planet.    About the Pet Sustainability Coalition The Pet Sustainability Coalition advances business through profitable environmental and social business practices. Founded in 2013 by eight companies who recognized a need for a collaborative platform to address increasing expectations for sustainable products, PSC now supports almost 200 pet companies to measure, improve, and celebrate their environmental and social performance. PSC also mobilizes its member community to advance sustainable proteins, sustainable packaging, and diversity, equity and inclusion. By: Pet Sustainability Coalition

23/06/2021

Croos Feeding, the Global Trend in Food - What is Cross or Mix Feeding?

For those unfamiliar with this term, it is a way of feeding dogs and cats that involves a combination of wet and dry food. Wet food has a priority place and complements dry food, since due to its high moisture level, it keeps the body well hydrated. The thing about dry food is that the hydration level is very low. The humidity it contains is around 9%, while in wet food it is usually around 77%. However, what differentiates it from wet food is its nutritional capacity, i.e., the nutrient content is much higher. So, if we wanted to meet a pet's daily nutritional needs with wet food, we would have to feed it many more times a day than with dry food. For this reason, the combination of both helps to improve the quality of pet food. Dry food satisfies nutrition and wet food satisfies hydration. In addition, cross feeding is ideal when pets have difficulty consuming food, often due to lack of palate stimulation or simple apathy. So, by trying new textures and flavors you can encourage their appetite, while providing them with the best benefits, because besides being a highly tasty combination, cross feeding has other advantages for pets: Texture and crunchiness Urinary system benefits Calorie control Hydration increase Dental health improvement Appetite and palatability increase   How to Supply it? Is it Suitable for all Dogs and Cats? Basically, all dogs and cats can enjoy this type of food. However, it is recommended that the buyer consults with his or her veterinarian. When supplying it, some general recipes can be followed according to the size, activity and age of the dog or cat. An easy way is to divide the plate into ⅓ of wet food and ⅔ of dry food, as shown in the chart. Because dogs and cats have different weights, the size of the dish and amount of food will be different. To have an idea of the quantities to be supplied, you can consult the following table according to the size of each pet. Other Cross Feeding Benefits As we said, all dogs or cats are different, they have different sizes, ages and, therefore, different conditions. Hence, the benefits provided by cross feeding will be different for each of these animals. For example, in puppies, this type of feeding facilitates the transition from mother's milk to balanced food and allows the incorporation of crunchiness with the dry food. As their digestive system is still young, it is recommended to give them several servings a day, always taking into account the rules of cross feeding and considering their caloric needs. On the other hand, in adult dogs, cross feeding favors hydration, both in dogs and cats; it increases urine production, which is essential for pets predisposed to urinary problems; it is ideal for obesity treatments, urinary tract diseases or kidney problems, and even for post-surgery.   By: WMG

01/06/2021

Plant-Based Ingredients - A growing Trend

The trend towards plant-based ingredients in pet food has increased enormously. If they are sustainably sourced and produced, and are adding nutritional value, they will be the key for future pet food.   Innova's research Studies by Innova Market Insights show growing consumer demand for the integration of plant-based ingredients in human food. Interest in plant-based eating has been developing for some time, resulting in positioning it as one of Innova's Top Trends for 2021. Human food trends are driving the development of plant-based ingredients in pet food too.   Plant-based ingredients in Pet Food Pet food manufacturers and brands must act to meet consumers demand but face some challenges. Plantbased pet food cannot compromise taste and must maintain good nutritional value. Ideally, one adds ingredients with a lower carbon footprint to reduce the environmental impact of the pet food. Finding a partner is important to optimise plant-based pet food. Duynie Ingredients has strong partnerships with many European pet food manufacturers to work together to integrate more sustainable plant-based ingredients into pet food manufacturing. In response to the growing demand for plant-based ingredients and for sustainability in the market, the company built a state-of-the-art plant in the Netherlands, where high quality and custom-made plant-based ingredients for pet food are produced.   Locally sourced co-products All wet incoming products are locally sourced coproducts from the food industry. Co-products are released during processing of crops into food and beverages, like chicory pulp, potato cuttings and sidestream potato starch. Vegetables, like carrot pieces, which are not used for human consumption, may also be used. These co-products are dried with residual heat and green electricity instead of fossil energy.   Keep up the nutritional value Pet owners are looking for plant-based pet food that will boost immunity. Ingredients with immune benefits like vitamins, minerals and a prebiotic function are favoured. Vegetable ingredients play a key role because they are a good source of fibre, minerals and vitamins. Chicory ingredients are important to add because of the prebiotic effect of inulin. Pet owners also often prefer pet food that is gluten-free. That is why adding potato ingredients is popular in pet food. Being Europe's largest producer of potato ingredients, Duynie Ingredients can offer all kinds of variations to use in recipes. Moving towards more plant-based pet food is a challenge that pet food manufacturers need to face. Luckily there are many sustainable and healthy ingredient options to choose from.   Source: Duynie

06/05/2021

Cannabis for Pets? Recent Studies and What's Comming!

In 2020, the company Companion Sciences, which conducts various studies on the uses and effects of CBD, has completed the study it conducted on the relationship between CBD and glucosamine. The use of cannabis for animals is an area of ​​growing interest, largely due to the therapeutic benefits seen in humans. During the last year, the consumption and demand for CBD snacks for both humans and pets has increased. Companion Sciences is an emerging company that is mainly dedicated to researching CBD and its real capacity to enhance the bioavailability (criterion that evaluates the rate and speed of absorption of a substance) of certain substances such as nutrients, nutraceuticals and supplements. Its mission is to make the world of CBD stop being seen as mere assumptions or savagery and begin to be based on validations and scientific evidence obtained from studies, analyzes and trials. The study on CBD and Pet Food This latest study, conducted in conjunction with the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, specifically focuses on the analysis of the tolerability and palatability of CBD in glucosamine-containing formulas. To do this, dogs with osteoarthritis were given a chewy snack with these components and carried out physical, blood and urine examinations. Study dogs (4-10 years old) were given the chews for a period of 42 days. At the end of the study, it was found that the chewy snack formula had achieved high levels of bioabsorption, including penetration into synovial fluid, the source of joint inflammation. What is the importance of these developments to the Pet Food industry? The truth is that, although there is still nothing concrete and no implementation can be carried out, these studies promise to provide new solutions and possibilities to offer to problems and diseases of pets, such as: Anti-inflammatory endometriosis: Companion Sciences states that it is waiting to patent a CBD formula with condensed tannins (polyflavonoids) with an anti-inflammatory effect caused by various gynecological problems such as canine pyometra. Anxiety: The company is studying the interactions between CBD and other cannabinoids with Linalool, a main component of lavender and other terpenes to enhance the entourage effect, that is, the way in which the different compounds in cannabis are synergized to produce a variety of actions in the body. Lavender, as is known, has several benefits for pets: it improves the quality of sleep, the appearance of the skin and relieves pain, among others. Studies on the clinical efficacy of CBD Another of the studies and trials conducted on the impact of CBD on pets focuses on dogs with refractory epilepsy. The study on epilepsy and CBD consisted of 16 dogs already diagnosed with refractory epilepsy. Nine randomized dogs formed the group to which the medication was administered (2.5 mg / kg of CBD oil every 12 hours) and 7 were part of the placebo group. For its part, the placebo group received an "oil" without active ingredient for 12 weeks. All dogs continued taking their anti-seizure medications. The conclusion of the study found that: 67% (6/9) of the dogs treated with medication reduced their average monthly seizures by more than 40%, while only 29% (2/7) of the dogs in the placebo group had a reduction of more than 40 % in average monthly seizures. Elevations of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were recorded in 67% of the treatment group of dogs and only one dog in the control group. AED concentration in the treatment group decreased in 29% (2/7) of the dogs (29%) and increased in 71% (5/7) of the participating dogs. In the control group, the phenobarbital level decreased in 60% of the dogs (3/5) and increased in the remaining 40% (2/5). Now, how feasible is it that CBD can be incorporated into snack or supplement formulas for Pets? There is no doubt when it comes to affirming that CBD in the Pet World is in a moment of boom and popularity that has accelerated due to the confinements around the world to go through the pandemic caused by COVID-19; However, the same problematic spreads throughout the world: regulatory challenges and obstacles result in the production, marketing and sales of CBD pet products being a struggle with legality (at least for now). In the United States, for example, three hemp seed products were approved for use in 2018: hulled hemp seed, hemp seed protein powder, and hemp seed oil. However, none of these products contain CBD or THC and, as of yet, the FDA has not approved the use of CBD in any Pet Product. After its latest study, Companion Sciences plans to launch a clinical trial on the safety and efficacy of its use in dogs with osteoarthritis. The trial will be conducted with various formulas that combine CBD with other nutrients and compounds that have already been shown to enhance healthy joint mobility. Thus, the company will seek to demonstrate how CBD products increase the bioavailability of these beneficial substances for pets with this disease. With a little downwind, we can begin to think about legislation that allows the commercialization of this new component, and we can include it in the list of formulas for snacks and supplements designed for pets with this particular need. By: All Pet Food

10/04/2021

Pet Sustainability Accredited Company Pursues 3 Actions To Reduce Its Plastic Footprint

Flexible Plastic Packaging is a favored material for Pet Food and treat Companies, providing longer freshness, durability, and easy product viewing for the consumer. Yet plastic packaging accounts for up to 20% of the environmental impact of a pet food or treat product. The Natural Dog Company, a Pet Sustainability Accredited business, is addressing the impact of its plastic packaging in three ways: plastic neutral certification, use of #4 plastics and recycling product tags returned by customers. We've known for a long time that plastic has been piling up in the oceans and causing problems, but it wasn't until we heard that it's projected that by the year 2050 we'll have more plastic in the ocean than fish, that it really hit home for us. At that point we knew, as The Natural Dog Company really wanted to be part of the solution to Ocean Plastic rather than being a company that is adding to it. Dan Goodnow, CEO, The Natural Dog Company. Plastic Neutral Program Removes Equivalent Plastic Created The Natural Dog Company partners with rePurpose Global, a company that manages the world's first plastic credit platform. On their website, the company notes that for every pound of plastic the company produces, an equivalent amount of plastic is removed from the environment. The Natural Dog Company pays rePurpose Global a fee, based on the weight of plastics it produces. RePurpose Global then finances projects that remove plastic waste from oceans – a project selected by The Natural Dog Company. RePurpose notes that plastic neutral certification is an excellent first step to combat plastic waste, and companies can do so for less than .1% of sales revenue. Working with rePurpose Global was great. The team was very thorough with their research, transparent about how everything would work and answered all of our questions. We feel really fortunate to be able to work with them to get this project off the ground.'  Dan Goodnow. Switching to #4 plastic for all Packaging The Natural Dog Company also switched all of its plastic packaging to #4 plastic. 100% of the company's bags are now #4 LDPE (low-density polyethylene). The bags display the #4 LDPE logo, which helps some customers understand the opportunity for recycling the bag. The company's website provides links to a #4 plastic bag drop-off location directory. The Company also encourages its retailers to setup drop-off bins at their pet stores, noting that it will encourage customers to return to the store and buy additional treats for their pets. A recent 'return to retail' pilot collections program demonstrated an increase in store visits. TagBack Program Recycles Product Tags The Natural Dog Company produces elastic tags for bulk treats like rawhides. The tags help retailers manage and keep accurate data on their inventory. The product tags are made by Bedford Industries, of Worthington, MN. Bedford Industries manages TagBack, a product and service where they produce tags for businesses and provide collection systems (mail back and in-store) to collect the tags and make them into other reusable materials. Bedford's TagBack services are also widely used for produce. Actions That Add Up in Reducing Plastic Waste Individually, each of these three steps was a relatively simple action for the Natural Dog Company to take, mostly involving changing their packaging and tags to readily available materials. Yet together, these actions have a significant impact: the company estimates that these three initiatives remove about 20,500 pounds of plastic annually. Pet companies have many resources available to help in addressing packaging waste and other social or environmental initiatives. Dan Goodnow, CEO of The Natural Dog Company encourages other pet companies to engage with the Pet Sustainability Coalition in getting help: The best way for other Pet Food Companies to make a change in their own packaging is to first determine their own company sustainability goals, then talk to PSC about the best way to achieve them! Whether it's reducing carbon footprint, simplifying end-of-life recyclability, or increasing the amount of post consumer recycled content in your bags, the team at PSC has their fingers on the pulse of what's happening in the sustainable packaging sector and can point you in the right direction to take your first steps. Author: Dan Goodnow Source: Pet Sustainability Coalition

24/03/2021

What you need to know about Malt Extract in Pet Food?

By María Candelaria Carbajo

The food and lifestyle trends that are imposed on humans increasingly impact the way they treat, feed and care for their pets. Malt or malt extract is one of those ingredients that has become fashionable for some years among people, and of course, it has begun to analyze its benefits in pets by including it in their diet. In this article we tell you all about this component and how it affects or benefits the health of pets. Brief history of malt The term malt derives from the English malt, which refers to cereals that have been subjected to the malting process. Malted cereal grains and the final product obtained are generally called malt. The goal of the process is for the grains to develop the enzymes necessary to convert their starch into sugar. Barley is the main cereal intended for malt production, due to its amount of enzymes, but the term (and the process) can also be applied to other cereals, such as wheat or oats. Although the main destination of malt is the manufacture of beer, it is also consumed in other formats, and this is due to its remarkable health benefits. The malting process consists of: • Wash and soak fresh beans until they begin to germinate. • When the germination and growth of the acrospiro (small stem that begins to grow from the grain) begins, the green malt is heated up to 49 ° C for 24 hours, and then to 60 ° C - 71 ° C, so that the content humidity is less than 6%. Malt can be used in preparations of all kinds, sweet, solid, liquid, such as soft drinks or soft drinks, hot drinks (similar to coffee), chocolates, cakes, and more. However, in recent years the use and incorporation of this ingredient in various pet food formulas has increased. Malt as a synonym for sustainability? In various countries of Latin America and the rest of the world, malt has been used for some time to feed and nourish livestock animals, and in many of them by-products or remnants of beer production are used (which takes the increased amount of barley malt production). In these cases, versions such as wet malt are used which, due to its high protein content, is especially beneficial for dairy cows. The dry residue extracted from fattening malt, bran, is also used in the pet food industry. It has high amounts of crude protein and energy, which is why it can be supplied to both monogastric species (birds, pigs, horses) and polygastric species (cows, sheep and goats). Now, what are the benefits of malt for pets? In the pet food industry, malt (especially barley) has always been known to have nutritional appeal to animals. Even so, its use in formulas is currently being encouraged and promoted due to its great nutritional benefits, such as its high content of: • Minerals: calcium, magnesium, manganese, potassium, zinc, selenium and copper. The latter two are cofactors of antioxidant enzymes. • Vitamins B: niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, thiamine, and nicotinic acid. • Vitamin B6: pyridoxine, biotin and folic acid. Vitamins are essential for their function of production and use of energy. • Proteins and amino acids: The malt extract contains proteins and free amino acids, nutritional components necessary for the construction and maintenance of muscle tissue. We can even delve into other less widespread or traditional benefits, and we will find that: • Malt contains phytochemicals (also known as phytonutrients, they are protective chemicals that are present in foods of plant origin), which play a fundamental role in the prevention of chronic diseases. This is currently a notable benefit, given that we are seeing an increase in the rate of obesity in pets (as well as humans). Phytonutrients influence the long-term health and longevity of pets. While it is true that, to this day, there has been little research on antioxidants and phytonutrients focused on animal health, veterinary nutrition experts are recognizing that the importance of "non-essential" phytonutrients may be greater than intended in the prevention of chronic diseases, such as diabetes and cancer. • Malt and its components can be used as a replacement for synthetic antioxidants to stabilize lipids in balanced pet foods. • Malt extract (and other plant-derived components, such as molasses) possess phenolic compounds that have protective benefits against reactive oxygen species (ROS) in potentially significant amounts in a bioavailable form, compared to the bound phenolics found in whole grains. Malt extract, for example, has been shown to have free phenolic levels three times higher than barley without the malting process. It has also been proven that the phenolic compounds present in malt increase the antioxidant and protective capacity against the biological damage of the macromolecules caused by free radicals. • Additionally, malt extract significantly increases gastrointestinal tolerance to probiotics, which positively impacts gut microbiota and digestive health. Due to its easy digestion and improvement of the entire digestive tract (especially of canines), barley malt extract is particularly interesting to include in food formulas designed for animals with certain digestive disorders, or even for those with a somewhat appetite. fussy. Its varied properties also make it a very successful ingredient to include in special formulas for pets that are in a stressful situation. Fun fact: This same malt is used in dietary supplement formulas for cats with the main objective of preventing the formation of hairballs in the stomach.   Conclusion In general terms, it is possible to affirm that the barley malt extract is a great source of rapidly assimilating energy, rich in sugars and antioxidants. It is worth mentioning that, in addition to its benefits, this extract substantially improves the palatability of any food or compound in which it is found, making them very palatable for pets. It is a very considerable option to be incorporated little by little in the different formulas of the industry, and especially in those designed for animals with sensitive digestive tracts or with any condition. Tell us your opinion about malt, do you think it is an ingredient with potential? By: All Pet Food

16/03/2021

Freeze-dried Pet Food or Raw Meat - What are the Benefits?

By María Candelaria Carbajo

Today, dog food is available in a wide variety of formats, flavors and sizes. The best known are kibble and canned feed, but there are also other options. For some time now, freeze-dried food is taking on more and more relevance. In this article we will tell you what are the advantages and disadvantages of freeze-dried dog food and what are the challenges when incorporating it into our food offer. As we discussed in a previous article, pet owners increasingly have a highly humanized treatment of their pets. One consequence of this is the need and demand for more natural, fresh and nutritious food. What is freeze-dried food? Faced with this growing demand, freeze-dried food appears. With the aim of developing the most complete food at a nutritional level, this 100% natural option arises, made with specific processes that maintain all the properties of the components. This type of food is obtained through freeze-drying, a process similar to dehydrating food, in order to increase its durability. Essentially, it is a special way of drying the raw material to remove water thanks to the product being frozen, the pressure is reduced and the water it contains is sublimated (it becomes steam water). Carrying out this process repeatedly results in the elimination of practically all the liquid that composes it. Meat that has undergone a freeze-drying process gives us the possibility of offering a product that is as similar as possible to raw meat, but the best thing is that it preserves all its benefits and nutrients without running the risk of the pet contracting possible diseases bacterial. It is then packed in an airtight package to prevent spoiling. In general, freeze-dried food is used as a supplement to the daily ration of food for dogs. Freeze-dried and dehydrated food, are they the same? The process may seem very similar, but there are differences between these types of foods. The main one is that, in the freeze-drying process, 99% of humidity is eliminated, while the food subjected to a dehydration process loses up to 95% of humidity. Thus, to achieve a lyophilized food it must be frozen, while this stage does not participate in the dehydration process. What are the advantages of freeze-dried food? Some of the benefits of foods that go through the freeze-drying process are: • The original appearance and shape of the food is well preserved. • It does not contain chemical additives to extend the conservation, and even so its durability is prolonged, since, as it has no water, it does not perish. • It has a high level of retention of natural aromas and flavors, which helps its palatability. • Preserves all the nutrients. • Contains no cereals. Why should dogs eat a raw diet? Trends are increasingly prevailing in the pet food market; One of them is that there are dog owners who choose to feed them raw products, since it is the closest thing they would eat in their 'natural habitat'. And, although it is true that raw food has certain remarkable benefits, such as ... • Coat improvement • Whiter teeth • Fresher breath • Better weight balance • Better digestion It also happens that a balanced food already contains all the nutrients that today's dogs need (which are not the same needs as those of a dog of long ago). That is why it is advisable to supplement balanced food with freeze-dried food treats or snacks, to create a perfect balance between the convenience of the feed and the nutritional quality of the raw food. Important fact: Freeze-dried food creates less food waste As another of the market trends is sustainability and the reduction of environmental impact, it should be noted that freeze-dried food, by not perishing, considerably reduces the waste of expired or spoiled food. Does freeze dried food have disadvantages? Today, the main disadvantage of this type of food is its cost. Although, as it does not perish and has greater durability, it could be sold and put on the market in large quantities and that would reduce the value for the final consumer, the truth is that the limited supply still manages costs that are a bit high and, at first glance , the buyer may not know the benefits and therefore not buy it. Another considered disadvantage is that this food may have a higher fat content than the 'regular' food. Which are freeze dried dog food offers nowadays? Currently, in the international market you can find various options of this type of food: Grandma Lucy's: is an American brand with an exclusive offering of freeze-dried foods. Among its variety, there are foods: • Chicken (26%), fruits and vegetables such as blueberries, apples and celery. • Chicken candy type (32% protein and 17% fat). True Instinct, the American brand: has two options for sale: one 100% chicken and the other 100% beef. They do not contain additives, flavorings, colors or preservatives. Stella & Chewy, this company uses only meat from free-range animals free of hormones and antibiotics. Their offer, which varies mostly between chicken and rabbit protein, offers a level of up to 42% protein. Natuplus, the Argentine Pet Food company: offers 100% freeze-dried snacks: lamb, fish, meat, chicken and liver. Instinct Chile, has an offer of freeze-dried food for dogs with salmon, duck, cow and chicken meat. Summary Freeze-dried dog food provides minimally processed nutrition, which appeals to pet owners looking for an alternative to plain kibble. It is usually a good alternative to incorporate into the offer of those producers who have a qualified customer profile and can end up betting on a little more expensive food, but with a high nutritional quality for their pets. By: All Pet Food

12/03/2021

Is it Possible to Feed Pets Only Plant Ingredients?

By María Candelaria Carbajo

Veganism is a lifestyle that a few years ago has only gained prominence among teenagers and young adults. Given that pet owners who are in this group try to feed their animals in a similar way, it was expected and foreseeable that, little by little, they would begin to try alternative foods that did not include animal raw material. In this article we tell you what the main debate is and whether or not it is believed feasible to offer dogs and cats a 100% vegetable diet. Some vegan people are not satisfied with giving up the consumption of animals and derivated themselves, but they also want their pets to do so. We must first clarify the physiological conditions of these two species. Dogs are carnivores, but facultative; In other words, they have all the characteristics of carnivorous animals at an anatomical and physiological level, but they can also digest and assimilate nutrients such as carbohydrates. Ultimately, a dog could get all the necessary energy, nutrients and protein from a plant-based diet. For their part, cats are more complicated against Veganism. This species is only carnivorous, which means that it does need to consume material of animal origin. What is the moral debate? Although Veganism is a topic that generates a lot of controversy among human beings, it also does so when it comes to talking about pets. Those who are in favor of feeding their pets with food with ingredients of animal origin assure that this is the natural food chain of life, especially for animals. However, those who are inclined towards a 100% vegetable diet for their colleagues, affirm that, in reality, if we wanted to respect the food chain, pet food would have to have more than beef or chicken meat, bird meat, mice ... In short, smaller animals that both dogs and cats could, indeed, have hunted in that natural food chain. Why can't cats eat vegan food? Faced with this species, to this day, it is ensured that cats do not have the capacity to feed themselves adequately with food only of plant origin. Your digestive system is not capable of producing certain proteins, such as taurine. In addition, the system of felines is considerably more intolerant to carbohydrates than that of, for example, dogs, so that the alternative options to meat are increasingly reduced. Even so, despite the difficulties, there are some companies that are committed to achieving a suitable (and healthy, mainly) vegetable pet food formula for cats, such as Ami or Veggie animals for example. However… Dogs, can be vegan? The dog is, historically, the "best friend of man"; and this legend began, some voices say, thanks to the fact that it approached humans in search of food. And that food they provided was exclusively meat. As we briefly advance you in the introduction to this article, the truth is that dogs, having amylase genes, have the ability to digest the starch present in vegetables, which could allow them to adapt, through the centuries, to a more vegetable diet. Wild Earth is an example of vegan dog food. Its founder began looking for a viable formula to reduce the amount of contaminated pet food items that had to be disposed of, as well as the contamination that occurs in the process. In the United States, in 2017 alone, the carbon emitted from meat treated for animal consumption was estimated to be about 64 million tons of carbon dioxide, the equivalent of driving 13 million cars for one year. Today the company is constantly growing, and as stated on its website, 86% of dog owners have reported a positive change in the health of their pets after choosing Wild Earth to feed them. So what are the food requirements for cats and dogs, respectively? In the case of dogs, having a system that allows them to digest more nutrients, creating a vegan food formula is easier. The essential thing is that they receive plenty of protein, calcium, vitamin D, and the amino acids L-carnitine and taurine. These last two must be added to the formula as a supplement, since otherwise the animal will not get enough. Now, on the other hand, producing vegan food for cats is a bit more complicated. As they cannot biosynthesize the large amount of vitamin A they need from carotene, they must obtain it from food. Otherwise, they may have hearing loss, problems with the skin, bones and / or intestinal system. Also, like dogs, they need to obtain taurine from beef, poultry, and / or fish. The problem is that if a cat does not have enough, it is at risk of developing dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). In this case, it happens that the heart becomes weak and prevents the correct supply of oxygen and blood to all areas of the body. Felines also need arachidonic acid; These ingredients are essential for your well-being, so they must be present in your food formula, whether vegetable or not. And in Latin America, are there any options? Sure, although, as you already know, trends arrive in Latin America with a certain delay, there are already vegan pet food options available, such as: • Veguis, the first 100% vegetable balanced food of Argentine production. • Kentupet, food of Chilean origin without gluten, cholesterol, vegan and hypoallergenic. Summary Despite the contradictions that veganism generates in pets, the truth is that it is estimated to see, little by little, an increase in demand in Latin American countries, as this lifestyle gains more youth and adults. Currently, it is estimated that there are more than 100,000 vegan dogs in the United States, and in the United Kingdom about half of this number. It is predicted that, logically, behind each pet that eats 100% vegetable pet food there is a vegan owner, so it is highly expected to perceive an increase in the consumption of the food with this type of formulas. The best the Industry can do is stay constantly up-to-date, both in what consumers want, as well as in finding the healthiest and most beneficial way to care for pets on the market. Tell us what you think of this new way of feeding pets? By: All Pet Food

05/03/2021

What is the B.A.R.F Diet and its impact on the Pet Food Industry?

By María Candelaria Carbajo

The world and trends are updated with increasing speed, and in the pet food industry we see new ways of feeding and caring for pets. Currently, the trend is increasing to feed domestic dogs and cats in developed countries with raw meat with commercial preparations or homemade recipes. In this article we`ll talk about the B.A.R.F. diet: what it's all about, its benefits, characteristics and risks. What is the B.A.R.F. diet? The B.A.R.F. comes from the term Biologically Appropriate Raw Food or biologically appropriate raw foods, and refers to a type of diet based on non-heat-treated animal products, that is, raw. Founded by veterinarian and nutritionist Dr. Ian Billinghurst, this type of diet maintains that, due to the natural evolution of pets (and genetic modifications), a raw diet composed of fresh meat and vegetables is the most appropriate today. Raw meat-based diets include raw ingredients from livestock or wild animals, and include raw materials that can be prepared at home or purchased ready-made, such as fresh, frozen or freeze-dried versions. What are the main characteristics of a B.A.R.F. diet? A raw diet should be rich in protein, moderate in fat, and low in carbohydrates. Some raw materials that make up this diet are: • The meat (muscles and organs) • Fleshy bones •Vegetables and fruits Which are your main benefits? The truth is that, to this day, several benefits of this type of diet are known, including: • Slender and fibrous body structure • Better coat • Cleaner teeth and fresher breath • More energy Another important and considerable benefit of the B.A.R.F. is its positive environmental impact. Raw food reduces the ecological footprint, since it considers in the diet parts of animals that are not consumed by humans, such as organ meats, which reduces waste in the human food production chain. Does the B.A.R.F. does it pose any risk to dogs? One of the risks of incorporating raw food into a pet's diet is that the owners select and prepare the food in a homemade way. This can result in providing unsuitable food or producing a nutritional deficit in the animal. The products that are consumed in a BARF diet, if they are wrongly treated, can cause infectious diseases, and that is why any manufacturer that decides to venture into this type of food to offer it to the market must take into account the microbiological safety of each one of the components and stages of production (cold chain in all stages of production and storage, for example). Another emerging risk is the introduction of antimicrobial resistant bacteria. • Raw Pet Foods commonly exceed hygiene thresholds for Enterobacteriaceae counts. These bacteria often exhibit resistance to critically important antibiotics, such as extended-spectrum cephalosporins, for example, and pets fed a B.A.R.F. they may pose an increased risk of spreading such bacteria. Other infectious organisms that can cause problems are Listeria, Toxigenic Shiga Escherichia coli (STEC), some parasites such as Toxoplasma gondii and exotic agents such as the zoonotic cattle pathogen Brucella suis, recently found in raw meat in the European Union and the United Kingdom imported from Argentina. • Some 2013 research on raw diets (both homemade and commercial) exposed some nutritional problems such as an imbalance of calcium, phosphorus and the lack of some specific vitamins. • Certain bioavailability problems are also considered as an additional risk of deficiency, which was demostrated in a study in which a raw whole rabbit-based diet was used that contained the adequate amount of taurine in the analysis prior to being consumed, Even so, the young cats that consumed it presented fatal cardiomyopathies due to taurine deficiency months after implementing this type of feeding. What evidence and scientific evidence is there so far? On the one hand, there is evidence to affirm that raw feeding improves the altered gut microbiome and the quality of stool. The wolf has been used as a model by proponents of raw food, relying on its limited ability to digest carbohydrates, which form a substantial part of conventional dog food. However, the domestic dog is genetically altered compared to its wild ancestors, and has a greater ability to digest starch. Other differences between domestic and wild canids include balance between energy and other nutrient needs, in addition to longevity. On the other hand, current experience in feeding canids in zoos, including wolves, supports the benefit of using conventionally processed dog food in a majority percentage of the diet. Even so, and despite the various voices that position themselves against the B.A.R.F. diet, some studies were carried out with the aim of providing verifiable evidence for some claims made based on raw food: • In the results of a study conducted in 2017, it can be seen that fecal bacterial diversity appeared to be higher among six dogs fed raw products compared to five fed that consumed balanced food. • A small study carried out with boxer dogs that compared the effects of feeding us with raw beef together with a supplement with a balanced food diet showed, through an analysis of metagenomic information, that smaller and firmer stools and some changes were found in the fecal bacterial community. • A group of baby cats fed a raw diet (rabbit meat) also had a better quality of feces; however, the kittens that were part of a similar group but that consumed balanced food as their main meal grew continuously and proportionally, as did those that consumed the B.A.R.F. In conclusion The implementation of the B.A.R.F. diet is a growing phenomenon among pet owners in developed countries, the same ones who, in previous decades, received the convenience presented to them by the Pet Food and balanced feed industry. The polarization on the merits of raw food and the benefits or emotional burdens that it entails is in force and will remain that way for a long time until it is adopted by a larger number of people or is repudiated and left aside. For their part, the studies and analyzes still seem insufficient in terms of defining a specific position on the impact of this type of diet, although it is true that various adverse effects have been found. The data on the nutritional, medical, and public health risks of raw food are fragmentary, but are increasingly forming a compelling body of scientific evidence. In any case, we consider that, to implement this type of food in the product line, it is essential not only to ensure that we strictly comply with the appropriate procedures but also inform through the packaging, of said products, how to handle them correctly and what is can or should (and should not) do with them. Have you ever heard of this diet? Do you think it will prevail in the market? Tell us, your opinion is very important for us Source: All Pet Food
   

19/01/2021

Millennials: The new Customers of the Pet Market

Technologies have marked a before and after in our society. Consumption habits and lifestyles drastically changed and we can see this in what today characterizes each generation. The reality is that new generations adapt more easily to technologies and, as a consequence, create new ways of using them. Each generation is born in different contexts, so it is normal that today each one has its name: millennials, generation z, baby boomer, etc. The importance of classifying the generations is that each generation defines a type of customer. Customers want certain products according to psycho-sociological, generational and historical variables. Therefore, the objective of companies is to satisfy those demands with products that adapt to different niches. The Millennials We are particularly interested in the so-called Millennials, that is, all those people born from the 80s, who are characterized by being a digital generation, hyperconnected and with high social and ethical values. They are the generation most committed to their pets, and the one that currently invests the most in them: beauty products, accessories, daycare and veterinary services, and also in food. It is essential to take into account Millennials because today they are young adults who lead trends in the market and, logically, they are followed by other generations. There are many specific niches and that allows the market to launch more and more new, better and specialized products for these generations. Among them, the moist ones with super premium meats and differentials. Millennials seek to give their pet the best, especially when it comes to food. Research indicates that 86% of Millennials prefer a natural meal, with organic and healthy ingredients. Because they care that their pets eat healthy things, they look at where they come from, that is, the processes of the product developers. Hence, they look for sustainable companies committed to the customer, the environment and society. The perception of the Millennials What distinguishes Millennials is that they favored the humanization of pets. These consumers consider that their pets are part of their family and demand the same values ​​for themselves. They look for products that not only satisfy nutritional needs, but also find individualization, comfort and quality in them. The reason behind pet ownership is that most Millennials see them as an experience that will prepare them to be parents in the future. Three-quarters of Millennials have cats or dogs, and in many cases more than one. Market research shows that 82% of Millennials who have pets prefer to have a pet before becoming parents because it "prepares you for the next step." This changes the perception that people have of animals and also the possibilities that companies can give customers. New, more sophisticated and complex products are appearing on the market, such as wet foods. They are looking for fresh, natural products, similar to the products that a human would like, such as pate. Annually $ 70 billion is spent in the pet (care and food) industry. In the USA 66% of households have one pet or more. This is a direct consequence of this new generation that is willing to spend large sums of money to give the best to their pets, causing the global growth of the industry. Baby Boomers For its part, the Baby Boomers generation is also important when thinking about market trends. They are all those people born between 1946 and 1964, after the birth rate exploded at the end of the Second World War. In the last decade, it became the group with the most pets. In just ten years, the percentage grew by 27 to 32% in dogs and cats. In particular, the dog was chosen as a companion throughout these years. And, in general, this generation is prone to adopting puppies once their dogs die. That is, they continue to be pet owners. Currently, all types of customers must be taken into account to understand what products need to be developed for the context in which we live. The consumption habits and lifestyles of generations have an impact on everything: type of product, packaging, formulas, differential ingredients, product claims, marketing and trends, sales channels and logistics. By: WMG

08/12/2020

Post-Pandemic Premiumisation

A tighter pet-owner relationship could help drive sales of premium pet products or at least insulate the market to a degree from the impact of a post-pandemic recession. A stronger pet bond The idea that pets are cherished members of the family was strong among many owners prior to the coronavirus outbreak. The subsequent lockdown and social distancing measures further solidified the pet and owner relationship, which will carry on well past the end of the pandemic. Potential for premium treats One beneficiary of this trend is treats. As important as product credentials and attributes are to the treats market, the real strength of these products lies in their potential to facilitate deeper pet-owner relationships. In the dog treats market, the increasing focus on quality ingredients and short ingredient lists reflects the continued premiumisation of the pet food market as a whole. In the US, Venison Recipe Grain Free dog treats are made with human-grade venison from New Zealand. Pure Chicken Breast Whole Food dog treats emphasise sourcing and traceability. The premium end of the cat treats market shares a similar ingredient focus, even while the emphasis is on craveability, taste and texture. In the US, Original Cat Treats are sustainable, made with free-run poultry from Kentucky and wild-caught monkfish from New England waters. Promoting pets' health Pet foods targeting specific age groups and lifestyles also represent growth opportunities in the premium pet food segment. In Thailand, 35% of affluent pet owners are interested in pet food with special formulations targeting ages and lifestyles. The affluent consumer is also more aware of their pet's health needs: 42% regularly bring their pet for a health check-up. This causes them to be more aware and informed about their pet's specific health demands. In Thailand, LuvCare contains omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids to promote healthy skin and a shiny coat. It also contains premium quality protein to build strong muscle and highly digestible ingredients to promote optimal digestion. Premium add-ons While pet owners prefer dry food formats due to their convenience, the increased humanisation of animals offers manufacturers further opportunities to add interest to their food. Consumers will increasingly demand that pet food allows their pet a degree of enjoyment, fulfilling an emotional need and not just keeping them from feeling hungry. Premium add-on options, such as seasonings, sauces, gravies or toppings, are areas of opportunity for consumers to add to their pet's dry food to create more flavour and excitement. In Switzerland, Country Selection of Food Sauce for Adult Cats contains balanced minerals, vitamin D and E, is a source of omega-6 fatty acids and features tender flakes in four different flavours. In Thailand, Tuna Flakes with Thyme in Gravy Adult Cat Food are made from a variety of flavours to complement pet food. In Japan, Nutritious topping powder is said to be easy to feed to dogs and contains prebiotics to aid digestion. by Pets International 

22/10/2020

Global Pet Wearables Market – A Market with Great Potential

High-tech solutions and devices in answer to pet parents' health and safety concerns are set to grow the pet wearables market four-fold. The market drivers As pet parents' concerns about their pets' health and safety increase, they are spending more and more on identification and tracking devices. At the same time, new technologies are enabling innovative and radical ways of tracking pets and communicating with them using owners' laptops, smartphones or tablets. It is expected that the wearables market will be subject to significant growth the coming years, growing from its current market, valued at over $3 billion (€2 billion) in 2019 to $12 billion (€10 billion) by 2026, according to a recently published research report by Global Market Insights, Inc. IoT for pet health and safety With the implementation of advanced technologies like IoT, GPS-based trackers, and AI, pet wearable devices enable owners to track their pets' health data, including data on their eating habits, respiratory rhythm, and sleeping patterns. Smart vests Looking at opportunities within product segments, the smart vests product category is expected to show higher demand over the coming years. Smart vests are fitted with hidden sensors and video cameras, to make sure that the pet is secure. The technology is capable of live streaming videos when the dog starts barking. This particular function has also led to the adoption of these devices in stray dogs for the purpose of safety and security. Citing an example, back in 2017, stray dogs in Thailand were equipped with smart vests in order to safeguard the streets and the dogs, by noticing unfriendly strangers and other such dangers. Also, in the identification and tracking market sector, there is expected to be significant growth in demand. Such growth can be attributed to the higher number of lost pets. According to Pet Found by Internet, approximately two million pets go missing worldwide every year. This has boosted the adoption of tracking technology in advanced devices. The addition of RFID technology in pet wearable devices is enhanced by inserting a microchip just under the skin of pets. Commercial end-use segment The commercial end-use segment in the pet wearables market is projected to fuel more demand for pet wearables owing to the development of modern farming. These devices are used for tracking, as well as monitoring livestock, in order to identify health-related issues at an early stage. Latin America From a regional perspective, pet owners across Latin America are increasingly concerned regarding the security and safety of their pets. This will further grow the demand for wearables, especially those that feature GPS tracking, as well as live positioning functionalities. In fact, the rise in the numbers of missing pets in the region has grown pet safety awareness. At the same time, stricter safety regulations are being imposed. For example, Peru has launched initiatives, including chip placement for lost pet search, as well as a special registry for dogs. Such initiatives have further spurred the adoption of pet wearable devices throughout Latin America, especially in Argentina and Peru. Who's in? It is safe to say that the integration of advanced technologies and rising concerns regarding pet health and safety are likely to offer a varied range of growth opportunities for pet wearables market players. The competitive landscape of the pet wearables market includes companies like Whistle Labs, Inc., DeLaval, Inc., Tagg, FitBark, IceRobotics, Invisible Fence, Otto Petcare, Pet Vu, Inc., Dropcam (Nest), Motorola, Garmin, Ridogulous Labs, Nedap, PetPace, i4c Innovations, and Loc8tor among many others. by Pets International

30/09/2020

Control of Industrial Odor Emission in Pet Food plants

AEROX supplies long-term total odor control solutions for Industries around the world. We help our clients reduce their emissions to comply with industrial and government laws. The Aerox®-Injector eliminates odors produced in industrial processes and is recognized by governments and companies in the sector as 'Best Available Technology'. A reduction of malodors of up to 95% and a unique technique for eliminating odors from humid air processes, have been an easy choice for multiple world market leaders. A DEDICATED ENVIRONMENTAL APPROACH Since odor is more of a nuisance than a political issue or an environmental problem, it is high on the priorities of companies in all sectors. Corporate image and social responsibility are essential to the status and success of companies today, managers are willing to invest in technologies to combat such nuisances. The Aerox®-Injector is specifically designed with the environment in mind. The injector does not require water, chemicals or fuel to operate. Thanks to its unique active oxygen technology, which is based on the principle of passing air between specially prepared cathodes and anodes, all it requires is a relatively small amount of electricity. In addition, the Aerox Service program guarantees that all consumables are completely recycled: respectful with the environment. FROM ELECTRICITY TO CLEAN AIR
- Without fuel
- Without gas
- Without water
- No chemicals
- Without residues   LEADER IN CONTROL OF ODORS The main objective of our efforts is to eliminate bad odors resulting from your production processes at ground level. The basis of our technology is the Aerox®-Injector, a small unit attached to the outside of the process gas outlet duct that injects 'active oxygen' into it. It oxidizes smelly molecules, making them imperceptible to the human nose.   Thus, through the Aerox®-Injector, your neighbors will enjoy something unquestionable: CLEAN AIR. Aerox has the experience and knowledge of the sources and compositions of bad odors from many Industries as well as the knowledge of their respective production processes. This allows a careful determination of the complexity of each specific situation and the best possible solution. Aerox will reduce your plant's odor emissions to acceptable levels and often even eliminate them simultaneously.   THE AEROX®-INJECTOR, NON-THERMAL PLASMA TECHNOLOGY The Aerox®-Injector is a non-thermal plasma unit located outside the process gas line. Clean ambient air is used to generate the oxygen radicals, which are injected into the exhaust air flow, oxidizing the odor molecules present and thus rendering them harmless. ADVANTAGES AT A GLANCE
- Extremely effective odor control
- Injection allows treating large volumes of process air
- Low cost of ownership
- No need for water, gas, or chemicals. Without residues.
- Best Available Technology (B.A.T.)   CONTROL OF BAD ODORS IN VARIOUS INDUSTRIES Aerox, inventor of non-thermal plasma injection malodor control technology, has 25 years of proven experience in malodor control in multiple industry sectors. The list of specific industries continues to grow. Truly durable odor control solutions require advanced, custom-made technology. The best way to control bad odors is to study each specific case. Obviously, the starting point of any solution that Aerox supplies is the origin of the production process and the resulting bad odors. Other factors such as the climate, the geographic situation and government legislation are studied in situ in each specific case. Furthermore, each Aerox®-Injector unit is adjusted during commissioning by a suitably qualified Aerox engineer.   World market leaders choose Aerox Aerox B.V. is the world leader in odor control through efficient and environmentally friendly non-thermal plasma injection technology. We have deep knowledge and experience in all aspects of odor control processes, in various industries. The Aerox process begins by gathering information and providing advice on the feasibility of contracting Aerox in your specific case. Our advice is based on the information you provide us by telephone or by questionnaire, as well as the details of your industrial process, air volumes, geographical location and weather conditions. Bad odor problems are complex and unique. Aerox, therefore, offers factory on-site testing allowing its customers to determine what Aerox performance and in what capacity. Based on the results obtained from the test, Aerox designs and offers optimal odor control solutions. An experienced and appropriately qualified team of Aerox project engineers will cooperate with customer engineers to ensure an optimal implementation process, tailor-made for the conditions and
plant requirements. After commissioning Aerox will focus on long-term cooperation to provide maintenance services such as module replacement and remote control. This allows to reduce maintenance costs and the proper functioning of the Aerox®-Injector.   MORE INFORMATION If you want to know more about how it works, you can watch video in English. If you want more information about the Aerox®-Injector, its possibilities, receive a proposal for your plant or know more about the control of industrial odors in general, please send an e-mail to [email protected] or call directly at +54 9 236 4418899. Source: Clivio Solutions  

28/09/2020

Packaged Facts predicts top 5 trends for Pet Food

Image Source: © ANASTAS_ - STOCK.ADOBE.COM 09.18.2020 By Jordan Tyler ROCKVILLE, MD. — Private label, a focus on felines, sourcing claims and grain-inclusive formulations are among Packaged Facts' list of five key opportunities for the pet food industry heading into 2021. The market research firm is keeping a close watch on the industry, updating its 'Pet Food in the US, 15th Edition' report to account for COVID-19 implications in June. Overall, the pet food and treat segment is expected to continue on a growth path through the remainder of 2020, with sales projected to increase by 7% to $31 billion. This growth is expected to continue, Packaged Facts reports, at 5.5% in 2021 and 2022, followed by 5% growth in 2023 and 2024. The outlook for discretionary pet product sales overall has also turned, with Packaged Facts projecting 8% growth to $59 billion by the end of 2020. Pet ownership during COVID-19 Packaged Facts expects the number of pet-owning households in the United States will reach 71 million (56% of all US households) by the end of the year, growing 4% from 2019. The market research firm pointed to pet ownership trends during the pandemic as a stronghold for the pet food and treat market. Twelve percent of adults with children under the age of 18 adopted pets because of the pandemic, compared with 8% of all adults. Additionally, 10% of cat owners and 9% of dog owners in the United States said they adopted a pet because of COVID-19 implications, with 10% of all pet owners acquiring pets over the last three months. Over the last year, 14% of current pet owners brought a dog into the household, while 12% added cats. 'Pet food marketers and retailers would do well to target new pet owners and secure their long-term loyalty from day one through 'puppy promotions' and new pet welcome packages,' the firm suggested. Lower-cost private label Although pet product purchasing sentiments remain steady among the majority of US pet owners according to a recent survey by the American Pet Products Association (APPA), there has been question of the economic impacts of the pandemic affecting pet owners' ability to continue purchasing high-priced premium pet food and treat products. Packaged Facts suggests a shift to lower-cost, private-label brands — specifically store and house brands from retailers — occurring to provide more options to pet parents most affected by the pandemic. According to a Packaged Facts survey fielded in April and May 2020, 47% of pet owners reported buying lower-cost store brands of pet food or treats more frequently. In a separate survey by Packaged Facts, 44% of pet owners agreed that the quality of store brands is as good as national name brands, while 23% disagreed. The market research firm has also based its projection for private label brand growth on market shifts seen immediately following the Great Recession, when value-conscious consumers began purchasing more private label brands. Ingredient sourcing Pet owners are becoming more attuned to pet food and treat labels, scanning for high-quality ingredient names and to avoiding products with ingredients they believe are bad for their pets, namely those with names that look and sound synthetic. While there is plenty of room for education in this area, this trend will continue to drive pet owners' purchasing decisions. Packaged Facts suggests ingredient and sourcing claims such as 'fresh,' 'limited ingredient' and 'superfood' are becoming the new 'natural.' Pet foods and treats including novel and alternative proteins have also gained traction. 'In response, pet food marketers need to promote sought-after ingredients while being fully transparent, with product websites and labelling telling the full story of where the ingredients come from and how the products are made,' Packaged Facts stated. 'Looking ahead, Packaged Facts expects to see marketers and retailers of premium pet foods increasingly involved in sustainability, animal welfare, and socio-economic system initiatives.' Grain-inclusive gains Following the US Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) announcement of a potential link between diet and canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), pet food manufacturers have put the focus back on grains, formulating grain-friendly and grain-inclusive diets for concerned pet owners. More research is needed to determine if this link is valid. Nevertheless, ancient grains have entered the limelight, including spelt, quinoa, sorghum, amaranth, quinoa, millet, buckwheat and chia. Plant-based ingredients commonly considered as healthy human foods have also increasingly entered the pet food space, including superfood ingredients such as kale, spinach and blueberries. 'With the resolution of the FDA investigation of the DCM situation still possibly years away, marketers will need to address pet owner concerns and offer new premium options above and beyond grain-free,' Packaged Facts stated. Cat-centric Last but certainly not least, Packaged Facts projects the pet food and treat marketplace to shift focus toward cat products, which have historically been stuck in second place next to the dog product market. While cat ownership has remained flat and dog ownership is on the rise, cat owners are demanding a wider variety of better and more innovative products for cats, including functional formulas, better supplemental nutrition options, more natural options and an overall more proliferated marketplace. 'More and better products and services for cats, and more marketing attention, stand to encourage cat owners to invest more heavily in the health and happiness of their purr babies and — most important of all — attract more Americans into the feline fold,' Packaged Facts stated. Other growth factors Above all, a common thread driving these trends is a surge in online pet food and treat sales, driven primarily by e-commerce giants Chewy and Amazon, 'whose swift advances have been more than offsetting the resultant drag on brick-and-mortar sales,' Packaged Facts said. The market research firm expects online pet product sales to account for 27% of total sales by the end of 2020, jumping to 35% share of sales by 2024. This, coupled with continuing premiumization, support for new formats such as fresh and frozen, and mass market proliferation, will continue to drive the pet food and treat industry forward in uncertain times. Source: Pet Food Processing  

19/07/2020

Clivio Solutions was selected by Dubai Company for the full development of its new line of Premium Pet Food

Dubai Investment Company that will take its first steps in the exciting business of Premium Pet Food relies on the experience and work capacity of Clivio Solutions to carry out this promising project. As Engineer Diego Clivio, Managing Director of Clivio Solutions, told us, his Company has been selected after a study carried out by the Investment Company of the United Arab Emirates. In turn, Diego told us that he feels very confident in what his Company can do for this project, which will undoubtedly be successful knowing that he also has the valuable contribution of the experienced Lic. Juan Manuel Peralta. The Pet Food Industry is in constant movement, new trends and customs emerge following the continuous demand by pet owners to give them something increasingly healthy, complete, healthy and rich. For demanding customers, it is no longer enough for foods to be "balanced" in their nutritional contributions, they seek other virtues or characteristics that differentiate it and add value. Clivio Solutions can help you in your project with the comprehensive development of these new products whose demand is on the rise, defining the best product for the market where you want to operate, including formulation, production process, selection of raw materials and even the final presentation of the finished product and its commercialization. Contact: [email protected]

18/03/2020

4 Ways COVID-19 may Impact Feed Production

The world is battling the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and, in the short and long term, the global Animal Feed Industry will soon navigate the fallout. Animal protein demand The extent to which COVID-19 will affect animal protein demand and consumption is unknown. On the grocery and retail side, panic buying and hoarding are propelling the sale of frozen foods, canned goods, meat and dairy products, which could be good for some; however, the restaurant and foodservice industries will undoubtedly be hit hard as institutions temporarily close and diners shy away from public spaces. Regarding consumer confidence in the safety of the food supply, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) reports that the new coronavirus cannot be spread through food or packaging. Supply chain disruptions Today, analysis of the market impact of COVID-19 is a moving target, but all signs point to an ongoing negative global economic outlook through the first half of the year. The most immediate threat to 'business as usual' in the feed industry lies with supply chain disruptions. While the virus has only begun to impact some regions, down-chain suppliers in key sectors are struggling to meet demand. This is quickly becoming evident with micro-ingredients, such as vitamins and minerals, e.g. the current shortage of feed-grade L-threonine. The closure of factories and ports would further strain supplies. Meanwhile, the animal feed industry should brace for higher commodity costs due to limited availability and delayed deliveries. The human element As business and institution closings become commonplace, what does this mean for livestock and poultry producers and the feed manufacturers they rely on?  While some can work remotely, in manufacturing, many cannot. How will feed mills run if the employees are sick or quarantined? What happens to animal production during a lockdown? Industry event cancellations Many spring feed industry trade shows and conferences have been canceled or postponed until the later half of the year, e.g. the VICTAM and Animal Health & Nutrition Conference in Bangkok will now be held July 9-11 and the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) canceled its Purchasing & Ingredients Suppliers Conference (PISC) that would have been held in Seattle in mid-March. The U.S. Poultry and Egg Association (USPOULTRY) has postponed its 2020 Feed Mill Management Seminar, The Pet Food Forum in Kansas moved to August 19-21 , Expo Pet Food in Brazil now will be taking place on July 8-9 Unfortunately, beyond the financial losses and inconvenience, the absence of these events also represent missed business, networking and education opportunities. Meanwhile, in response to the uncertainty of the state of the pandemic over the next several months, event organizers are entertaining moving or have moved to virtual formats. For example, the Feed Strategy Conference Asia on mitigating swine disease has been canceled and will instead roll out as a three-part webinar series beginning in late April, and Alltech has converted its annual ONE Ideas Conference to a virtual format. In the face of 2020's black swan, the world's feed industry must be prepared to adapt to weather the unknown. by Jackie Roembke, Feed Strategy All Extruded 

12/06/2019

Four Trends in the Mexican Pet Food Market

The distinguish analyst believes the Mexican pet food market still has plenty of room to grow. Specific trends drive demand for dog and cat food in the Mexican pet food market, said Ivan Franco of Triplethree International, a market research and analysis firm. Franco's presentation on June 15 began the Septimo Foro México sobre Alimento para Mascotas Internacional (Seventh International Mexican Pet Food Forum) in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. 1. Economy or super-premium Ten to 15 years ago, premium pet food brands, such as Purina ProPlan, were the first to dominate the pet food market in Mexico, Franco said. Over the past decade, cultural change and economic growth fueled demand in Mexico for pet foods as people moved away from feeding pets table scraps. During that period premium brands met pet owners' demands for nutritionally balanced dog and cat foods. However, two economic forces have given demand boosts to both lower and higher priced pet foods. As incomes have risen in Mexico, pet owners have started to buy more superpremium pet foods, he said. Just as in the United States, Europe and China, Mexicans increasingly view dogs and cats as members of the family. This humanization trend leads people to want to spoil their pets, and value-added superpremium pet food is a prime way that they do so. For example in 2016, demand for superpremium pet foods marketed as holistic boomed in Mexico. On the other hand, when pet owners hit economic troubles or pet food prices rise, people are not returning to previous generations' habits of feeding human food scraps to pets. Instead, pet owners continue to buy dog and cat food, but choose lower-priced economy brands, Franco said. In 2016, inflation affected the Mexican pet food market as retailers increased prices. 'One can find prices for dry dog food that range from 15 pesos per kilogram, less than one dollar, up to 400 pesos per kilo,' Franco said. 'It's like the difference between getting a taco at a street vendor and getting a duck-meat taco at a luxury restaurant.' 2. Larger packages Sales of larger-sized bags of pet food, more than 15 kilograms, have done well, he said. These larger-sized bags are particularly important in ecommerce sales of pet food in Mexico. Internet-based sales of pet food in Mexico are still a small fraction of the market, Franco noted, but this sales channel has great potential for growth. 3. Room to grow Although the Mexican pet food market has matured greatly in the past 15 years, Franco said there is still room to grow. In the past year, 215 new pet food and treat products have appeared on retailers' shelves, according to Franco's research. Even in the established premium dog food segment, there is still room to triple the market. Retailers have started to capitalize on this room for growth too. More private label dog and cat foods have appeared in the Mexican pet food market. For example, super markets and grocery stores, such as Comercial Mexicana, Chedrauí and Soriana, have introduced their own private label brands. 4. Diversification Especially for superpremium pet food in Mexico, companies are creating a wider variety of products, including treats. Many of these are targeted at pet owners' demands for natural ingredients and sustainability. Along with the growth in individual products, more brands are entering the Mexican pet food market. Some are produced domestically, while brands like Blue Buffalo from the United States have increased their presence in Mexico, as well. Franco believes the Mexican pet food market still has plenty of room to grow. He advised his audience of pet food professionals to avoid trying to sell the cheapest product on the market. Instead, pet food companies may wish to keep prices a bit higher to send a message of quality, since nutrition and health have become prime motivators for pet owners in Mexico. By Iván Franco Pet Food Industry

05/06/2019

Top 3 trends to lead US pet food market in 2019

Pet food sales in the US grew to $27 billion, up 4% from 2017, most of which is attributed to the growing influence of e-commerce driven by a demand for convenience from consumers and e-tailers' abilities to tap into the pet food market and deliver on those demands, according to Packaged Facts' 'Pet Food in the US, 14th Edition.' E-commerce 'behemoths' such as Amazon and Chewy have helped to rapidly accelerate online sales, taking share away from brick-and-mortar stores. 'We at Packaged Facts estimate that 12 million households purchased pet products online in 2018, attracted by the competitive prices and the endless aisle appeal of Internet sellers, and this number will only increase in the coming years,' said David Sprinkle, research director for Packaged Facts. 'For pet food marketers, an omnichannel approach is therefore a necessity in a business whose consumer base will increasingly be doing some or all of its pet food shopping online.' A continued push by online retailers, and manufacturers' efforts to drive online sales, will be one trend to watch going into 2019, but certainly not the only one. Another major development forecasted by Packaged Facts is personalized pet food, ranging from meal-toppers and add-ins to in-store kitchen tests to home-delivered, made-to-order and homemade meals. This 'next generation of super premium pet food' has been experimented with by retailers and manufacturers and is expected to gain influence and sophistication in 2019.  'Customized, personalized pet foods embody a range of overlapping trends, taking advantage of the ease and convenience of online sales, the desire for top notch ingredients and clean label foods, and pet owners' desire to provide human-style variety to their pets,' said Sprinkle. With many consumers paying more and more attention to food labels, it's no surprise that sourcing, sustainability and animal welfare is another trend predicted by Packaged Facts. Pet owners are increasingly looking for clean, transparent labels and ingredients sourced in an environmentally-friendly way. This trend also incorporates a push for ingredients, or the absence of ingredients, to cater to pets' specific health conditions, whether it be a functional food or one with a claim such as 'free-from.' 'Pet owners want safe, nutritious foods for their fur babies, and two opportunities tie in with this demand—ingredient sourcing and ingredient claims,' added Sprinkle. Lastly, Packaged Facts sees the premiumization of cat food coming into play in 2019. No longer an afterthought, manufactures have the opportunity to build distinctive super premium cat food brands from the ground up as they have already done with dog foods. According to Packaged Facts, felines pose a vastly different set of dietary and health needs than canines, which provides manufacturers the chance to tap into a largely un-tapped market. This, paired with cat owner's willingness to pay more for higher-quality products, will pave the way for this trend to proliferate in the US pet food market in 2019. by Pet Food Processing 

08/04/2019

Pet Food Trends, Chinese Style

Among the mega pet food trends observed in the world, 'Healthy Lifestyle' and 'Premium Indulgence' are particularly strong in China. To fit the lifestyle and expectations of Chinese pet owners, these concepts are locally turned into convenient and tasty products featuring healthy traditional ingredients.  Dynamic, agile, inspiring… melting global trends with local specificities…juggling with tradition and innovation… the Chinese pet food market is unique. With 323,000 tons of pet food sold in 2017 and 35% value growth between 2013 and 2018* it is not surprising to see everyone wanting to get a piece of the pie. But to enter this special market, pet food players need to become familiar with its cultural peculiarities. Young Chinese pet owners set the rules  Everywhere in the world, pet owners drive pet food trends. In China, the pet food market is largely shaped by the young generation of pet owners. Indeed, according to a 2018 survey from Goumin, the number 1 pet platform in China, more than 75% of pet owners are from the generations born after the 1980s. These high-income people, very optimistic about consumption, have become the main drivers of the economy. Moreover, 54% of young Chinese with a career are single and have high buying power. They are more than happy to adopt a pet and to spend a substantial part of their salary for him. In China, where pet parenting is often pushed to the extreme, owners increasingly seek pet products and services that mirror their own lifestyle. Chinese pet food manufacturers are thus developing an offer directly inspired from the Chinese food market and tailored to match the expectations of this young generation of pet owners. Healthy lifestyle… the Chinese way  The development of premium pet food products with health functionalities is a strong and long-lasting trend of the global pet food market. This is particularly true in China where food has been considered as medicine for ages. Chinese pet food manufacturers are surfing this trend to entice young Chinese pet owners for whom Chinese-style health care is more and more popular. Local brands endeavor to differentiate their products from international brands by developing health-oriented pet foods with ingredients derived from traditional Chinese medicine or local functional superfoods. Medicinal pet food with traditional Chinese herbs  An increasing number of local brands enrich their formula with traditional Chinese herbs known to be good for human health. The images and functions of these herbs have prominent placement on packaging, accompanied by claims used in human food. Wolfberry goji is the most commonly used Chinese-style ingredient in new health-oriented pet food products. This traditional herb, widely consumed by China's 'young health addicts,' is claimed to be good for a pet's liver and eyesight. Numerous other Chinese herbs such as ginseng, lily root or honeysuckle are beginning to appear on packaging as well. Local Superfoods  The use of superfoods to improve pet health is another popular trend making its way through the global pet food market. Several trendy ingredients used in pet food worldwide for their health functionalities are also found in Chinese products. Blueberry and cranberry for instance are widely used for their antioxidant properties. But in addition to these 'international' ingredients, Chinese-style superfoods such as goat milk, Chinese yam, sweet potato, yacón or black lycium (black Goji), with various associated health support claims, are beginning to appear in Chinese pet food. Even avocado, widely used in human health and skin care, is starting to be used in pet food to support beauty claims for skin and fur. Balanced nutrition through fruits and veggies  'Degrease your lifestyle' is another health concept recently adopted by young Chinese that resonates in China's pet food market. Indeed, a blog post titled 'How to avoid becoming a greasy mid-age,' written in late 2017 by Feng Tang, a well-known medical blogger, has provoked a huge buzz on the internet. Promoting the importance for health of a balanced diet rich in fruits and veggies, the article raised a true 'anti-greasiness' wave among the younger generation, who decided to become more active and eat salads. Surfing this 'green' wave, pet food manufacturers are adding more veggies to their formulas to mirror the healthy meals of young Chinese pet owners. In European or American markets, fruits and vegetables are generally used either as raw material in veggie diets, or to bring variety to pet food. But in China, they are used to promote the concepts of nutritional balance and weight control. Most local brands clearly highlight the combo 'meat + cereals + fruit & veggie' on packaging to support their balanced nutrition model. This phenomenon is not limited to pet food. Following the trend are fruity pet treats that also claim to provide balanced nutrition. Chinese snack offerings now go beyond meat-based products and include freeze-dried fruits and vegetables such as banana, apple and pumpkin. Premium Indulgence: Convenience & Taste  According to CBNData's 2018 Living consumption trend report, the new Chinese generation is moving toward a lazy lifestyle. Young Chinese people have less and less time to cook due to busy work hours followed by fatigue once they are back home. However, they still want to enjoy their food. They are thus looking for convenient, high-quality products for themselves and their pets.  From instant food to freeze-dried pet food  Foods such as instant noodles are emblematic of China. Now, these types of convenience items are coming to pet food. In European and American markets, freeze-dried pieces of meat or vegetables are included in formulas to meet owners' desire to see 'real' pieces of ingredients and avoid 'aggressive' manufacturing and preservation methods. Positioning is different in China. Here, instant pet food, claimed to be fresh and delicious, fits the Chinese owner's attachment to tradition while addressing the need for convenience and taste. Encountered first in the treats segment, freeze-dried is expanding to complete food. Several local as well as trusted foreign brands recently launched, diets mixing dry kibble with freeze-dried elements and even 100% freeze-dried diets. Pet owners can choose to give the freeze-dried pet food directly to their pets, to mix it with kibbles, or to soak it in warm water prior to the meal. Homemade pet food on the go  Industrial kibbles bought in traditional distribution channels are no longer the only option. Inspired by the eating habits of Chinese people and echoing new consumption models appearing throughout the world, homemade fresh pet food is another solution for 'lazy' young pet owners. Sold in dedicated take-away pet shops or delivered at home, it offers a handy way to provide their pet with delicious meals anytime and anywhere. From starter to dessert, gourmet homemade delicacy foods are a new alternative for parents to indulge their pets with ease. by Diana Pet Food All Extruded 

21/02/2019

The Grain-Free Question

How manufacturers and pet specialty retailers are responding to new information about grain-free pet food ingredients. Millions of dogs consume grain-free diets every day. And for many years now, growth in the category has showed no signs of slowing, according to industry insiders. However, last summer, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) released a report linking the use of legumes in dog food—which include lentils, peas, beans and chickpeas, most of which are prominent ingredients used to make many popular premium grain-free dog and cat foods, according to insiders—to a type of canine heart disease known as dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). 'The exact cause of recent reported incidents of DCM has not yet been identified, and the U.S. FDA, in its communications to the public, has not advised dietary changes based on the available information,' said Dana Brooks, president and CEO of the Pet Food Institute (PFI) in Washington, D.C. 'The FDA has received, to date, a relatively small number of valid reports indicating that certain grain-free diets may possibly have played a role in DCM. [The] FDA's investigation includes certain ingredients that can be used in greater proportions in some pet food products labeled as grain free.' The FDA report, which was issued in July 2018, said the agency is continuing to work with board-certified veterinary cardiologists and veterinary nutritionists to better understand the clinical presentation of the cases in which dogs that were primarily fed grain-free diets showed signs of heart disease. In the meantime, the FDA's report, while concerning for many industry players, hasn't deterred growth in the category, insiders report. Matt Golladay, president of Lisbon, Ohio-based BrightPet Nutrition Group, parent company of Blackwood, Adirondack and By Nature Pet Foods, said that even with the recent FDA feedback about grain-free diets, this segment of the market continues to grow. Still, pet food manufacturers are taking the report seriously. Marie Sandomenico, marketing coordinator for Health Extension Pet Care in Deer Park, N.Y., said the company's main priority is the well-being of all pets' health, so the company will monitor any new information to come out regarding the FDA findings. 'Our carefully formulated grain-free recipes offer a higher level of digestible meat-based proteins than many of those containing grains,' she said. 'The new claims are currently a hypothesis. Legumes provide a way for pet parents to offer grain-free options with a nutrient-rich carbohydrate that is low on the glycemic index.' Many families are confident that excluding grains in their pets' diets offer health benefits for their animals and will not switch back, insiders noted. However, Sandomenico encourages pet owners and pet specialty retailers to continue doing their own research to ensure they feel they are doing what is best for their pets and customers, respectively. 'Health Extension takes pride in staying well informed and out in front of the trends and health concerns,' she said. 'Our product development team is aware of this potential issue and will continue keeping a close eye on any new studies and their findings. In the meantime, we will continue to develop products today's pet parents are looking for.' To that end, Health Extension's grain-free recipes are made using only the highest-quality natural and GMO-free ingredients, and they are free of glutens, grains and other unnecessary fillers, Sandomenico said. 'All of our recipes contain high levels of animal proteins that are grass fed, free range or wild caught,' she said. 'We also use low-glycemic ingredients like chickpeas and lentils to prevent obesity and [provide] relief from common allergies. With our dry kibble line, we offer a wide variety of proteins to fit the needs of many types of dogs with some exotic proteins such as duck, venison and buffalo, and whitefish.' Ernie Ward, a pet nutritionist and chief veterinary officer for Wild Earth, a Berkeley, Calif.-based biotech startup that is developing high-protein pet foods, said he is glad to see the FDA acting vigilantly to support pet health, adding that more information is needed about the agency's report. 'We fully support their inquiry into this matter, and hope they carefully, thoughtfully and rigorously examine not only individual ingredients but combinations of foods, and thoroughly evaluate pet food formulation and processing,' he said. 'Given the small number of cases and publicly available information, it's too early to determine an exact cause. The cause may also be environmental, such as contamination or pollutants, apart from diet.' Ward describes Wild Earth's relationship with grains as a friendly one, and one of the company's popular treats contains wheat and offers a lot of nutritional benefits, he said. Yet he admits that he sits in the middle of the road when it comes to grain-free diets. 'Wild Earth is developing clean high-protein pet foods that are healthier, better for the environment and more humane than conventional products,' he said. 'Wild Earth uses an ancient Asian protein, koji (Aspergillus oryzae), an eco-friendly, renewably sourced member of the fungi kingdom, which is an excellent source of protein, boasting over 45 percent protein by weight, [that has] all 10 essential amino acids dogs require.' Brooks said as the pet food makers for many of America's dogs and cats, PFI's members are committed to the production of safe, nutritionally balanced pet food, and they are working closely with the FDA and internal experts to advance the understanding of any potential relationship between certain dog food diets and DCM. PFI member company scientists, veterinarians and nutritionists are also currently working closely with each other and the agency to further advance the understanding of this issue, she added. The Retail Detail Meanwhile, pet specialty retailers report that many pet owners remain committed to feeding grain-free foods, perceiving these diets as among the most nutritional options. Stacy Busch-Heisserer, owner of Busch Pet Products & Dog Wash in Cape Girardeau, Mo., said grain-free foods, especially freeze-dried and raw options that have a high meat content and fresher ingredients, are very important to her and her customers because going grain free 'helps good food be better.'  'Not everyone can afford to feed a raw diet, so by adding grain-free options like toppers and freeze-dried formulas to kibble, not only are [pet owners] giving their dog or cat a better-quality diet, they are able to do it with not a huge increase in cost,' she said. 'Pet owners are realizing that while, alone, kibble will sustain an animal, adding in something more appropriate will help their dog or cat thrive. There's more to pet nutrition than throwing a cup of kibble in a dish and walking away.' More pet owners are seeing the benefits of a more biologically appropriate diet without having to completely lose the convenience aspect, according to insiders.  Sandomenico said that retailers are looking for products that are going to perform, not just make claims that they will. 'Retailers are stepping up their demand for clarification about how products are made, not wanting 'formulated products' anymore but ones that are made in a more human and natural way,' she said. 'They want to know the ingredients in products are safe, where they are sourced, and how committed manufacturers are to sustainability and transparency in their supply chain from A-Z.' For those reasons, she suggested that the best way to sell more grain-free food is by separating it from other food items in the store and lessening the initial confusion to the consumer when they first walk down the dog food aisle. 'Signage should be used to call out the proper shopping areas,' Sandomenico said. 'Dialing down past that, categorize the shelf by grain-free, specialty and functional foods, which enable the consumer to shop by need on a more focused basis to ease confusion and make the shopping experience an easier and less confusing one.' She added that retailers should consider looking beyond what's trending among their own customer base. 'Too often, the retailer is only familiar with what goes on in his own store. They need to get out and see what the competition is doing, not just in our industry, but in others as well.' It's no secret that today's consumers, increasingly driven by millennials, are looking for the same qualities in products they feed their pets as they do in the products they feed themselves. That's why demand will continue to mirror the trends in human diets along with following consumer and social shopping habits, such as the demand for premium natural ingredients, local sourcing, customized recipes and variety. 'Certainly the natural grain-free segment is right in front, and we're seeing more demand for exotic proteins such as alligator, bison, elk, ostrich, wild boar and kangaroo,' Sandomenico said. 'Further, to the ingredient component, we're seeing much more focus on the ingredients that are going into foods. We will also see more nutrient-packed superfoods such as chia, kale, sweet potatoes, broccoli, carrots, etc., added to foods. All of these trends put together help add up to more demand for transparency that will lead to an open road to be informed of the way a product or ingredient is made and sourced.' BY KEITH LORIA

12/02/2019

Pet Cams: The internet of Pets?

Being an owner of Pets I know how stressful it can be to leave them at home for any amount of time. Logically, you know they"ll be fine. You gave them plenty of food and water and you"re only gone at work for the day. Or maybe you"ve gone on vacation, but your friend or neighbor definitely knows to check on them. They"ll probably be fine. If you"re like me, though, you always worry, at least a little. Getting some peace of mind about how your pets are faring when you"re not at home used to require calling someone and having them go to your home to check on them. That would mean leaving a key, finding someone who was available, and then relying on their report of your pet. Maybe they don"t know them the way you do, so that report might only be so useful. With the advent of pet cams, though, this is a problem of the past. As long as you have wifi in your home, there are a few solid options for pet cams that allow you to keep an eye on your pet with the help of your smartphone. Some even dispense food, treats, and medication. Even a handful of cameras that aren"t made just for pets are up to the task. One word of warning: During our testing, we discovered some dogs learn pretty quickly that you aren"t in the room when using the two-way radio feature available on some of these units. In at least one case, we found that it may actually trigger separation anxiety rather than quell it, as the dog may start looking for you when they can"t figure out where your voice is coming from. If you have this experience, you may want to consider a treat-dispensing model to offset this nervousness. All of these options are still excellent for monitoring purposes, and for other animals, this is unlikely to come up at all. If you"re a worried pet parent, peruse our list of the top ten best pet cams for keeping an eye on your animals while you"re away.
Certainly the sleekest of the made-for-pets cameras, the Petcube began its life on Kickstarter before becoming an Amazon Launchpad product. Aside from the high-end look, this unit is designed with interactivity in mind. Using a full 1080p HD camera with a wide angle lens, you can easily capture photos and videos with an iOS or Android device. It also features two-way audio, so you can talk to and listen to your pet. The icing for this one is the laser toy, though. By dragging your finger across the image, you can direct a laser that will engage your pet even across many miles. Reviews note that the laser pointer isn"t super accurate to inputs and the camera may present some delay, but on the whole, this is a good option if slick product design is key. The Play is the second generation Petcube, following up on the previous 720p version. Upgrades in the Play include the full HD camera and night vision, improving the low-light performance that wasn"t ideal on the older model. You also have your choice of colors between Carbon Black, Matte Silver, and Rose Gold. I received a review unit for use with my three dogs. After I downloaded the Petcube app, it walked me through the rest of the setup. I had to try connecting it to the internet a few times before it finally succeeded. Once setup, my experience with it was quite good. The picture is excellent on my iPhone 6S, though the complaints about lag are accurate. I attribute this more to network speeds than anything else — the delay in audio using the two-way radio is about a second. The laser toy is fun but a bit fussy to use — almost certainly better with cats than my dogs. Analysts predict the worldwide pet-cam industry will grow at an annual rate of 26 percent from 2017 through 2021 for several reasons, including an overall increase in pet ownership, and the fact that people who have pets say monitoring them to ensure their safety is a primary concern. by All Extruded

28/01/2019

Amazon Launches Own Pet Product Brand, Wag; Starts With Food

Amazon.com Inc. has started its own brand of pet products, called Wag, expanding on existing private-label efforts that include batteries, baby products, clothing and household goods. The Wag brand launched Wednesday with dry dog food and Amazon plans to expand the selection to include other pet supplies. The brand is available only to Amazon Prime subscribers, who pay monthly or annual fees in exchange for fast delivery as well as video and music streaming. The move is a threat to Petco Animal Supplies Inc. and PetSmart Inc., which purchased Chewy.com  last year for more than $3 billion, as well as big box retailers and supermarkets that sell pet supplies. Dog food is a difficult item to sell profitably online because it"s heavy and expensive to ship. It appeals to Amazon as a product pet owners purchase frequently, keeping the online marketplace top of mind during buying decisions. It is also a major staple for grocery stores and retail competitor Walmart Inc., which has its own private label dog foods, including Ol" Roy. Wag.com, which was previously owned by Quidsi Inc., now redirects to Amazon"s pet supplies page, which includes a new icon for the private-label dog food. The e-commerce giant closed Quidsi last year, saying it couldn"t make a profit. Seattle-based Amazon purchased Quidsi, which also owned Diapers.com and Soap.com, for $545 million in 2011 to eliminate a competitor and gain customers. U.S. pet owners will spend $72.1 billion on animals, care and supplies this year, with about $30 billion on pet food, according to the American Pet Products Association. Amazon began selling pet beds and carriers under the AmazonBasics brand in 2016, with pet carrier sales totaling $2 million last year, according to a March report by One Click Retail, which monitors e-commerce sales. Amazon"s other recent private-label pushes include bedroom, dining-room and office furniture under the Rivet and Stone & Beam lines. It also reintroduced its own diapers under the Mama Bear brand last year after killing a diaper brand three years earlier. by: Spencer Soper

29/11/2018

12 top companies in Latin American pet food industry

These twelve companies from Latin America have profiles in Petfood Industry"s Top Pet Food Companies Current Data. These 12 companies from Latin America have profiles in Petfood Industry"s Top Pet Food Companies Current Data. Learn more about top companies in Latin America, along with trends in annual revenues and other information, with Petfood Industry Top Companies Historical Data.
1.- Alimentos Montes de Oro – Costa Rica Alimentos Montes de Oro produces more than 65 types of animal feed, including several brands of dog food and a line of rabbit food. The company also markets feed for fish and livestock. Brands - Duke, Dukan, Balu, Duketas, Rabbit Plus
2.- Empresas Carozzi - Chile Since entering the pet food market in 2011, Empresas Carozzi has continued a string of acquisitions to become a leading South American supplier. The Chilean subsidiary of Carozzi S.A., already active in international food and agriculture markets, purchased Nutripro in 2011 to establish pet food operations in Argentina, Ecuador and Brazil. In 2013, Empresas Carozzi grew again, with acquisition of Alicorp's pet food brands, a transaction valued at USUS$36.7 million. The move made Empresas Carozzi the leading pet food producer in Chile and Peru. Brands Master Cat, Master Dog, Mimaskot, NutriCan Annual Revenue 2017 - US$158,200,000
3.- Grandfood Industry and Trade - Brazil Grandfood Industry and Trade owns Premier Pet and Golden brands. Premier Pet has an on-site center for nutrtion development, which houses 40 dogs and 50 cats. Grandfood is also involved in cultivation and marketing of grains, sugarcane, and eucalyptus. Brands - PremieR, Golden
4.- Grupo Pilar - Argentina Grupo Pilar operates two divisions in Argentina: Gepsa Feeds and Gepsa Pet Foods. The company is the largest branded animal nutrition player in Argentina. Gepsa holds 20 percent pet food market share in Argentina, behind Nestlé and Mars. Gepsa's 12 brands cover six price segments: superpremium, premium, mainstream, standard, value and super value. Brands - Top Nutrition, Ken-L Ration, Ganacan, Exact, Odwalla, Tiernitos Seleccion, 9 Lives, Caro Amici, Alimix, Magníficos, Winner's Choice, Mizzi Cat, Rosco, Compiches, Fishy, Zimpi Annual Revenue 2017 - US$95,759,000
5.- Italcol - Colombia Italcol operates eight animal feed mills in Colombia one in Panama and one in Ecuador. Brands - Agility Gold, Natural Bites, Chunky, Tuffy, Italcan Plus, Deli
6.- Lupus Alimentos - Brazil Lupus Alimentos and sister company Brazilian Pet Foods are owned by Nutriara Alimentos, which split into two companies in 2010 to better serve regional markets in Brazil. Brazilian Pet Foods has since gone out of business. Lupus Alimentos, in addition to pet food, also produces feed for horses, pigs, chickens and fish. Brands - AllPet, BigPet, Bio Energy, Dino Cáo, Dunga, Farejador, Floop, Foster, Freddy"s, Alimento Genericáo, Kilaty, Marley, Mixtukáo, Novia Mania, Nutri Cáo, Pitoko Mix, Pitty, Pitukáo, Ringo, Show Dog, Skipper, Smart, Smax, Street Dog, Tommy, Twister, Xikáo
7.- Malta Texo de Mexico - Mexico Malta Texo de Mexico (maltaCleyton), a subsidiary of Neovia (ex InVivo NSA), specializes in the manufacture and sale of animal feed and is the third-largest pet food producer in Mexico. MaltaCleyton"s foods for dogs and cats, as well as a line of medicines, are sold through self-service stores, wholesalers and distributors. Brands - Ganador, Top Choice, Poder Canino, Minino, Minino Plus Annual Revenue 2017 - US$30,000,000
8.- Mogiana Alimentos (Guabi) - Brazil Mogiana Alimentos SA, operating as Guabi, manufactures pet food and other animal feed products with a total of 1,600 employees across both its animal feed and pet food divisions. As one of the largest pet food companies in Brazil, Guabi produces more than 250 products for dogs, cats, bovines, horses, pork, fish, shrimp, ostriches and other animals. Guabi pet food products are available in Brazil and more than 30 countries throughout Europe, Asia, South America and the Caribbean. Mogiana operates a joint venture with the Spanish firm Affinity Petcare (Agrolimen Group, Spain), which purchased a 50 percent stake in Mogiana in 2013, commencing a joint venture to operate Mogiana's two manufacturing plants in Campinas and Bastos, both in Sao Paolo, Brazil. Mogiana is headquartered in Campinas. Brands - Guabi Natural, Heroi, TopCat, Cat Meal, Limpi Cat, GranPlus, Sabor & Vida, Faro, Biriba and Fiel for dogs and cats. For horses: Equitage, Nutriage, Equi Tubro, Guabi Phos. For fish: Pirá. For shrimp: PotiMar and Vannamei. Annual Revenue 2017 - US$152,645,000
9.- Nicoluzzi Rações - Brazil Nicoluzzi Rações is involved in aqua feed as well as petfood. Brands - Luzzi Cat, Luzzi Dog, NicDog, NicoCat, NicoPet
10.- NutriPro - Chile NutriPro is owned by Chilean food group SoinPro and is the leading Chilean pet food manufacturer with 31 percent market share. SoinPro was acquired by Empresas Carozzi in 2011. Brands - Master Dog, Master Cat Annual Revenue 2017 - US$100,000,000
11.- Premier Pet - Brazil Premier Pet, owned by agricultural corporation Grandfood Industry and Trade, sells three brands of dog and cat food through pet shops and veterinary offices. Premier Pet is located on a large campus in the state of Sao Paolo, Brazil, with a factory of 41,000 square meters. The company's on-site center for nutritional development houses more than 90 dogs and cats for research. In 2015 and 2016 this company released products with ancient grains, a low glycemic index and organic poultry to try and differentiate themselves from others in the Brazilian market. Brands - PremieR Cookie, Golden Cookie
12.- Total Alimentos - Brazil Total Alimentos has its own-label partnerships with many large corporations, including Walmart, Carrefour, Extra/Canino, DentaClean and Kelko. Total Alimentos also has a line of animal feed for a wide range of species. Total operates as a subsidiary of the massive French agricultural cooperative Neovia (formerly InVivo), which acquired Total in October 2014. In addition to the dog and cat product lines to which InVivo added Total, the parent company is active in the aquaculture, equine and farm animal markets. Brands - Equilíbrio Veterinary, Equilíbrio, Max, Max Cat, Naturalis, K&S, Lider, Nero, Doglicious and Catlicious Annual Revenue 2017 - US$181,876,537   BY TIM WALL SOURCE: www.petfoodindustry.com

27/11/2018

The Latest Trends in Dog Food

There"s a lot going on in the dog foods and treats category as product manufacturers come up with new formulas and packaging designed to meet pet owners" desires to provide the best for their buddies Pet products manufacturers make a habit of staying on top of the trends; after all, their very survival depends on it. As such, they can serve as a valuable resource for pet specialty retailers who want to stay not just current but ahead of the curve—and the competition—turning their stores into must-see/must-go places for pet owners. Some of the newest foods and treats tie into emerging trends that are poised for impact, and some are aligned with more established trends that pet specialty retailers should definitely be responding to. Either way, these new foods are sure to be enjoyed by dogs.   Ziwi When it comes to foods and treats, there are a variety of familiar formats—dehydrated, freeze-dried, kibble, moist/canned, raw frozen and so on. One that may be somewhat less well-known, although this is changing, is air-dried foods. Ziwi USA Inc. provides handcrafted, small-batch air-dried dog and cat foods, rewards and treats made in their family owned kitchens in Christchurch and Mount Maunganui, New Zealand with North American headquarters in Overland Park, Kan. Formulas include Ziwi Peak New Zealand Mackerel and Lamb, and Ziwi Peak New Zealand Venison, as well as the company"s newest air-dried offering, New Zealand Free-Range Chicken. Ziwi also has a moist/canned line for dogs and cats and is expanding its line of natural air-dried chews for dogs.   "Air-drying is a gentle, natural preservation method that has been used for ages to naturally preserve meats," explains Sharon Durham, marketing communication manager. "Raw meats and organs are combined with kelp, parsley and specially selected vitamins and minerals. This mixture is placed in special drying trays and put into our custom-designed dual drying chambers, where air is circulated to evaporate excess moisture slowly and gently.   Durham says air-dried meat remains stable at room temperature for long periods of time. Because calories and nutrition are concentrated, feeding amounts can be smaller. Additionally, no rehydration is required; the food is ready to eat whenever. Ziwi formulas also respond to the interest in whole-prey, species-appropriate, limited-ingredient, grain-free diets, says Durham.   Health Extension Pet Care Grain-free is a trend that is actually becoming more a way of life, according to Brad Gruber, president and COO of Health Extension Pet Care. Located in Deer Park, N.Y., the company offers a complete line of GMO-free pet foods for dogs including dry and canned, dental chews, freeze-dried natural jerky, biscuits and crunchy treats, as well as items for cats.   "Gluten- and grain-free is now the norm for many of these households, so it only makes sense to pass this along to our four-legged loved ones. Grains are no longer the staple in the diet and are often the first thing eliminated when an allergy or illness occurs," says Gruber, who attributes ingredients like corn or wheat to the rise in food allergies dogs are experiencing.   "Although these recipes may have a heavier price tag by removing those cost-effective ingredients, consumers are more likely to choose grain-free diets as their option," Gruber continues. "The benefits are proven and the results are worth the extra expense."   Health Extension has recently extended its canned dog food recipes, broadening the selection in its existing grain-free line and offering more exotic proteins. The Geo Destination cans include a variety of formulas like Italian Feast Venison Recipe with Beef and Pork, Tucson Style Quail Recipe with Chicken and Pork Liver, and Northern Catch Recipe with Herring and Whitefish. These minimally processed, human-grade formulas also contain ingredients like pumpkin, fresh veggies and berries, and other "nutritious inclusions," says Gruber.   "Grain- and gluten-free products are a mandatory category to have available in order to maintain customer retention," he says. "Pet specialty retailers should focus on this and make sure their staff is educated on these topics as well."   Tuffy"s Pet Foods "Solutions for allergies and digestibility issues do seem to be the biggest concerns," says Dan Schmitz, national sales manager for Tuffy"s Pet Foods, a Perham, Minn. manufacturer of dry and semi-moist dog and cat food.  "Grain-free continues to be where the growth is. As pet parents look for solutions to pet issues, grain-free seems to offer the best solution."   In response to the escalating demand, Tuffy"s has added another recipe—Seafood Select—to its NutriSource grain-free line. This offers salmon meat as its No. 1 ingredient, followed by Menhaden fish meal as its second ingredient. As is the case with all the company"s super-premium foods, this product contains Tuffy"s Good4Life vitamin and mineral pack.   Fromm Family Foods Grain-free options, along with offering a menu designed to support rotational feeding throughout a dog"s life, are informing product development, say Brian Nieman, brand director for Fromm Family Foods. The Mequon, Wis.-based company offers a complete line of dry and canned foods for dogs and cats that includes Fromm Classic, Gold Nutritionals and Four-Star Nutritionals. The latest addition to this latter line is Fromm Four-Star Nutritionals Rancherosa, a grain-free kibble blending beef, lamb, pork and trout along with ingredients like pinto beans, peas and chickpeas.   "We continue to witness the demand for quality and diversity in pet foods and treats from pet parents," says Nieman. "Within that, we see pet parents looking for more unique protein sources and grain-free options, both demands we continue to meet with our Four-Star Nutritional menu. From the start, this line has allowed us to continually innovate and formulate entrées for dogs and cats rooted in premium nutrition and designed to be completely interchangeable."   Primal Pet Foods, Inc. Headquartered in Fairfield, Calif., Primal Pet Foods, Inc. is a manufacturer of raw frozen and freeze-dried formulas, supplemental foods, treats, bones, goat milk and also bone broth, a recent addition to the company"s lineup. Available in four proteins—chicken, turkey, beef and pork—the bone broths are made using edible-grade meaty bones, certified organic veggies, herbs and nutritional supplements, says Matt Koss, president. Bone broths are finding wider and wider acceptance among human consumers, becoming one of the latest trends among foodies and among those interested in upping their protein intake.   "Our bone broths are slowly simmered to extract the marrow and nutrients from the bones, as well as the vitamins from the vegetables," Koss says, explaining the process. "Hydration and food-based nutrients are the foundation to superior health for canines and felines. Our bone broths can be utilized to rehydrate food formats such as freeze-dried, dehydrated and kibble, as well as being added to canned and other moist foods."   Nulo Pet Food Nulo Pet Food, headquartered in Austin, Texas, is paying attention to the issue of overweight pets, a growing concern because of lifestyles that are less than healthy.   "A study of 6,000 households and 11,000 dogs and cats confirmed that just like many people, dogs and cats continue to be significantly overfed and enticed with nutritionally inferior food products while living sedentary lifestyles," says Heather Acuff, product development manager.   In response, the company has formulated foods and treats that are high in animal-based proteins, are low-carb and low-glycemic, and contain a patented probiotic to aid digestion. A just-introduced product is the FreeStyle Grab N"Go Protein Sticks, described as an "upgraded version of the snack stick." The grain-free sticks contain 80 percent turkey, salmon or chicken, and are slowly roasted for up to 24 hours. Other ingredients include things like chickpeas, coconut glycerin, salmon oil, organic apple cider vinegar and a patented probiotic.   The sticks contain 4 g of protein and are also intended to target another of Nulo"s consumer demographics—active owners and their active dogs who want a transportable, individually wrapped high-meat snack rather than having to cart around a bag of treats.   "Pet parents are looking for products that fit well with their lifestyles without compromising the integrity of their pet"s nutrition," says Acuff. "This presents an opportunity for pet specialty retailers to get to know their customers and find ways to help make the nourishment of their pet even easier."   New in Packaging Consumer demand for greater ingredient and processing transparency has led to some packaging changes as well, fueled by manufacturers responding to their customer base. Such knowledge allows for more informed decision-making, which has become increasingly important to pet owners. Consequently, pet specialty retailers must make obtaining this information as easy as possible for heightened customer satisfaction and loyalty. And then there are those things that never change—smart retailing, outstanding service and the other touches that transmit the message to customers that their pets, and their patronage, matters.   Nulo has packaged the new sticks in display cartons constructed for easy merchandising throughout the store, says Acuff. In addition to locating these in the foods or treat sections, they also make a good impulse purchase, so retailers should try to place the display cartons at these points as well.   "Retailers should consider their customers" browsing experience and think outside the confines of a treat aisle to make the most of a treat like this," she says. "On an end-cap with pet travel gear, on a display for holiday stocking stuffers or at the register for browsing before checkout—these individually wrapped treats invite creativity for in-store placement."   Demonstrating their ongoing commitment to transparency, Primal has undertaken a package redesign intended to provide consumers with more information about ingredient sourcing, says Koss. Additionally, the company has improved the aesthetics of the packaging for more impactful merchandising.   "This September we"ll be launching a Primal-branded solid wood merchandising shelving unit to complement our growing canine and feline freeze-dried formulas and treats lines," he adds. "These units will be available to our independent retail partners through their local distribution providers."   Koss advises establishing a stand-alone section for the raw frozen and freeze-dried categories, since these are currently experiencing strong interest from pet owners and showing good growth. Primal also offers the Demonstration Program, a tool to help retailers promote and grow the alternative pet food category.   Ziwi recently embraced a new look on its packaging, says Durham. "Our packaging clearly communicates our brand identity, which is founded on ethical and sustainable New Zealand sourcing, superior nutrition and product integrity."   The company was inspired to do so in part because, as air-dried foods and treats catch on with consumers, more companies are launching their own brands of air-dried consumables, activity Durham has noticed happening over the past couple of years.   In response, the company is creating collateral for in-store displays intended to spell out the differences between the Ziwi brand and other competitors. As for merchandising, Durham says the ideal is to place them in their own section, next to freeze-dried and dehydrated, since these products are "fundamentally different than either of the raw alternatives."   A desire to freshen up their looks with new graphics and new claims led Tuffy"s to embark on a complete redesign of its NutriSource Grain Free line, says Schmitz.   "We also went into a matte finish poly bag," he adds. "We wanted to differentiate our grain-free bags from our whole-grain lineup. We also wanted to create a trendier package and with the matte finish combined with the new background design, I believe we"ve achieved this. The result is an awesome looking bag on the shelves, one that is packed with solid information that creates a greater value to the customers."   Despite manufacturer efforts to devise more informational packaging and in-store signage and displays, pet specialty retailers should still take pains to create an educated and informed staff.   "The relationship between retailers and their customers is a very important one, especially within the pet specialty channel where customers often look to retailers as experts in nutrition," says Nieman. "We always encourage our customers to utilize whatever educational resources or trainings manufacturers provide. Staying current on trends and on current affairs within the pet industry will also allow them to lead conversations and provide the counsel pet parents may be looking for." PB   BY PAMELA MILLS-SENN
Pet Business