11/02/2026

Transforming Suppliers into Innovation Partners in the Pet Food Industry

By Ludmila Barbi T. Bomcompagni

Raw Materials: The Source of Major Risks   In recent years, many countries have reported multiple recall incidents involving animal feed products, and scientific literature confirms a pattern familiar the sector: most contamination in pet food results from inadequate monitoring of raw materials or from ingredients purchased without an adequate technical history (Witaszak et al., 2020; Cheli et al., 2020).
  The increasing onset of mycotoxins such as aflatoxins, DON, fumonisins, and zearalenone, as well as other contaminants in dog and cat food, demonstrates that agricultural ingredients and animal by-products pose specific risks to food safety and quality (Witaszak et al., 2020). This data reinforces a fundamental point: there is no connected plant without a connected supplier.   The Limits of Isolated Control Within Factories   When a manufacturer, especially a smaller operation, tries to build an isolated quality control system without technical collaboration at the upstream stage, its limitations quickly become apparent. This is because the natural variability of ingredients, such as corn, protein meals, animal by-products, and oils, cannot be fully controlled through incoming inspection alone.
  According to food safety literature, raw material specifications are the cornerstones of risk prevention, yet continue to be neglected, particularly by smaller plants (Cheli et al., 2020). Many manufacturers operate with simplified raw material descriptions, without analytical limits, a statistical database, or a clear understanding of the specific risks associated with each origin or crop.   The Supplier as an Intelligent Link in the Chain   Precisely at this point, the supplier becomes not just an input vendor, but a truly intelligent link in the chain. Technical suppliers have access to internal databases, batch-by-batch analysis, variation curves, harvest records, seasonal monitoring, and certified industrial processes.
  When this data is shared, manufacturers gain immediate access to a layer of intelligence that would be extremely difficult to build on their own. What defines a truly connected plan is this structured information—a plant that is not only internally integrated but extended across the entire production chain (Integrated Mycotoxin Management System, 2021; Aung & Chang, 2014).    Joint Development of Technical Specifications   The joint development of technical specifications is a clear example of how this connection changes the landscape. Historical-based specifications are significantly more effective at reducing deviations than generic models applied to all sources (Cheli et al., 2020).
  A well-prepared supplier can help the manufacturer understand:
  The natural variability of ingredients. Expected limits of mycotoxins and other contaminants by region. Seasonal trends in moisture and composition. Appropriate analytical methods for each risk.
  This collaboration reduces unnecessary rejections, minimizes process variability, and lowers formulation costs.   Mycotoxins: An Example of Strategic Partnership   Collaboration becomes even more strategic in the case of mycotoxins, one of the critical contaminants in pet food. The BIOMIN Mycotoxin Survey and other studies have shown that the presence of aflatoxins, DON, and fumonisins varies widely depending on season, region, and climatic conditions, reinforcing the need for continuous, shared monitoring (Cheli et al., 2020; Witaszak et al., 2020). In other words, a manufacturer that only analyzes what arrives at its gate is always reacting too late. Trend-based monitoring programs that consider seasonal patterns are far more effective than isolated analyses (Cheli et al., 2020). And who understands these trends better than the supplier, who follows the ingredient from the field through processing?   Traceability Starting with the Supplier   Connectivity is also reflected in traceability. The origin, production date, storage time, logistics route, laboratory analysis, and processing conditions are all part of the history of each batch that comes into the factory.
  When suppliers make these data available in a structured way—through QR codes, digital reports, or integrated systems—manufacturers operate with far greater speed and confidence. Upstream traceability is one of the weakest points in the global pet food supply chain, and the most efficient way to strengthen it is to ensure that the information flows from the supplier (Aung & Chang, 2014).   Training and Qualification as Part of Connectivity   This relationship is not limited to documentation; it extends to technical training. Many of the errors that lead small plants to accept irregular batches are the result of inadequate sampling, misinterpretation of reports, or lack of awareness of the most likely risks. Studies show that even basic training for receiving teams significantly reduces the intake of out-of-spec raw materials (Integrated Mycotoxin Management System, 2021).
  By providing these services, whether through training, consulting, or technical visits, suppliers effectively raise the plant's maturity level, helping it operate as a connected system even without major technological investments.   Hybrid Analytical Tools   The supplier-manufacturer connection translates into practical innovation through the use of hybrid analytical tools. When properly validated, rapid mycotoxin test kits correlate well with confirmatory methods and are recommended as part of contaminant detection systems (Cheli et al., 2020).
  Small plants can adopt an efficient combination: rapid screening upon receipt, periodic validation in an accredited laboratory, and continuous analytical reports provided by the upstream partner. This approach reduces waste, accelerates decision-making, and enables more intelligent use of resources.   Conclusion   The literature also shows that plants operating with shared supplier data achieve better production predictability and lower cost variability (Integrated Mycotoxin Management System, 2021).
  When suppliers and manufacturers operate as a single information network, the industry obtains safety, predictability, innovation, and competitiveness. The global pet food market—ever more demanding and risk-sensitive—depends on this intelligent integration, which begins before the production line and ends with safe, traceable, and stable food reaching the bowl.
  By Ludmila Barbi Trindade Bomcompagni – All Pet Food
Source: All Pet Food Magazine
  References Aung, M. M., & Chang, Y. S. (2014). Trazabilidad en una cadena de suministro alimentaria: perspectivas de seguridad y calidad. Control de Alimentos, 39 años, 172184. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodcont.2013.11.007 Cheli, F., Campagnoli, A., Dell'Orto, V. (2020). Herramientas de gestión de la contaminación por micotoxinas y estrategias eficientes en la industria de los piensos. Toxinas, 12(8), 480. https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins12080480 Witaszak, N., Waśkiewicz, A., Bocianowski, J., & Stępień, Ł. (2020). Contaminación de la comida para mascotas con micobiota y micotoxinas de fusarium—Céntrate en perros y gatos. Toxinas, 12(2), 130. https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins12020130 Sistema integrado de gestión de micotoxinas en la cadena de suministro de piensos: enfoques innovadores. (2021). Toxinas, 13(8), 572. https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins13080572

23/01/2026

Ground Breaking New Study Reveals the True Complexity of the Canine Microbiome

For humans and animals alike, a healthy gut microbiome is central to countless physiological processes in the body.1 Defined as the community of microorganisms that live in the digestive tract, including bacteria and archaea, the gut microbiome is essential for metabolism, immunity and defense against pathogens. 
  But, despite its importance, the gut microbiome in dogs is vastly understudied. Our understanding is primarily based on human-centric research.  And this lack of species-specific insight has limited how much we have been able to monitor, support and influence gut health in dogs.      That is, until now.     A new standard in pet microbiome research
Waltham scientists have now uncovered how unique the canine gut microbiome really is.     Waltham Catalogue for the Canine Gut Microbiome: A complete taxonomic and functional catalogue of the canine gut microbiome through novel metagenomic based genome discovery has been published this month in Springer Nature's Microbiome.   The most comprehensive resource of its kind, the catalogue dramatically increases what was previously known about the canine gut microbiome.     Dogs' true uniqueness revealed 
The discovery began with metagenomic sequencing, performed on 501 faecal samples from 107 healthy dogs across the USA and Europe. This was made possible by data leveraged from the Mars Petcare archive.     The process produced 5,753 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs), consolidated into 1,031 distinct strains.    Of those 1,031 distinct strains: 
  982 are novel   89 are new species   10 are new genera 
  This breakthrough reveals that the canine gut microbiome is truly unique. It cannot be likened to other species, which challenges prior assumptions.     Uncovering the critical role of the gut microbiome in dogs 
Through the catalogue's detailed functional descriptions of the novel strains, we can better understand their role in the health of dogs. We've learnt that many of them produce important enzymes and metabolites, that could be capable of influencing the immune system or providing nutrition to cells in the gut lining.    Moreover, we have gained insights into known species of bacteria, that we previously did not know were present in the canine gut. Like CAZymes - enzymes that break down complex dietary fibres.     The prevalence of CAZymes in a number of known species in the canine gut has, for the first time, revealed the critical role of the gut microbiome in dogs' digestion.    And the high percentage of metabolic pathways attributed to carbohydrate metabolism, confirms dogs rely on their microbiome to process certain nutrients.     A better view of canine gut microbial capabilities 
But despite the beneficial roles of the canine gut microbiome, could it also cause harm? This question was important to answer, given the microbiome's potential for pathogenicity – it's ability to cause disease.     To investigate, we used AMRFinderPlus, a tool that can identify if bacteria possess antimicrobial resistance (AMR), stress or virulence genes.     Importantly, we found that most of the novel bacteria in the canine gut microbiome were commensal and lacked toxin or AMR genes.     Shaping more personalised care for dogs 
The Waltham Catalogue for the Canine Gut Microbiome is now a key resource for researchers worldwide.     Spanning multiple cohorts of pet dogs, across different countries, living in different environments – the catalogue provides the highest resolution image of the healthy dog microbiome to date.     Researchers will be able to apply the catalogue's insights regardless of the dog breed, age, sex or geography. 
  As a result, the catalogue expands opportunities to understand the role of the microbiome in canine health and disease. And it is a step towards more completely mapping the taxonomic and functional impact of dietary interventions.     Powerfully, the insights could unlock a future of personalised treatment for dogs, tailored to their unique biological needs.    Dr Gregory Amos, Senior Research Manager at Waltham, reflects on the significance of this: 'With our new, critical understanding of what makes the canine gut microbiome unique, we have never been better equipped to develop solutions that improve the lives of dogs.'    By driving these new discoveries, Waltham continues to advance science in service of our purpose: Build A Better World for Pets.  Source: Waltham Reference
1 Barko et al., 2018

20/01/2026

What to Add to Your Dog’s Diet to Boost Gut Health

There are many foods you can add to your dog's diet to boost their gut health, from leafy greens to lean meats. You can also add probiotic powders, capsules, and kibble. These often contain different probiotic strains that reinforce different aspects of your dog's mental and physical well-being. Always consult with your veterinarian before starting any supplements to your dog's diet.   Vegetables Are Packed With Vitamins and Nutrients
Of the foods that dogs and foods can both eat, superfoods are a great choice. This refers to nutrient-packed foods rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, all of which support the healthy bacteria in your dog's gut.
  These veggies include:
  Dandelion greens: Called the 'perfect plant medicine,' these so-called weeds are a natural source of vitamins A, C, K, D, and B. They also contain inulin, a prebiotic on which probiotics feed and gain nourishment.
  Broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower: In small amounts, these foods are a strong source of antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins, all of which work together to support your dog's bodily functions. A tip: run these veggies through a food processor to break down the cell walls to ease digestion.
  Spinach (with your veterinarian's approval): Feeding dogs spinach is a controversial topic for several reasons, mainly because it contains high amounts of oxalic acid, which can block calcium absorption and cause kidney damage. However, spinach also contains roughage â€' fibrous, non-digestible material that helps move food through the GI tract.   Fermented Food Can Nourish Probiotics
Think of your dog's gut like a city, with bacteria as its residents. The more diverse the population of probiotic bacteria, the more equipped your dog is to ward off infections and maintain a healthy immune system.
  Fermented foods can add diversity to the helpful probiotics in your dog's gut. While sauerkraut may be too salty for your dog's taste, low-sodium sauerkraut could be a better alternative. If your dog isn't lactose intolerant, these other fermented foods could offer a rich source of probiotics:
  Raw goat milk Unsweetened yogurt Low-sodium cottage cheese Unsweetened buttermilk Kefir (a fermented milk drink)
  The live cultures in these products support healthy gut flora, which can work to aid digestion and the immune system's response to infection. If your dog is sensitive to dairy, there are other foods (such as fermented beets) that can nourish the healthy bacteria in their gut.   Pumpkin: A Superpowered Superfood
If you want to pump up your dog's gut health, consider incorporating pumpkin into their diet. The gourd is rich in fiber and a great source of prebiotics, which remember, feed probiotics.
  Rich in vitamins and minerals, pumpkin aids digestion by adding bulk to your dog's stool, helping with mild constipation or diarrhea. Additionally, as your dog's intestines break down pumpkin, fermentation releases fatty acids that offer energy to cells, lower the large intestine's pH level, and promote water and sodium absorption.
  Depending on your dog's size, the ideal serving is one to four tablespoons of pumpkin per meal. You can mix cooked, peeled, and unsalted pumpkin into your dog's food or offer it separately as a treat. Unseasoned canned pumpkin is also convenient, but don't give your dog pumpkin pie filling, as it may contain spices and seasonings that they shouldn't consume as well as xylitol, a sweetener that is toxic to dogs.   Lean Meats and Fish Support Healthy Gut Bacteria
Adding fish to your dog's diet is also a great way to boost gut health. Many commercial dog foods have fish-infused formulations rich in omega-3 fatty acids and proteins. If your veterinarian approves of feeding your dog a homemade diet with fish, they'll likely suggest using fish free of heavy metals. These include herring, salmon, and ocean and lake whitefish, to name a few. Tuna and swordfish may carry high levels of mercury and disrupt your dog's gut microbiome.
  Adding lean meats like turkey and chicken to your dog's diet can benefit their gut health in many ways. They don't contain live bacterial cultures like yogurt or kefir, but for dogs with sensitive stomachs, these bland, easily digestible foods provide adequate nutrition without irritating the stomach.
  When preparing lean meats for your dog, avoid seasonings like salt, herbs, and cooking oil. Never use onion or garlic powder, as these concentrated spices can prove toxic to dogs. Be sure to cook the meat thoroughly to kill harmful bacteria. Steaming, grilling, or boiling the meat is preferable. Processed deli meats contain a lot of sodium and preservatives, and therefore, aren't ideal.   Introducing New Foods to Your Dog's Diet   Many dogs leap at the chance to try something new in their food bowl. However, before adding anything to your dog's dinner, there are a few things to keep in mind:   Start slow. Gradually adding new foods to your dog's diet allows you to gauge their response and prioritize their comfort. For example, you may add 1 tablespoon of pumpkin to their kibble on Monday and work up to 4 tablespoons by Sunday.
  Monitor their stool quality. To see how your dog reacts to new foods, check their poop. The perfect poop should be log-shaped, brown, and reflect how much they ate. Runny stool, diarrhea, or constipation could suggest switching to another supplement.
  Talk to your vet for case-specific recommendations. Your veterinarian may suggest gut-boosting foods and probiotic bacterial strains tailored to your dog's age, breed, and any pre-existing health conditions they may have.   Probiotic Supplements Aim to Boost Multiple Bodily Systems
Probiotic supplements take a proactive approach to enhancing your dog's quality of life. They work to improve nutrient absorption, bolster your dog's immune system, and balance their gut microbiome. The ideal probiotic strain and supplement depend on your pet's health goals, such as whether you're attempting to improve your dog's digestion or offer additional support as they age.
  Regardless, probiotics are safe, backed by research, and allow you to prioritize your dog's health from the inside out.
  By Colt Dodd
Source: American Kennel Club

12/01/2026

Animal welfare will define 2026: more emotional health, technology and responsible consumption

By 2026, the care and coexistence with pets will evolve towards a more conscious, innovative, and responsible approach at all levels. In this regard, Tiendanimal anticipates the trends that will solidify next year, which will be marked by a more holistic vision of well-being, the search for premium and personalized products, the integration of technology into daily life, and a firm commitment to sustainability.
  Caroline Arrú, Chief Marketing and Customer Officer, and Co-sponsor of Tiendanimal's ESG Committee, affirms that these trends reflect an increasingly close relationship between people and animals, where quality, innovation, and respect are becoming the cornerstones of coexistence. This bond is expanding in Spanish homes, now present in more than 50% of them.   PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING: A GROWING PRIORITY   By 2026, well-being will be the central focus in our relationship with animals. It's not just about meeting basic needs, but about ensuring a full and balanced life, where specialized and functional nutrition, specific supplements, exercise routines tailored to individual needs, and preventative medicine will play a key role.
  In this same vein, it highlights the continued importance of emotional health, which translates into a search for interactive toys, safe spaces, and services aimed at reducing stress and anxiety.
  "More and more people understand that emotional health is as important as physical health, and therefore, in 2026 we will see a surge in solutions that promote calm and positive stimulation ," Arrú says in this regard.   PREMIUMIZATION AND CUSTOMIZATION: CUSTOM-MADE PRODUCTS   On the other hand, the trend towards premiumization will also continue to grow, with increased demand for high-quality products made with natural ingredients and sustainable processes. In this context, personalization will be key, with diets tailored to age, size, and specific needs, accessories designed for every lifestyle, and exclusive services that strengthen the bond between humans and animals.   TECHNOLOGY: INNOVATION AT THE SERVICE OF CARE   Over the next year, digitalization will significantly transform how people care for and interact with their pets. We will see a rise in the use of tools such as smart health monitoring devices, apps that simplify routine management, and online veterinary consultation services.
  "Technology will not only provide convenience, but also the safety and prevention necessary for the well-being of pets, offering many benefits that we couldn't achieve otherwise. Among them are anticipating health problems and improving quality of life ," says Arrú, who insists that "technology applied to the animal world is not just another fad, but a perfect tool to significantly improve animal welfare and quality of life."   ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY: AN INEVITABLE COMMITMENT   In 2026, environmental awareness will also be essential when choosing products and services to help minimize environmental impact. Factors such as the use of recycled materials, biodegradable packaging, and environmentally friendly production processes will make a difference and will be decisive in purchasing decisions.
  "Environmental commitment is non-negotiable, and more and more sectors are committing to the circular economy and waste reduction. This is something that is not, and should not be, foreign to the world of companion animals, because wanting the best for our planet is also wanting the best for all of us: humans and animals ," Arrú concludes.

  Source: IM VETERINARIA

09/01/2026

Study reveals that 94% of homemade dog diets do not provide complete nutrition

An analysis conducted by the Dog Aging Project, a long-term scientific initiative led by the University of Washington and Texas A&M University, revealed that only 6% of the 1,726 homemade diets evaluated had the potential to meet the minimum nutritional needs of adult dogs.
  The study, published in the American Journal of Veterinary Research, reinforces growing concerns about the popularity of home-cooked meals, which often fail to deliver the essential balance of nutrients for animal health.
   'Since our study did not include the exact quantity of ingredients, it is possible that an even smaller percentage would actually be nutritionally complete,' said Janice O'Brien, co-author of the study and doctoral researcher at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech.   The research used reports provided by pet owners about ingredients and preparation methods, including data from the Dog Aging Project itself, which gathers information from more than 50,000 dogs. All the material was analyzed using Balance It, a tool aligned with the recommendations of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), bodies that regulate and define animal nutrition parameters in the United States.
  Common mistakes in homemade diets increase nutritional risks for dogs
Researchers pointed out that changes made by pet owners, such as switching oil types, omitting ingredients, or failing to include mandatory supplements, especially calcium, directly compromise the nutritional balance of homemade diets.
  Imbalances between calcium and phosphorus can lead to bone and kidney problems , and dogs with pre-existing conditions are even more at risk when fed unbalanced diets.
  The group also reinforced the importance of avoiding dangerous ingredients , noting that foods like grapes are toxic to dogs and that whole bones pose serious threats, as fragments can perforate or obstruct the gastrointestinal tract.   Homemade food is growing in popularity, but requires professional supervision
Although homemade food continues to grow in popularity, especially among pet owners seeking a more natural and personalized routine for their pets, the study warns that this type of diet requires rigorous professional supervision.
  Researchers recommend that any pet owner who chooses to cook for their dog work directly with a certified veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist , follow the recipe exactly as prescribed, and, whenever possible, submit samples for laboratory analysis in nutritional monitoring programs.

  Source: Panorama Pet&Vet