Make every kibble count. Sustainable meals with vegetal proteins.
Unlock the power of vegetal proteins and all benefits that come along with it for pets. Provide a balanced and nutritious bowl to keep the four-legged family members healthy through plant-based proteins.
Develop with BENEO to answer the consumers’ needs by introducing plant-based and naturally sourced ingredients from Faba Protein Concentrate, Vital Wheat Gluten and Rice Protein.
Want to know more about BENEO Animal Nutrition? Scan here!
Global leader in pet premix
World-beating food safety and peace of mind for your brand.
Operating from our ISO22000:2005 accredited premix plant, Trouw Nutrition is acknowledged worldwide as the industry’s gold standard leader. Our unrivalled knowledge and expertise, supported by our unique Nutrace® food safety and traceability system, make us your only choice of expert partner in developing and delivering nutritional solutions tailored to your specific requirements.
Visit our NEW website: trouwnutritionpets.com/en-gb
Published by:
Pentlands Publishing Ltd
Plas Y Coed
Velfrey Road
Whitland SA34 0RA
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 1994 240002
Web site: www.petfoodsupplement.co.uk
E-mail: mail@feedcompounder.com
Editor: Ryan Mounsey
Editorial assistant: Andrew Mounsey
Advertisement/Sales Manager: Fiona Mounsey
In This Issue
• Zoomark Just Keeps Growing
• ADM Collaborates With Mars and Royal Canin on Regenerative Agriculture
• Optimising Raw Material Procurement A Nutritionist’s Perspective
• New Study Shows that Fungal Protein is Highly Digestible for Dogs and Improves their Gut Health
• Mettler-Toledo Unveils Next-Gen X-ray System To Enhance Food Safety Compliance And Boost Productivity
• Dr. Harvey’s Ups Output of Natural Pet Foods With Rotary Batch Mixer
• UK Pet Food Obesity Report Released to Tackle Rising Pet Obesity
• Enhancing Pet Food Palatability is Key Within the Competitive Pet Care Market
Pet Food Supplement is distributed free of charge, to individuals based in Europe and involved in the pet food sector who have registered to receive a copy. To register to receive future issues, please visit www.pentlandspublishing.com/pfs. htm#register
ISSN 0950-771X
Views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Publisher.
• UK Pet Food Welcomes Two New Chairs to Lead its Sustainability Work
• Lallemand Animal Nutrition Launches LALPROBIOME for Pet Well-Being
• Agroloop Chooses FreezeM’s Breeding-as-a-Service Solution for the World’s First Decoupled BSF Protein Facility
• Supreme Petfoods Unveils UK Small Pet Market Report 2024
• Leading Pet Food Brand Acquired Following £43m Funding Package
• New Pet Treat Brand It’s the Dog’s Launches
• Journal of Animal Science Publishes ADM’s Canine Clinical Trial Exploring the Microbiome Effects of BPL1™
• Yorkshire Pet Food Producer Secures Listings with Europe’s Biggest Online Pet Retailer
Zoomark Just Keeps Growing
A new hall (19) has just been added to the exhibition layout and a host of new features are planned for the 2025 edition
Zoomark is ready to confirm its standing as one of the world’s leading pet industry events. The 21st edition will be on from 5th to 7th May 2025 in BolognaFiere. Though there are still several months to go, 80% of stands have already been booked, and registrations are still coming in from all over the world.
“The anticipation is already building for our forthcoming event: people in the industry are greatly looking forward to taking part in the show, having an opportunity to gather and look to the future together,” commented Pascale Sonvico, Zoomark’s Show Office and Sales Manager. “Indeed, after adding hall 28, dedicated to the supply-chain companies, we have just announced another new hall, hall 19. Ideally located to integrate seamlessly into our layout, hall 19 is near of the main entrances of BolognaFiere, Piazza Costituzione.”
In total Zoomark 2025 will thus occupy nine halls and cover an area of 78,000 square metres.
Thematic paths
Bigger and more functional too: Zoomark’s new layout has in fact been designed to help exhibitors and visitors alike get the most out of the event, with a more engaging, efficient floor plan that will enhance the show experience for all the industry professionals coming to Bologna, as explained by Luisa Bersanetti, Exhibition Manager of Zoomark: “One of the new ideas we are working on for the forthcoming event is creating specific pathways dedicated to the most interesting market trends, such as sustainability, quality and innovation, designed to optimise and streamline the visitor’s experience and ensure that exhibitors in all halls are guaranteed a steady flow of traffic.
At the same time, we intend for these themed routes to be a precious resource for those looking for new opportunities and ideas to make their business stand out: they will guide retailers, buyers, distributors and importers to the companies and products on show. We believe that this approach, and the revamped layout, will help further optimise the flow of visitors and contribute to the event’s success.”
The special areas
The 2025 edition of Zoomark features five special themed areas, designed to anticipate new trends and innovations in the pet industry, with the aim of boosting and facilitating business.
One of the new areas is Next 5.0, devoted to pet-tech, a rapidly growing segment which places technology and innovation in the service of pets’ well-being. This area will host both start-ups and established firms, ready to present the most advanced solutions for pet health and safety.
Two very popular features will also be returning. The first is Pet Vision, dedicated exclusively to products and services launched in the months before the event, and the latest trends in the sector (the 2023
show presented more than 500 innovative ideas), accompanied by a competition to reward the best product innovations.
Another crowd-pleaser is Aqua Project, showcasing the aquarium and terrarium industry, which will host not only a display area but also training and educational sessions for specialised retailers.
The two brand-new launches of 2025 are Factory, an area completely dedicated to the supply-chain, and Atelier, which will host the very top of the range in pet wellness and comfort.
Zoomark is not only going to be bigger, but also more content-rich, thanks to a format that is much appreciated by the industry. “We have launched our series of webinars focused on key issues regarding the market, which will be running till May 2025, and we are currently working on the events that will take place during the show and fleshing out new projects that will add value to the user experience, making Zoomark not just the leading meeting place for the industry, but also a platform for discussion, development and innovation” – added Pascale Sonvico – “We are ready to offer an even more inviting, engaging environment, where it will be possible to explore the latest trends, find inspiration and develop your business”.
Buyers from all over the world expected
One of the key assets of a successful trade show is undoubtedly the attendance of major buyers. Zoomark has boosted its International Buyers Program, adding new activities designed to “guarantee the presence of a growing number of selected top buyers from the main and emerging markets, thus helping connect supply and demand”, explained Bersanetti.
The programme includes the addition of dedicated services to encourage direct interaction between buyers and exhibitors. Thanks to our B2Match matchmaking platform, buyers and companies will be able to prepare for the show in advance, and plan and manage their personal schedule of meetings.
Our partnership with the offices of the Italian Trade Agency in key pet industry markets will bring more international buyers to Bologna. At Zoomark 2025, delegations of buyers, retailers and distributors from the main markets will be primed to meet exhibitors to work on distribution proposals and solutions.
Bersanetti concluded: “We have arranged special welcome and hospitality packages in Bologna during the event. The focal point for all the activities planned for buyers will naturally be the VIP & Buyers Lounge, a meeting place and networking hub that has always been much appreciated.”
Zoomark 2025 is already shaping up to be a great success: the place to be to tap into the buzz and the innovative, dynamic outlook of the pet industry. www.zoomark.it
ADM Collaborates With Mars and Royal Canin on Regenerative Agriculture
A statement by ADM announcing the collaboration with Mars Petcare and Royal Canin began, “We’re rapidly building toward our goal of 5 million regenerative agriculture acres by 2025. And we know that we can only reach that ambitious goal by helping bring great partners together. The value chains in which we operate are long and complex, stretching from farm fields to store shelves, and it takes multiple stakeholders working in partnership to ensure that the benefits of regenerative agriculture carry all the way through.
“That’s why we are so excited to work with Mars Petcare US, Inc and Royal Canin to help bring the benefits of regenerative agriculture practices in the U.S. to the pet food industry.”
The agreements with Mars Petcare US, Inc and Royal Canin are supporting and providing financial incentives to corn farmers in Iowa, Minnesota and Nebraska for using regenerative practices including but not limited to cover crops, no-till, fertilizer efficiency programs and efficient herbicide/pesticide use. These practices aim to deliver benefits such as increased yields, lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through reduction and carbon sequestration, improved water quality, enhanced soil health, and greater biodiversity in the implementation regions. Our measurement, monitoring, reporting and verification (MMRV) partner is Gradable, and outcomes will be measured using the COMET Planner tool and Field-to-Market Fieldprint® Platform metrics. The multiyear initiative aims to cover more than 100,000 U.S. acres in 2024 alone.
“Transforming a value chain takes commitment from partners spanning that value chain,” said John Grossmann, ADM’s president of North American Oilseeds Crush and Grain. “It takes dedication from farmers to enroll in these programs and practice certain regenerative techniques. It takes participation by technical experts, from our Gradable joint venture to the agronomic experts that work with farmers to implement these practices. And it takes downstream partners that are committed to being leaders in sustainability. We’re
proud to have partners like that in Mars Petcare US, Inc. and Royal Canin, and we’re excited to work with them as ADM continues to expand our global regenerative agriculture work toward our goal of 5 million acres in 2025.”
“At Mars, we recognize that an important part of achieving our climate goals is addressing the environmental footprint of our ingredients. Our commitment to regenerative agriculture is a key component of our broader sustainability strategy. These partnerships reflect our dedication to reducing our environmental impact, supporting farmer livelihoods, and helping to ensure a resilient supply chain for the long term,” said Jon Peattie, Senior Vice President, Commercial, Mars Petcare US, Inc.
“Royal Canin is committed to offering pet owners sustainable choices when feeding their pets, and that starts, in part, with how their food is grown,” said Racquel White, Vice President Corporate Affairs, Royal Canin. “We are committed to working with suppliers and partners to help farmers implement agriculture practices to help reduce our carbon footprint and support the resilience of the people throughout our supply chains.”
ADM and Regenerative Agriculture
ADM has a broad and ambitious approach to regenerative agriculture, working with partners spanning the value chain. ADM knows that farmers are stewards of the land, and the company offers an array of programs that suit all farmers, meeting their varied needs and empowering each of them in the ways that work best for their individual situations, including via direct financial incentives; easy processes and cutting-edge technologies to ensure low barriers to entry; and a broad range of support and guidance from both internal and thirdparty experts.
As ADM has expanded its work in regenerative agriculture around the globe, it has worked with multiple downstream customers, including Ooni Pizza Ovens, The J.M. Smucker Co., PepsiCo, Nestlé, and Carlsberg.
ADM’s innovative, value chain-spanning approach to regenerative agriculture successfully delivered more than 2.8 million acres in 2023, and has earned honors including positions as finalists in the 2023 Reuters Responsible Business Awards and the 2024 Fast Company World Changing Ideas Awards. ADM is continuing to accelerate its efforts, with a 2024 goal of 3.5 million regenerative acres, and a 2025 goal of 5 million acres.
Read full details of ADM’s programs, achievements and goals in its 2024 Regenerative Agriculture Report here.
Optimising Raw Material Procurement A Nutritionist’s Perspective
With BESTMIX Software
In the feed and pet food industries, the conditions for both work and the market are shifting quickly, making stability a distant goal. Factors like global population growth, economic fluctuations, and climate change contribute to the unstable supply of raw materials and frequent price changes. As the Head of Nutrition, sourcing ingredients isn’t just a job—it’s a daily struggle to find and secure vital components for production. Choosing what to purchase can be challenging due to the rapidly changing prices and availability of ingredients. This is stressful, and one approach to tackle it is by finding an efficient and speedy management solution.
Understanding the challenges ahead is half the battle when it comes to finding solutions
Procuring raw materials poses numerous obstacles, which can vary depending on the production process and the individual nutritionist. However, there are common issues that nutritionists in both feed and pet food sectors face. Here are the primary challenges:
• Fluctuations in ingredient prices and availability: The unpredictable nature of the market makes it difficult to accurately forecast ingredient costs and their availability.
• Logistical challenges and disruptions: Delivery delays and operational issues such as problems with storage facilities can disrupt every nutritionist’s carefully planned production schedules.
• Evaluation of new ingredients: Thoroughly analyzing the suitability and competitiveness of new ingredients is essential, especially within tight time constraints.
• Quick decision-making: Being able to swiftly assess purchasing opportunities based on reliable data is critical for maintaining the company’s competitive advantage.
• Adaptability to change: The operational landscape is constantly changing, requiring every nutritionist to respond promptly and effectively to emerging challenges.
Multiblend: a game changer for every nutritionist
To tackle challenges swiftly, maintain productivity, and make informed decisions, nutritionists require a tool that applies real-time data. This tool should facilitate rapid recipe creation or adjustments to formulas
while efficiently utilizing available resources from nearby locations. Moreover, it’s crucial to dynamically redistribute ingredient allocations in volatile markets and swiftly make accurate purchasing decisions at the lowest possible cost. Multiblend emerges as the transformative solution tailored to meet these demands head-on:
• Least-cost formulation technique: Multiblend employs a leastcost formulation approach, prioritizing cost-effectiveness while ensuring nutritional integrity remains uncompromised.
• Site-specific optimization: Whether overseeing a single facility or multiple sites, Multiblend provides tailored support for optimizing ingredient distribution, and enhancing efficiency.
• Real-time data integration: Seamless integration with ERP systems guarantees that decisions are founded on precise, upto-date information, empowering quick and confident actions.
• Strategic procurement planning: Multiblend equips users with tools to analyze market trends, identify buying opportunities, and devise long-term procurement strategies, safeguarding supply chains effectively.
• Logistics management efficiency: By promptly addressing logistical challenges, Multiblend enables smooth production operations, minimizing disruptions and maximizing productivity levels.
Unlocking Multiblend’s Potential for Nutritionists
What impact could Multiblend have on your daily operations, and how can it improve the efficiency and accuracy of a nutritionist’s role? This
solution collaborates closely with you, providing stability, efficiency, and well-informed decision-making to redefine procurement strategies and optimize overall performance. Here are some key aspects of Multiblend’s capabilities:
Stability in Procurement Strategies: By optimizing ingredient allocation and mitigating risks associated with market volatility, Multiblend enhances the stability of our procurement strategies, ensuring consistent supply chains.
Operational Efficiency: By streamlining procurement processes and delivering real-time insights, Multiblend boosts operational efficiency, enabling us to stay proactive and responsive to changing demands.
Informed Decision-making: Equipped with precise data and predictive analytics, nutritionists can make strategic decisions that promote long-term sustainability and foster growth.
Global Method Advantage: Multiblend’s “global” approach facilitates synchronized raw material purchasing across all sites, providing a competitive edge in procurement strategies.
Cost Optimization: Leveraging least-cost formulation techniques, Multiblend helps minimize raw material expenses while maintaining quality standards, thereby maximizing profitability.
Moving forward
In today’s constantly evolving landscape, where uncertainties and challenges related to raw material procurement have become almost a daily routine, it’s imperative to seek out advanced solutions that streamline core tasks, enhance efficiency, and ultimately drive success. This frees up valuable time for strategic planning and focusing on the core tasks of nutritionists. For nutritionists, Multiblend serves as a powerful tool, enabling us to tackle these challenges head-on and transform our approach to procurement. By combining real-time data analysis and strategic planning, Multiblend supports you daily and can become a trusted advisor, offering guidance and support.
you tired
New study shows that fungal protein is highly digestible for dogs and improves their gut health
As consumers increasingly prioritize sustainable, natural ingredients in pet food, a new study reveals that Finnish biotech company Enifer’s mycoprotein PEKILO®Pet enhances dog health by boosting gut microbiome diversity and increasing the production of short-chain fatty acids.
A new study by the Research Laboratory in Canine Nutrition (LENUCAN) at the Federal University of Parana (UFPR) in Brazil has found that Enifer’s PEKILO®Pet mycoprotein ingredient enhances dog health by increasing the prevalence of potentially probiotic bacterial genera and decreasing the prevalence of bacterial genera associated with certain cancers, as well as increasing the production of shortchain fatty acids (SFCAs).
The study also found that diets containing 20% PEKILO®Pet had a high protein digestibility of 83.9%, highlighting the potential of this upcycled mycoprotein as a sustainable and nutrient-rich ingredient for pet food.
The 42-day study of 16 one-year-old beagles (eight male, eight female), with an average weight of 10.43kg and inclusion rates of 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20 percent, found statistically significant increases in gut microbiome diversity with PEKILO®Pet inclusion in their diet. Even using the smallest inclusion rate (4%), PEKILO®Pet increased the health-beneficial microbes in the dog’s gut and decreased harmful bacteria.
Previous research shows that the gut plays an important role in animal health. In particular, the microbiome in the gut is known to affect both the absorption and metabolism of nutrients and the dog’s protective functions. Probiotics have beneficial effects on pets, such as modulating the immune system, helping to reduce stress, protecting against pathogenic bacteria, and supporting healthy growth.
“Our findings confirm that even at low inclusion levels, PEKILO®Pet enhances beneficial gut bacteria while reducing harmful ones, which could have far-reaching health benefits for dogs, from improved digestion to enhanced immune function,” says Heikki Keskitalo , Business Development Manager and co-founder of Enifer.
Additionally, the study found statistically significant increases in the production of short-chain fatty acids (SFCAs) and branched short-chain fatty acids (BFCAs), with increasing PEKILO®Pet inclusion in the diet – with previous research highlighting the benefit of SFCAs to dogs. Also, including PEKILO®Pet did not change the dogs’ fecal
quality, with a dry matter of 29.7% and a score of 3.9%, with no significant changes in Score, pH, or ammonia content.
Finally, no significant differences were found in the palatability of reference diets and the diets containing 4%, 8%, or 16% PEKILO®Pet protein, meaning the dogs were very happy to consume PEKILO®Pet.
“These results are incredibly exciting for the future of sustainable pet food. Our PEKILO ®Pet mycoprotein not only addresses the growing demand for natural and environmentally friendly ingredients but also significantly boosts the gut health in dogs and is well digested, making it a win-win for pet health and the planet,” continues Keskitalo.
The study’s findings are significant, as dog owners are increasingly drawn to pet diets that reflect their own personal values and lifestyle choices, which is leading to a surge in alternative approaches to pet food as concerns about the sustainability of animal protein ingredients grow.
Consumers are increasingly looking for pet food that contains natural and easy-to-understand ingredients and fewer cereal grains and high-carbohydrate ingredients, which have been linked to chronic systemic inflammation in dogs and can lead to a range of degenerative disease states, including cancer. PEKILO®Pet addresses this demand as a high-protein ingredient containing 60% protein and 22% fiber (including large amounts of beta-glucan – a functional fiber with a wide range of health benefits for dogs) and smaller amounts of fat, minerals, and vitamins.
PEKILO®Pet is also hypoallergenic and rich in spermidine, a polyamine that is particularly beneficial for aging dogs, as polyamine levels naturally decline with age. Spermidine helps maintain gut health, making it an essential supplement for older pets.
Produced through fermentation and upcycling industrial side streams, PEKILO ®Pet requires minimal land and water, making it a sustainable alternative to traditional pet food ingredients. Its production process results in up to 90% lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to imported soya.
In May 2024, Enifer announced the completion of a €33M funding package that enabled it to start constructing a unique food-grade mycoprotein factory in Kirkkonummi, Finland. This will be the world’s first factory to produce such protein from side streams. Additionally, Enifer is already planning larger production facilities focusing exclusively on producing high-quality and affordable PEKILO ® mycoprotein ingredients targeted to animal nutrition.
Mettler-Toledo Unveils Next-Gen X-ray System To Enhance Food Safety Compliance And Boost Productivity
Following the successful launch of the X2 Series of x-ray inspection systems, Mettler-Toledo Product Inspection is proud to introduce the new X6 Series, offering a significant product safety upgrade for medium to large-sized packaged products and multi-lane applications. The X6 Series consisting of the X16 and X36.2 x-ray inspection systems presents a range of new features that provide precise contamination detection across single or multiple lanes. Both solutions can inspect medium to large-sized products (500-600mm in length) while also maximising productivity through easy-to-use design improvements.
Designed for Large Packages and Multi-Lane Applications
The X6 models, like the X2 Series, feature advanced detection technology but are specifically designed for larger product formats. With multi-lane capabilities, the X6 Series makes inspection for manufacturers handling bigger products or multiple packages per line, quicker and easier. This provides flexibility for food and beverage brands that require efficient inspection solutions for varying product sizes and configurations.
X16 X-ray Inspection System
The X16 is an entry-level X-ray solution for medium to large-sized products with a HiGain detector, offering excellent detection of contaminants such as metal, glass, stone, bone and low-density materials across single or multi-lanes. The system which can support products up to 300mm in height with conveyor speeds up to 60 meters per minute also performs additional quality and integrity checks, enhancing product safety beyond just contamination detection. These checks include monitoring for correct product placement, mass component count, fill level and identifying damaged packaging. The X16 is designed to maximise production uptime with its intuitive user interface, simplified cleaning routines and reliable subsystems, reducing costly downtime.
X36.2 X-ray Inspection System
For more advanced inspection needs, the X36.2 offers high-level detection capabilities for medium to large packaged products. With HiGain+ detector technology and ContamPlus™ software, the X36.2 offers completeness and integrity checks, identifying small foreign bodies plus missing or broken products. The system is highly customisable, with single or multi-lane configurations and numerous reject bin options. It can accommodate even higher throughputs with speeds of up to 100 meters per minute and the ability to handle over 1000 products per minute, depending on product size.
Smart Industrial Design to Reduce Cleaning Downtime
Both the X16 and X36.2 feature significant mechanical upgrades over legacy solutions plus completely new designs that improve belt removal and simplify service and maintenance routines. These design improvements mean that operators can clean and maintain the systems
quickly, minimising downtime. The front-opening hygienic design allows for easy access during cleaning and service, while the conveyor belt can be swiftly removed without the need for tools, making maintenance more efficient than ever.
To further optimise performance and offer long-term reliability, the X6 Series can be supplied with a choice of service contracts tailored to manage maintenance costs and maximise uptime. Additionally, both systems when purchased with a standard or comprehensive service contract come with a 5-year generator warranty, providing peace of mind of the quality of the heart of the x-ray system.
X-ray Solutions to Accommodate Application Needs
The X16 offers an affordable entry point for manufacturers looking for high-end inspection technology at a competitive price, while the X36.2 provides an advanced solution for those requiring superior product integrity checks. With multiple configurations available for the X36.2 this system can be customised to meet individual production requirements.
Mike Pipe, Head of Global Sales & Product Management, Mettler-Toledo Safeline X-ray, said, “With the launch of the X6 Series, we are excited to extend the capabilities of our x-ray inspection solutions - building upon the global success of the X2 Series - to larger packaging and multi-lane applications. The X6 Series offers significant improvements in mechanical design and performance compared to previous generations, providing enhanced control over product safety, reducing downtime and helping manufacturers remain competitive in today’s market. And all of this is achieved at an affordable price, making it accessible for businesses of various sizes.”
For food manufacturers looking to enhance their product inspection processes, the X6 Series offers a versatile solution for medium to large packaged products. Its advanced contamination detection capabilities help prevent costly product recalls, while the inclusion of product integrity checks offers the highest standards of quality control. The X6 Series’ robust design and productivity tools make it an ideal choice for manufacturers seeking to optimise efficiency and meet stringent compliance requirements, all while best protecting their consumers and brand reputation.
The Next Level in Product Safety
To further save manufacturers time and money, the functionality of the X16 and X36.2 can be extended with ProdX™ data management software. ProdX™ is automating the monitoring, reporting and collating of all product inspection activities in real-time. The safely stored data helps business growth by facilitating food safety regulatory compliance and protects brands through proof of due diligence. In addition, by analysing the data, production line improvements can be identified thereby helping to boost productivity.
For more information on the X16 and X36.2, click here or visit: www.mt.com/xray-x6
Dr. Harvey’s Ups Output of Natural Pet Foods With Rotary Batch Mixer
Dr. Harvey’s produces all-natural food products for dogs and birds, each of which is a blend of 15 to 30 dry ingredients ranging from seeds, dried vegetables, fruits and organic grains, to protein powder and freeze-dried meat.
The company’s previous 836 m2 (9000 sq ft) plant and 57 litre (2 cu ft) ribbon blender limited growth, prompting Dr. Harvey’s to move to a 2787 m2 (30,000 sq ft) facility in Eatontown, New Jersey, and install a 566 liter (20 cu ft) Munson Rotary Batch Mixer, which is “the central and fastest part of the process,” says General Manager Cesar Salazar.
Achieving uniform distribution of disparate ingredients
Each food product begins with a base mixture of grains and dry vegetables to which herbs, protein powders, and other ingredients are added. Canine products contain between 20 and 25 ingredients, versus about 30 for bird feed products containing seeds, nuts, dehydrated protein, and fruit. Ingredient particles are powder-sized up to a quarter inch––or about 6 millimetres.
Ingredients for batches of up to 363 kg (800 lb) are manually weighed and dumped into a plastic hopper, which is then forklifted above the mixer’s inlet to be gravity discharged through a manual slide gate into the Rotary Batch Mixer.
The mixer’s stationary inlet and outlet allow loading and discharging of the vessel as it rotates, reducing mixing cycle times, while preventing segregation of ingredients during discharge, regardless of the large variations in particle sizes and shapes.
The four-way action of the vessel’s proprietary mixing flights lifts, folds, cuts and turns the materials with no shear, heat or degradation, yielding uniform blends in about five minutes. The flights also serve to elevate and direct the material toward and through a plug gate valve which, when opened, discharges the batch with less residual than the plant’s previous ribbon blender, despite having 10-times greater capacity.
The general manager says, “A number of fragile ingredients dust easily, but they remain in the same condition as when we loaded them into the mixer.”
The portable hopper containing the blended batch is then forklifted above the surge hopper of the adjacent packaging machine and discharged through a manual knife gate valve.
Complying with sanitary standards
Following discharge, the previous ribbon blender left about 1.5 kg (3 lb) of residual material in the vessel trough requiring manual removal, while dried vegetable particles adhered between the ribbon agitator and the trough walls required manual scraping and/or removal of the agitator.
With no shaft seals, dead spots or recesses to trap contaminants, the Rotary Batch Mixer can be cleaned in 30 to 40 minutes. Operators blast the interior using compressed air nozzles, then vacuum and hand wipe with towels.
For batches containing certain dried meat products, a dry sanitising agent is applied in addition to the standard cleaning regimen. “We deep clean each surface to ensure no cross contamination,” says Marie Limoges, PhD, RDN Director of Food Safety and Nutrition.
Clean-out doors on opposite sides of the vessel allow unrestricted access for cleaning and visual inspection of all material contact surfaces, contributing to the plant’s compliance with National Animal Supplement Council guidelines, which incorporate FDA and state requirements.
To prevent dust contamination of the plant environment, intake ducts of a central dust collection system are positioned at the Rotary Batch Mixer, packaging machine, hand batching stations and other production points.
Anticipating exponential growth
Dr. Harvey’s is meeting increased demand by running a minimum of three batches per day on average. Considering five minute mixing cycles per batch, and typical cleaning times of under one hour for non-meat products, the company has significant reserve capacity to handle future growth.
“We are nowhere near capacity,” explains Salazar, adding “At our previous location, we had no extra inventory. All of our product went out the door soon after it was made. Now we have inventory on hand, increased production and can plan accordingly for growth. We will be adding a second shift and will accelerate marketing to increase demand and output.”
By offering “Fine Health Foods for Companion Animals” per the company slogan, and outfitting the new plant with equipment having reserve capacity, Dr. Harvey’s is prepared to meet burgeoning demand for its healthful products.
Obesity Report Released to Tackle Rising Pet Obesity
UK Pet Food’s latest report reveals a continued rise in pet obesity across the UK. Surveys of vets and pet owners [i], expose a sharp contrast in perceptions—while only 4% of owners think their pets need to lose weight, vets say 50% of dogs, along with other species, are overweight.
In response, UK Pet Food has brought together experts to share comprehensive advice and toolkits, aiming to support owners in managing their pets’ weight. The report features input from vets, nutritionists, retailers, and Industry experts, with actionable steps and UK Pet Food’s “Weighty Areas of Focus” commitments. Even small steps can bring meaningful change, showing that tackling obesity is achievable with the right guidance.
Key Findings:
Obesity Rates: 50% of dogs, 43% of cats, 31% of small mammals, and 9% of birds are overweight. All figures have increased since the study conducted ten years ago [ii].
1. Veterinary Concerns: 100% of vets expressed concern about the growing obesity problem.
2. Owner Perceptions: Despite rising rates, 77% of owners believe their pet is at a healthy weight, with just 4% acknowledging the need for weight loss.
Nicole Paley, Deputy CEO of UK Pet Food, stresses the need for awareness of the issue but also recognises the excellent support available: “Pet obesity, much like human health, is a complex issue. While there’s a gap between how owners perceive their pets’ weight and the reality, there’s also a vast amount of expertise and strong commitment from all sides to address this challenge.
This is our fourth report, published every five years, and for the first time, we’ve included practical toolkits for frontline professionals like vet nurses and retailers. These resources are designed to help initiate important conversations with pet owners, supporting them on their pets’ weight management journey.”
As Joy Shutt Head Vet Nurse and BVNA advocate, who is in the photograph right with weight clinic pet, chocolate lab ‘Woody’, writes in the report: “We need to be talking about body condition from the get-go”.
Additional Insights into Pet Care Habits:
The report also reveals troubling trends about pet care habits:
1. Low Monitoring: Only 25% of pet owners regularly weigh their pets, and just 7% know how to assess their pet’s body condition correctly.
2. Lack of Professional Advice: Half of the pet owners surveyed have never consulted a veterinarian or vet nurse about their pet’s weight.
3. Feeding Misconceptions: Although 63% of owners claim to follow feeding guidelines, many still engage in counterproductive practices, such as feeding human food scraps (34%) and not weighing out pet food (18%).
Cat Henstridge, Vet Surgeon and Veterinary Influencer as ‘Cat the Vet’ explains: “Fat cats, rotund rabbits, and dumpy dogs have sadly become the norm in our pet population, significantly reducing both their quality and length of life. Obesity is a complex, multifactorial disease, making weight loss a challenge for any pet. However, given the severe health risks, it’s vital that we, as animal care experts, support owners in helping their pets shed those extra pounds. UK Pet Food’s Obesity Report is a great resource with useful Appendices for professionals so we can work together to encourage change.”
For more information, please visit ukpetfood.org
[i] UK Pet Food conducted a survey of 148 veterinary professionals at LVS in November 2023 and a Kantar / Soulor Consulting online survey of 2558 households were asked questions about pet health and habits in March 2024.
[ii]According to vets: 50% of dogs, 43% of cats and 31% of small mammals and 9% of birds are currently overweight or obese. Our report in 2014: 45% of dogs, 40% of cats and 28% of small mammals.
Enhancing Pet Food Palatability is Key Within the Competitive Pet Care
85% of pet owners consider palatability as one of the most important factors when selecting food - manufacturers must get this right
According to a recent report, the global pet food market size was valued at $120.87 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow from $126.66 billion in 2024 to $193.65 billion by 2032*, with premium products playing a significant role in this growth.
Pet owners are now more invested in their pets’ health and wellbeing, and are seeking food options that provide high nutritional benefits, and enhanced taste. This shift is pushing pet food manufacturers to focus not only on the nutritional content of their products but also on palatability to meet the demands of health-conscious owners.
Henning Gerstenkorn, Business Development Manager, Animal Health at Ohly, a provider of yeast-based ingredients for palatability, discusses the impact of “premiumisation” on the pet food industry. He explores how innovative techniques can meet the growing demand for customised products, addressing the evolving needs of pet owners seeking higher-quality options for their pets.
Increased
premiumisation of pet products
Pet owners are prioritising the quality of ingredients and demanding transparency about the nutritional content of the pet food they purchase. Many customers prefer speciality diets involving grain-free, hypoallergenic, and organic options for their pets.
Many pet foods now include premium ingredients like selected meat, fish, and vegetables, along with functional ingredients such as yeast extracts, probiotics and omega-3 and 6 fatty acids.
Yeast extracts can enhance pet food palatability by drawing out savoury umami flavours with their naturally occurring glutamic acid and nucleotide profiles. Yeast extracts provide meaty and roasted notes that appeal to carnivorous pets more than grain-based flavours, ensuring animals enjoy their food and consume enough to get sufficient nutrients in their diet.
Additionally, yeast extracts can effectively mask undesirable flavours, making them valuable for improving the taste of pet supplements and medicines. Palatability is even more critical in these types of formulations containing ingredients like vitamins, trace minerals or pharmaceuticals which are nutritionally important but which may have off-putting flavours or textures for pets.
Catering to the preferences of pets and consumers
One of the most difficult challenges manufacturers face is catering to “picky eaters.” Pets are not only sensitive to taste but also to texture, smell, and even the shape of the kibble.
In a recent survey, 85% of pet owners considered palatability one of the most important factors when selecting food, underscoring how critical it is for manufacturers to get the flavour profile right**.
Palatants, ingredients added to pet food to improve mouthfeel and appeal, are key to making sure pets enjoy their meals.
Modern palatant technologies are sophisticated with many pet food manufacturers incorporating functional yeasts that can support healthy feeding behaviour, like Ohly-GO® Meaty. As a rich source of palatable amino acids, yeast extracts can balance the taste of food so that pets eat more and get the vital nutrients they need.
Ohly-GO® Meaty is a yeast extract derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, providing delicate meaty notes as well as free amino acids and peptides. It’s particularly suited to carnivorous animals and has shown great results in dog food.
Product innovation and customisation
To remain competitive, businesses are increasingly focusing on tailoring their products to specific consumer needs. The industry is seeing advancements in palatability enhancers that can mask the taste of bitter but nutritious ingredients. Ohly-GO® KTD, for example, is a yeast extract which can provide particularly strong roasted notes which are specifically suited to carnivorous animals such as cats.
Manufacturers must find a balance between their aim for high-quality products and cost considerations. Producing highly palatable products can be costly, and manufacturers must decide how to divide resources between flavour enhancements and nutritional additives. This delicate balance often requires extensive testing to ensure that pets receive not only balanced nutrition but also a product they will readily consume.
As the pet food industry evolves, manufacturers that innovate to cater to pets’ nuanced preferences, as well as meet the nutritional standards of health-conscious owners, will stand out in this competitive market.
Henning Gerstenkorn, Business Development Manager, Animal Health at Ohly says: “Palatants are essential pet food ingredients for enhancing taste, and masking the off-notes of functional additives or alternative proteins, particularly for carnivorous pets.
“Yeast extracts are rich in palatable ingredients like amino acids and nucleotides. These aid palatability by intensifying and drawing out savoury flavours in both pet food and animal feed. Additionally, nucleotides are known to support immune function and enhance overall animal health.
“These elements occur naturally in yeast, which means that they’re both easy to harness and a perfectly healthy solution for pet food or animal feed products.”
Key benefits
Triple action solution that binds, degrades and transforms mycotoxins
Reduces impact of mycotoxins on pet health and welfare
UK Pet Food Welcomes Two New Chairs to Lead its Sustainability Work
UK Pet Food is delighted to announce the appointment of two new Chairs to lead its Sustainability Committee. Priya Hamilton, Corporate Affairs Manager at Purina and Caroline Curtis, Operations Director at Tails.com.
Both Priya and Caroline have been active members of the committee since its formation in 2020. The committee’s mission is to support its members on their journeys towards a more sustainable future. Sustainable raw materials, environmentally friendly production, and recyclable packaging materials, all play a major role in ensuring the long-term sustainability of the pet food industry.
On the new appointment, Priya of Purina commented: “I am really thrilled to be taking up the position as Sustainability Co-Chair at UK Pet Food. I believe that as a business, we can really create a tangible impact and be a force for good. This impact can be even larger if we work together as an industry, driving collaboration and collective effort for the greater good.”
Caroline, responsible for end-to-end value chain at B Corp Tails.com, advised: “I’m excited to take up the position as I’m passionate about changing the world for good through responsible business. UK Pet Food is a wonderful organisation fostering collaboration to advocate for change.”
FEDIAF EuropeanPetFood, the voice of the European Pet Food Industry, is pleased to unveil the updated 2024 Nutritional Guidelines for Pet Food for Cats and Dogs. This comprehensive document details essential information on the recommended nutrient levels for cat and dog food, according to their life stage, health status, and activity levels.
Meticulously peer-reviewed by FEDIAF’s Nutrition Working Group and Scientific Advisory Board (SAB), which consists of independent nutrition scientists in academia and private consulting from European countries, these guidelines are the primary reference for pet nutrition in Europe, trusted by EU authorities, consumer organizations, professionals, and pet owners alike.
Alice Tempel Costa, FEDIAF Deputy Secretary-General, highlighted their importance: “These guidelines are the go-to, essential resource for manufacturers committed to producing safe, nutritious, and palatable food for pets. They incorporate the National Research Council (NRC) data and latest scientific research, serving as a practical guide for developing both complete and complementary pet food recipes. The document also includes a useful glossary, ingredient explanations,
detail on energy requirements and annexes on body condition scores, in addition to a summary of the risks of certain human foods for pets.”
The 2024 edition, developed through the collaborative work of FEDIAF’s Nutrition Working Group and Scientific Advisory Board, incorporates updates aligned with the latest research. Notable revisions include guidance on balancing high fat and protein levels in dog food and adjustments to the footnote on inorganic phosphorus for cats incorporating new scientific publications related to this topic.
Dr. Lisa Conboy-Schmidt, Chair of FEDIAF’s Nutrition Working Group, explained, “Our rigorous review of recent scientific literature has enabled us to fine-tune the guidelines, ensuring they lead the way in providing the best guidance for pet food manufacturers and the wider industry. We are extremely grateful for the support from the independent and renowned Scientific Advisory Board.”
The full version of the “Nutritional Guidelines: For Complete and Complementary Pet Food for Cats and Dogs” is now available on the FEDIAF website.
Lallemand Animal Nutrition launches LALPROBIOME for Pet well-being
Lallemand is proud to announce the launch of LALPROBIOME, its new platform of innovative microbial solutions tailored for pets. The new brand offers a broad range of yeast and bacteria-based solutions including prebiotics, probiotics, postbiotics and antioxidants. From digestive care to immune support, antioxidant optimisation to cognitive function, LALPROBIOME offers a broad range of specific solutions allowing for petfood, treat, and supplement customization and differentiation.
Dr. Francesca Susca, Global Pet Product Manager stated: “Our company is a global leader in the selection and application of microbial strains to address nutrition and well-being of human and animals. We’ve capitalized on this legacy to bring LALPROBIOME to the petfood market. LALPROBIOME leverages the natural power of yeast and bacteria with cutting edge science to support pet health and well-being.”
She added: “We understand that every business is unique, which is why we’re thrilled to launch LALPROBIOME. This gives our customers the ability to elevate and differentiate their brands with novel ingredients that support unique and specific benefits. LALPROBIOME products have been exhaustively tested for safety and efficacy, providing customers with proven, healthy products.”
Lallemand’s LALPROBIOME solutions can bring benefits such as:
• Digestive care
• Immune support
• Antioxidant optimization
• Nutritional optimization
• Palatability
• Well-being (gut-brain axis)
PARTNERING IN MICROBIAL SOLUTIONS FOR PET WELL-BEING
LALPROBIOME is LALLEMAND ANIMAL NUTRITION’s platform of innovative microbial solutions for pets. From digestive care to immune support, antioxidant optimisation to cognitive function, LALPROBIOME offers a broad range of innovative microbial solutions that meets the needs of pets and their owners today and for the future.
Agroloop Chooses FreezeM’s Breeding-as-a-Service Solution for the World’s First Decoupled BSF Protein Facility
FreezeM Ltd, a leading innovator in Black Soldier Fly (BSF) breeding technology, is thrilled to announce its collaboration with Agroloop Hungary Ltd., a prominent EU insect farming company, marking a significant industry paradigm shift. The collaboration introduces the industry’s first fully decoupled insect farming factory, completely outsourcing the breeding process. Traditionally, BSF protein production has been vertically integrated, with breeding and production performed in-house. However, this approach encounters significant challenges, including production instability, inefficiency, and high costs, which have hindered scalability and business growth.
The FreezeM-Agroloop collaboration introduces a cost-effective alternative offering for the insect farming industry. This decoupled model offers a scalable, efficient, and streamlined solution that sets a new standard for both growth and sustainability. FreezeM will supply Agroloop with PauseM® on a weekly basis from its breeding hub in Germany, which operates in collaboration with Hermetia GmbH, a pioneer in the BSF industry with decades of proven experience in large-scale insect breeding. Each PauseM® unit contains pre-counted, life-cycle suspended BSF neonates, that can be stocked and used according to Agroloop’s production plan of BSF based products. FreezeM’s breeding-as-a-service solution allows Agroloop to operate seamlessly without an on-site breeding unit, significantly improving operational efficiency, reducing risks and costs, and enabling Agroloop to focus on its core mission: bioconversion of organic side streams into high-quality BSF protein, oil, and fertilizer at scale.
Rigorous testing and benchmarking conducted by Agroloop have shown that PauseM ® is the ultimate solution for outsourced breeding, delivering superior operational consistency, and higher production yields than any other breeding methods available today. By outsourcing the breeding process, Agroloop can produce protein more effectively and at a lower cost compared to parallel vertically integrated facilities, making this model a game-changer for the insect farming industry.
To further enhance productivity, the parties have jointly developed an Automated PauseM® Deployment System, which is capable of inserting up to 4,000 PauseM® units, corresponding to 200 million BSF neonate larvae, into the production line on a daily basis. This automated solution facilitates scalability and efficiency at Agroloop’s first-of-its-kind factory, allowing for higher production volumes with minimal manual intervention.
“Our collaboration with Agroloop marks a new era for BSF farming,” said Yuval Gilad, CEO and Co-Founder of FreezeM. “By decoupling breeding from production with PauseM®, we’re offering a solution that overcomes the major bottlenecks of the traditional vertically integrated approach. We’re confident this model will set a new standard for the insect farming industry as a whole.”
“After extensive research, choosing PauseM® as our outsourced
breeding solution brings our vision to life.” said Rajmond Percze, CEO and Co-Founder of Agroloop. “It became clear that the next generation of insect farming requires innovation and pioneering solutions to ensure efficient operations and financially viable production. Our collaboration with FreezeM enables us to meet growing global demand and drive business growth.”
Supreme Petfoods Unveils UK Small Pet Market Report 2024
A growing commitment to small pet health and wellbeing is emerging among pet owners, according to Supreme Petfoods’ newly released UK Small Pet Market Report 2024. Offering insights into current trends and behaviours, the report reveals that over 80% of households with small pets consider them as adult or family pets. Furthermore, nearly 60% of rabbit owners are committed to taking their rabbits to the vet at least once a year, highlighting a strong desire to provide high quality care.
Based on a survey of 1,000 rabbit and guinea pig owners, the report also reveals that 80% of small pet caregivers are female – an increase and significant demographic shift since Supreme’s previous benchmark survey two years ago. Additionally, the research indicates an 8% rise in rabbits being kept as house pets, with 55% of pet parents keeping their rabbits indoors. These changes reflect an evolving approach to pet care, where small pets are increasingly seen as family members deserving of attentive, high-quality care.
“Understanding the needs and preferences of small pet owners is crucial for shaping our product offerings and marketing strategies,” said Claire Hamblion, Marketing Director at Supreme Petfoods. “This report not only reflects current trends but also provides actionable insights for the future.”
The UK Small Pet Market Report 2024 also highlights trends in brand preferences and shopping habits among small pet owners. Supreme’s Science Selective brand leads in spontaneous brand awareness among small pet guardians, while its Tiny Friends Farm range has seen an impressive 34% increase in brand recognition since the last survey – a testament not only to Supreme’s commitment to creating high quality products but also to its investment in initiatives to raise brand awareness, including targeted social media campaigns.
Shopping preferences are equally noteworthy, with 54% of small pet owners favouring physical stores over online options. This finding reinforces the value of local pet shops, which remain key destinations for small pet products alongside major retail chains. “We recognise the essential role that specialist retailers play and are committed to providing the resources and support they need for a successful small pet category,” Claire added.
The UK Small Pet Market Report 2024 is now available for download on the Supreme Petfoods website. For more detailed insights and data, please visit: https://supremepetfoods.com/blog/uk-small-pet-market-report-2024/
Leading Pet Food Brand Acquired Following £43m Funding Package from Blazehill Capital and Secure Trust Bank
Butcher’s Pet Care (Butcher’s), a family-owned pet food business based in Northamptonshire, has been acquired by Inspired Pet Nutrition (IPN), the independent pet food business owned by CapVest. The acquisition will include a refinancing of term debt provided by Blazehill Capital and working capital facilities provided by Secure Trust Bank Commercial Finance (“STB”).
Founded in 1983 by Graham Baker, Butcher’s is one of the UK’s leading pet food brands, specialising in natural pet food for dogs and cats. Its products are available in all major retailers across the UK, online and in several markets worldwide.
The business faced significant inflationary pressure in early 2022 as a result of the war in Ukraine and in parallel management were looking to deliver a strategic growth plan, which included a full brand refresh. To allow the business to withstand the market volatility and ensure the successful delivery of the business plan, Butcher’s sought to refinance their existing facilities with a more flexible funding package to provide the necessary financial breathing space.
The acquisition by Inspired Pet Nutrition creates a petfood group with sales of more than £350m and allows Butcher’s to continue focusing on its strategic growth ambitions.
Tim Watsham, Former CEO of Butchers Pet Care, said: “This acquisition marks an exciting milestone in the Butcher’s journey. Both the Blazehill and STB teams took the time to understand the drivers of our business and our growth ambitions. The combined facilities, consisting of a flexible STB working capital facility and an innovative stretch-senior Blazehill term loan integrated seamlessly, with the dual-lender structure operating throughout the term as if it were a single bilateral solution. We’re all excited for what is next as we enter a new chapter and would like to thank the Blazehill and STB teams for their patient and pragmatic approach throughout.”
New
Pet
Treat
Brand It’s the Dog’s Launches From the Creators of The Protein Ball Co.
Promising delicious and all-natural treats for dogs, It’s The Dog’s has launched to cater for those pet owners looking to treat their four legged friends to only the most wholesome snacks.
From the makers of The Protein Ball Co., the launch of It’s The Dog’s is driven by a desire to provide furry companions with treats that meet the same high standards we would expect for ourselves, meaning that It’s The Dog’s snacks use the same superior ingredients found in its protein balls for humans.
“In the UK, 36% of households have a dog. With pet treat sales predicted to rise by 13.1% by 2027 according to Euromonitor and the latest data showing that over seven in ten (71%) Brits are willing to spend more on their pet than on themselves, this is certainly a growing market and one that is expected to reach £816.2 million by 2027,” explains Matt Hunt, founder of the new brand.
It’s The Dog’s is launching with its premium, all-natural peanut
butter balls that offer a range of benefits for canines, including being high in protein, grain free, low carb, gut friendly, gluten free and high in fibre. Made with wholesome ingredients, these treats are not just a snack, but can also be integrated into training, rewarding or just to show you care for your pooch.
“We wanted to launch It’s The Dog’s so people can treat their pets like the family they are, they’ll love the taste and you’ll love knowing you’re giving them the best possible wholesome treat,” continues Matt. “At The Protein Ball Co. we’ve spent eight years perfecting our protein balls for humans using only the finest ingredients. But as much as we love our own snacks, we couldn’t ignore the puppy-dog eyes of our furry friends. That’s why we’ve expanded our line to include all-natural dog treats, inspired by the belief that our pets deserve the same love and care we give ourselves.”
The brand has teamed up with expert veterinarians and dog care specialists to create It’s The Dog’s to ensure that its treats aren’t just tasty, but also nutritionally balanced and beneficial for dog’s overall wellbeing. It’s The Dog’s are made using dog-safe roasted peanut butter, along with other wholesome ingredients such as chicory fibre, tapioca fibre, chia seeds, toasted pumpkin seed protein powder, sunflower seeds, golden flaxseed, coconut cream, citrus fibre and apple.
Each ball is high in protein to support growth and repair muscles, as well as promoting a healthy skin and coat, they are prebiotic which helps to promote a healthy gut that can lead to better digestion, improved nutrient absorption and a strengthened immune system and they are low carb to avoid weight gain.
Speciality
Ingredients for Pet Foods
Journal of Animal Science Publishes ADM’s Canine Clinical Trial Exploring the Microbiome Effects of BPL1™
A DM has announced the publication of its first-in-species study of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis CECT 8145 (BPL1™) 1 on adult dogs by the Journal of Animal Science. This pioneering study examined the effects of daily supplementation of both the live probiotic and heat-treated postbiotic forms of BPL1™ on canine health.
According to recent ADM global consumer research, 55% of U.S. pet owners have purchased biotics at least once a year because of a professional recommendation 2. In many cases, they use biotics to support their pet’s digestive or gastrointestinal concerns2
“The popularity of functional ingredients has increased as pet owners seek ways to improve the health and wellness of their pets, yet limited research has been conducted regarding the use of probiotics and postbiotics and their effects on canine health,” said Sophie Nixon, Ph.D., Head of Clinical Research for Pet & Animal Well-being at ADM, who oversaw the trial.
For this exploratory study, 18 adult beagles and 18 adult English pointers were used in a 3-arm randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel group design, with 12 animals per group. Following a 60day adaptation period in which dogs were fed a standard diet alone, the dogs were then supplemented with either probiotic or postbiotic BPL1™ or an identical placebo alongside their standard diet for 90 days. Measurements were taken to assess outcome measures relating to a variety of health areas, including fecal fermentative end products and microbiome, insulin sensitivity, serum gut hormones, oxidative stress, inflammatory biomarkers and white blood cell gene expression.
Improvements were observed in fecal short-chain fatty acids, as well as changes in microbiome composition and the functional metagenome, when compared to placebo control. Data from the trial shows that both the live and heat-treated forms of BPL1™ can safely be supplemented in healthy adult dogs and support several aspects of gut health. A further clinical study is ongoing to assess additional physiological outcomes, with a focus on metabolic health.
“Groundbreaking science such as this canine trial spurs development of ADM’s functional ingredients across human, pet and animal nutrition,” said Mark Lotsch, ADM’s President of Global Health & Wellness. “Beneficial outcomes and ingredient stability of our award-winning BPL1™ solution have been repeatedly demonstrated in previous human clinical trials. We are thrilled to also see promising results for pet health applications.”
Because heat-treated BPL1™ has a similar effect to live BPL1™
in healthy adult dogs, pet product formulators will have greater flexibility through the manufacturing and supply process, as they don’t need to make adaptations for living microorganisms3. Notably, extreme heat from extrusion and baking common in pet food processing can diminish the efficacy of live probiotics. As inanimate microorganisms, postbiotics can confer a health benefit on the host despite these challenging conditions.
Learn more about ADM’s extensive range of science-backed microbiome solutions for pets here
Yorkshire Pet Food Producer Secures Listings with Europe’s Biggest Online Pet Retailer
A British pet food manufacturer is launching its products with Europe’s biggest specialist online retailer.
Independent Yorkshire-based Burgess Pet Care is to have its Burgess Excel range stocked by Zooplus in Germany, a move that also gives it access to other European markets.
A total of 13 lines will be available, covering the Excel feeding plan that has been developed with vets and nutritionists to meet the specific life stage and lifestyle needs of rabbits and guinea pigs.
A range of rabbit and guinea pig nuggets will be sold, including the groundbreaking Indoor Rabbit and Indoor Guinea pig nuggets, along with treats and hay.
Mark Womersley, Managing Director at Burgess Pet Care, said: “We’re delighted to secure this listing, further opening up major international markets for us. To be able to share the expertise that we have developed in small animal nutrition over decades of research and development will help pet owners do the very best for their animals, and hopefully transform the way these pets are fed as we have done in the UK.”
The range being carried by Zooplus caters for key life stages, with recipes for adult, mature, junior and dwarf species, as well as adapted lines for indoor rabbits and guinea pigs. Also included are two of the UK’s leading feeding hay products and grass-based baked treats. Burgess Excel is recommended by 92 per cent of British vets, a factor it is hoped will resonate in Germany, a country with one of the biggest small animal populations in Europe.
Burgess, which can be traced back to the 17th century as a milling business and now has almost 60 years of pet food production to its name, is behind Rabbit and Guinea Pig Awareness Weeks in the UK, as well as the inaugural Guinea Pig Welfare Forum, held in Birmingham recently. Research supported by Burgess showed that feeding muesli-style diets to rabbits can increase the risk of serious health conditions. As a result of this research Burgess is a muesli free company who believe that any species will selectively feed if given the opportunity.
Make every kibble count. Sustainable meals with vegetal proteins.
Unlock the power of vegetal proteins and all benefits that come along with it for pets. Provide a balanced and nutritious bowl to keep the four-legged family members healthy through plant-based proteins.
Develop with BENEO to answer the consumers’ needs by introducing plant-based and naturally sourced ingredients from Faba Protein Concentrate, Vital Wheat Gluten and Rice Protein.
Want to know more about BENEO Animal Nutrition? Scan here!
