PET Food Processing - June 2022 - 44

FORMULATION
" There are a wide variety of solutionbased
formulations, " said Lisa Schole,
co-owner, Evolve Consulting Group. " It
is very common to have a formulation
that targets multiple solutions, such as
digestive health and skin and coat. "
Passman noted obesity, pancreatitis
and gastroenteritis as major health
issues being addressed by solutionbased
nutrition. The
category also
extends to performance diets for active
dogs, hairball and urinary health
formulas for cats, calming products
to address behavior, and life-stage
formulations speaking to the unique
nutritional needs of growing puppies
and kittens and aging animals.
" Like their human counterparts,
young dogs and cats have specific
nutrition requirements to support
their rapid growth and development, "
Toscano said. " Puppies and kittens'
bodies are fast-growing but, unlike baMore
than half of
dog-owning households
in the United
States have a dog
that is 7 years old or
older, making agespecific
nutritional
products a key opportunity
for brands
to help keep senior
pets sharp.
Nestlé Purina
Group, Fremont, Neb. The complexity of these formulations
ranges from the inclusion of specific ingredients
- like sources of Omega fatty acids or certain vitamins
and minerals - to veterinary diets backed by thorough
research and testing.
" Feeding pets healthy, balanced diets is essential to
their health and wellbeing, yet no pet diet, supplement
or treat is the same, " said Megan Passman, global insights
manager, Corbion, Lenexa, Kan. " It is essential to
recognize the complexity in today's consumer and their
desire for transparency and traceability in everyday life,
which includes their pet. "
Kambria Newton, trade marketing manager,
Petcurean, Chilliwack, British Columbia, noted from
Packaged Facts' " Pet Food in the US " report in 2020
that 18% of dog owners and 13% of cat owners switched
to a weight management formula over the previous 12
months, while 9% of cat owners and 15% of dog owners
switched to recipes that address digestive health issues.
Clearly, pet owners are asking more of the products they
feed their pets - and the industry is delivering.
The category is...
Solution-based formulas cover the gamut from speciesspecific
concerns and conditions to broader targeted solutions
that can improve a pet's quality of life. Some of the
most common pet ailments being addressed include mobility,
digestion and gut health, immunity, skin and coat
health, weight control, dental health, and anti-inflammatory
support, but there are many others on the table.
44 PET FOOD PROCESSING | June 2022 | www.petfoodprocessing.net
bies, they pack all their growth into a few short years.
Puppies and kittens need higher levels of calories and
protein, DHA, antioxidants and bioactive substances for
the first one to two years. "
Additionally, some brands are using exotic or nontraditional
protein sources such as insects, venison, kangaroo,
alligator, pheasant, bison, goat, elk and others, or
developing limited-ingredient diets to address food sensitivities
in pets.
" Nearly universally, solution-based formulas target
the current cadre of pet parents who want to provide
what they believe to be the best possible food to their
pet babies, at nearly any price, " said Steve Lerner, Ph.D.,
head of North America marketing and product management,
Chr. Hansen Animal Health & Nutrition. " This
trend of 'exotic and expensive is better' is likely to continue
until the science of solution-based nutrition catches
up to the market. "
Pet owners can also use solution-based treats, toppers
and supplements to add functional nutrition to an
already complete-and-balanced diet.
" The diet is important for overall macro nutrient supply
and digestion, and treats and supplements can serve
as added bonuses to help pet owners show increased love
and support for their animal, " said Ryan Boldt, product
manager, The Peterson Company, Kalamazoo, Mich.
Supporting actors
Essential vitamins and minerals have always played a
role in dog and cat food. With solution-based formulas,
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