PET Food Processing - September 2018 - 45

cantly fewer biogenic amines than other fish meals, according to Jean-Francois Herve, senior sales and business development manager-pet food ingredients.
"Some seafood operators combine several species into
products, such as fish meal, varying the composition
of that product depending on what they have available
on that given day," he says. Such sourcing would not be
considered clean label by many pet owners. They want
to know the type of fish and where it came from. "To do
this you must have a secure and consistent supply. Wild
Alaska Pollock is the largest sustainable fishery in the
world enabling a consistent, high-volume supply," Herve
says. "The improved control of the supply chain leads to
a higher-quality product for the pet."
"Innovative pet foods brands are using stories and certifications to build their image based on the ingredient story.
Whether the story focuses on sourcing or protein type or
sustainability, these stories help pet parents feel proud of
the brands they purchase," Herve explains. "Some brands
are starting to involve their suppliers' stories."
The Wild Alaska Pollock Fishery was the first large
scale fishery to achieve Marine Stewardship Council
certification in 2005. Pet foods made with these fish
products may include the logo on packaging and marketing materials.
A number of other varied ingredients are used in
pet food formulations to make them palatable, safe and
nutritious. "Vitamins and minerals are added to pet
foods for health benefits," Watson says. "Although pets
require only small amounts of vitamins and minerals,
these essential nutrients are still important in the diet.
vitamin A, for example, supports growth, reproduction
and eye health."
Vitamin E is often included, as it acts as an antioxidant to protect against fat oxidation, which produces
unwanted flavor changes. This makes the food unpalatable even to non-picky pets. There are a number of
plant-based extracts that function as antioxidants, too,
with rosemary the most common in pet food.
Fiber ingredients frequently get added to pet foods.
Many contribute function to the recipe while also assisting with the pet's gastrointestinal health and regular
bowel movements. Fiberstar is rolling out a natural citrus fiber designed to improve the texture, enhance nutrition and provide cost savings in pet food and treats.
It is sustainably produced from a by-product of the citrus fruit. The patented technology is a mechanical process that is free from chemicals and opens up the fiber
to provide high water-holding capacity and emulsification properties.
"It offers a multitude of benefits in various pet
treats," Haen says. "In injection molded bones, this natural fiber aids in flowability and mold release as well as

adds strength to extend chew
times. In semi-moist treats,
this natural fiber binds the
water to improve the meatlike texture in addition to
minimizing crumb. Other
benefits include moisture retention, reduced stickiness
and texturizing."
Fruits and vegetables provide nutrition and functional
benefits. In addition, they
have that whole food appeal
that pet owners appreciate.
"People love fruit, and we
know fruit is good for us,"
Swedberg says. "Fruit powders, concentrates and purées
make attractive ingredients
for pet food or treat formulations, as they contribute antioxidants, fiber and a host
of other benefits, including ensuring food safety and
extending shelf life."
A key factor in shelf life and food safety is water
activity. Water activity, not water content, controls
microbial growth because microorganisms such as
yeast, mold and bacteria only use the available water
in a food system. Total moisture is either in a free or a
bound form, with the free water considered available.
Designing a product with water activity below 0.60 is
an effective control, although it is not equivalent to a
thermal kill step.
"Dried fruits, for example, may extend shelf life in
baked dog treat applications and other pet food systems," Swedberg says. "That's because many dried fruits
possess a high-fiber content and bind water. Some fruit
ingredients, may also lower pH." Acidic environments
ward off the growth of many bacteria. Citrus fruits may
help lower pH, but pets often find them to be too acidic. "Apples, blueberries and strawberries, on the other
hand, are lower in pH and can assist," Swedberg says.
Manufacturers must remember that each ingredient has its own set of supply challenges, much like human food ingredients. "The more niche the product,
the more important it is to have not only a deep understanding of the product but also multiple procurement sources," says Mark Obrist, merchandiser, The
Redwood Group, Mission, Kansas. "Work with ingredient supply companies that understand the ingredients they source. They are experts in those ingredients
and will typically work to provide pet food manufacturers value by procuring high-quality products,
regardless of market situations."
PFP

Brands are defining
clean as organic,
non-GMO or no
artificial preservatives
and going beyond
that to promise
a commitment
to selecting only
responsibly-raised
and sustainably
sourced ingredients.
Mars Petcare

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PET Food Processing - September 2018

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