PET Food Processing - December 2021 - 28

INGREDIENTS
" Without rendered products, the cost to manufacture
Animal protein
meals are a key
ingredient in a large
percentage of dry
pet food formulations
on the market.
Sosland Publishing Co.
these kibbles would increase drastically, and the supply
of proteins for pet food ingredients would be in competition
with proteins in the human consumption space, "
he added. " In addition to reducing costs for the pet food
consumer, rendering utilizes 100% of each animal harvested
for human consumption and, in turn, provides
pet food manufacturers with a safe and nutritional ingredient
for pet foods. "
Lu Ann Williams, global insights director,
Innova
Market Insights, the Netherlands, said, " One of the biggest
shifts we are seeing is that the health of the planet
is now the top concern of consumers. Sustainability is
no longer just a Wall Street issue. It might not be the
top purchase driver for all consumers, but for many it
clinches the deal when it comes to choosing between
products. "
While the trend toward premium pet food includes
using human-grade, whole food ingredients, this is not
viable for the future, with the global human population
projected to grow by more than two billion people by
2050. That's about 75 million people a year, and many
more pet companions.
Of value
One of the biggest misconceptions about rendered ingredients
is that they are trash. The reality is that rendered
ingredients are valuable sources of protein available
at affordable prices.
" Rendered ingredients come directly from human
food processing, " said Billie Johnson, food safety and
regulatory compliance manager, BHJ North America,
St. Joseph, Mo. " It does not contain foreign material. It's
not rancid. And, it's not from dead, dying or diseased
animals. "
Rendered ingredients are made from the leftovers of
animal butchering. Some are made from offal, the internal
organs and entrails of butchered animals, the parts
most humans aren't culturally inclined to consume
themselves. Others are made from trim and less popular
cuts, such as necks and backs. The US Department of
Agriculture does not deem some animal parts, such as
udders and lungs, edible for human consumption; however,
these parts are safe and nutritious for animals.
Rendering involves heat, pressure and drying. The objective
is to remove most of the water and fat, producing
an ingredient that is primarily protein and minerals.
Rendered products are ground to form uniformly sized
particles, and hence referred to as protein meals on ingredient
statements.
" The drying process allows for a consistency in the
powder, " Johnson said. " The powders are best suited for
dry pet foods and treats, because the final product needs
have low water activity. "
Raw product must be heated as quickly as possible to
destroy inherent enzymes and bacteria that could degrade
the fat and protein. In order to cook uniformly,
raw product is chopped into small pieces. This also increases
production rates and decreases energy costs.
" Rendering these materials is a food safety preventive
control, " said David Meeker, Ph.D., MBA,
senior vice
president of scientific services, NARA. " Rendering gives
the protein meals a long shelf life and allows extended
shipping. "
Modern cookers are controlled to reach the critical
temperatures without overcooking, which can destroy
nutrients and digestibility.
" Rendered ingredients provide a relatively inexpen28
PET FOOD PROCESSING | December 2021 | www.petfoodprocessing.net
http://www.petfoodprocessing.net
PET Food Processing - December 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of PET Food Processing - December 2021
