Unveiling the Benefits of Top Breed Pet Food Fueling Your Dog s Well Being

Mal-Shi

The days are growing colder and colder, and your pet is more and more hesitant when its time to go out for a potty break who could blame them? Its not like we owners dont need to give ourselves a pep talk when its time to take our dogs out for a walk when its snowing outside or the icy wind is whipping everything in sight.While winter can be very unpleasant for your dog, there are ways to keep your pooch toasty and more comfortable when the temperatures drop, ranging from  cozy winter coats, warm blankets, and protective winter boots. Yes, those cute little booties are more than a fashion statement if youve been questioning their efficacy, read on to find out if your pet could use a pair of nice winter boots to keep their paws snug and warm.Does My Dog Need Winter Boots?You might think that paws are naturally protected from the cold ground and rough terrain thanks to their unique properties, but thats only partially true. Not all doggos are built the same. As they come in different shapes and sizes, and with different coat lengths, it means that they will experience winter and cold temperatures in different ways. But even so, no dogs paw should be left to endure the snow, the ice, and the  rock salt on the asphalt streets. That means that dog boots in winter are far more than a simple piece of the outfit. They protect, keep warm, and ensure that your dogs paws are safe from injuries, irritations, and dangerous substances. Of course, some dogs need winter boots more than others. Small and toy dogs are much more vulnerable to cold and low temperatures, and they will need protection from the elements without a doubt that means both a winter jacket and boots. The same goes for senior dogs, whose aching joints and paw pads are much more vulnerable to the elements than they were when they were young.Ultimately, however, dogs of all ages and sizes should be accustomed to wearing dog boots. They protect your pets paws in any weather, and come with a range of other advantages, too these are the main five benefits of dog boots:#1 TractionThanks to dog boots, your pet will no longer have trouble walking on icy or slick surfaces. Boots provide grip and traction, and your next wintery outing will be much safer and faster thanks to them. This is especially important to seniors, who can seriously injure themselves and endanger their mobility due to slips and falls on icy surfaces.#2 InsulationThe boots are there to protect from extreme temperatures. This goes for both winter and summer. So whether its ice and cold, or the hot summer asphalt, the boots are there to provide safety no frostbite on the paw pads, no burns on their delicate little beans.#3 HygieneCleaning your dogs paws after every walk can quickly become a tiring chore kudos to you if it doesnt. Winter brings mud and slush with it, and without the boots, all that mess remains on the paws and gets inside your house, so you need to  clean your pets paws every single time you come in from outside. `thanks to dog boots, this can be a thing of the past.#4 Comfort and careDogs can have very sensitive paw pads, especially if they are older and cracked. Thanks to dog boots, winter doesnt have to exacerbate these issues. Padded and comfy, dog boots ensure that walking on various surfaces is smooth and pain-free.#5 Prevention of injuriesWhen it comes to the protection of paw pads, nothing beats dog boots. In winter, there are a lot of hazards on the walking surface. Ice shards, frozen rocks, icy puddles, and rock salt the list is endless. Thanks to the protection of the boots, your pet will be safe from abrasions, cuts, and frostbite.

Fueling functional formulations with on-trend, science-backed ingredients

This article was published in the June 2022 issue ofPet Food Processing. Read it and other articles from this issue in ourJune digital edition.

The trend toward solution-based formulations has as much to do with consumer perception and evolving pet owner demands as it does with pet health and wellness. The humanization of pets has undoubtedly spurred growth in this category, as several ingredients seen in healthy food and nutritional supplements for people have now made their way into the pet aisle.

Take probiotics as one example. A survey commissioned by Milwaukee-based Chr. Hansen Animal Health & Nutrition in December 2020 found pet owners who take probiotics themselves are more likely to feed their furry companion probiotics as well. According to the research, 61% of pet owners associate probiotics with digestive health, 59% with immune health, 58% with healthy aging, 52% with skin health, and 50% with oral benefits.

According to Joe Toscano, vice president and director, trade and industry development, Nestl Purina North America, St. Louis, roughly 40% of pet owners are willing to pay more for a pet food product tailored to their pets needs. With this apparent demand, the onus is on pet food manufacturers and ingredient suppliers to understand the nuances and needs behind solution-based formulas.

We believe nutrition starts with understanding nutrients, not just ingredients, Toscano said. The best ingredients are the ones that work together to enhance one anothers performance. A smarter nutrient blend is more digestible and effective for a pet than a single ingredient.

Solution-based pet nutrition means different things to different companies, but the overall goal is to use nutrition to aid an animal with a certain condition, according to Kent Cooper, co-owner, Evolve Consulting 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 todays 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 species-specific concerns and conditions to broader targeted solutions that can improve a pets 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.

More than half of dog-owning households in the United States have a dog that is 7 years old or older, making age-specific nutritional products a key opportunity for brands to help keep senior pets sharp. (Source: Nestl Purina)

There are a wide variety of solution-based 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 solution-based 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 babies, 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 non-traditional 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.

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., Chr. Hansen Animal Health & Nutrition.

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.

VICTOR, a line by Mount Pleasant, Texas-based Mid America Pet Food, has built its brand specifically on super-premium nutrition for performance dogs who require science-backed and field-proven nutrition, according to Michael Keith, senior vice president of nutrition and supply chain at Mid America Pet Food.

Keith highlighted hip and joint support, skin and coat health, and gut health as three of the most common health concerns for dogs being addressed through nutrition.

Because we know how important these functional benefits are to pet parents, weve developed our proprietary VPRO Blend that is included in every bag of VICTOR and was created to specifically address digestibility, immune system function, healthy skin and coat and effective metabolism, he said.

Supporting actors

Essential vitamins and minerals have always played a role in dog and cat food. With solution-based formulas, they are being fine-tuned to address specific health issues. Some brands are optimizing mineral sources to support paw pad integrity and skin and coat health, Schole shared, and the inclusion of prebiotics, probiotics, postbiotics and other nutraceuticals is rising to meet gastrointestinal and immune health demands.

Just like with humans, probiotics can be beneficial to both cats and dogs, Toscano said. Probiotics are live microorganisms, similar to those found naturally in the intestines, which help maintain balance in the digestive tract. After being consumed, they help to inhibit harmful pathogens from colonizing the GI tract.

According to a March 2021 report by Mintel and Tree Top, Inc., 58% of pet food and treat buyers are interested in products that support healthy digestion, and 46% are interested in products speaking to immune system support. (Source: Nestl Purina)

Purina offers several solutions incorporating probiotics to this end, including Purina ONE with Microbiome Balance, Purina Pro Plan FortiFlora and Purina Pro Plan Calming Care Veterinary Supplements. The companys Pro Plan Calm & Balanced dog food also contains targeted levels of fish oil to deliver EPA and DHA, which have been shown to provide behavioral and physical health benefits for dogs.

Superfoods are another tool in the arsenal of solution-based ingredients. Common superfood ingredients seen in the market today include pumpkin, blueberries, flaxseed, turmeric, and other fruits, vegetables, whole grains and seeds.

Lidiia Alaverdova, DVM, head of global marketing and pet portfolio manager of commercial development, Chr. Hansen, noted these ingredients work best in a healthy microbiome, and therefore may need to be combined with probiotics or other functional ingredients to support the release of nutrients and bioactives hidden within these superfoods.

Superfoods are ingredients that provide extra nutrients, such as minerals, vitamins, phytonutrients, antioxidants, and omega fatty acids, that are not usually found in meats and grains, she said. We focus on the power of good bacteria to unlock the potential of some of these superfoods by supporting a healthy digestion.

VICTORs VPRO Blend features prebiotics, probiotics, selenium yeast, organic trace minerals and mineral complexes formulated at or above recommended rates to support the health of working dogs. The brand ensures each ingredient in the blend is peer-reviewed and backed by scientific research, Keith noted.

The extensive scientific support of these ingredients allows us to give confidence to our consumers that the VICTOR formula theyre feeding is delivering for their pet, he said.

Open Farm includes turmeric, apple cider vinegar, chamomile, passion flower and vitamin C in its supplement formulas, all of which are natural ingredients intended to serve a solution-based purpose. The companys Supplements for Dogs contain 100% human-grade, non-GMO and fully traceable ingredients and target five key health concerns in dogs: mobility, skin and coat health, immunity, calming, and probiotic support.

Products like Open Farms Supplements for Dogs are combining function with transparency to capitalize on both consumer trends simultaneously. (Source: Open Farm)

We at Open Farm see transparency as the biggest emerging opportunity in the solution-based formulations space, said Kristen Hatton, brand manager, Open Farm, Toronto. By putting an emphasis on the transparency of ingredients used, consumers can be more confident in what they are feeding their beloved pets.

The Peterson Company offers proteins with low molecular weight, which work well in hypoallergenic diets, as well as ingredients that contain collagen, an emerging ingredient gaining traction as a rawhide alternative for pet chews or to provide bone and joint support in food and treats.

Another hot topic in this category is the inclusion of Omega fatty acids. According to Corbion, fermented microalgae can be a source of Omega 3 fatty acids in a pet nutrition product. The company is also exploring long chain Omega 3 fatty acids to help manufacturers realize functional formulations.

VICTORs recently launched Fit Feline cat food formula is formulated with lean protein sources a trend for cat nutrition noted by Keith to help cats stay active and healthy. (Source: Mid America Pet Food)

Its important to understand the function of ingredients in a recipe both how they work together and how they can benefit the pet, Hatton said.

Petcureans GO! WEIGHT MANAGEMENT + JOINT CARE formulas include controlled fat levels and functional ingredients to address mobility and weight in adult and senior dogs and cats, Newton shared. Ingredients in this diet include a fiber-rich psyllium husk and flaxseed to help with satiety, L-carnitine to support heart health and the conversion of fat into energy, and supplemental sources of glucosamine and chondroitin to fortify overall health and wellness in dogs.

The companys GO! DIGESTION + GUT HEALTH formulas also include functional ingredients, including dried chicory root and a three-yeast blend alongside ancient grains, psyllium husk and a patented probiotic bacterium, to support gut health, digestion and stool quality at all life stages.

In the future, I think we will continue to see more solution-oriented recipes emerge that prioritize other common issues pet owners deal with, such as animal protein allergies, heart health, anxiety and stress and breed-specific issues, among other things, Newton added.

Hidden challenges

The inclusion of nutraceuticals begs the question of resilience. Can fragile ingredients such as probiotics survive through high-heat processing steps all the way to a pets bowl?

When it comes to living probiotic ingredients, there are age-old misconceptions that these beneficial bacteria dont survive the manufacturing process to be effective in the digestive systems of our pets, Lerner shared. Reputable providers of those probiotic products, like Chr. Hansen, diligently find and test those strains of bacteria that can survive in pet food, and that are active and effective in the gut.

Aside from processing considerations, Theresa Lantz, MSc, companion animal nutritionist, Petcurean, said marketing claims can be another pressure point for brands in the solution-based arena. She cautioned processors against moving forward with a grandiose claim until proper research can be conducted on the products efficacy.

Marketing claims should always be backed by scientific evidence, said Kristen Hatton, Open Farm.

Wording is also very important in this industry when making marketing claims, Lantz added. Changing even the slightest wording without triple-checking how this may affect the meaning or intention from a regulatory standpoint can be a source of confusion.

Boldt also noted cost and reliability along the supply chain as two major challenges. While innovation is important for the industry, novel ingredients with functional benefits should be vetted by research, verified as safe, and backed up by a consistent supply before they are used widely in the market.

The pet industry, among many others, continues to be affected by inflation and ongoing supply chain issues which can make the procurement of specialty ingredients, such as the ones included in our recipes, challenging, Newton said. While these challenges are not specific to solution-based formulas, we continue to work closely with our trusted network of suppliers to ensure that we are able to produce our formulations and keep our pricing competitive, even during these uncertain times.

Keith reiterated this point in reference to VICTORs VPRO blend, which includes ingredients that often come at a premium price.

Utilizing these premium quality ingredients allows us to deliver the super-premium nutrition that we do, but it is challenging on the operations side when costs rise like they have been with inflation, he said.

As with any new product, safety and efficacy should be reflected first and foremost in a formulation, and brands competing in this category must prioritize the science behind pet nutrition and wellness above all else.

It is sometimes the case, particularly in markets where considerations of safety as opposed to efficacy are the top priority of regulatory authorities, that marketing claims of new, unique, sustainable, fresh, alternative, innovative, immune-boosting, etc. win the hearts and minds of targeted consumers with a limited amount of corresponding evidence of true efficacy for a stated purpose, Alaverdova said. Luckily for the consumer, there is so much interest in the pet food industry in finding alternatives to better meet the nutritional needs of our pets that the proper, essential investments in research and science are being made.

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