by Jennifer Adolphe, Pet Technical Sales Manager, ADM, USA
Pet parents are seeking out pet food and treats that mirror their own diets, looking for sustainable sources of protein and ingredients with clean label cues, such as all-natural, plant-based, non-GMO, or organic for their furry family members. These clean label claims, in everything from individual ingredients to colours and flavours, signal to consumers that the pet food and treats they have chosen are high quality.
While traditional protein sources found in pet food are typically derived from fresh meat and rendered meat meals, protein supply is increasingly becoming a global issue. As the world’s population continues to increase, responsible protein production is of critical importance for food security and environmental impact. Pet parents recognise this too, with many looking to pet food and treats that can assist in minimising negative environmental effects. In fact, 42 percent of global pet owners say they want to purchase pet food with sustainably sourced ingredients. To help meet this demand, alternative protein sources have risen as an essential factor in the global food system for both humans and their pets. Plant- and yeast-based proteins are options that can be used in pet food and treats to supplement or replace animal protein ingredients. Even insect protein, like black soldier fly meal, is being used in some pet foods today.
It’s essential to recognise that for pets, achieving the right nutritional balance matters more than the inclusion of particular ingredients. Before a novel source of protein makes its way into pet food or treats, it must be validated through research to ensure it is acceptable for pets and will nutritionally support a balanced diet. For example, ADM has partnered with researchers at the University of Illinois to determine the biological availability of essential amino acids from various plant- and yeast-based ingredients for use in dog and cat foods. The research found that dogs and cats were able to digest and absorb plant-based protein sources, such as soy, just as well as those of traditional animal protein. Research projects have also been conducted at the ADM pet nutrition center in Brazil and have confirmed that plant-based formulations are well accepted by dogs and can support digestive health by enhancing microbiota diversity.
Yet some pet owners are hesitant to feed their pets plant-based proteins made of ingredients like soy or corn, and “no soy” pet food has been persistent in the industry for decades. However, ADM research indicates that 80 percent of today’s pet parents are seeking or are open-minded to soy in their pet’s food. And many are citing veterinary recommendations as a top motivator for selecting foods and treats made with soy, with ADM research indicating that 28 percent of pet parents who were exposed to veterinary research about the improbability of soy allergies in dogs or cats would change their opinion and feed soy to their pets in the future.
Flexibility of formulation
With pet owners’ changing demands for ingredients and food formats, manufacturers require flexibility in formulation to continually meet these needs. ADM helps advance pet food and treat development to deliver sensory appeal to pets and their owners as well as balanced nutrition for overall pet wellness. For example, a single high-quality ingredient may assist in providing several nutrients, such as wholesome ancient grains that can deliver protein, starch and dietary fiber. Legacy grains, such as corn and wheat, are as nutritionally sound and appropriate as other popular sources of carbohydrates in today’s pet foods. The ADM pantry also includes soy, peas, chickpeas, lentils, beans and other pulses; complex proteins like Versity® dried yeast and Hilucia™ black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) products; and a variety of fruit and vegetable extracts.
Additionally, ADM Ventures, the corporate venture capital division of ADM, has made two important investments to support the development of expanded protein sources and responsible production practices for pet foods. One venture is with Bond Pet Foods, a startup at the frontier of the alternative protein landscape. Bond Pet Foods will employ precision fermentation technology to make nature-identical chicken, beef, fish and other meat proteins for innovative pet food applications. The fermentation process also requires no animal proteins.
A second venture is with Innovafeed, a producer of black soldier fly larvae and global leader in the growing space of insect proteins. Recently, the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) has approved BSFL to be used in adult dog food and treats in the U.S. Insect ingredients are becoming more desirable due to growing awareness of their unique nutritional benefits, with consumers warming up to the idea of insect protein being used in pet foods. In addition, insects like the black soldier fly are used to upcycle low-quality feedstock into premium ingredients to support a circular economy and corporate sustainability initiatives.
With more pets in the home than ever, the need to provide pet food products that match their owner’s lifestyles has increased drastically. Pet parents are looking to brands to provide pet food and treats that are both good for their furry family members and for the planet. ADM’s vast ingredient portfolio and support of disruptor brands like Innovafeed and Bond Pet Foods is bolstering innovations in pet nutrition while unlocking the potential for wider distribution of alternative proteins worldwide.
