Fresh(labs), Asia-Pacific’s first dedicated research and development project focused solely on fresher pet nutrition, has been launched by Real Pet Food Company (RPF), the pioneer of the global fresh dog food sector. The multimillion-dollar initiative represents a significant advancement in the use of scientifically driven food innovation to improve pet health.
Fresh(labs), which is currently available at rpfco.com/pages/freshlabs, was created to address a rising concern in pet wellbeing. Although pets are living longer, their healthspan, the number of years they spend in excellent health, is decreasing. The need to improve pet diets is highlighted by the rising incidence of obesity, allergies, gastrointestinal issues, and chronic diseases.
“Pets may be living longer, but their healthspan is declining,” said Germaine Chua, CEO of RPF. “Evidence points to diet as a key driver, with fresh nutrition shown to protect and extend health spans. Put simply, pets aren’t eating enough fresh food.”
Improved vitality, resilience, and long-term health outcomes have been associated with fresh nutrition, which includes gently cooked, raw, freeze-dried, air-dried, and minimally processed formats. RPF wants to increase education for pet parents and experts in the field while expediting scientific validation through Fresh(labs). RPF’s investment will strengthen its position at the forefront of innovation as the top independent pet food manufacturer in the Asia-Pacific area, allowing for the creation of a wide range of products that satisfy various nutritional demands across markets.
Dr Anna Hielm-Björkman welcomed the collaboration, “When RPF approached us to support our research, I immediately knew this was a company we could work with. Their mission is critical to pets everywhere. With Fresh(labs)’ independent board and science-led focus, we will innovate to improve pet health spans.”
To meet the rapidly expanding demand for fresh pet food in Asia-Pacific, Fresh(labs) is poised to become a focal point for thought leadership in fresher nutrition by providing innovative research, specialised training, and new commercial applications.
Scientists from Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and the US have already started the initiative’s first collaboration in pet healthspan research.
