PET Food Processing - September 2019 - 36

INGREDIENTS

9 out of 10 pet owners agree it's
important to feed their pets food that's
as healthy or healthier than the food
they feed themselves. Of those who
identified as "spoiling" their pet,
78% looked at the specific nutritional
qualities of the food and 73% looked at
how healthy the food appeared to be.
Diamond Pet Foods, Lathrop, California, 2017

dogs and they won't touch it. They are the boss."
Achieving acceptance with animals means considering their taste and texture preferences, but aroma also
plays a direct influence on whether an animal will accept
a product, according to Mackie. "Many pet owners forget, or may not know, that the first step in product palatability is using the olfactory sense," she says. "Therefore,
maintaining acceptable and consistent product aroma
throughout the shelf life of the product is critical."
Balchem employs olfactory benefits in its specialty
PetShure line of inclusions. The products feature a blend
of lipids and other ingredients to form a matrix-style encapsulation. This lipid matrix allows the ingredients to
retain aroma and appearance and helps protect colors
and flavors, resulting in better flavor and color retention,
according to the company. Because certain manufacturing processes or equipment can damage the inclusions
and particulates, impacting the final product attributes,
Balchem recommends adding inclusions at the end of
the mixing cycle to retain product functionality.
PetShure products are fully vetted and are created
with Association of American Feed Control Officials
(AAFCO)-compliant ingredients, natural colors and flavors. The non-GMO, non-grain offerings are available
in bacon, cheese, pumpkin, blueberry, cranberry, cinnamon and peanut butter.

Naturally nutrient enhanced

Treats that closely resemble the look and smell of humantype products generate positive responses from humans
and pets alike, including the addition of nutritious fruits
and vegetables. Known for its apple-based products,
Tree Top, Inc., Selah, Washington, is applying its grower-owned, high-quality standards to food for humans
and pets. This includes assisting pet food manufacturers in using recognizable ingredients. Working with Tree
Top's R&D department, manufacturers can create prototypes and packaging alternatives that capitalize on the
fiber- and vitamin-packed profile of apples to produce
antioxidant-rich applications.
Fruits and vegetables have long held a halo of health
and blueberries continue to earn their superfood status
as one of the most nutrient-rich berries. Containing fiber,
manganese, and vitamins K and C, blueberries are a popular inclusion in a variety of pet food, treats and toppers
in the form of particulates, puree, drum-dried, freezedried, juice, concentrate and Individual Quick Freezing
(IQF) formats. "Blueberries on the label and real blueberries in the product itself showcase goodness," says Tom
Payne, industry consultant to the US Highbush Blueberry
Pet owners may look for visual cues when choosing a food or treat
product, but dogs are more concerned about the way it smells.
Gabmaster Photography

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PET Food Processing - September 2019

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