Page 33 - FoodFocusThailand No.207 JUNE 2023

SPECIAL REPORT

product requires proper nutritional of pet food (pet food palatants). Additionally, plant-based proteins are increasingly
formulation for humans and pets, and being used as an alternative protein source in pet food, making them an attractive
it should not cause any health-related ingredient for manufacturers around the world.
problems for pets. Therefore, the
products are designed based on the Pet Food Production Technology
idea that owners often observe their The manufacturing process for industrial pet food closely resembles that of
pet’s behavior during feeding or treat processed human food and is typically divided into two categories: dry food and
time, with the goal of providing fun wet food. Both types undergo various processing methods, and food additives are
products that make pets happy and often added to extend their shelf life. Pet food manufacturers generally formulate
satisfy their owners. their recipes based on the nutritional needs of dogs and cats, as recommended
by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) or European Pet
Functional pet food and food for Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF). Generally, pet food production technology
2 animals with illness can be classified into three main categories:
To ensure proper nutrition, this
category requires pet food nutritionists
and veterinarians to collaborate and
prescribe a tailored diet with functional
ingredients that provide health and
beauty benefits. These may include
foods that nourish the heart or kidneys,
promote shiny fur, support eyesight,
aid in dental health (by preventing
plaque build up), improve bone health,
or provide probiotics and prebiotics.
Snacks that promote relaxation and
sleep may also be included in this
category. The products in this category
are often marketed with health claims
or offer additional benefits beyond
basic nutrition, as pet owners usually
feel a strong emotional attachment to
their pets and want to keep them
healthy and happy. The market for
these products is also continuously
growing because more and more pets
are being diagnosed with illnesses
such as cancer, kidney disease, and
heart disease. As a result, these
specialized foods (such as low-fat and
reduced-sodium diets) are formulated
to meet the unique nutritional needs
of pets with health conditions. All in
all, developing a nutritionally optimized
diet involves careful consideration of
their palate preferences and suitable
processing methods and requires the
expertise of both food scientists and
veterinarians or pet nutritionists.

The use of local and novel
3 ingredients
Pet food production generally utilizes
similar food ingredients to those used
in human food production. Each
region of the world has access to local
raw materials, including new
ingredients such as insect protein
powder, which is a nutritious food
additive that can enhance the flavor

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