1、THE GO-TO PUBLICATION FOR PET INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS SINCE 1988OCT 2023GERMANY,AUSTRIA&SWITZERLANDRegional report&retailer interviewFOOD&INGREDIENTSMachinery,preservatives&freeze-dried treatsDEEP DIVEPRIVATE LABEL ON THE RISE?DRY&COOK&BAKE SOLUTIONS New All-in-One technology:Dehydrating,cooking and

2、baking by forced convection Acceleration of Innovation:Allows to develop new foods and treats for pets Great Versatility:Possibility to dry&cook&bake any type of product and format Process Optimization:Continuous system,with superior performance and lower energy consumption Full Connectivity 4.0:Ful

3、l control of the BAKEHEALTHIER TREATS HAPPIER PETSHIGHLIGHTS IN THIS ISSUE PETS INTERNATIONAL|OCTOBER 2023|HIGHLIGHTS IN THIS ISSUE 379Germany,Austria andSwitzerlandHow is the pet industry doing in the DACH region?We present some facts and figures and a more detailed analysis of online sales in Germ

4、any.We also sit down with the largest European pet retailer,Fressnapf,for an interview.Food and ingredientsWhy does private label perform better in Europe than in the US?We also look at the trend of freeze-dried treats and developments in pet food manufacturing equipment.Additionally,youll discover

5、a research update on additives like copper and zinc,as well as preservatives.65Global pet industryHows the hot category of CBD for pets doing?What are the latest trends in beds and cushions?How important is social media for pet brands?Can a lower VAT rate help combat rising prices?Find all the answe

6、rs.Plus,more details on the GlobalPETS Forum and supermarkets entering the pet space.Retailer interviewWhat has Europes largest pet retailer been up to?How are they performing in the DACH region and what are their future plans?An interview with Fressnapf.Page 76Private labelThe private-label pet foo

7、d category is performing better in Europe than in the US.What are the reasons behind this difference?Page 13Freeze-dried treatsFreeze-dried pet food is increasingly popular.Is the same trend extending to treats?We look at the data and the latest innovations.Page 102 PETS INTERNATIONAL|SEPTEMBER 2023

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9、OF PETS INTERNATIONAL|OCTOBER 2023|EDITORIAL Editorial team Philippe Vanderhoydonck(Managing Director)David Palacios Rubio(Head of Editorial)Lisa van Roon(Head of Operations)Heiny van den Ham(Senior Editor)Editors:Jessica Martindale,Lynn Radford,Mandy Wolters-Savage,Elizabeth Youens Graphic design J

10、ack WaasIntermedium Publishers BV James Cookstraat 13 1056 RW Amsterdam(NL)+31-33-4225833 contentpets.nl Copyright 2023,Intermedium Publishers BV.All rights reserved.While we,as the publisher,aim for accuracy and completeness of the information presented,we cannot guarantee that.We cannot be held li

11、able for using this information.And we are not responsible for the content of advertisements or sponsored Is the pressure now on?In the current inflationary environment,price is becoming an increasingly important factor for consumers.So what we all want to know is how pet owners will respond in the

12、near future.How will purchasing behavior change?Are private label products likely to become more popular?And how does their popularity differ in Europe and the US?Theres also considerable debate on the impact of lowering VAT for pet food products to help alleviate the financial burden for consumers.

13、While there is some pushback around CBD in various countries,it is a segment that is definitely picking up steam.So youll find a market overview that makes interesting reading.And weve partnered with Yummypets to ask consumers how they feel about using CBD and whether theyve yet tried it for theirpe

14、ts.On the pet food front,freeze-dried is all the rage.Thistime,we take a good look at the data around freeze-dried treats.We also analyze how pet food machinery needs to evolve to meet changing consumer demands.And youll learn more about the preservatives used in food for pets.In this issues regiona

15、l deep dive,we look at one of Europes largest markets:the DACH region.How is the pet industry doing in Germany(D),Austria(A)and Switzerland(CH)?Theres an update on Germanys online landscape.And we sat down with Europes largest pet retailer,Fressnapf.Finally,we are unveiling more details of our upcom

16、ing GlobalPETS Forum in Venice.Youll discover what the event is all about its theme,the format,some of the keynote speakers,and the nominees for the GlobalPETS Forum award.Tickets are selling fast,so I hope to see you there!Happy reading,Philippe VanderhoydonckManaging DirectorP.S.If you dont receiv

17、e our newsletters yet,go to and sign up to keep a finger on the pulse of the industry.4 PETS INTERNATIONAL|OCTOBER 2023|PET INDUSTRY HIGHLIGHTS PET INDUSTRY HIGHLIGHTSStay up-to-date on whats shaping the pet industry.Subscribe to our newsletter:Latest round of investmentsPrivate equity firm L Catter

18、ton continues its venture into the pet industry with a strategic investment in Withmal,one of Japans largest veterinary services groups.This puts the veterinary group in a good financial position to accelerate its domestic expansion,while building on its service quality and relationships with pet pa

19、rents.Investment firm Jebsen Group has recently acquired Hong Kong online retailer Vetopia.The group emphasizes that the deal aligns with its ambition to continue its investment“in the thriving pet care and retail industry”in Greater China.London-based fresh dog food company Butternut Box has raised

20、 280 million($351M/327M),led by its new private equity investor General Atlantic,and existing investor L Catterton.The company plans on using the investment to expand its brand presence in Europe,including a new manufacturing facility.In the US,Kansas City-based pet insurance and animal wellness com

21、pany Companion Protect closed an investment of$27 million(24.9M)in a Series A round.The company said that the investment will help on its journey to“disrupt the pet health space and bring pet healthcare to the masses”.Veterinary software company Otto closed a$43 million(39.65M)Series B funding round

22、 with existing investors Mercury Fund and Boehringer Ingelheim.Hills Pet Nutrition joined as a new investor in the start-up,which is based in Austin,Texas.Los Angeles DTC firm Jinx has raised$17.85 million(15.9M)in Series B funding.The company believes that this new capital injection underscores Jin

23、xs capacity to thrive in challenging environmental and economic conditions.US pet supplements company Native Pet has secured$11 million(10M)in a Series B round of funding to accelerate its growth through category innovations and retail expansion.Native Pet products are sold on the companys website,a

24、s well as through Amazon,Chewy,Thrive Market,CVS and Target.German pet supplement company Mammaly has raised 14million($14.9M)in a Series A round.At present,Mammaly sells its supplements through German retailer Fressnapf,but it wants to scale up its presence in the retail channel after the capital i

25、njection.3 out of 10 UK dog owners dont know what theyre feeding their petsA recent survey commissioned by UK-based fresh dog food brand Butternut Box found that almost half of surveyed dog owners(48%)could only identify up to 3 ingredients in their pet food.And 3 in 10 did not know what they were f

26、eeding their pets.A sizeable 36%of dog parents were worried that their pet wasnt receiving proper nutrition,while almost a quarter(23%)found it hard to understand the listed ingredients.4 out of 10 respondents admitted to finding their pets diet more stressful than their own,and 41%wanted clearer la

27、beling.44%felt confused by contradicting advice on what makes a dogs diet healthy.PETS INTERNATIONAL|OCTOBER 2023|PET INDUSTRY HIGHLIGHTS 5PET INDUSTRY HIGHLIGHTSYes,Alphia has been acquired!The rumors circulating about a potential sale of US pet food manufacturer Alphia turned out to be true.Privat

28、e equity firm PAI Partners has agreed to acquire Alphia from its owner J.H.Whitney.The terms of the deal have not been disclosed,but previous reports suggested that the company was looking to sell its business for$1 billion(920M).Alphia manufactures over 1 billion pounds of dry pet food and treats y

29、early.The Denver-based company has 6 facilities in the US.HelloFresh enters the pet food industryBerlin-headquartered meal kit company HelloFresh has launched a private label personalized pet food service in the US called The Pets Table.This marks an expansion of its home delivery portfolio into sub

30、scription-based premium pet food.For now,the service will be available in all US states,excluding Alaska and Hawaii,to target the rapidly growing premium dog food market.The new private-label pet food brand currently offers 4 plans fresh,air-dried,mixed,and half of fresh and the company looks forwar

31、d to developing a premium range of treats.Canadian pet retailers to expand distribution capabilitiesLegault Group is setting up a new 400,000 sqf automated warehouse and distribution center in Quebec to supply products to Mondou stores and to fulfill online demand.The plant will cost over CAN$90 mil

32、lion($66.6M/62.4M)and is expected to be operational by 2025.Pet Valu also announced the opening of a new distribution center.The 670,000 sqf premises are located in Brampton,Ontario,and will bring“unprecedented”scale and automation to Canadas pet sector.When in operation,it will be the largest distr

33、ibution center and robotic automation installation dedicated to serving the pet specialty industry in Canada.The company expects that the new plant will have the capacity to process all orders the same day,while improving productivity by more than 50%.Fressnapf opens new logistic warehouse Fressnapf

34、s new 47,500 sqm facility,located close to Berlin,will supply products to more than 400 stores across Northern and Eastern Germany,Poland and Scandinavia.Christian Buschmann,Vice President of Logistics,Engineering and Real Estate for the Fressnapf Group,says the company is“pleased to now move into t

35、he property and put it into operation quickly”.It is believed that the new warehouse will create 150 new jobs.6 PETS INTERNATIONAL|OCTOBER 2023|PET INDUSTRY HIGHLIGHTS PET INDUSTRY HIGHLIGHTSDehner gets into top of Bavarias best dealerslistGarden and pet retailer Dehner has been ranked 20th out of 3

36、71 firms in Bavaria,Germanys largest state,in the SZ Institute Best Dealers list.Dehner is one of the leading groups of garden centers in Germany and Austria,with around 130 stores.The ranking system allowed customers to decide which outlet they thought was the best,and Dehner had an average score o

37、f 2.35.The study collected over 33,000 responses,and participants rated the best retailers based on their personal experiences and expectations.South Koreas plan to expand the local pet industrySouth Korea has announced its latest plans to expand the East Asian countrys pet industry to 15 trillion($

38、11.4B/10.3B)in 3 years time.In a statement,the Ministry of Agriculture,Food and Rural Affairs said that the plans seek to“address evolving market trends,such as pet humanization”.Korean officials valued the local pet industry at 8 trillion($6B/5.5B)in 2022.According to a survey,South Koreas annual e

39、xpenditure on pets reached an average of 353,000($269/244)per person in 2022.How prices of US canned pet food could increase by up to 30%A proposal to increase the tax applied to imported tinplate steel by up to 300%is under consideration at the International Trade Commission and the US Department o

40、f Commerce.If adopted,it is expected to have a noticeable impact.The Pet Food Institute warns that imposing these additional tariffs on consumer goods will increase the production costs of canned cat and dog food.The Consumer Brands Association(CBA)has stated that if the tariffs go into effect,compa

41、nies will be forced to raise food prices.It is estimated that the cost of canned food and products could increase between 19%and 30%if the new tariff receives the green light from US officials.According to CBA,the additional cost would be mainly transferred to the end consumer.The increase per can a

42、cross all food categories could be between$0.36 and$0.58(0.330.53).So the tariffs could considerably impact the wet cat food segment,as this accounts for the largest percentage of sales after dry food,representing 45%.PETS INTERNATIONAL|OCTOBER 2023|PET INDUSTRY HIGHLIGHTS 7PET INDUSTRY HIGHLIGHTSGe

43、rman medical firm SYNLAB sells vet business to MarsSYNLAB Vet will join the Mars Petcare portfolio and become integrated into the services provided across veterinary health and diagnostics,nutrition,innovation and technology.The move also allows Mars Science&Diagnostics division to expand its Europe

44、an footprint.SYNLAB,which did not reveal the value of the deal,has allegedly decided to sell the business to Mars to refocus on its core human diagnostics operations.According to some sources,the firms veterinary diagnostics unit generated only 1%of the groups 3.2 billion($3.4B)revenue in 2022.SYNLA

45、B operates across 40countries.Safety and reliability are top priorities for pet owners when it comes to their beloved animals.The increasing demand for premium quality,high flexibility and limitless reliability is constantly presenting petfood producers with new challenges!Whether wet food in cups,c

46、ans,jars and thermoformed packaging or clipped products,such as dog sausage and fresh petfood filled to the exact gram,or snacks,such as filled and unfilled chews,treats,sticks or stripes:VEMAG offers reliable solutions with flexible machine systems!VEMAG:Boundless Passion for YOUR Solution! e-mailv

47、emag.dePurina launches new Eastern European divisionA new division within Purina Petcare Europe will cover Central and Eastern Europe as well as Southeastern Europe.Jean Grunenwald,who has been operating as Regional Business Head of Nestl Purina PetCare in Asia,Oceania and Africa for the past 4 year

48、s,is leading the new division.8 PETS INTERNATIONAL|OCTOBER 2023|PET INDUSTRY HIGHLIGHTS PET INDUSTRY HIGHLIGHTSChewys expansion into Canada:an easy conquest?Some months ago,US online retailer Chewy made a huge announcement saying it plans to expand operations into neighboring Canada this year.Toront

49、o-based e-commerce expert Ran Ravitz believes that unlike other US companies like Target and Nordstrom that have tried and failed to enter the market the expansion of Chewy into Canada sounds like a“more simple conquest”.Ravitz,the founder of e-commerce agency Ecommerce Pathways,adds that Amazon dom

50、inates Canadas e-commerce market and believes it will stay like this after Chewys arrival.However,he predicts that the presence of the US online pet retailer will initially take market share from traditional retailers.“It will challenge and eat away at their e-commerce sales,”he comments.Online comp

51、etition is expected to intensify as soon as Chewy enters the country,with its competitors aiming to retain as much market share as possible.Some well-established players will promote their e-commerce stores more widely,and leverage omnichannel strategies to capture more customers.It is believed that

52、 23%of Canadas pet spending is online,while this represents around 34%in the US.That presents a favorable opportunity for Chewy to enter the market as a new player,but it will need to adapt to a new reality.Study shows vegan cats are healthier than meat-fed onesFindings from a new study from the Uni

53、versity of Winchester(UK)suggest that cats are not“obligate carnivores”,as has been previously claimed,and indicate better health and lower vet visits among cats fed a vegan diet.The research among 1,300 cats concluded that vegan cats made 7.3%fewer visits to the vet at an unusual frequency,suggesti

54、ng less need for emergency treatment.Vegan cats also had a 14.9%reduction in medication use and were 54.7%less likely to progress onto therapeutic diets.There was almost a 4%reduction in the veterinary assessment of cats being unwell,and a drop of 8%in cats displaying severe sickness.Owners opinions

55、 of their cats being unwell were also 23%lower.Pets Corner:expanding their wings in Europeand the USUnder its Pet Family parent company,Pets Corner has been recently expanding across Europe and the US.The firm currently operates 150 locations in the UK.One of the latest developments was the purchase

56、 of 30%of the retailer Cats and Dogs.The Belgian retailer,that currently has 7 stores in the Antwerp region,will keep its own identity and operate independently.Pets Corner hopes to open 20 stores in Belgium over the next 5 years with the new partnership.The UK retailer has also reached an agreement

57、 with US pet retailer Krisers Natural Pet to expand its footprint in North America,a market where it already sells its products to independent stores.The first opening will be in Raleigh,North Carolina,and that state will remain the focus for the coming years.Food and ingredientsWhy does private lab

58、el perform better in Europe than in the US?We also look at the trend of freeze-dried treats and developments in pet food manufacturing equipment.Additionally,youll discover a research update on additives like copper and zinc,as well as preservatives.US consumers are loving freeze-dried treats 10A Eu

59、ropean approach to pet-food private labels 13Dietary AGEs and their impact on pets 16Search for sustainable fish-oil alternative leads to microalgae 19A balancing act:the nutritional seesaw of copper and zinc 21Should there be a limit on the concentration of copper in dogfood?23Grain-free diets re-v

60、isited:an update on pulses in pet food 25Trends revolutionizing pet food manufacturing equipment 29Pet food labeling and preservative use 32Preserving pet food safety and regulations 3510 PETS INTERNATIONAL|OCTOBER 2023|FOOD AND INGREDIENTS Freeze-dried and air-dried pet food options have grown in p

61、opularity in the US pet food space,and the trend has crossed over into the treats market as well.While many marketers of frozen raw food have already been offering freeze-dried treat options,traditional treat and kibble manufacturers are now entering the category too.This is a sure indication of the

62、 potential of these products.Potential to meet todays demandFreeze-dried and air-dried(or dehydrated)treats are popular because they offer some of the same nutritional benefits of raw products,in a cleaner,significantly more convenient format.The treats dont require refrigeration and avoid the mess

63、frequently associated with raw products.Marketers offering freeze-dried options are tapping into a range of treats market trends,such as single and limited ingredients,weight management,and health and wellness in general.US consumers are loving freeze-dried treats Purchase rates for treats and chews

64、 by specialty formulation(past 12 months,%of dog and cat treats/chews purchasers)Whole animal parts(such as rawhide,ears,snouts,bone,hooves)900+=30%Freeze-dried/dehydrated720+=24%660+=22%Refrigerated(as sold in store)560+=18%420+=14%Raw(other than freeze-dried)420+=14%240+=8%Frozen360+=12%210+=7%Sou

65、rce:Packaged Facts May 2023 Survey of Pet Owners50=Dogs 50=Cats PETS INTERNATIONAL|OCTOBER 2023|FOOD AND INGREDIENTS 11Because freeze-dried treats tend to feature simpler ingredients,they are also part of the humanization trend,offering owners a treat product with recognizable ingredients and a fini

66、shed product that more closely resembles human food.These treats also address pet owners demand for clean labels and ingredient transparency.Purchasing to sampleData from the Packaged Facts May 2023 Survey of Pet Owners shows that by specialty formulation freeze-dried/dehydrated treats were second i

67、n popularity only to treats/chews made from whole animal parts such as rawhide.Some 24%of dog owners and 22%of cat owners who had purchased treats in the US in the past 12 months purchased freeze-driedproducts.This purchase rate is somewhat higher than that for pet foods in the same category,with Pa

68、ckaged Facts survey data from February 2023 showing that 12%of dog and cat owners had purchased freeze-dried pet foods in the past 12 months.The difference in purchase rates is probably due to pet owners being much more likely to purchase treats to sample than to make a major change to their pets fo

69、od.Additionally,a small bag of treats is less of a commitment than a large bag of pet food.More varieties on offerIllustrating the popularity of freeze-dried treats,Global Pet Expo 2023 featured several new product introductions from the likes of Made by Nacho,A Better Treat,and Montana Dog Food Co.

70、A number of other companies are active in the freeze-dried and air-dried treats category.One of these is West Paw,which markets several freeze-dried treats,including its superfood-based duck variety.Another is K9 Bros with“gently dried”treats in salmon,chicken and beef as well as fruit-based and veg

71、etable-based varieties.And PureBites has a wide range of freeze-dried and air-dried treats.One of the top raw food players in the pet treats and chews market is Vital Essentials,offering several varieties of packaged raw freeze-dried treats.These range from beef liver nibs to bully sticks.The compan

72、y also sells VE RAW BAR selections of freeze-dried animal parts individually and in bulk containers.Pet retailers are getting involved as well,with both Petco(WholeHearted)and Chewy(Tylees and American Journey)offering private-label freeze-dried treatoptions.The futureBecause freeze-dried,air-dried

73、and dehydrated pet treats align with so many overarching pet market trends,demand for these products is definitely expected to grow.Pet owners appreciate how the treats feature minimal processing and recognizable ingredients in a convenient format,allowing them to enjoy guilt-free bonding time with

74、their pets.Latest investments Underscoring the positive outlook for freeze-dried treat products are the number of recent mergers and acquisitions,as well as investments that involve marketparticipants.Last October,BrightPet Nutrition Group acquired Bravo Pet Foods,which manufactures frozen raw and f

75、reeze-dried pet foods and treats.And in September 2022,Ziwi Ltd,a premium pet food exporter and maker of air-dried food and treats in New Zealand that also does a lot of business in the US acquired Freeze Dried Foods,another New Zealand company.One of the biggest acquisitions in this space,in Februa

76、ry 2023,was pet market giant Mars Petcares acquisition of Canada-based Champion Petfoods and its Orijen and Acana pet food brands,both of which offer freeze-dried treat products.Shannon BrownPet Brand Manager Packaged FactsFreeze-dried treats also address pet owners demand for clean labels and ingre

77、dient transparency.12 PETS INTERNATIONAL|OCTOBER 2023|FOOD AND INGREDIENTS Every detail mattersWithout the little things,no great results.Private label producer of high-quality dry&wet pet food,biscuits and snacks for cats and dogs.www.unitedpetfood.euPet Fair South-East Asia 25-27 October booth H09

78、PLMA Chicago 12-14 November booth F8726Visit us!PETS INTERNATIONAL|OCTOBER 2023|FOOD AND INGREDIENTS 13The private-label pet food category is performing better in Europe than in the US.What are the reasons behind this difference?Private labels in the European pet food market have seen a notable year

79、,crossing the$6 billion(5.5B)mark and regaining ground in terms of market share.A well-established categoryWith a significant share of the market(55%in volume and 34%in value),private label is a well-established category within the fast-moving consumer goods(FMCG)sector in Europe.The market share in

80、 North America is considerably lower in comparison(38%in volume and 17%in value).There are a few reasons to explain this difference:European retailers have been more aggressive than their US counterparts in promoting their private label brands European consumers are more willing to try new products

81、and have less brand loyalty than American consumers European retailers have succeeded in building a more premium image for their private label brands,which has helped them to differentiate themselves from manufacturers brands European retailers tend to work in a more centralized manner than US retai

82、lers.This gives them greater control over their supply chains,which makes it easier for them to develop and promote their own private label brands.Evolution of pet-food private labelsThe dominance of the private label category is slightly less pronounced in the European pet food segment,with a 47%vo

83、lume share and a 31%value share.The comparatively lower prevalence of private labels in pet food has historically been attributed to consumer preferences.When it comes to caring for others,consumers tend to focus more strongly on quality and therefore choose manufacturers brands over private labels.

84、This trend can be seen in segments such as baby care as well as pet care.A European approach to pet-food private labels see next page14 PETS INTERNATIONAL|OCTOBER 2023|FOOD AND INGREDIENTS Over the last few years,more sophisticated and premium ranges of private-label pet food products have been deve

85、loped.However,these have struggled to secure a foothold in the market dominated by manufacturers brands,with both the volume share and value share declining by around 1 percentage point.Nevertheless,there are signs of a shift driven by the recent increase in inflation rates and the erosion of consum

86、er spending power.The purchase of private label products has now become a primary strategy for people looking to manage their household expenses.This is having a positive impact on the share of the private label category,both in the broader FMCG sector and within the pet food segment.Cost-of-living

87、crisisAnother coping behavior to navigate the cost-of-living crisis is the increased willingness of consumers to shop at discounter stores.This is also benefiting the private label category,since the share of private labels is bigger in the discounter channel.This increased interest in private label

88、 has not yet triggered substantial volume growth in the European region.Nevertheless,the category has shown resilience amid the ongoing volume decline affecting both the FMCG and pet food sectors.Private labels have not been entirely immune to this downward trend,but their overall decline has been l

89、ess steep compared to manufacturers brands(year-on-year volume change of-0.4%versus-2.5%),resulting in anincreased market share by volume(rising from 46.4%to 47.3%).Countries to watch Pet-food private labels have achieved volume growth in a number of European countries,specifically France(11.7%),Ger

90、many(4.4%)and Poland(3.7%).These growth figures are accompanied by notable increases in volume shares,with Poland witnessing a 5.1%increase,while Germany and France each saw a 4%increase.These gains surpass those achieved by private labels in the broader FMCG category.Interestingly,the United Kingdo

91、m deviates from this trend,with the nation experiencing relatively stagnant volume growth.This can be attributed to a significant reduction in the product assortment,which happened to a lesser extent in the other 3 major countries.Slightly less price-competitiveThe prices of pet-food private label p

92、roducts have been raised a little more aggressively than branded products:by 23%,compared to 19%for manufacturers brands.This equates to a 1.3 percentage points increase in the value share,from 29.6%to 30.9%.As a result,private labels in the European region have experienced a slight reduction in the

93、ir price competitiveness.Based on the price index for the pet food category,private labels are 34.1%cheaper than the category baseline in 2023,whereas they were 35.9%cheaper last year.Upon closer examination of this trend,the United Kingdom stands out once again,with relative prices rising by 3.9 pe

94、rcentage points this year.Performance of pet-food private labels(volume change/price change vs.2022)Europe(33 countries)UK Germany France Poland Source:NielsenIQ strategic planner,52 weeks to 16 July 2023%Volume change%Value change%Price increase vs.last year22.6%+23%+26%+15%+19%+28%25.5%-0.1%-0.4%4

95、.4%3.7%11.7%20.4%32.7%32.9%PETS INTERNATIONAL|OCTOBER 2023|FOOD AND INGREDIENTS 15Gaelle BallarinGlobal Insight LeadNielsenIQConversely,the index shows that the price competitiveness of pet-food private labels in the other 3 major countries has improved slightly.For instance,in Germany,where the rel

96、ative price difference is the smallest at around 25%,private labels became 0.5 percentage points cheaper than the baseline this year.For comparative purposes,the relative price difference in North America has remained steady at26%.What will the future bring?So the next big question is:Will private l

97、abels in the pet food sector continue to do well in the future?The answer seems to be yes,for 2 main reasons.First,pressure on peoples wallets will persist for the foreseeable future.This will encourage them to stick with their money-saving strategies,which often involve choosing private labels.Seco

98、ndly,as more shoppers trial the category,the acceptance is likely to increase further.35%of consumers already say that some store-brand products are just as good as or even better than manufacturers brands.Given the likely sustained interest and growth in private labels,it is key for branded manufac

99、turers to pursue strategies that will enable them to either maintain or grow their market share.Obvious strategies include offering their own value-for-money products,implementing effective pack/price architecture or having a portfolio of brands that can play in different price tiers.Besides these s

100、trategies,some manufacturers have successfully managed to offer points of differentiation or added perceived benefits versus private label products.Examples include initiatives related to sustainably sourced ingredients or recyclable packaging.These are areas that the majority of mainstream retailer

101、s are unlikely to pursue with their private label ranges in the short term.Unleash success with NutriliqRapid deliveryUnwavering commitment to animal well-beingTailored supplements?High-quality custom-made animal supplements?Nutriliq excels in crafting unique feed supplements in various forms:Functi

102、onal Snack POPULAR!Liquid Powder Paste?100%tailored for private label needs,we value personalized solutionsinfonutriliq.euwww.nutriliq.eu 2023-10991_Nutriliq_adv.indd 116 PETS INTERNATIONAL|OCTOBER 2023|FOOD AND INGREDIENTS Advanced Glycation End Products,or AGEs,are compounds made when proteins or

103、lipids are exposed to sugar.They become attached via a covalent bond,or glycated.There are many pathways for the development of AGEs.They can form in situ over days to months,or can be taken in via dietary sources.AGEs in foodDietary AGE formation tends to happen during cooking at high temperatures,

104、with levels often higher in animal-based foods.However,this is not a simple formula,as decreased cooking times,the presence of acidic ingredients and inhibitor compounds can decrease AGE formation.Moisture is necessary for some reactions,but conversely,higher levels can beinhibitory.Dietary retentio

105、n is similarly complicated.Studies have shown varying levels of absorption and excretion,and factors such as the influence of ingredients,compound weight,anti-AGE factors,and interactions with other nutrients such as fiber are not yet thoroughlyunderstood.Compared against a human diet,the impact of

106、a single foods AGE content is multiplied in our pets who tend to eat the same food day-to-day.The average canine daily intake of certain AGEs on a metabolic body weight basis has been estimated to be over 100-fold that of humans,according to the estimations of a study.What is the concern?AGE compoun

107、ds can impart flavors and colors to food.However,they have been implicated in chronic diseases in people,especially inflammatory and oxidative processes,such as in cardiovascular disease,diabetes and Alzheimers.The reactions can also reduce bioavailability of the original nutrient a notable example

108、is lysine,an essential amino acid.In addition,there is concern that these newly formed compounds can serve as a source of unexpected allergens.The potential ill-effects in pets are less well known,but the same concerns are also extrapolated to pet food.Next steps:improving knowledge and reducing die

109、tary levelsThere are still many unanswered questions regarding AGE levels in pet foods.Filling these knowledge gaps may be simpler than addressing the overarching question:How do AGEs impact pet health?In vivo,the ability to study AGEs suffers from the same limitation as studying any single nutritio

110、nal factor:the difficulty in assessing and controlling for all potentially Dietary AGEs and their impact on petsCompounds known as AGEs are found in varying amounts in pet foods.With these substances linked to some chronic diseases in people,should the focusbe on reduction?PETS INTERNATIONAL|OCTOBER

111、 2023|FOOD AND INGREDIENTS 17confounding factors.However,it has been theorized that increased life span in mice with caloric restriction was related to reduced AGE consumption.Although endogenous production remains a significant source of AGEs,reducing the dietary component is associated with lowere

112、d overall levels.As pet food production methods vary greatly in ways known to affect AGE production,such as temperature and time,it is logical to consider how this may affect levels in pet foods.While AGE content of individual ingredients has been examined,studies looking at AGEs in pet food have on

113、ly begun relatively recently,with few studies comparing different types of pet foods.More information neededIn one study from the University of Georgia,AGE levels were highest in a wet food,followed by an air-dried food,kibble and a gently cooked/raw diet.However,the wet diet was the only diet found

114、 to be statistically different.AGE type also varies between categories of pet food.For example,certain AGEs may be higher in kibble than wet and vice versa.Overall,higher AGE content in wet diets over extruded has been a relatively consistent finding,however,further studies are needed.In personal co

115、mmunications with a variety of pet food manufacturers,few companies reported testing for AGEs,and testing methods vary.In addition,examining AGE content on a caloric basis is needed to accurately estimate a pets overall intake.Further information regarding AGE formation and absorption,their role in

116、disease,and the best ways to reduce dietary contribution as well as overall body stores in our pets is needed in order to best guide petdiets.As many pets suffer from obesity and overfeeding,ensuring pets are fed an appropriate amount would be a simple first step to reducing the AGE burden.Additiona

117、lly,in the pursuit of healthier diets for our pets,considerations such as food safety,nutrient bioavailability,shelf stability,and patient-specific nutritional needs should not be overlooked.Emily LuisanaVeterinary Nutritionist and Industry Consultant18 PETS INTERNATIONAL|OCTOBER 2023|FOOD AND INGRE

118、DIENTS PETS INTERNATIONAL|OCTOBER 2023|FOOD AND INGREDIENTS 19When looking to increase the worlds access to beneficial omega-3 fatty acids for cats and dogs,Veramaris found the solution in a potent natural source:microalgae.The resulting algal oil supports pet food manufacturers innovation and sourc

119、ing activities.Scientists agree that omega-3 fatty acids and in particular EPA and DHA offer proven metabolic and health benefits for dogs and cats.However,dogs can only generate limited amounts of EPA and DHA,and neither can be generated in cats.Therefore,dietary supplementation is recommended to e

120、nsure the pets baseline nutritional requirements are being met.The challengeTraditionally,fish oil and fishmeal from wild fish stocks have been the sole source of these essential fatty acids.“But the biggest roadblock with fish oil is that there simply isnt enough of it,”says Gertjan de Koning,CEO o

121、f Veramaris.“Its virtually impossible to source enough fish from oceans without unacceptable overfishing.The animal nutrition industry is in dire need of sustainable fish-oil alternatives.”Veramaris therefore embarked on a challenge:to sustainably increase the worlds access to EPA and DHA.To achieve

122、 this,scientists turned to one of the most potent sources of these long-chain omega-3 fatty acids:microalgae.ResearchMore than 35 years of research resulted in a unique algal oil that is both safe and sustainable.Veramaris Pets Algal Oil provides staggering amounts of EPA and DHA,allowing the animal

123、 nutrition industry to become independent of marine resources.Additionally,the algal oil is rich in arachidonic acid(ARA)an essential omega-6 fatty acid for cats making it one of the few rich vegetarian sources of ARA.Quality assuranceThe production process of Veramaris Pets Algal Oil is relatively

124、simple,presenting few critical control points and allowing for superior quality and food safety standards.A closed-vessel fermentation process ensures that the algal oil is free from ocean-borne contaminants such as heavy metals,dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls(PCBs).The fully controlled proces

125、s also allows for minimal variation in the levels of EPA and DHA,giving pet food manufacturers the opportunity to confidently claim these omega-3 fatty acids in their products.“The regenerative nature of the algal oil brings supply assurance to a volatile market,meeting the needs of a global market

126、hungry for fish-oil alternatives,”states George B.Josef,Global Head of Business Development at Veramaris.“We are pleased to be able to support pet food manufacturers innovation and strategic sourcing objectives in this way,”he concludes.Search for sustainable fish-oil alternative leads to microalgae

127、George B.JosefGlobal Head of Business Development at Veramaris V20 PETS INTERNATIONAL|OCTOBER 2023|FOOD AND INGREDIENTS ExtensiveGourmet MenuSustainably Sourced&Halal CertifiedWe are looking for distributors.Scan the QR code to get in touch to bring your customers a new rainbow selection!7-10 May 20

128、24,Nuremberg,GermanyMeet us there!PETS INTERNATIONAL|OCTOBER 2023|FOOD AND INGREDIENTS 21 see next pageZinc is an important trace element for the development of epithelialization in the skin:the process whereby new skin cells migrate to where they are needed,such as in wound healing.Additionally,it

129、serves as a cofactor in numerous vital enzymes.Copper is also known to be a component of several enzymes,and it is involved in hemoglobin formation and immune function processes.It is one of the elements required for melanin production and keratin synthesis.However,you can have too much of a good th

130、ing,and copper toxicity due to excessive dietary intake is a rising concern for veterinarians.Copper and zinc:their importance for petsZinc carries a vital role in tissues that undergo cell renewal,such as the skin,where healing and reparations are needed.Interestingly,the skin contains approximatel

131、y 20%of the total body zinc stores,where the highest concentrations are in the nasal planum,tongue and footpads.In fast-growing young dogs,a deficiency of zinc can be manifested as a condition called zinc-responsive dermatosis,which is characterized by hairless,hyperkeratotic lesions commonly found

132、around the mouth and joints of the puppy.Although it can be quite a scare for the owner,it is a simple condition to treat:all that is needed is a growth-adjusted balanced diet that is highly digestible,and short-term zinc supplementation.Generally,zinc deficiency in both growing and adult cats and d

133、ogs is most visible in the skin causing a rough impression of the hair and dry,itchy skin.Interestingly,when it comes to copper deficiency,a study in the Journal of Nutrition found no signs reported in adult dogs.Nevertheless,in growing dogs and cats,loss of hair pigmentation and rough,dull hair coa

134、t were noted as the main clinical symptoms of copper deficiency in the diet.However,copper deficiency is considered to be unlikely in pets,as commercial diets contain adequate copper levels.The liver is the central organ for copper metabolism,and A balancing act:the nutritional seesaw of copper and

135、zincWe all know that trace elements are important for various bodily functions,and we can assume that the same principles apply to pets.When it comes to copper and zinc,this is certainly the case.22 PETS INTERNATIONAL|OCTOBER 2023|FOOD AND INGREDIENTS hepatic concentration of copper is the most reli

136、able reflection of pets copper intake and status.Maintaining the balance:Are we following safe requirements?The availability of copper and zinc from different foods and supplements can vary,so the requirement for these trace elements is difficult to define.The requirement will depend on the source i

137、n the diet(organic versus inorganic form)and the level of other nutrients that can have interactions with both copper and zinc.Copper and zinc are both known for their sensitive balance,that can be easily thrown off by poor digestibility of the diet,too high concentrations of calcium,or the presence

138、 of phytate,found in diets containing high levels of soy.This can ultimately lead to poor absorption and deficiency of zinc and copper in the body.However,an excess of these elements is also possible.It is hypothesized that the copper contents of many commercial dog foods are greater than the biolog

139、ic requirement of dogs and can even exceed the tolerance limit.It has been noted that the mean hepatic copper concentration in dogs has progressively increased over the past decade and this can be correlated to high copper content in commercial dog foods.At the same time,there is a growing body of e

140、vidence suggesting an association between high hepatic copper concentrations and the presence of hepatic abnormalities on a microscopic level that could lead to the development of chronic hepatic disease.Recently,the current guidelines for copper content in commercial dog foods have been critically

141、discussed,and an important question has been raised:Is there any correlation with the increased incidence of copper-associated hepatopathy in dogs that has been noted over the past decade?Clinicians are looking into the possible relationship between the change in the type of copper used in pre-mixes

142、 added to commercial dog foods,and increased use of novel protein meats with high organ inclusion rates,such as liver,that could significantly influence the final copper content in thediets.The dangers of excessCopper toxicity manifests as copper accumulation in liver tissue,causing damage and negat

143、ively affecting liver function.There are 3 causes of hepatic copper accumulations reported in the literature.Firstly,a hereditary defect,as seen in Bedlington terrier dogs.Secondly,the altered biliary excretion of copper due to hepatic inflammation and fibrosis.The third cause of hepatic copper accu

144、mulation is excessive intake through the diet.Excess copper levels lead to a high degree of oxidative damage to lipids and proteins in the liver tissue,resulting in chronic hepatitis.Veterinary diets are formulated to counteract excessive copper deposition in liver tissue,using high concentrations o

145、f zinc salts.These are effective in preventing copper accumulation in the liver,as zinc has properties that help with liver integrity.Additionally,zinc ions induce the synthesis of metallothionein,which binds copper making it unabsorbable from the intestine and possibly detoxifying it in the liver.Z

146、inc acetate or zinc gluconate is recommended as the preferred source of zinc added to hepatic diets,since the sulfate form may be associated with gastric irritation and vomiting.Expert recommendationsEvaluating the copper content of pet food is considered challenging and it cannot be reliably done b

147、y reading the pet food label as the value on the label would represent added copper,and not the sum of supplements and native copper already found in feedstuffs in the diet.Another challenge lies in the fact that there is a wide bioavailability of copper from organic and inorganic sources,such as di

148、fferent salts(copper oxide versus copper sulfate).Some veterinary clinicians believe that the current recommendations for copper content in adult maintenance canine diets are too high,and may exceed the upper tolerability limit for some dogs,resulting in hepatic disease.They are calling for reconsid

149、eration of copper requirements for dogs set by regulatorybodies.Diana BroziAssistant ProfessorUniversity of ZagrebThe copper content of pet food cannot be reliably evaluated by reading the pet food label.PETS INTERNATIONAL|OCTOBER 2023|FOOD AND INGREDIENTS 23Despite a general consensus on the curren

150、t rules,there is an ongoing debate inthesector.The Association of American Feed Control Officials(AAFCO)believes that existing guidelines for the copper concentration in foods for average dogs are,at present,properly and sufficiently regulated.However,it is open to monitoring the situation and event

151、ually improving regulations after concerns were voiced in a study.How it all startedThe minimum inclusion levels recommended by the AAFCO,the organization that sets standards for pet foods in the US,are 7.3 parts per million(ppm)or milligrams per liter(total diet)for adult dogs,and 12.4ppm for growt

152、h,reproduction periods and all life stages.However,a scientific article published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association(JAVMA)raised doubts over the existing regulations and called for a maximum copper concentration in commercial dog food to be set.The article states that the

153、 copper level in dogs livers has risen in the past decades and warned that the copper contents of many commercial dog foods are greater than the biological requirement of dogs and exceed the tolerance limit for some of them”.The reactionThe suggestions made in the article were analyzed by an AAFCO e

154、xpert panel.After analyzing the relevant veterinary literature,the panel determined that the data for setting a safe upper limit or maximum tolerance of copper in canine foods was insufficient”.The AAFCOs Executive Director,Austin Therrell,says the association remains reluctant to make regulatory re

155、commendations based on implications or associations without definitive proof of cause and effect”.Voluntary languagePETS International learned that during the last AAFCO annual meeting,which took place in August,it was decided a new workgroup would be formed to explore the development of voluntary l

156、anguage for“low copper claims”.Theres still not enough data to support a maximum copper level,as evidenced by multiple experts who all had different opinions at this meeting,highlights Therrell.The AAFCO will be paying close attention to veterinary literature on this topic but highlighted that until

157、 science definitively shows additional controls or restrictions are needed,it believes that copper concentration in foods for average dogs is appropriately and sufficiently regulated at present.David Palacios RubioHead of Editorial GlobalPETSShould there be a limit on the concentration of copper in

158、dog food?24 PETS INTERNATIONAL|OCTOBER 2023|FOOD AND INGREDIENTS Natural bioactive ingredientto soothe pets!Limagrain Ingredients franceNaturally innovating solutionsLimagrain Ingredients develops its ingredients with nutrition and functionality in mind.This winning recipe is applied to the entire p

159、et food range,from functional flours to puffed grains produced through the unique PRESCO(for PRESsure-COoking)process.Whether youre looking for high digestible energy,texture enhancement or binding properties for your pet food products,the companys solutions meet the strictest requirements in terms

160、of quality and nutrition,naturally!Limagrain I Eagle finlandWhy choose Golden Eagle?Golden Eagle Holistic Health pet food is formulated using only fresh,natural,wholesome pet food ingredients from each of the 5foodgroups.The food is suitable for different life stages of your dog or cat not only for

161、healthy pets,but also for pets that suffer from allergic and especially hereditary diseases.Golden Eagle Petfoods Co.Ltd/Shetland O PETS INTERNATIONAL|OCTOBER 2023|FOOD AND INGREDIENTS 25Diets eliminating grains have attracted plenty of attention in recent years,but for all the wrong reasons.Pet foo

162、ds marketed as grain-free primarily use pulses,protein-rich seeds such as peas,lentils,chickpeas,and various types of beans found in legume crops.While they began as a popular and healthy alternative to grain-based pet foods,pulses quickly fell under scrutiny following a 2018 FDA investigation on gr

163、ain-free diets and their potential role in canine dilated cardiomyopathy(DCM).However,this 2022 investigation concluded no causal link exists between grain-free diets and DCM currently.New research sheds further light on safetyAmidst the controversy,a 2023 study conducted at the Ontario Veterinary C

164、ollege has brought fresh insights into the use of pulses in grain-free pet food formulations,helping re-establish a prospective future for pulses.To date,this is the longest controlled feeding study to assess the safety of pulse-based diets in healthy adult dogs.The main focus of the study was to mo

165、nitor the effect of increasing dietary pulse concentrations(primarily peas)on cardiac function,plasma sulfur amino acid(SAA)concentrations,body condition,and blood values over a 20-week dietary trial.Test diets contained between 0%-45%pulse ingredients,reflecting concentrations in commercial diets t

166、hat meet and/or exceed guidelines from The Association of American Feed Control Officials(AAFCO).Their data addresses 3 main concerns associated with grain-free diets.1.Cardiac functionThe study found no negative impact on cardiac function among the different dietary treatments after 20 weeks.Even a

167、t 45%pulse inclusion,there were no changes to cardiac function(assessed using echocardiography)or to concentrations of biomarkers commonly associated with cardiomyopathy (NT-proBNP and cTnI).2.Sulfur Amino Acid(SAA)statusTaurine is a non-essential amino acid required for cardiac function and is synt

168、hesized from sulfur-containing amino acids like methionine and cysteine.Despite pulses being generally low in SAA,pulse-containing diets did not cause deficiencies in plasma SAA concentrations when fed a complete and balanced diet with 45%pulse inclusion.This means that pulses did not interfere with

169、 the absorptive processes of the intestines,since adequate levels of SAA were maintained in the serum and available for taurinesynthesis.3.General safety and efficacyThe study concludes that balanced and completediets containing pulses,specifically peas,were safe for healthy adult dogs over a 20-wee

170、k study Grain-free diets re-visited:an update on pulses in pet food see next page26 PETS INTERNATIONAL|OCTOBER 2023|FOOD AND INGREDIENTS Berj is a family-owned leader of the flavor and fragrance industry like no other.Founded in 1949 by two brothers in the aftermath of World War II,the company began

171、 life as little more than a tiny office in lower Manhattan.Since then,we have grown into a multinational organization with over 150 employees spanning more than 100 countries.The privatively-owned flavor and fragrance ingredient source since 1949.+1 973 748 8980 74YEARS 3GENERATIONS 1AMBITION PETS I

172、NTERNATIONAL|OCTOBER 2023|FOOD AND INGREDIENTS 27period.No adverse effects on body condition,blood values,and biochemical changes occurred among the different dietary treatments.Overall,the results of this study suggest that dog foods containing pulses are not a causative factor for DCM in non-genet

173、ically predisposed dogs.It should be noted though,that this study is relatively small,using only 28 dogs 7 in each dietary group and should be interpreted accordingly.The value of peasPeas are the second most valuable legume(after soybean),with a rich nutrient profile high in proteins and carbohydra

174、tes while remaining low in fats.They are particularly abundant in potassium,B vitamins,and essential amino acids.However,pea protein must be supplemented with SAAs to formulate a complete and balanced diet.As pet ownership continues to grow exponentially,the need for sustainable and high-quality ing

175、redients has become a priority.Recent animal and grain production shortages have presented challenges,sparking the search for scalable solutions.Pea production emerges as a promising answer to sustainability.With high yields per acre,reduced water consumption,and nitrogen-fixing capabilities,peas ar

176、e not only eco-conscious,but also a cost-effective option for pet food formulations.Future applicationsThe FDAs inconclusive findings on grain-free diets and the safety demonstrated by recent controlled food trials pave the way for innovative applications of pulses(and more specifically pea protein)

177、in pet food.Some examples include:Diet sensitivitiesNearly 30%of veterinary visits result from vomiting and diarrhea.Dietary elimination trials are commonly used both in diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal disorders.Current hypoallergenic diets often rely on hydrolyzed or novel protein sour

178、ces.Pea protein has the potential to be incorporated into hypoallergenic diets as an additional tool to help manage food sensitivities and avoid common dietary allergens.Encapsulation techniques for bioactive ingredients Bioactive compounds are secondary metabolites found in whole foods that are dif

179、ficult to preserve due to pH sensitivity,UV exposure,and thermal processing used in extrusion.This limits their use in pet food products unless they are preserved and encapsulated.The main techniques include spray-drying,emulsion,and complex formation to stabilize lipophilic bioactive ingredients li

180、ke-tocopherol,omega-3 fatty acids,and linolenic acid to incorporate them into pet food formulations.Encapsulation has also helped deliver water-soluble vitamins to the intestines for absorption.For example,pea protein microparticles cross-linked with transglutaminase have been used to encapsulate ri

181、boflavin(vitamin B2),with 74%to 84%successfully reaching the gastric and intestinal fluids.Food emulsificationPea protein can stabilize liquid emulsions and microencapsulate oils to enhance the texture and palatability of pet food.Under the right conditions,pea protein can reduce the surface tension

182、 between oil and water,helping form stable emulsions that enhance the overall sensory experience for pets.A recent Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada study shows that pea protein even outperforms soy as an emulsifying agent at a neutral pH.Moving forwardPea protein has emerged as a sought-after ingred

183、ient in the food industry,driven by its versatile applications,low cost,and nutritional benefits.As consumer demand for sustainable and allergen-free options continues to grow,pea protein offers a promising solution for the future of pet food formulations.With new studies addressing safety concerns,

184、pulses show great potential to shape the pet food industry.Pea production emerges as a promising answer to sustainability.Ashkan SadriVeterinary ResearcherVetabroad.org28 PETS INTERNATIONAL|OCTOBER 2023|FOOD AND INGREDIENTS Let RBS take your pet treat operation to a new,healthier level with our full

185、y automated system solutions.We offer a complete production system including continuous mixing,baking and drying equipment,and a variety of forming optionssheeted,rotary moulded,wirecut,extruded and co-extruded products.For details on how to automate and improve to your pet treat operation,visit or

186、call(01)610-693-5816.Better is baked right in.LEARN MOREHEALTHIER PET TREATS&BAKED KIBBLE START WITH AUTOMATED SYSTEMS FROM RBS.Visit us at Velvet Packaging italyGreen retortable pouchesMany pet food companies are still clinging to traditional rigid packaging like cans or trays for wet food.However,

187、in this ever-changing landscape,the shift to retortable pouches presents a golden opportunity for those looking to embrace the future.This shift promises economic benefits through space efficiency,reduced production costs and design flexibility.Retortable pouches are not only flat and space-saving,b

188、ut also lighter and more material-efficient,helping to lower production and transportation expenses.They offer creative packaging customization options,allowing brands to attract consumer attention in a competitive market.In the coming months,recyclable retortable pouches will be available,reducing

189、environmental impact and meeting the growing demand for sustainability.Adopting retortable pouches for wet pet food represents a leap forward in modernization,efficiency,and commitment to a greener future.Velvet S PETS INTERNATIONAL|OCTOBER 2023|FOOD AND INGREDIENTS 29The ongoing humanization of pet

190、s hasnt just changed what consumers buy.Its also changing the way pet food is made.Many manufacturers are discovering that their existing production machinery requires an upgrade if they want to remain competitive in todays pet food market.This is being driven by 2 main trends:the rising demand for

191、human-grade pet food,and the growing importance of sustainability.We asked a few equipment manufacturers to share their insights into the marketdevelopments.Explosion of interestAs the name suggests,Pennsylvania-based Reading Bakery Systems started out as a bakery equipment supplier;the founders did

192、nt initially intend to get into the pet food business.But when the company purchased a cookie/cracker equipment manufacturer in the early 2000s,the owners realized the equipment could also be used to make treats for pets.Over the past few years,the firm has seen an explosion of interest from pet foo

193、d companies looking to make human-grade and human-like baked pet food.“The machinery is more expensive,but profitable in the longer term.People are willing to pay more for the end products,so you can make a lot more money even though production capacity of the line is lower,”says Dulcie Freymoyer,VP

194、 of Marketing.Equipment upgradesAnimal feed equipment firm KSE Process Technology attributes the trend to the ongoing humanization of pets.Consumers increasingly make decisions based on the perceived healthfulness and quality of pet food,just as they would for other members of the family,according t

195、o Martijn van Eijk,the companys North America Area Sales Manager for the pet food group.Meanwhile,Todd Olmstead from processing equipment manufacturer Marlen says that this shift and the demand for human-grade and fresh refrigerated products that has come with it has brought new companies into the p

196、et food manufacturing equipment segment as well as prompting existing companies to innovate to keep up with the competition.Higher standards among consumers,the introduction of a wider array of ingredients including more vitamins and minerals and the greater diversity of recipes,have all increased t

197、he complexity of pet food manufacturing.This is driving manufacturers to upgrade their equipment and software.Inspiration from human food processing“With the increase in demand for human-grade pet food,weve seen companies looking Trends revolutionizing pet foodmanufacturing equipment see next page30

198、 PETS INTERNATIONAL|OCTOBER 2023|FOOD AND INGREDIENTS Farm Company italyPi Buono functional snacksNew in Farm Companys green assortment:Pi Buono.A range of 12 functional snacks,biscuits and dental sticks,some with Organic certification.100%made in Italy with the best natural ingredients and herbs to

199、 support healthy skin,coat&bones,help the immune system&digestive process,and promote healthy teeth&gums.Rich in vitamins&minerals No preservatives,artificial colors,salt or sugar Presented in a resealable,recycled-paper bagFarm Company Srlinfofarmcompany.itfarmcompany.itYantai China Pet Foods china

200、Spinning treats for cats Made with real chicken and catnip The spinning motion is fun for your catYantai China Pet Foods Co.,LtdA PETS INTERNATIONAL|OCTOBER 2023|FOOD AND INGREDIENTS 31Manufacturers are looking to the ready-to-eat sector to identify new technologies.at new equipment that they previo

201、usly wouldnt have needed or even thought of when producing pet food,”Olmstead comments.The technology in general might not be new,he says,but its new to pet food manufacturers.Freymoyer has noticed interest in co-extrusion equipment that can create filled treats for pets.“Were seeing a lot of high m

202、eat content.But besides that,if youve walked through the pet treats aisle,youve probably seen Oreo-type cookies:filled pretzels without the salt,”she states.“Theyre not just human-grade;they actually look like human treats.”To identify technologies that can be applied to pet food production,manufact

203、urers are not only looking to the baking sector for inspiration as Reading Bakery Systems has experienced but also to the ready-to-eat sector.According to Olmstead,a growing number of customers are looking at buying equipment like spiral ovens and dicers.Concern about environmental impact Its not ju

204、st human-grade pet food that is affecting manufacturers equipment choices though.With consumers increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of the pet foods they buy,more manufacturers are asking about energy-efficient equipment and other sustainable options,including the use of alternativ

205、e fuels.This has prompted Reading Bakery Systems to offer more energy-efficient ovens,says Freymoyer,and also to begin looking at the next generation of baking equipment.The company has recently added electric ovens with gas penthouses to its line of offerings.This should make it easier for pet food

206、 manufacturers to reduce their carbon emissions by switching from gas to all-electric operations.In response to customer inquiries,Reading Bakery Systems has also experimented with other alternatives to gas including hydrogen and has various tests in the pipeline.KSE is similarly working with manufa

207、cturers to help them proactively reduce greenhouse gas emissions.According to Van Eijk,upgrading equipment can reduce energy consumption.For example,movable mixers eliminate the need for energy-intensive machinery such as conveyors,chains and pneumaticsystems.The wave of the futureWhile the human-gr

208、ade and sustainable pet food trends are already here,the biggest trend on the horizon for manufacturers is automation,believes Olmstead.Automation can help manufacturers cope with many of the challenges they face in todays market,such as high costs for materials and labor.“Manufacturers are embracin

209、g sustainable practices and addressing labor shortages through automation,”agrees Martijn van Eijk.Automation can also reduce human error,leading to enhanced product quality and reliability,while also increasing efficiency and reducingwaste.Moreover,automated equipment is increasingly intelligent,of

210、fering potentially innovative solutions such as fully automatic container transfer and flexible container weighers.This kind of smart equipment can allow manufacturers to take advantage of automation without losing the flexibility that is needed to shift between products and adapt to rapid changes i

211、n market expectations.Versatile and intelligentAccording to Van Eijk,equipment must be versatile,intelligent and capable of handling various products and recipes.Reporting tools associated with smart technology can also help manufacturers gain greater insight into their production processes to furth

212、er lower costs,reduce errors,manage maintenance and energy use,and support compliance with supply chain traceability requirements.“Responsible pet owners are conscious of what they feed their furry companions and demand transparency in the ingredients used,”comments Van Eijk.“A traceable supply chai

213、n,which guarantees contamination-free equipment and comprehensive track and tracing throughout the manufacturing process,has become essential.Emma PenrodPETS International Contributor32 PETS INTERNATIONAL|OCTOBER 2023|FOOD AND INGREDIENTS No added preservatives!The varying water content in pet food

214、affects the need for preservatives,and therefore the labeling and claims of pet food manufacturers.Microbial growth in food is affected by many factors,including moisture and storage conditions.Commonly used in human food and pet foods alike,preservatives adhere to their name:they aim to preserve fo

215、od throughout its shelf-life.As pet food comes in many forms,including both wet and dry,levels and types of preservatives differ.This affects many labeling and branding claims used by pet food companies.Microbial growth formationLife on earth did not start until one key ingredient came around:water.

216、When it comes to pet food,moisture,together with nutrients in the feed,provides the necessary ingredients for molds and bacteria to grow.Dry and semi-moist pet food is not sterilized,and microbial growth can be controlled within safe bounds by using preservatives,using nitrogen gas at the end of the

217、 production process,or keeping moisture levels at a minimum.Semi-moist feeds have higher moisture contents than dry food and are accordingly more prone to microbial formation if no preserving methods areemployed.Wet food(canned,sachets,trays,cartons)is retorted or sterilized after sealing the packag

218、ing,which can be sufficient to stop microbial formation.In contrast,fresh or raw formulations tend to have a shorter shelf-life than the other product categories,and are stored cooled or frozen as the main preservation method.Water activity as KPIA frequently used quality measure is water activity(a

219、W),which indicates the percentage of moisture in the feed that is available for binding and thereby for microbial growth.For example,one grain may have integrated water as moisture within the grain itself,while another grain is internally drier but has water available as dew on the outside.The latte

220、r could be more susceptible to mold spoilage.Moisture content of the raw materials at intake therefore plays a role in how easily microbes form,but the storage conditions are also important.The temperature and humidity of the manufacturing environment are further factors,together with target moistur

221、e levels of the finished product.The manufacturing process and equipment also affect moisture absorption into the finished product and thereby aW.Preservatives,not antioxidantsSometimes confused,preservatives and antioxidants share a commonality in food because both reduce spoilage of food,maintain

222、nutritional content,and decrease formation of toxic compounds but do so in different ways.Preservatives reduce the growth of microbes,whereas antioxidants prevent oxidation or rancidity of fat.In a rough summary,preservatives aim to prevent pet owners from opening a bag of food and seeing mold.Antio

223、xidants aim to prevent them from opening a bag and encountering a stale smell.Preservatives in the EU are acids,such as propionic acid and sorbic acid,that lower the pH of products and thereby inhibit microbial growth.These acids can Pet food labeling and preservative usebe stabilized by binding the

224、m,as is the case with,for example,calcium propionate and potassium sorbate.Those are 2 examples of ionic chemical bonds,whereas other components might offer stronger covalent bonds.The type of bond determines the strength and stability of the acid and thereby how long it remains in the pet food and

225、functions as a preservative.Branding and labelingCompanies offering branded preservatives have created mixtures of acids which may differ in concentration,and may also include other compounds to provide a synergistic functionality.A commonly added additive is a surfactant which reduces water tension

226、 and allows the acids to further enter into the finished product.Most preservatives used in pet food are feed additives,although there are some feed materials as well.In EU legislation,additives with a legal limit for the target species must be declared.Some preservatives now have a legal maximum wh

227、ere there wasnt one before.However,there is a derogation in place that allows preservatives to be declared as a collective preservatives,as opposed to the individual compounds being listed.In some cases,the pet food contains raw materials which have been preserved themselves.The addition of substanc

228、es for preservation of the raw materials only,as opposed to preserving the finished product,does not require them to be declared.Their presence would still show in an analysis and the finished product cannot be claimed to be free from preservatives.However,if no preservatives are added other than th

229、rough the raw materials,the claim no added preservatives could potentially be made.In EU legislation,additives with a legal limit for the target species must be declared.Alexandra WeskerPet food Nutritionist and FThe Online-Shop for the specialized trade is now onlinewww.shopschulze.deWE HAVE NEWS F

230、OR OUR DEALERS!SAFE&EASY LOGINQUICK ORDER&PRIORITY SHIPMENTS MOBILITY&FLEXIBILITYDISCOUNTS&EXCLUSIVEPROMOTIONSwww.shopschulze.deWE HAVE NEWS FOR OUR DEALERS!SAFE&EASY LOGINQUICK ORDER&PRIORITY SHIPMENTS MOBILITY&FLEXIBILITYDISCOUNTS&EXCLUSIVEPROMOTIONS34 PETS INTERNATIONAL|OCTOBER 2023|FOOD AND INGR

231、EDIENTS +44(0)2890 755566 A patented moisture management technologySmartMoistureKey benefitsReduces water activityMaximises production outputReduces energy costs and enhances profit marginsIncreases food safety PETS INTERNATIONAL|OCTOBER 2023|FOOD AND INGREDIENTS 35There is a growing trend in consum

232、er demand for natural and minimal-ingredient pet foods,in a desire to avoid preservatives.So how safe are these commonadditives?Pet owners often view preservatives in pet food negatively.However,the use of antioxidants in pet food is generally well tolerated,and even positively evaluated.While prese

233、rvatives and antioxidants serve some similar functions,there are distinct differences between them.Preservatives versus antioxidantsPreservatives are substances added to food products to prevent spoilage,inhibit the growth of microorganisms,and extend the shelf life of the product.They work by stopp

234、ing or slowing down the growth of bacteria,molds,yeasts and other microorganisms that can lead to foodborne illnesses or spoilage.Antioxidants,on the other hand,are substances that help inhibit or delay the oxidation process in food.Oxidation is a chemical reaction that can cause the deterioration a

235、nd degradation of food components(primarily fats and oils).By preventing or slowing down oxidation,antioxidants help preserve the quality,flavor and nutritional integrity of food.Its worth noting that some antioxidants,such as vitamin E(tocopherols)and vitamin C(ascorbic acid),are commonly used as b

236、oth preservatives and antioxidants in food products.They serve a dual purpose by protecting against both microbial growth and oxidation.Are preservatives in pet food necessary?Certain types of pet food do not require preservatives due to their formulation or processing methods.For example,canned pet

237、 food does not typically contain preservatives because the canning process,which involves sealing the cans tightly and autoclaving them afterward,ensures the destruction of harmful microorganisms.Product claims such as cold-filled and without preservatives are therefore advertisements with self-evid

238、ent facts Preserving pet food safety and regulations see next page36 PETS INTERNATIONAL|OCTOBER 2023|FOOD AND INGREDIENTS (truisms)and should be avoided.Pet foods with very low moisture content,such as extruded or oven-baked food,or dried snacks,also often do not require preservatives.However,semi-m

239、oist products with higher moisture content usually cannot do without preservatives to prevent the growth of molds.The use or absence of preservatives does not guarantee the absence of other food safety measures or an extended shelf life.Each pet food formulation may have specific recommendations,and

240、 it is advisable to follow the manufacturers guidelines for proper storage andusage.Some preservatives used in pet food,such as sorbic acid,acetic acid,and citric acid,are also commonly found in human food.Sorbic acid is a naturally occurring compound found in some fruits and berries,and acetic acid

241、 is widely known as the main component of vinegar.However,consumer awareness of additives in pet foods tends to be higher,due to the emotional attachment people have to their pets.Pets limited ability to communicate their discomfort or adverse reactions to certain foods places the responsibility on

242、pet owners to understand the ingredients and additives in their pets food.Ensuring safety with preservative useIts important to note that while there are preservatives used in both pet and human food,the permitted usage levels and regulations may differ between the 2 categories.Preservatives and the

243、ir permitted concentrations can vary depending on regional regulations and specific product formulations.The legal status of preservatives in pet food may also vary depending on the country or region.Regulations governing the use of preservatives in pet food are typically set by government agencies

244、responsible for food safety and animal feed regulations.These regulations can change over time as new scientific evidence emerges,and as authorities update theirguidelines.For accurate and up-to-date information on the legal status of preservatives in pet food,it is best to look into the information

245、 given by regulatory bodies,such as the Food and Drug Administration(FDA)in the US,or the European Food Safety Authority(EFSA)in the European Union.These organizations provide guidelines and regulations for the proper use of preservatives(and other additives)in pet food.Upcoming developments Regulat

246、ory bodies often conduct ongoing research and reassessments to ensure the safety and efficacy of additives in pet food.They may review scientific studies,collect data,and consult with experts in the field to make informed decisions about the use of preservatives.These developments can lead to change

247、s in regulations,such as updates to permitted preservatives,maximum usage levels,or labelingrequirements.An example of this is the reauthorization of potassium sorbate in the EU under the identification number 1k202,which now has a maximum quantity limit for all animal species and thus becomes subje

248、ct to declaration.The same applies to citric acid(1a330),sorbic acid(1a200)and other re-evaluated additives,which are currently only to be named voluntarily.Consumers are therefore mostly unaware of the use of these preservatives,and could be unsettled as the substances are declared in the future.Co

249、mpound feed and feed materials containing the relevant additives that are manufactured and labeled before 3 April 2024,may continue to be placed on the market and used until stocks are exhausted if they are intended for pets.Pet food mythsAlthough approved preservatives are safe additives,they are n

250、ot perceived positively by consumers and there are a lot of pet food myths about them.It is therefore now imperative for the pet food industry to develop a communication strategy to improve public perception,or to consider the use of alternative,non-declarable preservatives to maintain consumers tru

251、st and still offer safe pet foods.Oven-baked food and dried snacks often do not require preservatives.Julia KlischiesPet Nutritionist,Petfood Expert Petfood-Global pet industryHows the hot category of CBD for pets doing?What are the latest trends in beds and cushions?How important is social media fo

252、r pet brands?Can a lower VAT rate help combat rising prices?Find all the answers.Plus,more details on the GlobalPETS Forum and supermarkets entering the petspace.Pet parents&CBD:consumer survey results 38CBD pet products:the state of play 41Controlling anxiety and stress in pets 44Are you coming to

253、the pet industrys leading networkingevent?48GlobalPETS Forum Award 2024 50Plaek Group czech republic 51The power of social media for pet brands 53Whats trending in beds and cushions?56Interzoo:Market developments under the magnifying glass 59A lower VAT rate to tackle price spikes?60Retail sector ha

254、s pet supplies in its sights 6338 PETS INTERNATIONAL|OCTOBER 2023|GLOBAL PET INDUSTRY Discover how pet parents feel about CBD,why some wouldnt want to use it,howoften others use it for their pets and more.In collaboration with Yummypets,we asked 944dog and cat owners about their thoughts on CBD(cann

255、abidiol,a cannabis ingredient with certain health benefits)and their purchasing habits.Pet parents from the US(33%),Canada(31%),France(20%)and the UK(17%)participated in the survey.How interested are they?Most pet owners(72%)are familiar with CBD,but nearly half of those surveyed(49%)indicate that t

256、heyd never bought a CBD product for themselves or theirpets.About 16%of pet parents have bought a CBD-based product for their pets,41%of pet parents would be interested in trying one and 13%arent really interested.As US consumers are most familiar with CBD and the strongest proponents for it its no

257、surprise that theyre also more likely to have bought these products for their pets.On the other hand,French consumers are least likely to have purchased CBD products.Theyre also the least acquainted with it and are most likely to strongly disapprove of CBD.How often do they buy?Of those respondents

258、who have bought a CBD pet product before,the majority indicate that they have only tried it once(18%)or rarely give it to their pets(33%).A small group of CBD buyers(13%)regularly give these products to their pets.Interestingly,while more US pet parents have tried CBD for their pets,they dont use it

259、 more often.So,even though CBD is more widespread in the US,this popularity doesnt necessarily equate to more frequent use.UK pet parents are most likely to have just tried itonce.This could have something to do with the fact that a large portion of CBD consumers(47%)tried it for the first time in t

260、he last 6 months so they might not have had enough time for repeat usage.In fact,82%of people indicated they would buy a CBD pet product again.Only 8%think they wont.Pet parents&CBD:consumer survey resultsWhich of the following describes your CBD pet products experience/attitude?I have used them16%1

261、60+=I have heard of them and would be interested inusingthem41%410+=I have heard of them and would not be interested inusing them13%130+=I have not heard of them30%300+=PETS INTERNATIONAL|OCTOBER 2023|GLOBAL PET INDUSTRY 39Product popularityThe most popular types of CBD pet products are the most rea

262、dily available:oils(63%have used it)and chews(59%).Biscuits(22%),sticks(12%)and paste(9%)are bought much less.US consumers prefer chews over oil.Canadian pet parents,on the other hand,prefer oil over chews.Effect&satisfactionMost owners who have tried CBD pet products(71%)indicate that theyre satisf

263、ied with the effect the product had on their pet.78%indicate that they noticed positive changes in their pet after consumption.The experience of a small group of pet parents was less positive:14%indicate that they noticed some negative changes in their pets after consumption.The motivations behind(n

264、ot)buyingThe most common reasons people buy CBD-based pet products are for stress relief(65%)and relaxation(54%).Others include pain relief(41%),joint care(27%),general health improvement(31%)and mood enhancement(30%).Of those who havent bought any CBD pet products,41%indicate that their pet doesnt

265、need it.Uncertainty or limited understanding about these products also plays a role:35%are concerned about product safety,its legality(22%),whether their pet would become addicted(21%)or high(21%),or that the benefits havent been proven(29%).If non-buyers were to start buying CBD products,the main r

266、easons would be stress relief(62%),pain relief(57%),relaxation(50%),joint care(46%)and general health improvement(43%).Special thanks to Philippe VanderhoydonckManaging Director GlobalPETS40 PETS INTERNATIONAL|OCTOBER 2023|GLOBAL PET INDUSTRY STIMUDERMULTRACompletely innovative range of products bas

267、ed on unique solutions.Unique formula based on scientificaly proven*ACTIVE NTMTM molecule stimulating hair regrowth.The only integral dermoprogram on the market supporting alopecia treatment in dogs.Specialized premium veterinary dermocosmetics.*Confirmed in clinical trial:Popik M.1-metylonikotynami

268、d jako modulator fizjologicznego i dystroficznego cyklu wosowego myszy C57B1/6.”(1-methylnicotinamide as a modulator of physiologic and dystrophic hair cycle of mice C57BL/6.”)PhD thesis,The Faculty of Biochemistry,Biophysics and Biotechnology UJ,2008.INNOVATIVE SUPPORTIN ALOPECIA TREATMENTIN DOGSIN

269、NOVATIVE SUPPORTIN ALOPECIA TREATMENTIN DOGSINNOVATIVE SUPPORTIN ALOPECIA TREATMENTIN DOGSDOGSWWW.VETEXPERT.WORLD PETS INTERNATIONAL|OCTOBER 2023|GLOBAL PET INDUSTRY 41Pet-specific CBD products are on the rise,but some regulatory challenges are halting developments in the sector.It might seem that C

270、BD hasnt thoroughly infiltrated the pet market,but a lot of evidence suggests the contrary.Valued at$196 million(180M)in 2022 by Grand View Research,the pet-focused CBD sector is set to witness 31.8%year-on-year growth to reach$1.71 billion(1.57B)in 2030.And while these figures are global,the US is

271、the epicenter of this industry.CBD products for pets are so popular that theres a National Pet CBD Day in the US,celebrated on 21 April.Regional differencesThe presence of key players,and a greater understanding of the benefits of CBD products,are driving the sector forward in the US.“Pet parents ac

272、ross the world are,for the first time,acknowledging that the pet is a member of the family,and nowhere is this more apparent than in North America,”explains Charles Lozow,a US Lawyer and co-founder of the Veterinary Cannabis Society(VCS).Combine this with“a national and state regulatory system that

273、was initially very open”,he adds,and it has paved the way for the rapid adoption of CBD pet products by pet parents“seeking natural alternatives to harmful pharmaceuticals and invasive procedures”.But theres a flip side to the story across the Pacific.While Asia is predicted to be the fastest-growin

274、g region in this sector,its riddled with regulatory challenges an obstacle affecting this industry internationally.Blanket ban In February,the Hong Kong government introduced a blanket ban on CBD,classing it and other cannabis-derived compounds like tetrahydrocannabinol(THC)a dangerous drug.CBD pet

275、products:the state of play see next pageCBD pet products:the state of play42 PETS INTERNATIONAL|OCTOBER 2023|GLOBAL PET INDUSTRY The ruling wiped out CBD pet companies on the island,and Lozow explains that the ban appears to be founded on concerns about the presence of THC in hemp-derived CBD produc

276、ts.“Unfortunately,the unintended result of the very severe penalties is that it is fueling the grey and black markets for CBD,including CBD pet products,”he says.European approachIn the UK,the Veterinary Medicines Directorate has classed CBD as a drug that can only be prescribed by vets,meaning that

277、 human-centric CBD products require marketing authorization to be sold for pets.No company so far has the approval to do so.Across the EU,CBD for pets is regulated as a novel food,so it must be safely evaluated before being marketed as a food supplement.The VCS co-founder says that while the Europea

278、n Food Safety Authority the body responsible for such assessments has published a scientific opinion deeming CBD safe for pets when used according to the proposed conditions,the EU hasnt approved any CBD products for vet use yet.Researching specific formulationsOne organization hoping to get marketi

279、ng approval is UK-based Pet Pharmaceuticals.Heidi Whitman,an advisor to the company,says regulatory challenges in Europe are more about proving the consistency of formulations,a quality that whole-plant CBD lacks.The company has also proposed research evaluating“very specific formulations of cannabi

280、noids and terpenes with regards to safety and efficacy for a variety of conditions commonly affecting pets”.Whitman explains that“Dosage is key to getting the maximum effect from cannabinoids,and our research will determine what these should be.”Boom or bust?In the US,the Food&Drug Administration(FD

281、A)has denied 3 citizen petitions calling for CBD products to be marketed as dietary supplements.Despite that,there are signs of progress.“CBD supplements are already being widely marketed in the US for both humans and animals,”Whitman points out.“Producers have to be cautious not to make any claims

282、in their marketing that the FDA would consider to be drug claims,but other than that,it largely steers clear of the supplements market when it comes to hemp-based CBD products.”Charles Lozow says that Congress is finally forcing the FDA to act,after reintroducing legislation including the Hemp Acces

283、s and Consumer Safety Act providing regulatory pathways for CBD as a food and beverage additive and allowing hemp-based CBD(and other ingredients)to be marketed as dietary supplements.“Itslikely that the FDAs action will,at least,not allow the treatment of CBD to be like most other supplements in th

284、e US,and that the FDA will craft another regulatory regimen to apply to this and other prevalent molecules from hemp.”Heidi Whitman adds that most regulatory issues around CBD exist due to the confusion separating hemp-based products from those with higher THC content:“Theres a lot of misinformation

285、 and a lack of understanding in the legislative and regulatory community.”The way forward for CBDHave these regulations compared with the various ill-effects cited by governments imposing them punctured the pet CBD boom?Not according to Lozow,who says the sector will keep growing,as the scientific a

286、nd veterinary community continues to grasp CBDs safety and medical potential.Neither expert believes that there are serious health detriments associated with CBD use.Whitman says animal-specific studies have shown only mild negative effects of CBD when given at very high doses:“At most therapeutic d

287、oses,there are no demonstrable negative effects.Clearly,theres a much narrower margin of safety for THC.This is a good example of the kind of confusion thats out there.”And despite a notable rise in use,Lozow says“the number of reported adverse events continues to be remarkably low”.CBD products for

288、 pets are so popular that theres a National Pet CBD Day in the US.PETS INTERNATIONAL|OCTOBER 2023|GLOBAL PET INDUSTRY 43VCS believes that“wrong-headed”CBD regulations can be overcome through science-driven data,education and effective advocacy.“Thesetools must be directed to the regulators and lawma

289、kers at local,state,federal and international levels to demonstrate that CBD is a safe compound,”says the VCS co-founder.Promising signsThe US National Animal Supplement Council(NASC)recently announced a successful study showing the tolerability of CBD products in healthy dogs.Results showed that ca

290、nnabinoids were well tolerated when healthy male and female dogs were dosed for 90consecutive days.“Based on the data available,it was the conclusion of the authors that these substances do not pose significant risk to dogs in long-term use,”the NASC says.And in July,delegates at the European Associ

291、ation ofVeterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology congress saw Innocan Pharma present insightful CBD research results on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.Education is crucialWhitman and Lozow both pinpoint education as the key to increased acceptance among consumers and vets a crucial goal given t

292、hat the latter are the formers“primary influencers”,as Lozow puts it.Pet Pharmaceuticals is working with organizations,including the VCS,to provide reliable safety information to pet owners,medical professionals and regulators for CBD use in pets.More research and positive regulations will allow for

293、 the safe production,sale and use of CBD within the medical community.As vets grow more comfortable with using CBD for pets,Whitman predicts increased interest due to the efficacy and more favorable side effects than many other similar pharmaceuticals.Education is the key to increased acceptance amo

294、ng consumers and vets.Anay MridulPETS International Contributor 44 PETS INTERNATIONAL|OCTOBER 2023|GLOBAL PET INDUSTRY According to the American Pet Products Association(APPA),the use of calming products has recently grown considerably.Estimates show that 11%of dog owners and 6%of cat owners regular

295、ly give their pets calmingmedicines.The use of shirts/suits,treats,music and toys as calming products for dogs also increased in the US between 2020 and 2022.For cats,calming toys are the most popular(27%),followed by treats(15%),collars(13%),sprays(12%)and music(11%).Looking at product launches,and

296、 innovative product designs,there is significant consumer demand for pet beds and condos,vests,shampoos and gels.Treats in the leadTreats and supplements create the greatest demand for calming products.They are the preferred category for ease of use and a combination of health benefits.Some of the l

297、atest launches in treat-type supplements for stress and anxiety management include US-based Snuggle Puppys Puppy Bites,formulated as night-time supplements,and Badlands Ranchs Super20,the brands entry into the pet supplements market.Both products focus on the so-called hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal

298、(HPA)axis,regulating stress levels in dogs in addition to promoting joint,muscle and tendonhealth.The US fresh pet food company PetPlate also recently launched calming supplements.These use the medicinal herb ashwagandha and amino acid L-theanine to help pets relax.Other product innovationsProduct d

299、esign innovations promoting calmness are particularly interesting for pet mood management.US-based Hiddin Products makes functional home accessories like cages and crates with clear acrylic.Its products aim to manage separation anxiety and promote pet relaxation.The transparent build eliminates the

300、obtrusive fencing and gates often used in pet crates.Thundershirts anxiety vests and BuddyRests weighted blankets are still preferred items among pet parents.Puzzle,automated laser and Kong toys are also increasingly popular,with more products now on the market offering innovative ways to promote me

301、ntal stimulation,targeting pet restlessness and boredom.For pain relief,the latest innovations are light therapy pads,such as one manufactured by Chinas TheyPet Medical,and far infrared technology(FIR)vests,like the South Africa-based Steed and Styles Protechmastarange.CBD It is estimated that 37%of

302、 US dog owners purchased a CBD product for their pet last year,with 34%keen to continue doing so this year,according to APPA.CBD(cannabidiol)is a key category of products used to manage anxiety,stress and joint pain in dogs,as Controlling anxiety and stress in pets We analyze what the market has to

303、offer for mood and pain management.well as anxiety and arthritic pain in cats.About 16%of cat owners and 15%of dog parents use them to managepain.In the US,treats and shampoos are the most common products containing CBD,but food toppers,oils and supplements are much sought after too.UK-based pet sup

304、plements brand Snoops Store has introduced a daily Hemp Seed Oil supplement.This improves sleep and benefits relaxation by easing inflammation and helping digestion.Colorado-based Pet Releaf recently added 2 CBD shampoos and conditioners to its portfolio.When the company launched its first CBD produ

305、cts in fall 2022,everything sold out on the first day.The products were quickly picked up by many distribution partners,including Southeast Pet,Newco and Supreme PetSupply.Launches in AsiaInnovations are appearing on Asian markets too.Californian med-tech company Ainos recently launched its VELDONA

306、supplements line in Taiwan.Formulated for emotional health and stress relief for cats and dogs,it aims to generate a whopping$20 million(18M)in sales by 2024.After a successful introduction in the United Arab Emirates,Indian company Soul Strips is looking forward to bringing its oral supplement stri

307、ps for pet anxiety and joint mobility onto the home market.Malaysian premium food brand OzPro has announced plans to expand into the pet supplements market with products targeting musculoskeletal health and joint mobility as a preventive measure for pain management.Muskaan GuptaAssociate News Editor

308、GlobalPETSProduct innovations in the pet calming category are led by the humanization Dinnissen celebrates its 75 year anniverary.Continuity is the basis for successful innovation.Thanks to the unique combination of decades of cross-industry experience and process knowledge,in-house production and t

309、esting facilities,Dinnissen has succeeded for 75 years in creating the best solutions and innovating and optimising entire production processes.Want to know more about what we do to be and stay trusted by the best?Visit 46 PETS INTERNATIONAL|OCTOBER 2023|GLOBAL PET INDUSTRY Join us for the networkin

310、g event of the yearAnd meet 239 other pet industry executivesWhat to expect from this networking event?240 executives from the worlds leading pet companies together in one room Meet and make deals with new international business partners through facilitated networking Get inspired by the latest tren

311、ds and developments to stay ahead of your competition Hear from leading retailers and other key industry players All at a 5-star locationSponsored by:PETS INTERNATIONAL|OCTOBER 2023|GLOBAL PET INDUSTRY 47Join us for the networking event of the year24-26 January 2024Venice italyMore info&tickets? a g

312、reat place to meet all the leaders in the pet business in one place.And I always get many great ideas.Thats why Im happy tocome back every year.Duan Plaek,CEO of Plaek GroupThe GlobalPETS Forum is the TOP event in the pet industry.Its the best place for qualified discussions with the absolute leader

313、s in our pet world simply a must!Torsten Toeller,Chairman of Fressnapf48 PETS INTERNATIONAL|OCTOBER 2023|GLOBAL PET INDUSTRY In January 2024,around 250 executives from leading pet companies will gather at the GlobalPETS Forum in Venice for 3 days of networking and inspiring presentations.Will you jo

314、in them?Since 1999,the GlobalPETS Forum has been a popular meeting place for the industry.Its an opportunity to reconnect with old friends or acquaintances and make new business connections.Its also a chance to learn more about where the industry is going,which consumer trends to keep an eye on,and

315、how to prepare your company for continued success in thefuture.The programThe upcoming edition of the GlobalPETS Forum spans 3 days,from 24 to 26 January 2024,at the 5-star Hilton Hotel in Venice(Italy).The program is as follows:Day 1.The event kicks off with an optional tour of pet retail stores ar

316、ound Venice.Afterward,an informal evening dinner gives you the opportunity to socialize with other attendees.Day 2.From the morning until the evening,the program is jam-packed with high-quality presentations and networking moments.At the end of the day,its time to relax and network in a more informa

317、l setting as you enjoy a delicious walking dinner during the renowned Social Evening.Day 3.On the last morning,youll get your final dose of inspiration from top speakers,followed by a networking lunch before heading home.Who youll meetThe attendees are a diverse group of senior-level executives(C-su

318、ite or VPs/directors)from a cross-section of the worldwide pet industry.For example,you might bump into one of the major European pet retailers while grabbing an extra scoop of delicious pasta at the buffet,or you could find yourself sitting next to the CEO of a pet food company,a distributor from t

319、he Middle East,a branded pet toy manufacturer from the US or a packaging supplier.With a high repeat-visit rate,the GlobalPETS Forum has proven to be a cant-miss event,and this is largely due to the quality of the interactions and the diversity of the attendees.Every year,were proud to hand out loya

320、lty awards to people whove attended for 10,15 or 20 years.What youll learnThe industry has endured a rocky ride in the last few years:from a booming pet population and increased consumer demand,to shipping issues,rising container costs,higher prices and more recently inflationary pressure and a decr

321、easing pet population in some countries.What does this mean for our industry going forward?Which new trends are starting to emerge?How will consumer preferences continue to evolve?And how does your company need to switch gears to deal with these changes?The event will provide answers to these and ot

322、her questions.How to registerDont miss this opportunity to join fellow pet industry professionals for 3 days of insights and networking!For the full program and to register,go to the event website: you coming to the pet industrys leading networking event?PETS INTERNATIONAL|OCTOBER 2023|GLOBAL PET IN

323、DUSTRY 49 SponsorsThe speakersWeve put together an impressive lineup of top speakers,including:Nicol Galante,CEO of Arcaplanet,will provide insights into the performance of Italys largest pet retailer and its plans for the future.Industry veteran Jeffrey David,Chairman of Musti Group&Independent Pet

324、 Partners USA and founder of Petbarn,will talk about his global pet industry observations,lessons learned and future industry predictions.Liseth Galvis,Senior Research Analyst at Euromonitor,will share her predictions for emerging trends and pet consumer developments in 2024 and beyond.Eli Hasson,In

325、vestor and Director of Pet Health Innovation Labs(the venture arm of Australian pet retailer Petstock),will discuss innovation in the petindustry.Matthieu Glayrouse,co-founder of Yummypets,will present consumer insights gathered from the online community of pet parents.Marta Sukiewicz,VP Global Rese

326、arch Solution at Similarweb,will use online search and marketplace data to analyze trending pet categories in different countries and regions.APC united states/spainAPC offers high-quality and sustainable spray-dried plasma and hydrolyzed plasma for wet and dry formulas,treats and supplements.Plasma

327、 can be used for traditional wet functional benefits,providing superior gelling,emulsification and water-holding capacity.In dry foods,treats and supplements,plasma offers the opportunity for a different kind of functionality supporting immune health.M-PETS belgiumM-PETS is a key player in the manuf

328、acturing and distribution of pet products.The company provides a wide range of innovative and exclusive products for dogs and cats,with over 350 patents,and is available in 50+countries worldwide.M-PETS products feature stylish designs,engaging functions and certified ecofriendly materials(FSC,TV Rh

329、einland,GRS).Pet Food Competence NetworkThe Pet Food Competence Network comprises 11 like-minded companies,with decades of combined experience,giving you simple and streamlined access to the very latest the industry has to offer.The domain expertise of each company is merged into a complete,tightly

330、integrated production solution that can be scaled and fully connected to match your requirements.50 PETS INTERNATIONAL|OCTOBER 2023|GLOBAL PET INDUSTRY Who will follow in Snellman Petfoods footsteps the winner in 2023 and winnext years prestigious GlobalPETS Forum Award?The GPF Award is presented an

331、nually to a company in the pet industry that has demonstrated exceptional performance.After 2 decades,it has become one of the most important awards in the industry.Curious about who will win in January 2024?Join us in Venice to findout!KormotechKormotech,a second-generation family business,is the l

332、argest Ukrainian producer ranked 55th in the worlds top pet food producers list.Their mission is to change cultural patterns toward pets in Eastern Europe.3production plants in Ukraine and Lithuania produce premium and super premium brands of pet food and private labels,exported to 40 countries.Eart

333、h RatedEarth Rated is a B Corp-certified company that creates thoughtfully designed dog products.With a focus on innovation and responsibility,Earth Rated is dedicated to making everyday moments for people and their dogs simpler and better.Their products are used by over 4.5 million people daily and can be found in over 20,000 stores worldwide.LaroyThis Belgian pet supplies company,based in Ghent,