Calcium in pet foods: How to manage excess in modern formulas

The nature of higher-protein diets with a large quantity of rendered protein meals can be difficult to manage at the upper limits of calcium concentration and require several ingredient and formulation strategies to effectively control.

Greg Aldrich, Ph.D.

September 1, 2021

Higher protein levels in pet food formulations are creating challenges when it comes to managing calcium levels. | thodonal88 | Shutterstock.com

Higher protein levels in pet food formulations are creating challenges when it comes to managing calcium levels. | thodonal88 | Shutterstock.com

Managing excess calcium in the diet has become a big challenge, especially in dry extruded pet foods with elevated protein levels. This is almost exclusively an issue with the protein meals derived from rendering and their associated bone ash. This has become even more problematic with the changing raw material supply chain, increasing pet food demand and the drive for more protein as a product positioning.

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