Australian scientists conducted tests that found new anti-microbial substances in two common native Australian plums that could help prolong the shelf life of petfood, according to a report.

Testing done by scientists from Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation and Queensland government revealed that when small amounts of the kakadu and Queensland Davidson plums are combined with organic acids, the plums develop promising new anti-microbial properties. These anti-microbial substances may extend the shelf life of processed kangaroo meat used as an ingredient in petfood, according to the scientists. This may allow the petfood industry to reduce its use of preservatives, such as sulphides, that can lead to thiamine deficiencies in dogs and cats.