Fwusow Industry Co. Ltd., a major pet food manufacturer in Taiwan, plans to develop and launch a new line of dog food that will integrate OxC-beta, a proprietary supplement product from Avivagen, a life sciences corporation from Ottawa, Canada.
More on the use of OxC-beta
OxC-beta is derived from β-carotene and other carotenoids, compounds that give certain fruits and vegetables their bright colors. It supports immune function by providing a non-antibiotic means of promoting health, growth and performance in animals.
“Vitamin A is essential for life in all vertebrate animals,” said a 2016 study published in The Scientific World Journal, “Meeting the vitamin A requirement: The efficacy and importance of β-carotene in animal species.” “Vitamin A requirement can be met from dietary preformed vitamin A or provitamin A carotenoids, the most important of which is β-carotene.”
Growing market opportunities
When it's ready to be marketed, the new Fwusow dog food will highlight “Powered by OxC-beta” in its brand packaging.
Avivagen's CEO Kym Anthony said he hopes Fwusow's use of OxC-beta will raise industry awareness about their product and facilitate the introduction of OxC-beta throughout the companion animal market in Taiwan, and Avivagen aims to build off its partnership with another Asian-based company, Top Feed in Thailand.
“Both the success to date with Top Feed in Thailand, and the plans and potential for OxC-beta use in the Taiwanese companion animal and livestock markets through Fwusow, are a very strong reflection of the overall increase in demand, expanding application consideration and growing market opportunity for OxC-beta across Asia,” said Anthony.
About Fwusow
Fwusow has cat food and dog food products that cater to both the high and low ends of the pet food market. Their Fuso Pets and Ever Red products are the number-one-selling dog food brands in Taiwan. Dog food formulas include those aimed at allergens, specific breed sizes, grain-free options and life stages. The company also produces pet food for aquarium fish and birds.
Fwusow started as a small peanut oil factory and expanded into pet food manufacturing in 2000. In 2019, the company reported revenues of NT$12.3 billion (US$409.0 million) and profits of NT$203.1 million (US$6.8 million).
