Pet nutritionists use what's known as the modified Atwater equation to predict the energy density of food, she said, rather than running feeding trials in every situation.
Feeding trials provide the “gold standard” for determining the energy content of pet food, but trials using live animals may be too expensive or otherwise unavailable when pet food formulators test products.
While fast-growing livestock breeds need the minerals to support bone growth and joint development, pets may benefit from chelated trace minerals to counterbalance other components of the animals’ diets.
Our bodies serve as habitats for a diverse range of bacteria, virus and fungi. These organisms, along with the bodily habitats they reside in, form microbiomes with pets, people and wildlife.
Dog, cat and other pet food buyers may miss socializing with store owners and employees, who also tend to be serious pet lovers. Importantly for pet food brands, those stores serve as a vital opportunity to expose consumers to new pet products.
Once it’s safe, pet food buyers may return to local pet specialty retailers precisely because those stores offer the friendly, informative, interpersonal interactions rendered dangerous by the COVID-19 pandemic.
What consumer trends will shape pet food as the world continues to cope with a global pandemic and economic meltdown, and how can the industry respond?
Virtual conferences may allow pet food ingredient, equipment and other suppliers to connect with dog, cat and other pet food producers worldwide, regardless of many physical and economic barriers.
Going online tends to be much greener than going on a plane. Likewise, virtual conferences level the playing field among attendees by improving access for those of various economic levels globally.
For several years, the pet food industry has celebrated the market’s growth outpacing that of many other consumer goods categories, even during the pandemic.