Bruce PlantzFrom the Author - Page 2NutritionLamb and lamb's meal use in dry dog foodLamb and lamb meal became popular in the ‘80s and ’90s with the development of elimination diets to treat food allergies. In the mid ‘90s lamb and rice diets became the fastest growing segment of the market. Today many of the novel protein diets have moved to other protein sources, but lamb and lamb meal are still widely used in dry dog food.NutritionSoybean hulls and psyllium used as fiber source in pet foodSome ingredients that are a good source of fiber are often viewed by the consumer as filler. Soybean hulls and psyllium fiber both fall into this category and have received bad press, when they are a good source of fiber. The number of pet recipes using these ingredients is small, and they are found primarily in senior or weight control formulas.NutritionGreen tea extract use in dog and cat foodGreen tea extract is derived from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis bush. Dried green tea leaves are used to make the popular hot beverage, and the extracts play a central role in herbal medicine. More recently, purified extracts have found favor as a nutraceutical and food antioxidant preservative. So, how many current dog and cat food recipes are using green tea extract?NutritionWhy chickpeas, peas and lentils are in more dog and cat food formulasThe grain-free pet food movement has been going on for well over a decade, and many new pet products entering the market are labeled as grain free. This has given rise to use of alternative ingredients, such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, peas, lentils, chickpeas and tapioca.Petfood Forum NewsPet food retailing to change dramatically by 2020Changes in consumer behavior and demographics are going to dramatically impact the pet food retailers and consumersPet Food MarketPet food industry needs to plan for changeThe success of the past decade in the pet food and pet retailing industries may not be sustainable if the industries don’t pay close attention to coming changes. Dave Bolen, former CEO of several major pet retailers and now a retail consultant, told the opening session of Petfood Forum that “I am worried that our success could be a disadvantage to further growth in the pet industry.”Pet Food MarketPassion for animals ties Jackson Galaxy to the pet food industryThe passion to improve the lives of companion animals is what drives many in the pet food industry. That same passion caused Jackson Galaxy to transform from a part-time musician and animal shelter employee to one of the US’s best known cat behaviorists.Pet Food MarketPetfood Workshop: pet treat market has opportunity for growth and innovationWhile growth in pet food sales may have slowed, the pet treat market is still showing growth with consumers looking for innovative products.Pet Food NewsGlass is two-thirds full for petfood industry, says Petfood Forum 2013 speakerFor the petfood industry, the glass is two-thirds full -- things could be a lot better, but they could be a lot worse, according to David Sprinkle, publisher and research director of Packaged Facts speaking at Petfood Forum 2013, April 16.Previous PagePage 2 of 2
