Are all chicken fats created equal?

In the diet, fat provides a concentrated source of energy, essential fatty acids, a route for fat sol-uble vitamin absorption, aroma, and flavor. So, choosing the right fat source is important.

Greg Aldrich, Ph.D.

August 10, 2004

In the diet, fat provides a concentrated source of energy, essential fatty acids, a route for fat soluble vitamin absorption, aroma, and flavor. So, choosing the right fat source is important.

There are a variety of fats to choose from, but a quick look down the pet food aisle reveals that chicken fat has become a very popular source. How much is actually used in pet food is anybody’s guess. However, it was probably 10 to 20% of the 403,800 metric tons of poultry fat that were produced in 2003 (US Census Bureau).

Log in to view the full article

Food manufacturing laboratory with metal cans, grain samples, and testing equipment on bench overlooking factory floor

Melamine recalls at 20: Petfood Forum closing panel

Colorful eco-friendly illustration featuring central recycling symbol surrounded by sustainable products, animals, plants, and organic items

Pet food packaging faces new, potentially costly EU rules

Ingredient Issues

A proposal to approve ingredients for pets

Streamlining the acceptance process would go a long way towards advancing pet nutrition options for pet food manufacturers.

The pet food industry has a lot of catching up to do when it comes to the efficiency of ingredient acceptance regulations and processes.

Avocado in pet foods—guacamole for the dog and cat

A challenge for avocado incorporation into pet food is the conversion of a fruit that needs to be peeled, pitted and standardized before use.

Fresh organic avocado on the wooden table

Green-lipped mussel: Pet joint health support?

Current work on the benefits of these mussels shows great promise, the supply infrastructure appears to be sustainable and the compounds offer hope to retain mobility as we and our pets age.

Soybean oil: Food industry staple right for petfood?

Soybean oil plays an infrequent and peripheral role in petfoods. This is somewhat surprising given its popularity in human foods and its prevalence on grocery store shelves alongside corn and canola oil.

Olive oil: a benefit to pet health, too?

Olive oil, and especially extra virgin olive oil, is all the rage on cooking shows and at finer dining establishments these days. It seems that good news regarding the benefits of olive oil for our health and wellness emerges almost daily. So it stands to reason that people would want to explore this ingredient for use in pet diets.

Sunflower oil: flower power in a jug

From a petfood perspective, the palatability of diets containing sunflower oil is well liked by dogs, but not as well received by cats

Tallow

For centuries tallow was essential to soap and candle making. Not until the late 20th century was fat from ruminants considered as a feed ingredient. Before then, it was much too rare and valuable.

Fish meal: Source of dietary omega-3 fatty acids?

There is growing evidence to support inclusion of omega-3 fatty acids in dog and cat diets.

Page 1 of 1