Phytate, phosphorus, phytase for dogs, cats on plant-based pet foods

Phytate phosphorus may be a limiting factor in new plant-based pet foods. In addition to supplementation, use of a phytase enzyme may be needed to unlock the phosphorus and make it more bioavailable.

Greg Aldrich, Ph.D.

April 22, 2022

Focus on chemical element Phosphorus illuminated in periodic table of elements. 3D rendering

Focus on chemical element Phosphorus illuminated in periodic table of elements. 3D rendering

The bioavailability of phosphorus in plant-based pet foods may present new challenges for formulators. | HT Ganzo I iStock.com

In years past, we seldom pondered phosphorus availability in pet diets. That was because phosphorus was often found in excess (see Petfood Industry magazine, July 2021). With animal-based protein concentrate meals (rendered proteins), the level of phosphorus has been abundant and the bioavailability high — nearing 100%.

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Ingredient Issues

The importance of a balanced diet — without mineral excesses

The possible undesired results of unbalanced minerals in pet food formulations bear further examination.

Trace mineral concentrations in pet food formulations can impact the nutritional balance and value of the final product.

Pet Food Insights

What is the role of regulators in pet food marketing claims?

AAFCO’s potential ‘controlled copper’ label claim should be carefully considered.

AAFCO should carefully consider its possible reach into pet food marketing claims, particularly as relates to the current copper situation.

Finding the ideal carrier for premixes

Learn about the possible options for premix carriers in pet food formulations.

Rice hulls are the coatings of seeds, or grains, of rice.

Options for iodine fortification in dog and cat diets

Iodine is required by the dog and cat and is found at low levels in the basal ingredients thus necessitating supplementation in the diet.

Food is source of iodine. Various food rich in vitamins and micronutrients. Useful food for healthy and balanced diet.

Calcium in pet foods: How to manage excess in modern formulas

The nature of higher-protein diets with a large quantity of rendered protein meals can be difficult to manage at the upper limits of calcium concentration and require several ingredient and formulation strategies to effectively control.

Higher protein levels in pet food formulations are creating challenges when it comes to managing calcium levels. | thodonal88 | Shutterstock.com

Phosphorus in pet diets: How do we manage it?

Source inconsistencies, differences in bioavailability and complex physiological controls make balancing dietary phosphorus a challenging process.

Dietary phosphorus is fairly easy to come by, which makes it all the more complex to control in a pet food formulation. | Allexxandar I iStock.com

Bone broth: Add flavor, water, electrolytes to pet diets

Bone broth is an ancient food with deep cultural roots that pet owners have begun to embrace as a new approach to connect with their pets.

Bone broth has a long history of potential health claims, but the actual research of those claims in pet food is lacking. (Magdalena Kucova | Shutterstock.com)

Processing Functional Ingredients

Remove the chemicals from my pet’s food

Is it possible to remove food “chemicals” from nutritionally complete pet foods and maintain a balanced formulation?

In the world of pet food, “simple” to the consumer eye doesn’t always mean “easy” from a formulation perspective. (totojang1977 | shutterstock.com)

Ingredients and substances to avoid

Clean label pet food: How does mercury get into dog and cat foods?

Concern for mercury in pet food affects only certain cat and dog food products.

Mercury is an element that sounds an alarm for pet owners who read about it in their animals’ food. What are the actual dangers, and where is more research needed? | ollomy | iStockPhoto.com

Clean label pet food: Are reports of heavy metals reliable?

Non-nutritional mineral levels in pet foods are not likely an issue.

There have been many reports that claim to measure the presence of “heavy metals” such as lead and arsenic in foods, and then use those results to warn consumers of potential dangers. But without taking nutrition or physiology into account, it’s easy to be misled when it comes to the dangers of such metals. | jarun011, iStockphoto.com

Copper-associated liver disease in dogs: pet food issue?

While most evidence currently points to genetics, it’s possible that copper as a dietary ingredient plays some role.

Copper is an essential mineral in the diet. | pixelman, Bigstock.com

Clay minerals: Do these ingredients have merit in petfood?

There are several petfoods on the market that contain clay minerals such as montmorillonite and bentonite. Inclusion of these earth elements at small amounts are purported to benefit our pets.

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