Lecithin is an ingredient that we see periodically on petfood labels, most commonly on canned foods. It is included for a "functional food" purpose but has some nutritional benefits, as well. The ingredient name is pronounced "less eh thin" so you'd think it would have some appeal on the label; however, in most discussions with marketing folks they either have never heard of it or have little interest in exploring it further. Maybe they need to take a closer look at this ingredient and where it might prove beneficial in petfood production and pet nutrition and health.
To start, lecithin is already defined and readily accepted by feed control officials. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) 2013 Official Publication lists this ingredient twice: First in the Official Feed Terms section as "Lecithin. (Part) A specific phospholipid. The principal constituent of crude phosphatides derived from oil-bearing seeds;" second under US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Regulation 582.1400 (IFN 8-08-041), where it is classified under the food additives amendment as a "Stabilizer" with no limitations or restrictions on use. Under the EU system, lecithin is listed as number E322.
