Finding the ideal carrier for premixes

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

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Rice hulls are the coatings of seeds, or grains, of rice.
Rice hulls are the coatings of seeds, or grains, of rice.
Rice hulls are a traditional premix carrier, but the options have expanded to include a number of plant-based and inorganic options. | chanafoto I iStock.com

Whether the product is a food that is complete and balanced or a specialty supplement designed for intermittent feeding, chances are the vitamin, trace mineral, nutritional or functional additives are very concentrated extracts or chemicals that are included at micro amounts. Quantities added are commonly less than a tenth of a percent to extremes of four or five decimals for some elements because the nutrient they deliver is needed in very small quantities — parts per million or billion range. Obviously, any misapplication of these concentrated elements can lead to toxicity if they exceed the targeted dose or nutritional deficiency if underapplied. In essence, this is a highly leveraged position for food/supplement production that has potential for numerous pitfalls. How can we overcome the risks? The solution is dilution …. by virtue of carriers.

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