Greg Aldrich, Ph.D.Dr. Aldrich is president of Pet Food & Ingredient Technology Inc. He is also the author of Petfood Industry magazine's monthly column, "Ingredient Issues."From the Author - Page 16ProteinsTurkey (by-product) mealDoes this ingredient warrant its own identity?PreservativesNatural antioxidantsUsing mixed tocopherols is not for the faint of heartProteinsMeat and bone mealIs this ingredient underestimated or overcriticized?NutraceuticalsFlaxA complex little seedNutraceuticalsFish oilGreat omega-3 source (but not without challenges)ProteinsLiverIs it delectable or disgusting?Grains and StarchesWheatWheat is the oldest of crops, with the earliest recorded cultivation more than 15,000 years ago. Today, over 4,000 varieties are grown around the world (Posner, 2000).VitaminsVitamin EVitamin E, in the parlance of nutrition, is a key nutrient with specific physiological functions and a chemical with varied configurations and properties. In petfood, we also speak of vitamin E as an ingredient purchased as part of a vitamin premix.Amino AcidsTaurineOne of the first reports in the literature regarding taurine was its isolation from ox bile in 1901; hence its name was derived from "Taurus" the bull. That's why, among other reasons, today it is found associated with energy drinks like Red Bull, fueling the perception of strength and vitality.Fats and OilsTallowFor 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.Grains and StarchesPotatoesDogs and cats have been eating potatoes for years, if for no other reason than they were leftovers from Sunday dinner. However, the intentional declaration of potatoes as a key ingredient in the pet diet is fairly novel.Pet Food IngredientsPet scienceIs it time for academia to offer more companion animal education?Previous PagePage 16 of 18Next Page