Greg Aldrich, Ph.D.

Aldrich G 120x120

Dr. Aldrich is president of Pet Food & Ingredient Technology Inc. He is also the author of Petfood Industry magazine's monthly column, "Ingredient Issues."

Pet Food Ingredients

Probiotics/direct fed microbials present challenges

Probiotics, or direct fed microbials, are an entire class of live microorganisms with a very complicated but intriguing story.

Egg not such a simple ingredient for pet food

There is nothing simpler and better understood than the egg. Right? Well, egg (product) may be a common ingredient in dog and cat foods, but it’s far from “simple” and frankly may not be all that well understood.

Grains and Starches

Barley: a small grain that deserves consideration

When one contemplates the use of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), thoughts typically turn to beer making or livestock feed; not pet food. However, this grain may have a number of beneficial places in pet food diets and shouldn’t be summarily dismissed.

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.

Fibers and Legumes

Slow adoption of fructooligosaccharide in pet foods

There has been a great deal of detailed research published regarding the fructan sugar fructooligosaccharide (FOS) in the past couple of years. FOS acts like a fiber and has beneficial effects on gut health. A special term “prebiotic” has even been coined to describe the beneficial relationship these sugars have in supplying nutrients to gut bacteria.

Mystique around lamb meal

Lamb meal, as in “lamb meal and rice formulas,” is a distinct and specific ingredient with its own “nutritional mystique” – at least according to consumers.

Why aren’t pet food manufacturers on the soy bandwagon?

Soy has become very popular in today’s human diet and health press. Newspaper and magazine articles tout the benefits of soy, and promotions for soy-enriched products seem to be everywhere, especially with the current popularity of low-carb diets.

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.

Grains and Starches

Protein and rice trend emerging in pet food

While browsing at the pet food store recently, a pattern emerged that I hadn’t previously noticed: a “protein and rice” theme. There was the old standard “Lamb & Rice” which is now flanked by Chicken & Rice, Turkey & Rice, Beef & Rice, etc.

Grains and Starches

Corn: Digestive curse or culinary delight?

Just do a quick Google search on the terms corn and dog food, cat food, or pet food and you’ll likely come up with a number of “interesting” statements, mostly to the negative.

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