Novel proteins can fight the pet obesity epidemic, suggests Mark J. Mendal, founder of Pet Proteins, in this video from Petfood Forum 2016. Novel proteins, such as venison, often have lower calorie and fat contents than conventional protein sources, such as beef.
Nutrition from novelty
Within the past few decades,pet food manufacturers’ options for providing protein, omega-3 fatty acids and other nutrients in their products have grown dramatically. Just as people have come to embrace a wider variety of foods on their plates, so too have pet owners started serving non-traditional meats and plants to their dogs and cats. Once unheard of ingredients, including kangaroo, hemp and insects have all found their way into pets’ dishes. Novel proteins in particular have become popular.
Petfood Innovation Workshop to focus on novel proteins
Pet food professionals can learn how to incorporate novel and exotic proteins into pet treats and food during the Petfood Innovation Workshop and Kansas State University (KSU) Pet Food Experience September 13-15. Held on KSU’s main campus in Manhattan, Kansas, USA, this hands-on event provides an immersive experience in creating unique new pet food products that can meet today’s demand for high meat and a focus on protein.
Pet food industry ingredient and technology suppliers will lead participants through making pet treats and other pet food products with novel proteins such as stabilized rice bran, pork protein powder, spray-dried plasma, exotic animals and vegetables.
On September 14, the KSU Pet Food Experience will feature the university’s faculty, students and other experts presenting their latest research on pet jerky treat safety, sorghum-based pet food, comparative species resistant starch nutrition and other topics.
Registration is currently open for both Petfood Innovation Workshop and the KSU Pet Food Experience.
