Research notes: 2024 reptile focus

Current reptile research includes ownership trends, pet food safety and nutrition.

October 14, 2024

The latest in reptile research focuses on all the aspects of reptiles as pets in global homes.

The latest in reptile research focuses on all the aspects of reptiles as pets in global homes.

SeventyFour | iStock.com

Researchers investigated the evolving landscape of reptile pet ownership in Hong Kong.

Employing a quantitative approach, a self-administered survey was distributed and over 200 reptile pet owners residing in Hong Kong responded. The survey instrument captured demographic data on pet ownership history, species preferences, husbandry practices and veterinary care utilization.

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Smiling couple with golden retriever enjoying outdoor time in green hillside landscape

Top human food trends: Nutrient density, protein plus, longevity

Smart pet care system showing humidifier, dog, water bowl, mobile app with dog icon, and features for feeding, nutrition tracking, and video monitoring

Pet feeding technology segment grows, convenience a goal

Survey: Vegan cat diets tied to lower overweight odds

An online survey of 1,305 cats found those fed vegan diets had lower odds of being assessed as overweight than cats fed meat-based diets, though the difference was not statistically significant.

Vegetable art cat made from cucumbers, carrots, and peppers sitting on a sunny windowsill

Brand Insights

Helping you navigate the evolving pet supplements industry

Petfood Industry

Stay current in this fast-growing category with insight that keeps you informed and helps you move forward with confidence.

Helping you navigate the evolving pet supplements industry

Pet Food Ingredients

Aloe vera, wormwood, turmeric blend may alter dog gut bacteria

Researchers found differences in specific bacterial populations associated with intestinal health after 30 days of botanical supplementation.

Copper pet bowl with paw print emblem filled with fresh turmeric root, aloe vera, and dried herbs on rustic wooden surface

Purina study ties lean feeding to canine longevity

The Purina Institute marked the 25th anniversary of its 14-year Labrador retriever study, which found lean-fed dogs lived a median of 1.8 years longer than their littermates.

Dog life span comparison showing 11.2 years for small-to-mid dogs and 13 years for lean-hid dogs

Safety & Quality

Heavy metals found in cat foods; PFI disputes study

A Clean Label Project study of 100 cat foods from 62 brands detected lead in 99% of products tested, while the Pet Food Institute said the findings lack the scientific and regulatory context needed to interpret them.

Gray tabby kitten eating from a stainless steel food bowl on a carpet near cat furniture

Dog and Cat Food Nutrition

Faba bean protein offers blood plasma replacement options in wet pet food

Full plasma replacement maintained measured texture properties in the tested pâtés, while chunks in gravy required a more limited substitution to preserve firmness.

Vampire character in formal attire dining in gothic cathedral with candles, grapes, and wine

Dogs, cats prefer microbial protein kibble in study

A short-term palatability trial funded by MicroHarvest found cats and dogs ate more kibble containing microbial protein than standard animal-protein kibble.

Scoop measuring powder or flour in beige granular material

Biology of flavor offers tools for pet food palatability boosts

Understanding the neurobiology behind how dogs and cats integrate taste, aroma and texture in their perception of flavor could help pet food formulators address palatability challenges and develop targeted products.

Surreal artistic illustration of a tabby cat with anatomical brain visualization and glowing neural pathways overlaid on its head against a dark background

Review finds vegan, vegetarian pet diets generally digestible as meat

The results of 31 studies suggest that vegan and vegetarian diets and plant-based protein sources were broadly comparable in digestibility to conventional animal-based diets.

Beagle dog eating from a decorative mosaic food bowl with bone design

Pet Food Palatability

Electronic nose reflects real cat food aroma preferences

A study found that digital aroma fingerprints followed patterns observed in feline preference testing, although researchers cautioned the method has not been validated to predict acceptance of new products.

Tabby cat and white robotic cat comparing food bowls in numbered dishes on gray floor.

Mars research highlights 5 science-driven shifts in dog nutrition

Advances in nutritional science are reshaping how dogs are fed, according to experts at Mars Pet Nutrition.

Golden retriever mother nuzzling her newborn cream-colored puppy on a soft blue blanket

Global Commerce

Intense El Niño may affect plant-based pet food ingredient prices and availability

Experts generally point toward diversification and supply-chain resilience rather than attempting to predict exactly which crops may fail or flourish.

World map with continents in gold and green set against a swirling blue sky with stars and moon in Van Gogh's Starry Night artistic style

Pet Food Palatability

Sustainable protein palatability depends on pet food processing, formulation

Alternative proteins need not rely solely on environmental credentials. With careful formulation and processing, they can also deliver the sensory qualities that keep pets coming back to the bowl.

Infographic of 10 alternative protein sources including duckweed, fermented soybean, cricket protein, fish protein, and black soldier fly larvae with microscopic detail views.

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