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Watch the latest pet food videos from Petfood Industry editors and learn about advances in dog and cat food nutrition, pet food processing and manufacturing, pet nutrition and human food trends impacting pet food ingredients and marketing practices.

Pet Food Market

  • Challenges of making pet food packaging sustainable
    Pet food packaging must keep the food fresh, but now it also needs to be sustainable (recyclable, reusable or compostable). These challenges are creating opportunities for new kinds of dog and cat food packaging, says Dave Long, vice president market development at TC Transcontinental Packaging at the 2019 Petfood Innovation Workshop.
  • How premiumization is evolving with the
    The two major frontiers in the next phase of pet food premiumization, include emerging markets where pet ownership and the middle class is increasing and pet owners trading up and purchasing more expensive pet food and treats, says Jared Koerten, head of food and nutrition, Euromonitor International at the 2019 Petfood Forum.
  • Omnichanneling: Where consumers buy pet food
    While many pet owners purchase pet food and pet products online, they also find going to a bricks and mortar store also is convenient, says David Sprinkle, research director for Packaged Facts at the 2019 Petfood Forum. For omnichannel, it’s not just where you buy pet food. It’s the combination of purchasing and delivery — whichever is more convenient.
  • Online survey reveals dog owners’ purchasing decisions
    Learn how dog owners’ beliefs and knowledge in terms of their lifestyle and nutritional habits translate into what kind of dog food, supplements and treats they purchase for their pet, according to Dr. Maria Godoy, assistant professor of companion animal and comparative nutrition at the University of Illinois at the 2019 Petfood Forum.
  • Pet food industry should focus on global dog owners
    What’s nutritionally important for U.S. dog owners when purchasing pet food isn’t always true for pet owners in different countries. Pet food companies that use a one strategy fits all are missing out on other lucrative pet markets, says Dr. Maria Godoy, assistant professor of companion animal and comparative nutrition at the University of Illinois at the 2019 Petfood Forum.
  • Do pet food companies have to be everywhere?
    Brock Weatherup, executive chief strategic innovation and digital experience officer with Petco, explains how omnichannel marketing is not an “everywhere thing,” but a personalized experience focused on the individual during a panel at 2019 Petfood Forum.
  • Why fresh pet food is the new superpremium
    Human food trends are directly impacting dog and cat food formulas and marketing. Fresh pet food is the new superpremium with human-grade ingredients and this segment is growing and becoming more mainstream, says David Sprinkle, research director for Packaged Facts at the 2019 Petfood Forum.
  • Educating consumers on scary sounding pet food ingredients
    Learn why five ingredients or less and the hard to pronounce rule may work for finding transparency in human food choices, but it doesn't really work for choosing what pet food to feed your dog or cat, according to Judy Seybold, chief nutrition officer at ItemMaster at the 2018 Petfood Forum.
  • Emerging pet specialty trends to watch in 2018
    Learn which new pet specialty categories are growing and the marketing pet food brands are using to sell these new dog and cat foods to pet parents, comments Natasha Davis, client service manager for GfK at the 2018 Petfood Forum.
  • Pet specialty trends driving pet food development
    Even though pet specialty continues to soften and poundage is down, in 2017, pet food manufacturers released around 4,500 new dog and cat products and rebranded pet foods, comments, Natasha Davis, client service manager for GfK at the 2018 Petfood Forum. Learn why the sector is growing despite market challenges.
  • How to reach connected pet food consumers
    Connected pet food consumers are people who are active on social media engaging with brands and sharing information with friends and family about products, comments, Larine Urbina, vice president of communications, US & Canada, for Tetra Pak at the 2018 Petfood Forum. Learn why pet food brands need to connect with this core audience.
  • Why pet food companies need to be more transparent
    The worse scenario for a pet food company is for a pet owner to find out the reality is different to what they believe the brand stands for, comments, Henriette Bylling, CEO and owner of Aller Petfood Group at the 2018 Petfood Forum. Pet food companies need to focus on marketing that isn't purely with a sale in mind, but to educate the consumer to gain an insight into the pet food.
  • 5 ways to drive return on pet food innovation
    Learn five areas successful pet food and human food companies' focus on to create pet products that are ahead of trends instead of launching a me too pet food that may clash with a pet food's brand and core audience, says James Restivo, pet expert at Nielsen at the 2018 Petfood Forum.
  • 5 key trends to the next evolution in pet food
    Learn five key trends that are creating an evolution in pet food by studying the packaging, the ingredients in a pet food and the ingredients that are not in a particular pet food, according to new research from James Restivo, pet expert with Nielsen at the 2018 Petfood Forum.
  • 3 food trends influencing dog, cat food products
    Learn what three trends are impacting human food and how they are also impacting the products pet food companies are researching and launching for dogs and cats, according to James Restivo, pet expert with Nielsen at the 2018 Petfood Forum.
  • How Milk Bone successfully tapped into pet humanization
    Milk Bone Brushing Chews exemplifies the context and the trends in the pet food marketplace right now -- pet humanization, comments James Restivo, pet expert with Nielsen at the 2018 Petfood Forum. The pet treat manufacturer spent years researching ingredients and the shape and texture of the bone. Pet food innovation today needs to be designed today for modern pets and modern pet owners.
  • 3 human food trends impacting pet food formulations
    Learn what human food trends are directly impacting pet food formulations and what pet owners are feeding their cats and dogs, according to Nielsen research from Pet Expert, James Restivo at the 2018 Petfood Forum.
  • How to market petfood and treats to Millennials
    Seasonal flavors and lines for pet treats and petfoods are growing in sales, said Maria Lange, Senior Product Manager for GfK, during Global Pet Expo. This trend plays into the desire of Millennials to customize and be willing to try new products.
  • Petfood trends go mainstream and global
    Petfood trends like grain-free, raw and functional ingredients are becoming mainstream in developed markets and showing up in developing markets, too, said Paula Flores, head of pet care research for Euromonitor, speaking at Petfood Forum China 2014.
  • Launch strategy for your new petfood product
    Skimming the market is one way to launch your new petfood product, says Marcel Blok, owner of Change Stranamics. He spoke on structured product development during Petfood Forum Asia 2014 in Bangkok on April 9.
  • Meeting veterans' needs key to America's VetDogs evolving programs
    Wells Jones, CEO of America's VetDogs, says its service dog training programs change to meet the individual needs of its consumers of all ages.
  • How do you reach pet consumers through social media?
    Andrea Fischetti of RealPaws Productions points out the differences between Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn and what social media channels are the most appropriate for the sort of pet parent you are trying to reach.
  • Service dogs from America's VetDogs part of vet's support system
    Not only does Joe Worley's service dog Benji assist him physically, he's part of Worley's support system. America's VetDogs partnered Worley and Benji in 2008.
  • Natural petfood market matures, grain-free petfood category grows
    Maria Lange, senior product manager of pet nutrition for Gfk Retail and Technology USA, gives insight and statistics on the natural, grain-free and fresh petfood categories.
  • Kristen Levine discusses purchasing trends of Boomer pet parents
    Kristen Levine, president of Fetching Communications and speaker at Petfood Workshop 2014, gives us a sneak peak at her survey findings on the Baby Boomer consumer and shares why they are an important petfood market segment.
  • What misconceptions do consumers have about petfood?
    Steve Dale, pet journalist and keynote speaker for Petfood Forum 2014, discusses common perceptions and misconceptions pet parents have about petfood and how manufacturers can make sure they're delivering a clear message.
  • Tips on how to sell pet products to Baby Boomers
    Kristen Levine, president of Fetching Communications, discusses the Baby Boomer pet parent segment who are lifestage aware and interested in health and wellness through diet.

Pet Food Packaging

Pet Food Processing / Safety

  • Pet treats homemade by homeless youth
    At Global Pet Expo 2015, Travis Rindler of Lindy & Co. explained the concept behind the company's new cat and dog treats, which are homemade by homeless youth through a partnership with Daybreak, a nonprofit in Dayton, Ohio, USA.
  • Plato Pet Treats stand out with sourcing, processing
    Aaron Merrell, CEO of Plato Pet Treats, explains the Plato Way during Global Pet Expo: sourcing all ingredients from the US, mainly near its plant in California, and slow roasting and dehydrating to preserve flavor and nutrients.
  • Petfood extrusion processing: how to control the dry feed rate
    The rate of flow of dry raw petfood materials into the preconditioner is key to the entire extrusion process and to controlling costs, said Will Henry, director of technology and R&D for Extru-Tech Inc., during Petfood Forum China 2014.
  • Using re-work in petfood processing to save money, ensure safety
    Reusing off-spec petfood product and placing it back into the processing stream can save money, said Will Henry, director of technology and R&D for Extru-Tech Inc., at Petfood Forum China 2014, but be sure to reuse those materials safely.

Pet Nutrition

  • Top 3 pet food questions pet owners ask veterinarians
    Pet owners always have questions about the kind of diets they should be feeding their dogs and cats. While there isn’t a perfect overall diet, there is a perfect diet for that specific animal when you look at the pet’s overall health and lifestyle, says Dr. Katy Nelson, associate veterinarian at the Belle Haven Animal Medical Centre at the 2019 Petfood Forum.
  • How nutrition, health impact the human-pet bond
    The feeding experience needed to be reinvented, so pet owners’ bond with their pets at every meal instead of throwing some kibble into a steel bowl, which isn’t very satisfying for owners. As a result, owners overfeed pets with food and treats to achieve that bonding experience, says Dr. Katy Nelson, associate veterinarian at the Belle Haven Animal Medical Centre at the 2019 Petfood Forum.
  • Why pet food companies, veterinarians should collaborate
    Many consumers believe pet food companies pay veterinarians to endorse certain dog and cat food diets to clients and this simply isn’t true, says Dr. Katy Nelson, associate veterinarian at the Belle Haven Animal Medical Centre at the 2019 Petfood Forum. However, pet food manufacturers and veterinarians should collaborate more on pet nutrition to help them understand the formulations to recommend the best diets for a pet’s specific needs.
  • Key takeaways from the canine DCM investigation
    More information is needed for the dilated canine cardiomyopathy (DCM) investigation and the industry needs to open to letting the research continue as the disease is more complicated for dogs than cats, says Jennifer Adolphe, senior nutritionist, Petcurean at the 2019 Petfood Forum.
  • How smoke flavors enhance clean label pet food
    Adding a smoke to pet food formulations enhances flavor and aroma for the pet and the pet owner but also can increase shelf-life, says Mark van der Bleek, manager technical sales for Kerry at the 2019 Petfood Innovation Workshop.
  • How Purina approaches transparency in pet food
    Daniel Henke-Cilenti, marketing director, Purina brands shares how Purnia is approaching transparency in pet food including the human-animal bond and how it relates to dog and cat food nutrition at the 2018 Petfood Forum.
  • What's the next ancient grain to takeover pet food?
    Pet owners have a complicated relationship with grains. According to David Sprinkle, publisher and research director for Packaged Facts, a particular grain will start showing up in premium and superpremium pet food formulas as long as it is positioned in the right context, so it makes sense to consumers.
  • Pet food companies and consumer trust: where to start?
    Learn what pet owners think about the quality of dog and cat food and pet food product information claims from Packaged Facts research at the 2018 Petfood presented by David Sprinkle, publisher and research director.
  • Who do pet parents ask for pet food nutrition advice?
    Learn why dog and cat owners are asking their veterinarians for pet food advice and what this means for the future of retail sales in the pet food industry, comments David Sprinkle, publisher and research director for Packaged Facts at the 2018 Petfood Forum.
  • Human food ingredients, trends impacting pet food
    Learn what food ingredients are crossing over from human foods to dog and cat food and why pet food manufactures are promoting these superfoods on the front of the product, and why pets are eating more like their owners, comments, Natasha Davis, client service manager for GfK at the 2018 Petfood Forum.
  • Why pet food research is focused on glycemic index of dogs
    While there isn't a pet food that will help dogs not develop diabetes, the industry is researching the glycemic index of dogs to see if there are long-term benefits to feeding dogs a low-glycemic pet food, comments Alexandra Rankovic, MSc candidate at Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph at the 2018 Petfood Forum.
  • Pet food toppers boosting freeze-dried market
    One-hundred percent freeze-dried pet food comes with a hefty price, comments Natasha Davis, client service manager at Gfk at the 2018 Petfood Forum. To make the price point more appealing to pet owners, freeze-dried meal enhancers are serving as a bridge to expand this market.
  • Why hemp, CBD oil isn't a common ingredient in pet food
    Learn why the medicinal properties of hemp and CBD oil in dog and cat food and pet products are not as widespread because of the stigma associated with these novel ingredients and why this may be changing, according to Natasha Davis, client service manager at Gfk at the 2018 Petfood Forum.
  • New line of paleo dog treats inspired by song
    Doug Ratner started his dog treat company, I'd Rather Be With My Dog, after a song by the same name hit big on social media. Ratner debuted the treats, which he says are the first paleo dog treats, at Global Pet Expo 2015.
  • Learn effective mycotoxin testing strategies for pet food
    Testing for and monitoring mycotoxins in pet food is an important part of business, and there are various options for doing so. It also is important to follow specific procedures when collecting samples for accuracy.
  • Can you make pet health claims for functional petfood ingredient?
    Petfood manufacturers can often make “soft” pet health claims for functional petfood ingredients, said Anton Beynen, PhD, head of research and development for Vobra Special Petfoods. He spoke at Petfood Forum China 2014.
  • How to know if functional petfood ingredients will work
    To understand the effectiveness of functional petfood ingredients, you must know which questions to ask about ingredient studies, said Dr. Anton Beynen, head of research and development for Vobra Special Petfoods, during Petfood Forum China 2014.
  • Grain-free petfoods: formulating for higher performance in pets
    Grain-free petfoods are usually formulated with higher protein and fat, resulting in higher palatability of the food and improved coat and stool quality and volume for the pet, said Dr. Sean Delaney at Petfood Forum China 2014.
  • New petfood line at Interzoo focuses on dogs' blood sugar level
    At Interzoo 2014, Christian Degner-Elsner, founder of Essential Foods, explains how his new line of foods maintains a stable level of blood sugar in dogs, which in turn may affect their behavior, he says.
  • Which petfood ingredients have a low glycemic index?
    During Petfood Forum Asia 2014 in Bangkok, Anton Beynen, PhD, head of R&D for Vobra Special Petfoods, presented research showing that corn actually has a lower glycemic index than other petfood ingredients that are more popular and prevalent today.
  • Petfood ingredients: grain-free versus carbohydrates
    Some petfood manufacturers are meeting consumers' demands for grain-free petfoods by replacing the grains with other forms of starch or carbohydrates, said Anton Beynen, PhD, of Vobra Special Petfoods. He presented at Petfood Forum Asia 2014.
  • Are bio-appropriate petfoods really better for your pet?
    Steve Dale, pet journalist and keynote speaker for Petfood Forum 2014, discusses bio-appropriate and grain-free petfoods and whether or not they are truly better for pets or just a clever marketing term.

Petfood Forum

  • Dr. Brian Hare discusses dog intelligence, pet food
    Dr. Brian Hare discusses his recent research on canine cognition and his work determining dogs' individual cognitive styles during the final keynote at 2018 Petfood Forum.
  • How service dogs help veterans with PTSD
    Battle Buddy Service Dogs stopped by the 2018 Petfood Forum to bring awareness to animal rescue organizations that help people and animals. The organization pairs dogs with veterans with PTSD and helps train both the owner and the dog.
  • 2018 Petfood Innovation Workshop highlights
    Watch highlights from the six stations at the 2018 Petfood Innovation Workshop: New Product Development Journey -- Stages of Innovation. Attendees had an interactive experience and learned tips, tricks and traps to avoid during the pet food product development cycle.
  • Temple Grandin discusses linked traits in animals, anxiety
    Breeding animals or dogs, such as bull dogs for certain traits can result in some you don't want—bad becoming normal, says Temple Grandin, author and professor of animal science at Colorado State University at Petfood Forum 2017. For example, Bull dogs in the 1930s' look completely different from modern bull dogs.
  • Where pet nutrition is headed: Q&A with Mars Petcare
    Grain-free dog and cat foods are here to stay, but pet food manufactures will figure out how to reintroduce healthy pet food formulas with grains back into pet diets, says Chris Mondzelewski, general manager of pet specialty for Mars Petcare North America at the 2017 Petfood Forum.
  • Formulating pet food while balancing consumer 'wants'
    It's possible to meet consumer/pet owners wants as long as we aren't compromising our pet's needs, says Dr. Richard Butterwick, global nutrition advisor at the Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition at the 2017 Petfood Forum. For example, we know from science there is no specific benefit for animals from eating GMO-free cereals. However, we can formulate foods that are nutritious for the pet and GMO-free for the pet owner.
  • Pet food trends driven by transparency, consumer 'wants'
    Consumers want true transparency of how dog and cat food products are bought to market. This includes how we talk to pet owners about these products and what they are sharing with other pet owners. Pet owners want to hear from their peers and not just the company, says Chris Mondzelewski, general manager of pet specialty for Mars Petcare North America at the 2017 Petfood Forum.
  • How to handle a pet food crisis in the age of social media
    When pet owners reach out to a brand with a question or clarification they usually contact a company via social media, says Dr. Melissa Brookshire, founder of North River Enterprises. Pet food companies must have an immediate response to these inquiries within minutes as opposed to days and should not ignore negative posts even if they are inaccurate or contain false information.
  • Emerging trends in pet specialty retail
    The pet specialty retail channel is still experiencing the premiumization trend of natural, freeze-dried, raw pet food and limited ingredient diets going on very strongly. However, the pet specialty channel also has been more challenged by the migrating premiumization into the grocery and e-commerce channels, says Maria Lange, business group director for Gfk Point-of-Sale Tracking at the 2017 Petfood Forum.
  • How to successfully market pet food products to Millennials
    Millennials are the leaders in pet ownership, but are serial avoiders of anything that resembles regular marketing, says Bob Wheatley, CEO of Emergent at the 2017 Petfood Forum. We've learned to better understand what motivates people to buy pet food products, and we've assumed it's based on scientific information but they are instead based on emotion.
  • Introducing new, novel ingredients in pet food formulations
    Picking new and novel ingredients in pet food formulations can help differentiate a brand in the pet food market. For example, grain-free and natural pet foods are no longer specific to the pet specialty channel as some brands use premium ingredients, but are sold in the grocery channel for a lower price, says Dr. Ryan Yamka, Luna Science and Nutrition at 2017 Petfood Forum.
  • Tech trends in the workforce: Q&A with Randi Zuckerberg
    Figuring out the work/life balance or tech life balance is tricky in the age of smart phones and laptops -- we are always reachable, says Randi Zuckerberg, CEO of Zuckerberg Media, the opening keynote speaker at 2017 Petfood Forum. We must create boundaries and stick to them. For example, by gradually not answering emails on the weekends trains people when you're available.
  • Pet food manufactures quizzed on dog, cat owner attitudes
    At the 2017 Petfood Innovation Workshop, pet food manufactures played the Pet Family Feud to see how well they know the latest consumer attitudes and buying trends from a recent national pet owner survey.
  • Why pet food sensory analysis is important for pets, owners
    Sensory analysis methods help pet food manufactures figure out what pets will eat, how the pet food could have greater sensory properties and what will appeal to pet owners to help improve market success, says Dr. Kadri Koppel, Kansas State University Department of Human Nutrition at the 2017 Petfood Innovation Workshop.
  • Freeze-drying works for protein ingredients, pet treats
    In this video from Petfood Innovation Workshop, experts from Scoular Co. explain elements of the freeze-drying process for pet food protein ingredients.
  • Extruding high-meat pet foods: dispelling myths
    Many doubts about extruding high-meat pet foods using a single screw extruder are actually myths, said Will Henry of Extru-Tech during Petfood Forum China.
  • How trace minerals help make pet foods nutritional
    Trace minerals like zinc added to pet foods introduce healthful substances that function as antioxidants and are highly bioavailable and effective for pets.
  • Freeze-dried raw pet food demand growing quickly
    Freeze-dried raw pet foods are a small but rapidly growing segment of the pet food industry, says Maria Lange, GfK business group director. However, the now-niche category could expand to become up to 10 percent of the market.
  • High meat pet food diets raise health risks
    High meat pet food diets raise the risk of bacteria and other pathogens in those foods, says Will Henry, of Extru-Tech's research and development team.
  • Hygiene demands challenge pet food equipment industry
    Demands for higher quality and hygiene challenge the market to keep pet food manufacturing equipment up to date, says Thomas Moore of Andritz Feed and Biofuel.
  • Ingredients supplier adapts to pet owner demands
    Mike Hooper, marketing director for Trouw US, discusses his company's growth in response to pet owners' demands for animal nutrition.
  • Milling services company helps make pet foods
    Lane Lott, business development manager for Lortscher Animal Nutrition Inc., discusses how his employer helps pet food manufacturers mill and formulate their products. Lisa Kidd, key account representative for Lortscher, talks about the novel proteins and other ingredients their company stocks.
  • Novel proteins can fight pet obesity
    Novel proteins can fight the pet obesity epidemic, suggests Mark Jamie Mendall, founder of Pet Proteins. Novel proteins, such as venison, often have lower calorie and fat contents than conventional protein sources, such as beef.
  • Strategies for rebranding a pet food product
    Rebranding can transform a pet food companies' image. The case of Oxbow Animal Health is discussed by Melissa Ross, director of marketing for Oxbow Animal Health, and Stefan Hartung, creative director at Ideas that Kick. Hartung says that a company must think long-term when they rebrand a product.
  • Consumers want to know ethics of pet food companies
    Letting consumers know what a pet food company stands for ideologically can help them stand out in to pet food consumers, according to Eric Pierce, director of business insights at New Hope Network. People are paying more attention to their own food's background, and want to buy pet food that matches their ethics.
  • Extrusion and baking may help pet food palatability
    Coupling extrusion and baking could improve pet food palatability, says Galen Rokey, director of process technology for Wenger. Wenger is currently developing the technology to combine extrusion and baking.
  • Human and pet foods increasingly similar
    The difference between the human and pet food markets is shrinking quickly, says David Sprinkle, publisher and research director at Packaged Facts. All the same trends are in both markets, such as local and organic foods. Low-carb and non-GMO foods are increasingly popular in both human and pet foods, too.
  • Ingredient traceability key to pet food biosecurity
    Ken Wilson, PhD, head of technical services at Simmons Feed Ingredients, discusses controlling health concerns when manufacturing pet food ingredients. Accurate traceability of ingredients allows pet food manufacturers to solve biosecurity problems more quickly, says Wilson.
  • Superfood nuggets may be future of freeze dried pet food
    New Zealand green mussels are a functional novel protein, but can only be processed by freeze drying, says Calvin Smith of Pet Nutrition New Zealand. He sees the future of freeze dried pet food as nutrient-packed, superfood nuggets, like those mussels.
  • US pet food consumers willing to pay for quality ingredients
    High quality raw materials can improve palatability, but cost more to consumers, says Barb Howe, sales director for Kemin Nutrisurance. However, US pet food consumers often are willing to pay this premium.
  • Consumers paying more attention to pet food labels
    "Ryan Yamka, former senior VP at Blue Buffalo, discusses how consumers are reviewing pet food labels the same way they look at labels on human food, continuing the trend of humanization within the pet food industry. For more information about Petfood Forum, visit www.petfoodforumevents.com."
  • Novel proteins drive innovation in pet food industry
    "Greg Aldrich, PhD, research associate professor at Kansas State University, discusses the growing interest in novel proteins. He explains how novel proteins help pets with specific allergies to other proteins. However, the supply of novel proteins is often limited, which may make them more appropriate for smaller pet food companies. 
  • How transparent is the pet food industry?
    Transparency is being truthful and being honest with the consumer about pet food packaging, nutrition, ingredients and where the product is manufactured, according to a 2016 Petfood Forum panel discussion featuring, Michael Dennis, vice president of marketing and sales for Interflex, Dr. Cathy Enright, president of the Pet Food Institute, John Kuenzi, president of Rubicon Scientific, and David Sprinkle, research director for Packaged Facts.
  • Tips for pet food companies on partnering with government
    State and local government can help support and grow pet food businesses, says Dr. Jackie McClaskey, secretary of agriculture for the state of Kansas. Pet food companies in Kansas contribute $7.24 billion to the economy.
  • Pet food spending trends Q&A with PetSmart
    Pet owners want healthy and safe pet food products and goods that engage and help them connect to their pets, according to Evelia Davis, vice president of dog and cat consumables for PetSmart. Pet parents are willing to spend more on premium pet food and are shopping online for products.
  • Tips for successfully launching pet food products
    What does it take to get a pet food product on the shelf? Dr. Ryan Yamka, senior vice president of R&D, quality assurance and regulatory affairs at Blue Buffalo Co. at the 2016 Petfood Forum covers communication needs, product life cycle and a strategy to maintain relevancy.
  • How human food trends are shaping pet food products
    The natural pet food segment is growing 15 percent or more as mainstream consumers are more engaged in what they are eating and what they are feeding their pets, says Eric Pierce, director of business insights with New Hope Network at the 2016 Petfood Forum. Consumers are feeling a sense of distrust with the status quo and these trends have real momentum and exciting innovation happening in the pet food industry.
  • Emerging pet food trends: premium, value natural
    Value natural pet food sells 20 percent less than the other premium natural brands, says Maria Lange, business group director GfK pos tracking consumer choices at the 2016 Petfood Industry Forum. As Millennials are becoming a larger pet owning generation, these dueling segments will impact growing pet specialty market sales in the future.
  • How three pet specialty trends are driving the market
    Grain-free is growing 25 percent year over year and more grain-free pet food is coming into the market, says Maria Lange, business group director GfK pos tracking consumer choices at the 2016 Petfood Industry Forum. Raw frozen, dehydrated and freeze-dried are showing rapid growth year over year at around 70 percent in sales.
  • How plasma can improve digestibility in wet pet food
    Plasma as a binder in wet pet food applications has been used for the past 20 years. New research on spray-dried plasma has shown that besides being a binder it also helps with a pet's digestion and reduced fecal output, according to Dr. Javier Polo, vice president of research and development at APC at the 2016 Petfood Workshop Innovation.
  • Crickets becoming new protein source in pet treats
    Crickets as the main protein source in pet treats is sustainable and environmentally sound and uses less water to produce a kilo of protein as compared to beef, pork or fish, says Serge Boutet, owner of SBNutrinnov Consultants at the 2016 Petfood Innovation Workshop. Insect proteins are poised to be the future of pet food industry and for human consumption.
  • New gelatin creates shaped, non-cooked gummy dog treats
    Patent-pending gelatin formulation and process creates gummy-like dog treats that set via freezing or refrigeration.
  • Gummy dog treats allow for many different flavors
    Petfood Innovation Workshop attendees used a unique gelatin mixture and process to make gummy dog treats at Kansas State University.
  • Making pet treats with dried brewer's yeast
    Pet food professionals learned the nutritional benefits of brewer's yeast and how to incorporate this ingredient into functional pet treats.
  • Developing new pet food products: the art and science
    Pet food developers create something new by combining ingredients in a unique way or using novel ingredients, bolstering the science of the process.
  • Bottlenecks in pet food new product development cycle
    Every new pet food product development timeline needs to accommodate two congestion points: manufacturer qualification and feeding trials.
  • 5 reasons why new pet food products fail
    Fully 75% of all new products fail on the market, and pet food products are not immune to this fact, said John Stanley during Petfood Forum China 2015.
  • Petfood Forum and Workshop Highlights
    View highlights from Petfood Forum and Petfood Innovation Workshop.
  • Insects: novel protein for hypoallergenic pet foods
    For dogs with food allergies or sensitivities to proteins traditionally used in pet foods—usually animal-based sources such as lamb, beef or chicken -- insects offer a truly novel protein source as part of a hypoallergenic pet food, said Tarique Arsiwalla, co-founder of Protix in the Netherlands. Arsiwalla presented on insect protein meal as a sustainable source of nutrients for innovative pet food applications during Petfood Forum Europe 2015 on June 10 in Cologne, Germany.
  • New way to extrude pet foods for more natural products
    Using a higher ratio of thermal energy to mechanical energy during extrusion of dry pet foods can help manufacturers save money on energy costs, improve digestibility of the pet foods and provide a more natural way of cooking. That leads to this method optimizing traditional types of pet food products and allowing for the development of new, unique products, said Brian Streit, director of pet food and aquatic technology for Wenger Manufacturing, during Petfood Forum Europe 2015.
  • Novel pet food ingredient to fight obesity in cats?
    Pet food manufacturers may have a new weapon to combat the obesity epidemic in pets: a specific type of medium chain triglycerides, caprylocapric triglycerides. During Petfood Forum Europe 2015, Melinda Fernyhough Culver, DVM, PhD, scientific affairs manager-biosciences for Abitec Corp., explained the metabolic pathway of these triglycerides and their potential benefits for promoting weight wellness, based on recent research by her company.
  • Pet food recalls can have significant financial impact
    When it comes to pet food safety, manufacturers can learn many lessons from the human food industry and its food safety recalls, according to David Primrose, technical consultant for Synergy Food Ingredients. During Petfood Forum Europe 2015, Primrose discussed how to protect your brand equity, your customers and our pets by ensuring safe pet food products and developing a food safety culture based on a field-to-bowl safety management approach.
  • Study: Cats' seasonality may affect AAFCO feeding trials
    Despite domestication, cats still show seasonal fluctuations in pet food intake, body weight and activity, said David Thomas, PhD, senior lecturer at Massey University in New Zealand. During Petfood Forum Europe 2015 on June 10 in Cologne, Germany, he presented new research indicating these seasonal changes and argued they could have implications for feeding trials as dictated by Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) rules.
  • Omega 3 offers health benefits for pets
    Dr. Signe Svindland, Director of Pet Care, Aker BioMarine, talks about use of omege 3 fatty acids in pet foods and a test developed to gauge the levels of DHA in dogs' red blood cells from simple blood samples.
  • Design of pet food plants important for efficiency and safety
    Morten B, Larsen and Jesper Noren of Graintec talk about the elements that go into hygienic design of pet food manufacturing plants.
  • Raw and freeze-dried pet foods may be the next big thing
    Maria Lange, Director of Client Services and Analytics at GfK, talks about the next big thing in pet food, which is raw and freeze-dried. She says her research shows refrigerated and freeze-dried products are growing at more than 40% annually.
  • Ozone effective sanitization agent for pneumatic conveyors in pet food manufacturing
    Jonathan Thorn, Executive Director of Process Technologies, Schenk Process, talks about sanitization in pneumatic conveyor lines in pet food production. Schenk feels ozone has high potential as a sanitization agent.
  • Marine algae in pet food beneficial for senior dogs
    Jeffrey Alix, Global Marketing Manager, Pet Nutrition, DSM, explains why marine algae is a good source of omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3s have been shown to play an important role in development and health in dogs and cats.
  • Mars Petcare exec: Finding high-performing talent for pet food companies
    Jarrod Kersey, PhD, Director of Scientific and Regulatory Affairs for Mars Petcare, talks about how pet food manufacturers can find the next generation of high quality associates from the scientific and technical communities.
  • Petfood Innovation Workshop gives hands-on experience
    Greg Aldrich, PhD, Pet Food Program Coordinator at Kansas State University, explains the mission of the center at the Olathe campus. Petfood Innovation Workshop, held at the facility, gave participants hands-on experience with new pet treat formats.
  • Pet treats a growing market, but facing new challenges
    David Sprinkle, Research Director for Packaged Facts, says the pet treats market is doing very well, with 10% growth in the past year. Pet health and wellness is becoming a larger factor of concern to consumers in buying treats for their pets.
  • Consumers looking for simple solutions and quality in pet food
    Dave Bolen, CEO, the Bolen Group, says retailers are looking for pet food manufacturers who can be a strategic partner, to help that retailer thrive and survive. Consumers are looking for simple but safe, high-quality pet food for their pets.
  • Health and safety of pets at core of ingredient supplier's business
    Bruce Crutcher, President of Trouw Nutrition USA, discusses how his company provides pet food clients with safe, novel ingredient solutions. A concern for health and safety of pets is a core value of every employee in the company.
  • Expanding the uses of extruders in pet food manufacturing
    Bob Annan, Consulting-Sales, Extru-Tech, explains how the company has developed methods to include a higher percentage of fresh meat in its extrusion process. This allows pet food companies to produce premium or superpremium products using extrusion.
  • Gelatin used to make gummy treats at Petfood Innovation Workshop
    Brian Lamp, Sales Manager, Sonac, explains how participants at Petfood Innovation Workshop created gummy treats using the company's gelatin. Gelatin-based treats are a way to produce a high-protein treat with low starch or as a grain-free treat.
  • Grain-free, gluten-free products are now popular in pet food and treats
    Bob Connolly, Vice President of Sales, the Peterson Co., explains how his team used a variety of their products to produce biscuits at Petfood Innovation Workshop. He says they look at current human food trends to meet their clients' needs.
  • Social media's role in recruiting pet food industry talent
    Mary Ellen Barkley of Kansas State University and Dr. Jerrod Kersey of Mars Petcare US discuss the importance of social media in recruiting young pet food industry professionals.
  • What are graduates looking for in pet food industry employers?
    Mary Ellen Barkley of Kansas State University discusses what's most important to graduates looking for jobs in the pet food industry.
  • How can technology help manufacturers meet demands for higher meat levels in dry pet foods?
    Aboubakry Diallo, PhD, of the University of Nottingham, discusses how new technologies help pet food manufacturers meet growing consumer demand for higher meat levels and use of fresh meat in dry pet foods.
  • The importance of omega-3s in pet food
    Dr. Signe Svinland, director of pet care for AkerBiomarine, discusses krill as a unique source of omega-3s, a simple test for determining omega-3 levels in dogs, and how it all plays an important role in pet food and pet health.
  • Is grain-free pet food yesterday's news?
    Growth in grain-free pet food is picking up, making this market one to keep an eye on in the future, according to Maria Lange, director of client services and analytics.
  • How can jerky manufacturers guarantee safety of their jerky treats?
    Kohl Danielle Schrader, PhD, of Marlen International, discusses what US manufacturers can do to guarantee the safety of their jerky treats, while pushing the natural and organic angle, to consumers wary of pet treats from China.
  • Jackson Galaxy on introducing cats and dogs
    Jackson Galaxy answers a question on introducing cats and dogs at the end of his keynote presentation at Petfood Forum 2015 April 28.
  • Challenges facing pet food industry and pet industry
    Dave Boland, CEO of the Bolen Group , summarizes the challenges he sees in the pet retail market and the pet food industry during his presentation at Petfood Forum 2015 April 28.
  • Jackson Galaxy on why cats meow
    Jackson Galaxy answers why cat's meow at the end of his keynote speech at the opening of Petfood Forum 2015 in Kansas City, April 28.
  • Mixing palatants in treats at Petfood Workshop
    At the AFB International station, participants mixed different types of palatants into treat dough and compared the aromas. Their reactions were then compared to testing done with dogs and the different flavors.
  • Making gummy treats at Petfood Workshop
    At one station participants mixed the ingredients to make a gummy treat. The 200 participants rotated through six stations throughout the day.
  • Growing small dog population good for pet treat market
    The percentage of dog owners with small dogs is growing, but that leads increased humanization and purchase of specialized pet treats, according to David Sprinkle, research director for Packaged Facts at the opening session of the Petfood Workshop
  • Treats can gain from marketing health and nutrition benefits
    David Sprinkle, research director for Packaged Facts, says that even basic treats such as biscuits are adding ingredients that improve the nutritional and health benefits of the treats during the opening session of Petfood Innovation Workshop .
  • Pet health concerns open doors for pet treat innovation
    David Sprinkle, research director for Packaged Facts, says consumers' pet health concerns, especially in the dental/oral category, leave room for new functional pet treat formulations.
  • Benefit of Petfood Forum China co-locating with Pet Fair Asia
    Petfood Forum China's industry relationship with Pet Fair Asia explained by Yannick Verry, International Sales and Marketing Manager, VNU Exhibitions Asia Ltd.
Emerging dog, cat treat trends reflect a changing market

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