petfoodpro 3/2023

INGREDIENTS
Examples of flour packages
BARF feeding
In contrast to the feeding of plantbased
food components, there are
many supporters of a meat-based diet
with animal proteins. They associate
biologically appropriate raw food (BARF)
with a near-natural diet, which they
believe meets the natural needs of the
dog best. In this form of nutrition, pets are
fed meat, bones, and innards. Fruits and
vegetables are added in small quantities
as components. Fish oils, for example, can
be used as a supplement in the BARF diet
because of their high content of omega-3
fatty acids. The EPA and DHA they contain
Algae Pouder
have a positive effect
on the cardiovascular
system and are involved
in many metabolic
processes.
In a study, researchers
from the University of
Winchester in the United
Kingdom and Australia’s
Griffith University
examined three different
diets for dogs and the
effect on their health. A
total of 2536 dogs took
part in the study: 54
percent of them were
fed a mixed diet with
components of meat,
grains and vegetables,
33 percent were fed
exclusively raw meat
(BARF) and 13 percent
were fed a purely plantbased
diet. Considering
various indicators,
specific impairments were examined,
such as gastrointestinal diseases, diseases
of the musculoskeletal system, and of the
skin and ears. According to the study, on
average, the experimental group of dogs
fed a vegan diet was less susceptible to
disease. In contrast, just under half of
the group fed the conventional mixed
diet suffered from health problems. The
dogs fed raw meat did slightly better in
the study. In direct comparison, however,
they were significantly younger than
the vegan-fed group. It is not possible
to clearly determine which diet is the
healthiest: A raw meat diet tends to
carry an increased risk of pathogens and
malnutrition, whereas the vegan diet was
the least risky choice, according to the
study.
3. Customized
product solutions
Personalized products
tailored to the individual
needs and preferences
of one's own pet are
a clear trend resulting
from increasing pet
humanization. Pet
owners consider their
pets as family members
and companions for life,
whose well-being they
want to ensure in all
respects. For this reason,
owners are intensively concerned with a
healthy diet and sustainable care for their
furry friends. Premiumization goes hand in
hand with this development: pet owners
are happy to spend more money on their
dogs if they expect the products to be
of high quality or if they consider them
to be beneficial to their health. Beyond
nutrition and care, premiumization is also
evident in pet accessories and innovative
services. Personalized products create
individuality, strengthen the bond, and
express increased attention.
Individual and environmentally
friendly – Private Label
packaging
On the manufacturers' side, this trend
is also having an impact on product
development. The desire for individual
pet food and oil mixtures is growing to
adapt the diet even better to the dog's
personal needs. In the field of Private
Label bottling, Henry Lamotte Oils uses
its years of expertise to realize individual
product ideas and manufacture
according to desired specifications.
Customized products need well-chosen
packaging: In addition to their functional
and aesthetic criteria, these also meet
requirements for product protection
and are increasingly made of more
environmentally friendly materials
that are recyclable or biodegradable.
Environmentally friendly packaging
solutions help reduce the carbon
footprint and harmful emissions.
With several options available,
environmentally conscious pet owners
often go for the sustainable option.
Regarding oils and flours, different
variants are available for feed packaging.
Glass bottles for oils, for example, offer the
advantage that they are easily recyclable
and do not interact with other substances.
However, melting them down after their
single use requires high temperatures.
Metal cans are unbreakable, light-proof,
and customizable. They have a similar
recycled content to glass bottles, but are
less material-intensive, making them a
possible alternative to glass.
Stand-up pouches made of (kraft) paper
are ideal for feed components such as
flours or extrudates. In contrast to plastic
tins, they are only half as heavy when
empty and reduce costs and emissions
thanks to their minimal transport volume.
Technology & Marketing
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Technology & Marketing