Advances in petfood: Texture analysis in research

The soaring demand for protein poses a real challenge, because current available supplies just can't keep up. This gap between protein supply and demand is expected to continue to expand as the world population reaches 9 billion people by the year 2050 (and as global pet ownership also increases).

From alligator, kangaroo, buffalo and brushtail possum in dog and cat treats petfood companies have cleverly catered to growing consumer demand for ever more exotic and novel sources of protein. Just as people are seeking to try new types, and increase the levels, of protein in the foods they eat, they are doing the same for their pets' foods, thanks to ongoing humanisation.

Plant-based diets

As animal proteins become scarcer for pet food applications, emerging proteins may soon fill the niche. Many plant-based proteins have been widely used in human and animal nutrition for years such as soybeans, peas, lupin beans, potatoes, wheat and corn. Others are just now starting to become popular and widely available.

See example texture analysis research at Saturn Petcare and State University of Campinas, Brazil:

Effect of sterilization and storage on a model meat analogue pet food

Canine vegan biscuits produced with inulin and blackberry flour

Upcycled petfoods

Upcycling is a new word for something the pet food industry has done for a long time, using human food products that would have otherwise gone to waste. Upcycled pet food ingredients use existing materials, especially otherwise discarded foods like misshapen vegetables, to make a value-added item.

See example texture analysis research at Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Brazil:

Citrus pulp and orange fiber as dietary fiber sources for dogs

Functional treats

Fortified and functional foods are packaged foods and beverages that have been enhanced with additional health components and/or nutrients in order to provide a nutritional benefit. Pet treats are given to dogs to strengthen pet and owner bonds and as a reward but it is essential to understand the functionality of the raw materials and relate their impact on animal health and acceptance of the pet and the pet owner.

See example texture analysis research at Kansas State University, USA:

Physical and nutritional characterization of sorghum-based dog treats (biscuits) supplemented with soluble animal proteins

Personalised medicine

Currently, the number of approved veterinary medicines are limited, and human medications are used off-label. These approved human medications are of too high potencies for a cat or a small dog breed. Therefore, there is a dire demand for smaller doses of veterinary medicines. 3D printing could potentially be used to manufacture personalised doses for animals at the point-of-care.

See example texture analysis research at Åbo Akademi University, Turkey:

3D-Printed Veterinary Dosage Forms–A Comparative Study of Three Semi-Solid Extrusion Printers

Insect-based food

One alternative protein source gaining attention is insects, and is already spilling over into petfood. For people who are not comfortable eating them directly, insects still have a role to play in addressing climate change and making agriculture more sustainable. Using insects as a feed source for farm animals has been happening already and is a lot less costly for the environment than traditional feeds.

See example texture analysis research into animal feed containing insects:

Meat quality derived from high inclusion of a micro-alga or insect meal as an alternative protein source in poultry diets: A pilot study

Do dietary soy alternatives lead to pork quality improvements or drawbacks? A look into micro-alga and insect protein in swine diets

However, unlike our farm animals, our pets may be all too fussy to switch unless the palatability of the new petfood is up to their liking. As the purchaser of their food, consumers loyalty is affected when the pet finds their new food not to their liking. Whilst it would not be clear whether that was due to taste or texture, the right food texture should be high on a formulators list of priorities. This is when you need to compare the texture of original ‘well liked’ petfoods with their reformulated counterpart to see whether you have created a textural match.

For more information visit our Petfood Applications page to see our range of test methods online or request a copy of the article Texture Analysis of Pet Food and Accessories, covering a wide range of test method ideas.

There is a Texture Analysis test for virtually any physical property. Contact Stable Micro Systems today to learn more about our full range of solutions.

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For more information on how to measure texture, please visit the Texture Analysis Properties section on our website.

The TA.XTplusC texture analyser is part of a family of texture analysis instruments and equipment from Stable Micro Systems. An extensive portfolio of specialist attachments is available to measure and analyse the textural properties of a huge range of food products. Our technical experts can also custom design instrument fixtures according to individual specifications.

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