Dr. Jennifer Adolphe

Pet foods that contain new ingredients seem to appear almost daily on store shelves. Have you ever wondered why a particular ingredient is chosen for inclusion in a food? While the nutrient composition is the primary reason for ingredient selection, there are also other factors that need to be considered. Trends in the human and pet food industries can impact the appeal of an ingredient. Novel ingredients that serve a specific function can also influence selection. In addition, ingredient certifications are becoming increasingly common because it allows pet food brands to clearly communicate with consumers about the methods used to produce a food.