Do you know what is in your pet’s food?
Not all pet food ingredients are created equal. Consumers today expect sustainably-sourced, nutrient-rich ingredients that positively enhance the health and well-being of pets.
Changing times
We are living in an age of awareness. Consumers have more power than ever before when it comes to their purchasing decisions. Armed with a quick Google search, shoppers can easily research an ingredient to find out whether it is sustainable and the health benefits it offers their pets.
Adding nutritional value
Just as humans take nutritional supplements for things their body lacks, the same is necessary for pets. Pets are unable to produce sufficient omega-3s naturally in their bodies, for example. Omega-3 fatty acids are important nutritional supplements to any diet, benefitting everything from brain development to heart health.
Marine-sourced omega-3
Studies show that marine-sourced omega-3s remain the most effective source for pets, as pets are unable to convert enough of the plant-sourced version in their bodies. The omega-3s that seem to be most efficient are those bound to phospholipids, such as found in krill.
Krill are crustaceans, low on the food chain. In the Southern Ocean, you find Antarctic Krill, a species with one of the largest total biomasses. These tiny crustaceans inhabit the unpolluted waters of Antarctica, making them free of environmental toxins and contaminants.
Sustainable sourcing of ingredients
There is a dedicated effort among krill harvesters to carry out their work as sustainably as possible. Currently, the krill fishery is the only ‘A’ rated reduction fishery in the world. For example, Aker BioMarine was the first krill harvesting company to get MSC certification due to the high standard of its fishing operations and sustainable practices.
Four nutrients, one ingredient
In order for pet food manufacturers to stand out in a congested market, they must ensure that ingredients are sustainable and nutritious, while ideally being palatable and digestible. QRILL Pet offers some major nutrients in one: phospholipid omega-3s, choline, marine proteins and astaxanthin, while also ticking all boxes on sustainability.
Krill is still a relative newcomer to the pet food market. But as consumer expectations grow, krill may become an increasingly essential ingredient in a pet’s diet. A little krill can go a long way in contributing to the long and healthy life of our furry friends.