Harnessing protein power: sardines and anchovies as superfoods

Pet food manufacturers are embracing superfoods, paralleling advances in pet nutrition with human health trends. Superfoods yield some similar benefits to pets as they do to humans. Nutrient-dense and packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants or omega-3 essential fatty acids, consumers are increasingly aware of their benefits. In pet food, protein superfoods such as sardines and anchovies could provide many nutritional rewards.

Sardines and anchovies as protein-rich superfoods

Common examples of superfoods include chia seeds, squash, berries and spinach, to name a few. But what about the role of protein sources as superfoods?

Sardines and anchovies are both oily fish. They are widely considered a healthy protein source, packed with omega-3 essential fatty acids, calcium, selenium, iron, and vitamin B12. Sardines are especially high in vitamin B12 and D, while anchovies boast more iron. What benefits could these nutrients potentially bring?

Health benefits

Protein is an essential macronutrient, providing the building blocks for tissue growth and repair, as well as an energy source. Proteins also have functional roles in vital processes such as hormonal pathways, enzymatic reactions and immune responses.

However, not all protein sources are nutritionally equal. Sardines and anchovies are also packed with essential fatty acids. Pets cannot synthesize these themselves, relying solely on their diet to provide them. Studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids can improve skin and coat health, and support a healthy heart, nervous system and immune system.

They also have anti-inflammatory properties, as the omega-3 fatty acids EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) inhibit some key inflammatory pathways. Since many chronic diseases have been linked to long-term inflammation, a diet rich in EPA and DHA may offer some therapeutic benefits.

Moreover, these fish are low in saturated fats. With increasing obesity levels in the pet population, the importance of pet foods that support a healthy weight cannot be overlooked. Calcium and vitamin D support bone health, while selenium is an essential trace element that promotes the production of naturally occurring antioxidants in the body.

Mercury levels

Mercury is a naturally occurring element, which is known to be toxic. Methylmercury in the water is taken up by plankton, which is ingested by small fish. Large predatory fish consume a great number of small fish, resulting in methylmercury accumulating in their tissues. As a general rule, the older and larger the fish, the greater the potential for high mercury levels.

Compared to some of their counterparts, sardines and anchovies are lower in mercury, as they are small and short-lived fish, situated low down in the food chain.

Not for hyperthyroid cats

Anchovies and sardines are rich in iodine, making them unsuitable for hyperthyroid cats. Iodine is used to produce the thyroid hormone thyroxine, meaning cats with hyperthyroidism ought to be fed low-iodine food. In fact, iodine-restricted diets can be effective in reducing the total serum thyroxine concentration of hyperthyroid cats.

Novel proteins

With the rise of allergies in both dogs and cats, the veterinary community is increasingly recommending novel protein sources as part of their management. When dogs and cats have dietary allergies, these tend to be to proteins such as beef or chicken, both commonly found in pet food. Novel proteins such as sardines and anchovies could offer healthy alternative protein sources for pets with atopy. The high omega-3 fatty acids offer the additional benefit of supporting skin health and reducing inflammation.

Sustainability

While all fish are at risk of overfishing – and naturally this risk increases the more we (or our pets) consume – at present sardines and anchovies are one of the more sustainable options. They reproduce rapidly, have a short lifespan, and are naturally found in abundance. Energy is also saved on growing and maintaining fisheries. However, stock levels, do vary naturally with the climate.

With over half of pet owners being likely to purchase fish oil supplements in the next 6 months, incorporating these protein superfoods into pet treat or pet food formulations could offer marketing benefits – as well as health benefits to the pet. However, more research is needed as to species-specific safe quantities and potential adverse effects.