New product unlocks the secret to feline feast appeal

A cat’s preferences are set long before its food reaches the bowl. Studies show that likes and dislikes are both innate – an aversion to bitter tastes, for instance – and acquired, shaped by the mother’s feeding experience during gestation and lactation.¹

Anatomy and appetite

However, satisfying a cat’s palate is no easy feat. Cats are notoriously finicky eaters, even more than dogs. Their preferences are based on their distinctive anatomical characteristics and their own previous feeding experiences. Cats’ sensory equipment makes moisture, texture and odor crucial parameters for dry cat food palatability.

Because individual cats can exhibit strong personal preferences, the challenge of creating universally appealing cat food is greater still. For pet food manufacturers, achieving high palatability and maximizing acceptance among a broad range of cats is a constant pursuit.

That pursuit is commercial as well as technical. For cat owners, mealtime is more than ensuring their cat meets its nutritional needs, and the joy of seeing a cat enthusiastically devour its food reinforces the choice of brand. Some 72% of pet parents say they would rather cut back on personal expenses than sacrifice the budget dedicated to their pet, so palatability is critical to the success of any cat food.²

Reaching peak performance

Symrise Pet Food’s expert brand SPF meets this challenge and proudly announces the launch of the highest-performing cat food palatant on the market.

Success was possible thanks to SPF’s extensive capabilities and years of intensive research and development. To achieve the highest cat palatability performance, it is not enough to rework existing recipes and assess them in versus-test conditions in a single panel. It requires breakthrough innovation, along with a deep understanding of market specifics and feline feeding behaviors.

The product’s efficacy was validated by more than 100 palatability tests carried out in SPF’s worldwide network of panels, using a variety of sensory methodologies. It was also evaluated against the best-performing pet food products currently available on the market. Developments were made using SPF’s pilot plants and dry pet food pilot production line to ensure performance across various kibble bases.

A versatile powder

SPF created a highly effective powder formulated with a combination of carefully selected protein sources powered by top-notch technologies. The product significantly enhances cat food palatability, making it appealing to all cats regardless of individual preferences. It works across different kibble types, simplifying product development.

With this new product, Symrise Pet Food raises the bar in cat food palatability, aiding manufacturers in achieving greater customer satisfaction and success.

1. Catering to cats’ individual preferences, J. Rogues et al. 2018
2. Pet food expenses, LOOP consumer report, n=2,517 respondents in France, UK, USA, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, 2024