George Collings

Sustainability of proteins

Alternative sources of protein for pet foods are growing and claims about their sustainability proliferating, especially in response to consumer interest. So, which really are sustainable and what are the issues?

Dilated Cardiomyopathy in dogs Look to the beginning – not just to the end

The end of any pet’s life due to disease is difficult. The responses are with medication, abrupt nutritional change and lifestyle adjustments. Given our pets’ short lives, the true change must start in the beginning. We should have fed them differently, gone on walks together and kept them more fit. 

DCM, grain-free & the USFDA. Where do we go now?

By now, all of us have read many articles and opinions after the USFDA's alerts on Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) which originated on 12 July, 2018. Two updates followed in 2019.

The next pet food? A look back and forward

Consumers have increasingly high expectations – for their own food and the food of their pets.

Concerns about grain-free food

A recent FDA announcement alerted consumers and industry to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs eating grain-free foods. Surely it was too early for this warning.

Clearing up pet food allergies

Consumer concern and confusion around pet food allergies is considerable. The first step, as an industry, is to make sure that foods are nutritionally balanced.

Sustainability in pet food

The pet industry’s marketing choices lead to several issues that are at odds with a sustainable future.

Complete and balanced treats

Giving snacks and treats can upset a pet’s complete and balanced food regime. What is the solution?

Toppers: should they be in the mix?

Pet food toppings are a growing segment, but why? And how should pet food manufacturers and retailers respond?

Rising to the clean label challenge

Developing product to meet the demand for clean label is not easy, not least because the concept is ill-defined. Limited ingredients and shelf-life issues add to the challenge.

Is more always better?

Most people would agree that the food they eat directly impacts their health. But when it comes to nutrients in pet food, is it always a case of ‘the more, the better’

The flip side of supplementation

While many supplemented products bring good additions and support health, there is a risk of an imbalanced food regime leading to a negative health impact.

Changing nutrition with changing lifestyle

Active treats: a welcome addition in weight management

In my previous articles on pet health, weight management and calories, I described the ongoing issues in our market. Where do we stand now?

The controversy of raw

In the 1990s, several pet food companies started to market raw foods for pets, claiming they were fundamentally better for pets and led to shinier coats, healthier skin, cleaner teeth, higher energy and smaller stools.

Packaging impact upon nutrition for pets

Packaging and nutritional efficacy are rarely discussed together. However, packaging can have a dramatic impact on nutrition and safety and therefore performance and health.

Delivery of probiotics and health benefits

Gastritis, enteritis, diarrhea and other intestinal upsets are in the top ten of pet health problems. Food solutions supporting immune-related health issues could increase the need for probiotics.

Picky eaters

In an ever-expanding cat food and treat portfolio, innovation is more critical than ever. Dr. George Collings shares his insights on the matter.

Demonization of pet food ingredients

The humanization of pet foods to present an image compatible with a human food regime has complicated formulation. While conveying higher quality and variety, it speaks little towards nutritional balance, proper fortification and long-term health.

 

28 Nov 2016

It’s all about the meat

Current marketing trends in pet food and treats significantly focus on meats, meats and more meats. This push for added meat started in the late 1980s into pet foods and has increased ever since.

 

17 Oct 2016