Is immunity a new trend?

Humanisation

The pet humanisation trend continues, with a • growing number of pet owners treating their pets like themselves. Especially during the current pandemic, pet owners have become more concerned than ever about both their own immunity and that of their pets.  This is leading to the increased popularity of meat • varieties in diets (such as duck, rabbit, turkey, veal, cod and trout, to name but a few) and the choice for hypoallergenic protein sources.

Caring about pet health

Pet owners want to feel that they are doing all they can to prioritise their pets’ well-being, so nutritional parameters are not all they care about. This is driving the growth of functional diets, supplements, different snacks, toppers and even water enhancers in the pet market. They contain ‘trendy’ healthy ingredients, such as vitamins and minerals, yeast-based ingredients and various herbs, berries and oils that may influence pet health. These trends, which initially started mainly in the US market, are now also widely developing in Europe.

Immunity support

Immunity support is vital nowadays, which is why Kormotech launched the Optimeal brand five years ago. Immunity support is at the heart of this brand concept thanks to unique diet recipes and a special Immunity Support Mix (ISM) complex. ISM includes purified beta-glucans, prebiotics, herbs, berries and natural antioxidants (based on rosemary extract).

The science behind ISM

• Purified beta-glucans: These are natural compounds found in the yeast cell walls. Due to their special structure, beta-glucans stimulate leukocytes which help build up the immune system and protect the body against pathogenic microbes.
• Prebiotics (MOS): These limit the colonisation of pathogenic bacteria and harmlessly remove them from the pet’s body. This maintains the balance of beneficial microflora in the pet’s gut and supports healthy digestion 

Optimeal diet substances (including omega-3 and 6, zinc and biotin) have a positive effect on the health of the pet’s skin and coat as well as supporting joints, vision and brain development. Combined with the unique Immunity Support Mix complex, it will definitely improve the well-being of pets and support their immune system.

R&D is vital

The Kormotech R&D team is continuously working to further improve the ISM. Cooperation with specialised ingredient producers and research institutions is a vital part of this. A new release of Optimeal ISM can be expected in the course of 2021