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Pet owners rely on pet food companies to provide products that keep their animal friends energized and healthy. Because dry pet food can take weeks or months to get from the processor to the pet bowl companies need to include preservative additives in their products. These additives prevent pet food from spoiling and growing mold, extending its shelf life and improving its safety.
There are two main types of preservatives in the food industry: antimicrobials and antioxidants. Antimicrobials prevent bacteria, molds, and yeasts from growing. Antioxidants, on the other hand, stop or slow the oxidation of fats and lipids, which prevents the food from spoiling. The pet food industry relies on antioxidants more than antimicrobials. Pet food preservatives can also be divided based on whether they are artificial or natural.
Artificial preservatives are synthesized additives used to preserve pet food and other food and nutrition products. Artificial preservatives greatly increase a product's shelf life, making it possible for customers to store it for a time before use. A typical pet food that includes artificial preservatives may last a year or longer.
Some common artificial preservatives used in pet food include:
Artificial preservatives effectively extend a pet food product's shelf life. However, due to uncertainty about the safety of artificial preservatives, many pet owners have started searching for pet foods that incorporate natural preservatives instead. These additives are derived from organic or naturally occurring ingredients and serve as effective antioxidants, though they do not extend a product's shelf life as much as other preservatives.
Natural preservatives ideal for use in pet foods include the following:
Preservation additives in pet food help ensure the product is safe and nutritious for the animals your customers care about. You want to choose additives that promote product quality and keep customers happy.
At Brenntag North America Food & Nutrition, we distribute natural and artificial preservatives to customers in the pet food industry.
Simply fill out the form and a Brenntag representative will contact you shortly.