ISSUE FOCUS 42 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE December 2024 and with increasing scientific evidence supporting its wide range of health benefits in various animal groups, natural astaxanthin is being incorporated into a growing number of animal feed and pet food formulations. CONVENIENT FORMATS BACKED BY SCIENCE ARE TRENDING As well as seeking natural, wholesome products, pet owners also want maximum convenience. They prefer easy-to-use formats such as kibbles and treats with nutritional value, meal toppers and chewables. In line with market trends, Ark Naturals, a brand by pet care company Antelope, has recently launched evidence-based, oral health-promoting dog chews in distinctive red colour originating from AstaReal® Astaxanthin. In their study with beagles, the chews were shown to significantly improve oral health by reducing plaque and tartar, while promoting beneficial bacteria and reducing harmful bacteria in the mouth, thus supporting overall dental hygiene. SUSTAINABLE SOURCING WITH ALGAE Mindful of the planet’s finite natural resources, AstaReal derives its astaxanthin from microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis – the most abundant source in nature. Algae play an essential role in our ecosystem and are recognised as a renewable resource and, unlike most conventional crops, require less energy, land, and nutrients, while eliminating the need for pesticides and herbicides. If algae are cultivated indoors, as is the case with AstaReal, they can be better protected from environmental harm and contamination, with the yield of astaxanthin-rich algal biomass boasting a higher quality profile. Thus, algae-derived astaxanthin not only contributes to a naturally-enhanced product profile and supports the health of our beloved pets, but also the future of the planet – all of which is food for thought for pet food manufacturers looking to tap into this lucrative and burgeoning segment. References 1Zanghi BM, Middleton RP, Reynolds AJ, Effects of postexercise feeding of a supplemental carbohydrate and protein bar with or without astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis to exercise-conditioned dogs. Am J Vet Res. 2015 April;76(4):338-50. 2Murai T, Kawasumi K, Tominaga K, Okada Y, Kobayashi M, Arai T, Effects of astaxanthin supplementation in healthy and obese dogs. Vet Med. 2019 Feb;10:29-35. 3Park JS, Mathison BD, Hayek MG, Zhang J, Reinhart GA, Chew BP, Astaxanthin modulates age-associated mitochondrial dysfunction in healthy dogs. J Anim Sci. 2013 Jan;91(1):268-75. 4Chew BP, Mathison DB, Hayek MG, Massimino S, Reinhart GA, Park JS, Dietary astaxanthin enhances immune response in dogs. Vet Immunol Immunopathol. 2011 Apr;140(3–4):199-206. 5Park JS, Mathison BD, Hayek MG, Massimino S, Reinhart GA, Chew BP, Astaxanthin stimulates cell-mediated and humoral immune responses in cats. Vet Immunol Immunopathol. 2011 Dec;144(3– 4):455-61. 6Wang W, Hernandez J, Moore C, Jackson J, Narfström K, Antioxidant supplementation increases retinal responses and decreases refractive error changes in dogs. J Nutr Sci. 2016 May;5(E18).
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTUxNjkxNQ==