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BIONÆR-Bionæringsprogram

Next generation functional pet food for selected segments by use of new biobased ingredients with effect on dog health and wellbeing

Alternative title: Neste generasjon hunde-fôr med funksjonelle egenskaper for utvalgte segment, basert på biobaserte ingredienser med effekt på helse.

Awarded: NOK 2.6 mill.

Project Number:

321697

Project Period:

2021 - 2024

Funding received from:

Organisation:

Location:

Norilia and Felleskjopet intend to develop and launch innovative pet food products based on novel biobased and sustainable ingredients with functional properties suited for advanced and targeted applications. The ingredients are: soluble poultry protein (hydrolysate), insoluble poultry protein, eggshell-calcium and eggshell membrane. The ingredients are produced from rest-raw materials from meat- and egg at biorefineries owned by Norilia and Felleskjopet. The aim of this project is to verify the nutrient content and validate health promoting effects of the ingredients, to develop customized ingredient-mixes, recipes and a complete functional dog food. The ingredients are promising for application in pet food for senior dogs, sensitive dogs, physically active performance dogs and for dental and joint health. Together with NMBU and Passion4feed AS we will develop spesialized pet food-products and document effects through clinical studies. The project will generate new innovative pet food products and increase the use and value of the new biobased ingredients. The project is set within a sustainable value chain perspective where locally sourced rest-raw materials are refined to innovative and sustainable ingredients. Th project will increase food security and self-sufficiency for the Norwegian pet food industry. The first phase of the study was to characterize the ingredients chemically and look into the mechanisms of ?in vivo? amino acid digestibility and total protein digestion in mink animals. In addition, we evaluated the effect of the different inclusion levels of poultry peptides and their influence during the production of pet food. We also tested influence on palatability and stool quality with a group of ten dogs. The work has generated valuable information on how the ingredients behave in the production of pet food and the digestibility and acceptability of the ingredients when given to the dogs.

Norilia and Felleskjopet intend to develop and launch innovative pet food products based on novel biobased ingredients with functional properties suited for advanced and targeted applications. The products are as follows: soluble poultry protein (hydrolysate), insoluble poultry protein, eggshell-calcium and eggshell membrane flakes. The ingredients can be applied in pet food diets with a potential for improving nutritional quality and contribute to improved health status. Hydrolysed proteins have small size peptides, with a molecule weight below 10 kDa, and are therefore not recognized as antigens by the immune system. This means that hydrolysed protein is relevant in so called "hypoallergenic diets" for dogs. Studies show that hydrolysed proteins also have great impact on muscle maintenance and restitution is an excellent protein source for performance dogs. The insoluble protein has a good amino acid profile and a high digestibility, and it also contains high-value minerals. Eggshell (calcium carbonate) is a natural source of calcium and it proven to have better bioavailabilty than standard inorganic industrial calcium types. Eggshell membrane contains the protein collagen and the cartilage components glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate. Components from egg shell membrane are well-documented and is applied as supplements for management of joint pain, osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. The nutrient content and scientific evidence concerning health effects for the ingredients are promising. The modern pet life expectancy is increased, and we are expecting senior dog population to raise. Focus development areas are: sensitive dogs, senior dogs, physical active performance dogs and dental and joint health. Together with NMBU and Passion4feed AS we will develop and document effects fortified with clinical studies. This will generate new pet food products increase the value of all ingredients, and therefore increase the profitability for all partners involved.

Funding scheme:

BIONÆR-Bionæringsprogram