Petfood Forum 2016

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Dietary sustainability of modern pet foods: science, culture and marketing (Room 2502)

19 Apr 16
4:05 PM - 4:45 PM

Tracks: Petfood Forum Full Schedule, Petfood Forum Full Schedule; Petfood Forum Ingredients, Petfood Forum Full Schedule; Petfood Forum Market/Packaging, Petfood Forum Full Schedule; Petfood Forum Nutrition, Petfood Forum Full Schedule; Petfood Forum Nutrition, Petfood Forum Full Shedule

Joseph Wakshlag, DVM, PhD, associate professor of clinical nutrition at Cornell University Veterinary College, provides insights into how the growth of natural pet foods parallels an emerging, yet lagging, consumer interest in dietary sustainability. The current sustainability of individual pet foods is rarely explored, yet it is hypothesized that the moves toward high meat inclusion in pet diets and away from use of by-products is less sustainable. Alternative sources of protein provide possible solutions to pet foods’ sustainability problems, but cultural and consumer stigma require significant education on the merits of such ingredients. The search for novel ingredients with marketing appeal and cultural acceptance, and the inclusion of acceptable plant ingredients, appear warranted.