Understanding Hydrolyzed Krill Powder
Hydrolyzed krill powder is a processed form of krill meal, which has undergone enzymatic hydrolysis. The process breaks down the proteins in krill into smaller peptides, making them easier to digest and absorb. This results in a highly bioavailable powder rich in essential nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, phospholipids, antioxidants, and proteins.
The hydrolysis process not only enhances the nutritional profile of the krill powder but also improves its solubility and stability, making it ideal for use in various applications ranging from dietary supplements to functional foods.
Krill, this tiny but incredible crustacean, holds many benefits for pets, and this makes it a valuable ingredient for pet food formulators.
As krill is rich in phospholipid-bound omega-3, choline, astaxanthin, and marine proteins, adding this ingredient to your pet food formulations has the power to completely transform your brand. So, let's explore the many ways in which krill can revolutionize your pet food brand.
Powerful and health-promoting nutrients
Hydrolyzed krill powder boasts a high-fat content, with 25% of it being omega-3. This means that just a 5% krill meal inclusion on a Dry Matter (DM) basis can contribute 0.3% of EPA and DHA or 0.4% of omega-3 to the pet food formula. This is what makes krill a powerful omega-3 source for every pet food brand.
Now, studies also revealed that krill-sourced phospholipid omega-3 is 62% more effective in increasing the Omega-3 Index compared to marine triglyceride omega-3.
Moreover, krill contains approximately 1.4% choline, making it a powerful alternative to other choline sources commonly used in pet food formulas. The choline from krill, known as phosphatidylcholine, increases plasma choline levels 12 times better than the commonly used choline chloride salt.
Rich in an extremely powerful antioxidant - astaxanthin
Hydrolyzed krill powder is also a natural source of a powerful antioxidant called astaxanthin, which both benefits pets and acts as a product stabilizer.
A 5% krill meal inclusion on a DM basis provides 6.5 milligrams of astaxanthin per kilogram of pet food.
Complete protein source
An additional benefit of adding krill to pet food is its role as a complete protein source, providing all the necessary amino acids for the well-being of dogs and cats.
Approx. 8% of krill protein is made by the limiting amino acid lysine, with glutamic acid making up another considerable percentage of this protein.
Although glutamic acid is non-essential, it is great for palatability. These proteins are easily digestible and primarily consist of short peptides.
Catering to pet parents' concerns
With growing awareness of their pet's nutritional needs, pet parents are increasingly investing in pet food with omega-3. Pet parents already understand how important the right diet is for a healthy pet, and that can only be achieved with a well-balanced diet. By incorporating krill into your formulas, you can offer pet parents a diet option that aligns with their concerns for their pets' health.
Sustainability matters
The demand for sustainable pet food ingredients is on the rise. Krill has an ecological significance as a primary food source for fish, whales, penguins, and seals in the Antarctic ecosystem. That's why strict fishing regulations are in place in Antarctica to help ensure that all life forms dependent on krill have plenty of food.
Benefits of Krill for Dogs and Cats
1. Natural Omega-3 Source: Promotes healthy coat, improved skin conditions, and supports cognitive function.
2. Easy Dosage: 2 scoops for small dogs and cats, up to 10 scoops for pets over 30 kg.
3. Promotes Coat Shine and Health: Visible improvements through high-quality fatty acids and antioxidants.
4. Highly Bioavailable: The combination of EPA, DHA, and phospholipids ensures optimal absorption and effect.
5. Antioxidative Effect: Protects effectively with astaxanthin against free radicals and supports the immune system.
Feeding Recommendation
| Body Weight (kg) | Scoops per Day |
|---|---|
| Under 5 kg | 2 |
| 5 - 10 kg | 4 |
| 10 - 20 kg | 6 |
| 20 - 30 kg | 8 |
| Over 30 kg | 10 |
Simply mix the recommended amount into the daily food.
Wrapping up, Hydrolyzed krill powder offers unique benefits that can transform your pet food brand. With its many important nutrients, easy formulation, and commitment to sustainability, it is a game-changing ingredient for pet parents that want to provide their furry companions with the best nutrition.
Discover the untapped potential of adding krill into your pet food formulas, and experience the positive impact it can have on your brand's reputation and success.
