 |
Food For Thought™ Technical Bulletin No. 122R
Innovative Research in Dog and Cat Nutrition™ |
|
|
|
What is digest?
Digest is made from high-quality protein and fat material derived from animal tissues. Through an enzymatic process, the large protein pieces in the tissues are reduced to smaller peptides and amino acids. Likewise the fat particles are broken into smaller lipids and fatty acids.
As the enzymatic reaction progresses, tissues liquefy. This liquid digest is then sprayed evenly on the outside of the dry-food kibbles. This is called "enrobing."
Return to Top
Why is digest used in pet food?
DieDigest is a common pet food ingredient because it provides natural flavor. This natural palatability ensures that dogs and cats will find the diet appealing day after day and eat appropriate amounts of food to receive essential nutrients.
Digest is especially important in therapeutic diets where special ingredients required for the health of the animal may be less appealing to dogs or cats.
Digest also is a source of valuable proteins and fats and essential amino and fatty acids.
Return to Top
Are digests different for dogs and cats?
Yes. While amino acids in the digest stimulate taste receptors in both animals, dogs and cats have different taste preferences and, therefore, different digest preferences.
Dogs respond to sweet tastes from fatty acids or the fat component, as well as amino acids. Cats prefer acidic foods; thus, the acid that is used to help preserve digest also enhances the palatability of the product.
Return to Top
Application
- The Iams Company uses high-quality digests (listed as "natural chicken flavor" on the ingredient list) made from chicken to enhance the palatability of Iams®, Eukanuba®, and Eukanuba Veterinary Diets® dry foods and to contribute to the nutritional value of the diet.
- Eukanuba Veterinary Diets® Nutritional Skin & Coat Formula™ Response™ FP includes fish digest because of its specific protein-source requirement.
Return to Top
|
|
|
