Innovating pet food coatings: reducing reliance on animal derived ingredients
Smart alternatives for supply chain resilience and product performance
Summary
Facing supply chain challenges with animal ingredients, our client sought alternative coatings for pet food that maintain functionality and sensory appeal. We explored concepts, developed prototypes, and conducted rigorous testing. The most promising solutions were identified, supported by detailed data to guide R&D and enable innovation that reduces or replaces animal- -based coatings.
Client challenge
A leading pet food manufacturer faced supply chain issues with animal derived ingredients used in product coatings. They needed alternative solutions that could replicate the functional and sensory properties without compromising product quality or consumer appeal.
Our approach
- Concept ideation: explored and refined ideas through supplier discussions and research, focusing on prioritised technologies
- Concept selection: reviewed the most promising options with the client and agreed on candidates for experimental evaluation
- Preparation: sourced ingredients and equipment, developed methods, and researched suitable formulations, manufacturing processes and test protocols
- Prototype development: produced sample coatings in our labs and conducted functional tests, including microscopy, rheology and texture analysis
Client benefit
We identified the most promising replacement coatings for advanced investigation and optimisation. We provided detailed data and analysis to guide the client’s R&D strategy, enabling innovation to reduce or replace animal based coatings in pet food and strengthen supply chain resilience.
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