This episode was recorded at the 2025 Petfood Forum in Kansas City, Missouri.
This episode was recorded at the 2025 Petfood Forum in Kansas City, Missouri.
Alexandra and Jim begin by introducing themselves and their backgrounds, as well as sharing what they do in their current roles. (00:58)
Dr. Ranovic gives an overview of her presentation at the conference, including a review of how dogs and cats metabolize fatty acids, current recommendations for EPA and DHA requirements, and alternative fatty acid sources like algae oil. She notes some of the differences in fatty acid metabolism between dogs and cats and whether or not adult animals really have a recommended requirement for omega-3 fatty acids. Some of her research has found that algae oil is less shelf-stable than fish oils, and perhaps feeding excess omega fatty acids does not benefit pets. (12:13)
Jim shares the Pet Sustainability Coalition has software called How Good, which is the world's largest ingredient database for sustainability. He explains how it works and ties in with diet formulation software. (22:53)
Jim gives some insight on how pet owners make decisions about sustainability. (25:51)
Dr. Rankovic details what future fatty acid research still needs to be done in dog and cat nutrition. She notes another longer chain, plant-derived fatty acid, SDA, might be one avenue of investigation, both for its use in conversion to EPA and DHA and for its merit alone. (28:26)
The panelists wrap up the episode talking about balancing formulation and pet owner education to achieve the best outcomes possible for pet health and wellbeing. Lastly, they give some recommendations for where pet parents can go to find more information. (32:50)
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