Fermented dried seaweed to be introduced into North American pet food

Photo courtesy of The Scoular Company.

Fermented dried seaweed powder for pets will soon come to North America. Scoular, an agribusiness company and global pet food ingredient supplier based in the United States, along with Seadling—a seaweed biotechnology company based in Borneo—have partnered to provide North American pet food manufacturers with this novel ingredient, according to a news release.¹

Seaweed is becoming a popular ingredient in pet food due to its health benefits, often being coined “nature’s superfood,” according to Scoular.¹ A US Pet Food Market Report revealed that almost 70% of pet food purchasers are interested in treats or toppers that offer functional health advantages.¹

“Pet parents increasingly are seeking pet food that boosts pet health and vitality,” Evan Ibach, trade unit manager for Scoular’s High Nutritional Products and senior merchant for the company, said in a news release.¹ “Seadling and Scoular are excited to bring this on-trend ingredient to North American manufacturers.”

Birdie Scott Padam, MSc, head of product for Seadling, said the seaweed powder provides many benefits, like aiding skin, coat, gut, and dental health.¹ According to Padam, seaweed powder also supports brain function, bone development, and cardiovascular health. Moreover, it offers essential minerals and vitamins, including vitamin K2 and potassium, per the company¹. In sick cats, mild or moderate hypokalemia, or low potassium levels, is relatively common.²

The powder is created with proprietary fermentation technology, which helps manufacturers gain a competitive advantage and ensure the powder remains palatable and maintains clean labeling, according to the company.¹

The ingredient is also manufactured through sustainable means, according to Seadling, who practices cultivation via farming instead of wild harvesting. “Sustainability is the heart of our business,” said Simon Davis, CEO and founder of Seadling, in a news release.¹ “Our mission to elevate seaweed as a sustainable source of next-generation ingredients is inspired by the vision of a vibrant and healthy ocean supporting life on land.”

The US Pet Food Market report found that consumers are not only looking for health benefits for their pets, but also for ingredients that benefit the environment. According to the Green Divide Report by NIQ—a global marketing research firm—70% of consumers believe that sustainability has become a more significant factor when choosing products compared to 2 years ago. However, a report by Mintel showed that for young pet owners, sustainability is likely not a priority due to money concerns.³

References

1. Scoular and Seadling bring fermented dried seaweed for North American pet food. News release. The Scoular Company. August 13, 2024. Accessed September 5, 2024. https://www.scoular.com/news/scoular-and-seadling-bring-fermented-dried-seaweed-to-north-american-pet-food/
2. Weir M. Hypokalemia (Low potassium levels) in cats. VCA Animal Hospitals. Accessed September 5, 2024. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/hypokalemia-or-low-potassium-levels-in-cats
3. The future of pet food 2024. Mintel. Accessed September 5, 2024. https://store.mintel.com/report/the-future-of-pet-food