Page 41 - FoodFocusThailand No.246 October 2026

SMART PRODUCTION

a DHA-to-EPA ratio of approximately 3:1. stage and health needs. This allows formulators to select ingredients and nutritional
Maintaining oil quality requires careful solutions that are appropriate for different stages of a pet’s life.
control throughout the process—from Marine ingredients such as omega-3, collagen peptides, and bone calcium
raw material selection and extraction to demonstrate how knowledge and experience from human nutrition can be
oxidation management and supply-chain extended into pet nutrition, while simultaneously creating greater value from tuna
traceability. heads, skin, and bones through the upcycling of co-products. Ultimately, Better
In pet nutrition, DHA-rich tuna oil Lives for Pets is about providing appropriate nutrition throughout every life stage
can be incorporated into formulations while considering quality, palatability, scientific evidence, and the responsible use
targeting cognitive health and eye health, of resources—supporting better and more sustainable lives for pets.
making it particularly relevant for puppies
and kittens as well as senior pets.
Tuna Collagen Peptides: More Information Service Info C005
Marine Peptides with Functional
Potential
Collagen is a structural protein
naturally present in the skin, bones,
cartilage, and connective tissues. Tuna
collagen peptides are characterized
by a relatively low average molecular
weight of approximately 1,500 Da and
a high proportion of di- and tripeptides,
characteristics that are often associated
with efficient absorption and utilization.
Tuna collagen also offers a distinctive
peptide profile, creating opportunities for
formulations targeting skin & coat and
joint & mobility health.
Tuna Bone Calcium:
More Than a Calcium Source
Tuna bone calcium is naturally present in
the form of hydroxyapatite. Unlike single-
source calcium ingredients, it provides
not only calcium, but also phosphorus,
collagen, and other trace minerals. With
a Ca:P ratio of approximately 2:1 and
a composition resembling the natural
bone matrix, tuna bone calcium can
be considered a natural bone mineral
complex with interesting potential in terms
of bioavailability. It can be incorporated
into formulations targeting bone health,
dental health, and mobility.
Nutrition Meets Palatability
For pets, nutritional functionality alone
may not be enough. A product must be
accepted and consumed consistently,
making palatability an important
consideration in formulation development.
Tuna-derived ingredients offer the
advantage of a natural tuna aroma and
taste. Palatability testing has shown
that their inclusion does not negatively
affect formula acceptance and may
also contribute to enhanced palatability,
allowing formulators to address both
nutritional functionality and palatability
within the same solution.
From Human Nutrition to Better
Lives for Pets
Ingredient selection is at the heart of
pet product development and should be
considered alongside each animal’s life
OCT 2026 FOOD FOCUS THAILAND 41