Modern Palatant Strategies in Dry and Wet Pet Food: Formulation Technologies, Patent Innovations, and Market Evolution
Abstract
1. Introduction
2. Patent and Product Launch Trends in Palatability-Enhanced Pet Foods
3. Scientific Publications on Pet Food Palatability
Palatant | Origin of Palatant | Pet | Food Types | Contents | How to Use | Protocol for Palatability Testing | Other Food Tests | Duration of Consumption | Other Major Findings | References |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. Natural olive extract | Olive extract provided by PhenoFarm (Scandriglia RI, Italy) | Cat | Kibble | Liquid palatants: 0, 15, 30, 50, 75, 150 ppm of olive extract Dry palatants: 0, 100, 200, 400, and 600 ppm of olive extract | Coating | Two-day, two-bowl test was conducted with a panel of 20 adult cats. Each cat received an experimental and a control bowl | Olive extract flavor was analyzed by HP-SPME coupled with GC/Q-TOF | 2 days |
| [19] |
2. Herbal mix: phosphatidylcholine | BioCholine®, Nuproxa México -Switzerland | Dog | Kibble | Unsupplemented diet (377 mg choline/kg) was compared with choline chloride (2000 mg/kg) and three levels of a phosphatidylcholine-rich herbal mix (200, 400, and 800 mg/kg) | Comparison between 0 vs. 200 g/kg and 0 vs. 400 mg/kg | Digestibility assay: feces were collectedtwice daily and stored at −20 °C before analysis (dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, ash, and neutral detergent fiber) | 30 min for two consecutive days |
| [20] | |
3. Chicken liver protein hydrolysates | Xinyuan Co., Ltd. (Shanghai, China) | Cat | Neutral cat food from corn flour | Food attractants CFA0 (control), CFA1, CFA2, CFA3, and CFA4 were prepared by spraying pet food with chicken liver protein hydrolysates (CLPHs) of varying degrees of hydrolysis (CLPH1, CLPH2, CLPH3, and CLPH4) | Spraying the cat food attractant into cat food | During the two-bowl test, we recorded the cat’s first choice and the amount of food left in each bowl. We then calculated the intake ratio by dividing the grams consumed by the grams provided | Volatile compound by GC-MS |
| [24] | |
4. Chicken liver, Lentinus edodes, and Tenebrio molitor | Chicken and mushroom species | Dog | Dog’s basic food | Control (dog’s basic food), control + chicken liver, control + L. edodes, and control + T. molitor | Spraying dog food attractant onto cat food | Two-bowl tests recorded ingestion rate (IR) and first preference (FP) as indices of palatability and pet food selection (PFS) | Volatile compound in attractant by HS-SPME-GC-MS and SDE-GC-MS | Two consecutive days, 2 meals per day. The control diet was given within 14 days |
| [25] |
5. Protein hydrolysate | Grass carp waste attractant prepared by Maillard reaction at pH 7 at 115 °C | Cat | Cat food (blank) | CK: Blank cat food A: Blank cat food + 3% of self-made attractant B: Blank cat food + 3% commercial attractant | Acceptance test: single-bowl feeding test. Palatability test: two-bowl feeding test. | Antioxidant activity (DPPH free radical scavenging ability, hydroxyl radical scavenging ability, Fe2+ chelation ability) Volatile compound analysis by GC-MS | Two consecutive days |
| [21] | |
6. Dog food palatability enhancer powder | Maillard reaction at pH of 6–9 at 100–140 °C | Dog | Basal dog food | Six different palatability enhancers DF1, DF2, DF3, DF4, DF5, and DF6 | Spray on basal dog food 1:20 | Two-bowl test | Volatile aroma compound (GC-MS, LLME–GC–MS) | Two consecutive days, 2 meals per day |
| [23] |
7. Dog food attractant (DFA) | Maillard reaction at pH of 6–9 at 100–140 °C | Dog | Basal dry dog food | Seven DFAs with different aroma compounds (DFA1, DFA2, DFA3, DFA4, DFA5, DFA6, and DFA7) | Spraying seven DFAs onto basal dog food | Eight adult beagle dogs: four males and four females with weight 7.5 to 15.7 kg An acceptance test (one-pan test) and preference tests (two-pan test and free-choice test) | Aroma compounds were analyzed using HS-SPME and GC-MS, and their relationship with palatability was modeled with PLSR | 500 g for 2–4 h daily for 5 days |
| [26] |
8. Commercial palatant | D’TECH 6 L obtained from SPF (Descalvado, São Paulo, Brazil) | Dog | Kibble | 2% of the ingredients | Coating in a tumble system | Two-pan method with two meals in 1 day for 38 individually kenneled dogs Remains weighed and consumption rate were calculated as relative consumption (%) of each diet | Descriptive sensory analysis: panelists chewed one kibble to evaluate flavor and texture | After a 12 h fast, dogs were offered two pans of experimental food and allowed to eat for 30 min |
| [27] |
9. Sodium pyrophosphate and/or yeast extract | Enzyme extraction from Saccharomyces cerevisiae | Cat | Kibbles | 0.2% yeast extract, 0.3% sodium pyrophosphate, and 0.5% blends (yeast extract plus sodium pyrophosphate at 40:60) | Faces | Two-bowl method with 20 cats and food relative consumption (%) | - | Two consecutive days and bowls were left with the cats for 24 h |
| [28] |
Strain-specific yeast extract | Cellular extraction of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast strain cultivated in sugarcane juice | Cat | Wet food | 2% of yeast extract | Mixed with wet food | Two-bowl method with 20 adult mixed-breed cats (male and female) and relative consumption (%) | Nutrient digestibility, energy utilization, nitrogen balance, and blood evaluation | Each cat was offered two dietary options once per day, with bowls left for 30 min or until completely consumed |
| [29] |
10. Spray-dried porcine plasma (SDP) | Porcine plasma | Dog | Extruded dog food | 0, 4, 8, and 12% spray-dried porcine plasma in diet | Added on top of pet food | Pair-wise diet comparison using 20 adult dogs and the intake ratio of the basal diet | Digestibility, facial characteristics, and blood evaluation | 30 min for two consecutive days |
| [30] |
11. Fermented turmeric, glasswort, and Ganghwa mugwort | Turmeric, glasswort, and Ganghwa mugwort | Dog | Pellet | Control, 1% fermented turmeric added to diet, 1% fermented glasswort added to diet, 1% fermented Ganghwa mugwort added to diet, and 1% fermented mixture added to diet | Sprayed uniformly prior to the last oil coating step of extrusion | Two-pan method | Four consecutive days |
| [33] |
4. Palatability Testing
5. Palatability Influencers
6. Current Trends in Palatant Technology
7. Invention Patents of Palatants Used in Pet Food
8. Challenges and Future Opportunities
9. Conclusions
Author Contributions
Funding
Data Availability Statement
Acknowledgments
Conflicts of Interest
References
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Types of Palatant | Origin of Palatant | Pet Type | Food Types | How to Use | Major Claim | Country of Patent Applicants | Patent Name | References |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. Fat | Dogs | Dry pet food | Applied as external coating (post-extrusion), inner inclusion in granule | Improved palatability, softness, and texture through multilayered coating | Russia (RU) | Attractive fodder for domestic animals and methods for improving attractiveness of fodder for domestic animals | Mars Incorporated. (2016) [6] | |
2. Protein | Egg | Dogs and Cats | Dry pet food | Applied post-extrusion using fluidizing mixer | Enhanced palatability and nutritional value via protein–palatant–fat coating system with reduced thermal degradation | United States | Process for making a pet food in the form of a coated kibble | Corrigan (2017) [46] |
3. Protein | Dogs | Dry pet food | Palatants were sprayed on dry base food (DS-A) at 0.2% w/w for testing; preference measured via 2-pan test | Innovative method for evaluating pet food preference using mapped sensory analysis and preference data to optimize formulation without requiring humans to consume pet food | Japan | Method for evaluating food preference of pets | Mikami et al. (2017) [8] | |
4. Fatty acid Yeast Amino acid | Dogs and Cats | Dry pet food | Applied as topical coating Blended into food formulation | Improved palatability and acceptance by combining fatty acid esters, amino acids, and yeast-based flavor systems | International | Methods and Compositions for Palatable Pet Foods | Nestlé Purina PetCare Global Resources Inc. (2024) [47] | |
5. Protein digests Fats | Dogs and Cats | Dry pet food | Internal inclusions added before extrusion External coating post-extrusion Layering optimized using multistep application system | Enhanced sensory experience and palatability through spatially distinct placement of palatants (inside and outside the kibble); mimics meaty textures and flavors | Canada | Methods and Systems for Making Food | Nestlé Purina PetCare Centre (2019) [7] | |
6. Vitamin D3 Vitamin B1 Fat | Maillard precursors | Dogs and Cats | Dry, semi-moist, and wet pet foods | Added by coating or inclusion (before processing); optional heat-treatment to improve flavor development (e.g., Maillard reaction) | Improved palatability through vitamin-based enhancers in combination with carriers and flavor precursors; adaptable to various food forms and species | South Korea (KR) | Palatability Enhancers for Pet Food, Method of Preparation and Uses Thereof | Cayeux, L. (2016) [48] |
7. Protein Fat Probiotics Vitamins | Egg white Whey | Dogs and Cats | Dry pet food | Post-extrusion coating in fluidizing mixer | Enhanced palatability, nutrient delivery, and stability through sequential, multilayer coating with functional and flavor-enhancing components | Australia | Pet Food in the Form of a Coated Kibble | Sunvold and Corrigan (2016) [49] |
8. Amino acid | Cat | Dry, semi-moist, and wet cat foods | Applied as coating or internal inclusion; optionally heat-treated (80–200 °C for 10 s to 210 min) to generate Maillard-derived aroma and flavor compounds | Improved palatability in cat food using a fat-free system based on amino-carbonyl Maillard reaction products; adaptable to various moisture levels and food formats | Japan | Preference Improver Containing Amino Reactant and Carbonyl Compound for Use in Cat Food | Nestec S.A. (2017) [50] | |
9. Fat | Dogs and Cats | Dry pet food | Palatants added at various process stages Post-extrusion coating | Improved and consistent palatability by timing palatant addition at key production points; reduced loss of aroma compounds and improved consumer acceptance | International | Process for Making Pet Food | Corrigan, P. J. (2012) [52] | |
10. Meat analogues formed | Alginate–calcium gelation | Dogs and Cats | Wet pet food | Forms meat-like structures pre-retort Mixed with gravy containing palatants | Preparation of retort-stable, striated, restructured meat analogues using alginate–calcium gelation, suitable for canned/gravy-style pet foods | United States | Process for Preparing a Pet Food Composition | Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc. (2020) [53] |
11. Fat | Animal fats Plant fats | Cats | Dry pet food | Fat incorporated internally and coating post-extrusion | Enhanced palatability by controlling specific fat ratios from animal and plant sources; formulation shown to outperform standard kibbles | Japan | Specific Fat Fraction Containing Palatable Cat Kibble | Nestlé S.A. (2020) [54] |
12. Protein Fat | Poultry by-products Fish materials, dried whole egg, yeast | Cats | Dry pet food | Palatants included in formulation and also applied post-extrusion as coating | Enhanced palatability through optimized nutritional composition and targeted coating with attractant palatability agents | Japan | Taste Dry Cat Food and Method for Producing the Same | Nestlé S.A. (2017) [55] |
13. Protein hydrolysates Reducing sugars Fat | Wheat gluten Lactose Glucose | Dogs and Cats | Dry and wet pet foods | Mixture incorporated during production or applied post-processing | Improved palatability by generating desirable Maillard reaction products from plant-based protein, sugar, and lipid systems | International | Processed Food Such as Petfood with Improved Palatability | Nestlé S.A. (2014) [5] |
14. Emulsified meat-based matrix | Ground animal muscle Fat Plasma | Dogs and Cats | Wet pet foods | Meat emulsion prepared and cooked into stable chunks or paste and mixed with gravy containing palatants | Improved palatability, texture, and water retention in wet pet foods via emulsified meat matrices | Canada | Meat Emulsion Products, Methods of Making Such Products and Pet Foods Containing Such Products | Nestlé Purina PetCare Centre (2017) [56] |
15. Palatant concentration | Dogs and Cats | Dry and wet pet foods | Palatants integrated into each life-stage-specific formula or adjusted in level to drive voluntary intake | Life-stage-specific animal diets optimized in nutrient profile and optionally palatant concentration, enhancing selection and compliance through human–animal life stage visual cues | Netherlands | Compositions and Methods for Providing a Life-Stage Appropriate Animal Diet | Iams Europe B.V. (2020) [51] |
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Klinmalai, P.; Kamonpatana, P.; Sodsai, J.; Promhuad, K.; Srisa, A.; Laorenza, Y.; Kovitvadhi, A.; Areerat, S.; Seubsai, A.; Harnkarnsujarit, N. Modern Palatant Strategies in Dry and Wet Pet Food: Formulation Technologies, Patent Innovations, and Market Evolution. Foods 2025, 14, 2824. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14162824
Klinmalai P, Kamonpatana P, Sodsai J, Promhuad K, Srisa A, Laorenza Y, Kovitvadhi A, Areerat S, Seubsai A, Harnkarnsujarit N. Modern Palatant Strategies in Dry and Wet Pet Food: Formulation Technologies, Patent Innovations, and Market Evolution. Foods. 2025; 14(16):2824. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14162824
Chicago/Turabian StyleKlinmalai, Phatthranit, Pitiya Kamonpatana, Janenutch Sodsai, Khwanchat Promhuad, Atcharawan Srisa, Yeyen Laorenza, Attawit Kovitvadhi, Sathita Areerat, Anusorn Seubsai, and Nathdanai Harnkarnsujarit. 2025. "Modern Palatant Strategies in Dry and Wet Pet Food: Formulation Technologies, Patent Innovations, and Market Evolution" Foods 14, no. 16: 2824. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14162824
APA StyleKlinmalai, P., Kamonpatana, P., Sodsai, J., Promhuad, K., Srisa, A., Laorenza, Y., Kovitvadhi, A., Areerat, S., Seubsai, A., & Harnkarnsujarit, N. (2025). Modern Palatant Strategies in Dry and Wet Pet Food: Formulation Technologies, Patent Innovations, and Market Evolution. Foods, 14(16), 2824. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14162824