Usage and Dosage of Rosemary Extract in Pet Food

Rosemary Extract is widely used in the pet food industry as a natural antioxidant and preservative. It is a popular alternative to synthetic antioxidants like BHA, BHT, or Ethoxyquin.

Role and Benefits in Pet Food

1. Natural Antioxidant: The active compounds, such as Rosmarinic Acid and Carnosic Acid, help prevent the oxidation of fats and oils in pet food. This prevents the food from becoming rancid and maintains its nutritional value.
2. Shelf-life Extension: By slowing down lipid oxidation, it helps extend the shelf life of dry kibble, treats, and wet food.
3. Clean Label: It allows manufacturers to claim "natural" preservation on the product label, which is highly valued by pet owners.
4. Anti-inflammatory Properties: It may provide minor health benefits to pets by helping to reduce inflammation.

Usage Instructions

• Mixing: For dry pet food (kibble), the powder should be thoroughly mixed with the dry ingredients or pre-blended with the fat/oil component before it is applied to the kibble.
• Stability: It is relatively heat-stable, making it suitable for the extrusion process used in manufacturing dry pet food.
• Storage: Store the extract in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, to maintain its potency.

Recommended Dosage

The appropriate dosage can vary depending on the fat content of the pet food and the desired shelf life:

• General Dosage: Typically 0.05% to 0.2% of the total weight of the pet food formulation.
• Based on Fat Content: Often calculated at 200 - 1000 ppm (parts per million) relative to the fat/oil content in the recipe.

Recommended Product

• Rosemary Extract (Rosmarinic Acid 10%, Powder): This food-grade powder contains 10% Rosmarinic Acid, providing high antioxidant efficiency for pet food applications.

• Note: Always ensure the extract is evenly distributed throughout the batch to ensure consistent preservation.*