Natural astaxanthin: How the ‘king of carotenoids’ can upgrade pet food

March 30 2023

Famous for its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, natural astaxanthin has become a highly targeted ingredient – not only for human consumption but also for pet food. Research shows that it contributes to a better immune defense and improved immune response in pets in general, and that it stimulates muscle function and recovery specifically in dogs. Senior pets in particular can benefit from astaxanthin as a highly bioactive ingredient. Although salmon and some other types of seafood are natural sources of astaxanthin, supplementation is recommended to obtain the effective daily dose. 

In the latest whitepaper by Geert van der Velden, IQI Trusted Petfood Ingredients’ Innovation Manager, he discusses the different possibilities of astaxanthin as a supplement in pet food applications.