Scoular and SEADLING have entered into an exclusive agreement to offer North American pet food manufacturers the first ingredient of its kind to improve animal health: fermented dried seaweed powder.

Often touted as a natural superfood, seaweed is an emerging pet food ingredient due to its health benefits, Scoular said. According to Mintel’s US Pet Food Marketing Report, nearly 70% of pet food shoppers are interested in treats or toppings that promise functional health benefits.

Dr. Birdie Scott Padam, Product Manager at SEADLING, said the seaweed powder offers many benefits, including:

• Promotes skin, coat, gut and dental health and supports brain function, bone development and cardiovascular health.
• Provides essential minerals and vitamins, including vitamin K2 and potassium, that are often lacking in pet diets.
• Provides binding capabilities and manufacturing compatibility to help manufacturers create consistent, clean label products.

“Pet owners are increasingly looking for pet food that promotes the health and vitality of their animals,” said Evan Ibach, Senior Merchant for Scoular Pet. “SEADLING and Scoular We are pleased to be able to offer this trendy ingredient to North American manufacturers.”

Consumers not only want the health of their pets, but also ingredients that benefit the environment, noted School. In fact, according to NIQ’s Green Divide Report, 70% of consumers say sustainability is more important when choosing products today than it was two years ago.

SEADLING places a high value on sustainability, said company founder and CEO Simon Davis. For example, the company practices field-based cultivation rather than wild-harvesting, which creates a consistent product and preserves the natural environment with minimal negative impact on other species.

“Sustainability is at the heart of our business,” said Davis. “Our mission to establish seaweed as a sustainable source of next-generation ingredients is inspired by the vision of a vibrant and healthy ocean that supports life on land.”

Based in the USA Scoular is a leading domestic supplier of animal feed ingredients. SEADLING is a Borneo-based company that produces the powder using proprietary technology.

Adapted from a press release.