Understanding the importance of protein and amino acid analysis, digestibility, and bioavailability in pet nutrition is essential. Protein plays a vital role in the support of the overall health and bodily functions of pets; and amino acid analysis allows us to evaluate the quality and composition of proteins in pet food, ensuring they meet specific nutritional requirements. In our discussion, Dr. Julia Pezzali and I delve into the significance of understanding amino acid and protein composition in both ingredients and final products. We explore the digestibility and bioavailability of amino acids, considering the species or reference protein requirements, concepts which are crucial for formulating balanced diets as well as providing valuable insights for companies that are developing their nutrient philosophy on essential and non-essential amino acid content.

“To ensure optimal research on protein and amino acid analysis in pet nutrition, it is crucial to have trained personnel. Also, collaboration between academia and industry further enhances this vital research.”- Dr. Julia Pezzali

What you'll learn:

(00:00) Highlight
(01:05) Introduction
(03:51) Considerations in the analyses of protein and amino acids
(10:33) What is digestibility? How do we measure protein and AA digestibility?
(19:25) When is bioavailability needed and how do you measure it?
(30:52) Scientific accuracy and regulatory guidance: amino acids in dogs and cats
(41:02) Final question

Meet the guest: Dr. Julia Pezzali

Experience:

Assistant Professor at Iowa State University

Background:

Ph.D., Cat Nutrition and Metabolism (the University of Guelph - Canada)
M.Sc., Pet Food Processing and Dog Nutrition (Kansas State University - US)
B.Sc., Veterinary Medicine (Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul - Brazil)

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Dr. Julia Pezzali: Amino Acid Puzzle in Pets | Ep. 05