Dog Food Ingredients for Manufacturers
The UK pet food market is experiencing unprecedented growth, projected to expand at 6.8% CAGR through 2035—the fastest growth rate in Europe. With 13.5 million dogs in British households and 91% of owners stating that ingredients are a critical factor in their purchasing decisions, dog food manufacturers face increasing pressure to deliver products that meet evolving consumer expectations.
Healan Ingredients partners with dog food manufacturers across the UK and Europe, supplying premium-grade gelatines, hydrocolloids, collagen peptides, and bespoke ingredient blends. With in-house blending and grinding capabilities, technical expertise, and UK-held stock, we provide the functional ingredients and formulation support your manufacturing operation requires.
Gelatine for Dog Food Manufacturing
Gelatine remains one of the most versatile and functional ingredients in dog food production. As a high-quality protein source, gelatine delivers multiple benefits that address both manufacturing requirements and consumer demands for nutritious pet food.
Key Benefits of Gelatine in Dog Food
– High Protein Content: Gelatine provides a concentrated protein boost with a low calorie profile, supporting muscle health and overall canine nutrition
– Superior Binding Properties: Excellent texture and binding capabilities improve product consistency and manufacturing efficiency
– Digestive Support: Gelatine helps soothe the digestive system, promoting optimal gastrointestinal health
– Joint and Bone Health: Contains amino acids that support bone density and joint function, particularly beneficial for senior dogs and larger breeds
– Clean Label Appeal: A natural ingredient that aligns with consumer preferences for recognisable, wholesome ingredients
Our Gelatine Range
Healan supplies a comprehensive range of gelatines to meet diverse formulation requirements:
– Fish Gelatine – Ideal for hypoallergenic and novel protein formulations
– Chicken Gelatine – Popular choice for poultry-based recipes
– Bovine Gelatine – Traditional option with excellent gelling properties
– Porcine Gelatine – Cost-effective solution with reliable performance
– Collagen Peptides – Hydrolysed collagen in powder and agglomerated forms for enhanced bioavailability
We offer bespoke blending and grinding services to create custom gelatine solutions that match your specific bloom requirements and NPD specifications.
Hydrocolloids for Wet Dog Food Production
Consumer demand for natural ingredient lists has accelerated the adoption of hydrocolloid systems in wet dog food manufacturing. These functional ingredients deliver the textural properties essential for premium wet food products whilst enabling cleaner labels and improved processing efficiency.
Functional Properties of Hydrocolloids
Hydrocolloids provide multiple functional benefits in wet dog food formulations:
– Thickening: Create the desired viscosity and body in gravies and sauces
– Gelling: Establish firm yet appealing textures in pate and loaf-style products
– Emulsification: Stabilise meat emulsions for consistent product quality
– Moisture Retention: Preserve juiciness and improve palatability
– Coating Properties: Enable even distribution of flavours and nutrients
– Extended Shelf Life: Provide a barrier against moisture and microbial growth
Manufacturing Advantages
Hydrocolloid blends offer significant operational benefits for dog food manufacturers:
– Lower Dosage Requirements: Synergistic effects between hydrocolloids mean smaller quantities achieve equivalent or superior results
– Simplified Processing: Easier incorporation into existing production workflows
– Cost Efficiency: Reduced ingredient usage and streamlined processes deliver measurable savings
– Consistent Results: Reliable performance batch after batch
Our Hydrocolloid Portfolio
Healan supplies the most widely used hydrocolloids in dog food and treat manufacturing:
– Guar Gum – Natural thickening agent with high viscosity and excellent water-binding properties
– Xanthan Gum – Provides stability and works synergistically with other gums for enhanced texture
– Carrageenan – Gelling agent suitable for various wet food applications
– Agar – Plant-based gelling agent for vegetarian and clean label formulations
– Pectin – Natural fruit-derived option for premium positioning
Our technical team can recommend optimal hydrocolloid combinations for your specific product requirements and processing conditions.
Pea Protein and Plant-Based Ingredients
The pet food industry continues to embrace plant-based protein sources, driven by sustainability considerations and the need for novel proteins in hypoallergenic formulations. Pea protein has emerged as a leading ingredient in this category.
Benefits of Pea Protein in Dog Food
– Complete Amino Acid Profile: Provides essential amino acids critical for healthy muscle development and immune function
– Iron-Rich: Supports oxygen transport and overall canine vitality
– Hypoallergenic: Suitable for dogs with sensitivities to common animal proteins
– Sustainable Sourcing: Lower environmental impact compared to traditional protein sources
– Clean Label Compatible: Recognised and accepted by health-conscious pet owners.
Why Ingredient Selection Matters in Dog Food Manufacturing
With 79% of dog owners reporting they take as much care over their pet’s diet as their own meals, ingredient quality has never been more important. The right ingredients directly impact:
Nutritional Adequacy
Dogs require balanced nutrition including proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals in appropriate proportions. Premium ingredients ensure complete and bioavailable nutrition that supports canine health throughout all life stages.
Specific Dietary Requirements
Different dogs have varying nutritional needs based on age, breed, size, activity level, and health conditions. Quality ingredients enable manufacturers to create targeted formulations—from puppy growth formulas to senior joint support recipes.
Allergen Management
Food allergies and sensitivities affect a significant proportion of the canine population. Novel protein sources and carefully selected ingredients help manufacturers develop hypoallergenic options that avoid common triggers such as wheat, beef, and chicken.
Digestive Health
High-quality, easily digestible ingredients promote optimal gastrointestinal function. Poorly digestible components can lead to digestive upset, reducing palatability and consumer satisfaction.
Weight Management
Canine obesity remains a prevalent health concern. Ingredient selection directly impacts caloric density and satiety, enabling manufacturers to create effective weight management formulations.
Coat and Skin Health
Ingredients rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids support healthy skin and a lustrous coat—visible indicators of overall health that pet owners actively seek.
Long-Term Wellbeing
Premium ingredients contribute to longevity and quality of life, helping prevent or delay chronic conditions including diabetes, heart disease, and joint problems.
Industry Trends Shaping Dog Food Ingredient Demand
The pet food sector continues to evolve rapidly. Key trends influencing ingredient requirements include:
Sustainability and Upcycled Ingredients
Research indicates that 44% of pet food ingredients now derive from upcycled materials, including animal by-products and co-products from human food manufacturing. Additionally, 45% of pet owners consider sustainability very important when purchasing pet food.
Novel Protein Innovation
The UK became the first European country to approve cultivated meat for pet food in 2024, with cell-cultivated chicken products now available in retail. Insect protein, fermentation-based proteins, and hydrolysed proteins are gaining traction as sustainable alternatives.
Clean Label Demand
Consumers increasingly scrutinise ingredient lists, favouring recognisable, natural components over artificial additives. This trend drives demand for functional ingredients that deliver performance without compromising label appeal.
Premiumisation
Pet humanisation continues to influence purchasing decisions, with owners willing to invest in higher-quality products that mirror human food trends including grain-free, organic, and functional health benefits.
Partner with Healan Ingredients
As one of the UK’s leading dog food ingredient suppliers, Healan offers comprehensive support for pet food manufacturers:
What We Provide
– Technical Consultation: Expert advice to meet your specific product and process requirements
– Bespoke Blending: Custom ingredient combinations tailored to your formulation needs
– Flexible Pack Sizes: Bulk pack options to suit operations of all scales
– Low Minimum Order Quantities: Accessible ordering for product development and smaller production runs
– UK Stock Availability: Reliable supply from our UK-held inventory
– Quality Assurance: Stringent quality control with full traceability throughout the supply chain
Our Commitment
We understand that ingredient quality directly impacts your products, your brand reputation, and ultimately the health of the dogs you serve. Our team combines deep industry knowledge with a genuine passion for supporting pet food excellence.
Whether you’re developing a new product line, reformulating existing recipes, or seeking to optimise your manufacturing process, Healan provides the ingredients and expertise to achieve your objectives.
Ready to discuss your dog food ingredient requirements?
Contact our technical team for samples, specifications, and expert guidance on selecting the optimal ingredients for your manufacturing needs.
Healan Ingredients is a leading UK supplier of gelatines, hydrocolloids, collagen peptides, and functional ingredient systems for the food, pet food, and pharmaceutical industries.
