BENEO launches BeneoCarb S for pet food applications

GERMANY – BENEO, a leading manufacturer of functional ingredients, has introduced BeneoCarb S, a low-glycemic syrup tailored for pet food applications. 

Derived from sugar beet, this innovative ingredient provides pet food manufacturers with a natural alternative to traditional ingredients like glucose syrup and caramel.  

The rising demand for healthier pet food options aligns with BeneoCarb S’s nutritional and technological benefits. Pet owners increasingly treat their pets as family, with 80% prioritising their pets’ health on par with their own. 

This growing trend, coupled with concerns over rising obesity in pets, underscores the importance of low-glycemic carbohydrates in pet diets.  

BeneoCarb S is rich in low-glycemic disaccharides, isomaltulose, and trehalulose, both naturally occurring in honey. 

These carbohydrates promote balanced blood glucose levels due to their strong glycosidic bonds, which slow digestion compared to fast-acting sugars like sucrose. 

A recent study confirms that isomaltulose, a key component of BeneoCarb S, induces a lower glycaemic response in dogs, making it a practical option for managing blood sugar and supporting metabolic health.  

Beyond its nutritional profile, BeneoCarb S stands out for its versatility in production processes.

Its low viscosity simplifies handling and processing, while its natural browning properties enhance the appearance of pet food during cooking, particularly in gravies and jellies. 

With its honey-like flavour, the syrup also enhances palatability and acts as a natural binder in snacks such as dog biscuits.  

Additionally, BeneoCarb S serves as an alternative to caramel colouring agents, which will be banned from pet food by July 2025. 

Its antioxidative properties and ability to reduce water activity improve product stability, limit microbial growth, and offer a natural substitute for additives like glycerine and propylene glycol in semi-moist and moist pet food.  

BeneoCarb S is produced as a co-product while manufacturing smart carbohydrates, including Palatinose™ (isomaltulose) for human nutrition, at BENEO’s state-of-the-art processing plant in Offstein, Germany. 

By repurposing this syrup for animal nutrition, BENEO aims to reduce waste and uphold circularity principles, aligning with its commitment to sustainability.  

Dr Maygane Ronsmans, Product Manager Animal Nutrition at BENEO, highlighted the importance of addressing consumer demands:  

“Interestingly, despite inflation and rising pet food costs, pet owners don’t want to compromise on ingredient quality, nutritional value, taste, and health claims. With owners prioritising the health of their companion animals, pet food producers need to incorporate functional ingredients that deliver proven nutritional and technical benefits. BeneoCarb S enables producers to create healthier pet foods and snacks that are naturally coloured and taste great.”  

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