Carrot fiber has many health benefits: How can it be “upcycled” into a functional pet food ingredient

April 05 2023 - Blog

Carrots have a well-earned reputation for their high concentration of beta carotene, and have proven to be a reliable source of Vitamin A – whether crunched whole or drunk from a glass. These features contribute to healthy vision and proper immune system performance in both pets and pet parents, but the fiber is the missing link. With carrot juice for instance, the pulp or ‘pomace’ is removed to allow a sweet and creamy juice. Where does that fiber go and how is it turned into a pet food ingredient? 

IQI’s functional carrot fiber is made from this previously land filled pomace, making it a perfect example of upcycling and sustainability. A company in the Netherlands has designed a proprietary process to dry and grind wet carrot pomace, and turn it into a unique, ready to use, all natural ingredient. While many people focus on the upcycling and sustainability aspects of this ingredient, the state -of -the- art production process can not be ignored. 

Health benefits

Functional carrot fiber has many health benefits, which go beyond what whole carrots or carrot juice can offer. Brandeis University, near Boston (USA) has studied this ingredient for years. The patents they have validate health benefits of gut microbiome improvements, weight loss, and resistance to diabetes – both for humans and pets.   

Pet food applications

As a perfect blend of soluble and insoluble fiber, which is kept intact due to the state-of-the-art processing, the product binds water and fat about 8:1. This is better than most fibers, and makes it perfectly suitable for fresh or wet pet food applications – which typically consist of 80% water. On top of that, it will not irritate human or pet IBP sufferers, and is a non-allergen. Carrot fiber perfectly fits in vegan or vegetarian diets as it is completely plant based.​ 

Let’s talk in person

Have I made you hungry for more information on carrot fiber, and how it might serve your petfood brand? Please contact me by email or LinkedIn. . 

About Paul Verderber 

Paul Verderber is IQI Trusted Petfood Ingredients’ National Sales Manager for North America, responsible for continued sales of high-quality pet food ingredients in the growing North American pet food market. Paul has over 25 years of experience in strong technical sales and has a passion for developing and selling innovative, functional and quality ingredients. He has been with IQI since 2022.