BSM's Guide to 2025: Resolutions for Smarter, Healthier Pet Nutrition

Written by Ada-Miette Thomas , MS and Emilie Mesnier , MS

For many, the new year is a time to make commitments to new philosophies and standards, or recommit to old ones. In recent years, the pet food industry has made impressive strides in nutrition, safety, and innovation; however, there is always room for improvement. By learning from past successes and challenges, we can set actionable goals that not only align with the evolving needs of pets and their owners but also keep up with regulatory changes and new scientific learnings. These solutions aren’t just aspirations—they’re a call to action for the industry to embrace new approaches that ensure the highest standards in pet food formulation.?

Industry Solutions for Higher Formulation Standards?

At BSM Partners, we believe achieving excellence in pet food starts with actionable steps. Below are a few solutions we’re promoting for 2025 to ensure safe, effective, and sustainable pet nutrition.?

No. 1: Test Ingredients Frequently for Accurate and Up-to-Date Nutritional Information?

More and more formulas now use fresh or frozen animal-based ingredients, which naturally vary in nutritional content throughout the seasons and from year to year. Regular ingredient testing ensures that nutritional profiles remain accurate and up to date for optimal formulation.???

Below are two examples of important nutrients to be monitored to ensure safe formulation for pets:?

1. Vitamin D in Fish Ingredients: Fish-based ingredients typically contain significant amounts of vitamin D, which can vary greatly depending on the type of fish, the parts being used, and its origin. Vitamin D levels should not exceed the current maximums identified by AAFCO (3,000 IU/kg of dry matter (DM) for dogs and 30,080 IU/kg of DM for cats).??
2. Vitamin A in Liver: Liver ingredients contain significant amounts of vitamin A, and levels can vary significantly depending on the type of animal the liver comes from, their diet, the season, and the country of origin.? Vitamin A levels should not exceed the current maximum identified by AAFCO (250,000 IU/kg of DM for dogs and 333,300 IU/kg of DM for cats).?

Formulators must have an accurate understanding of the nutrient concentration and variation in their raw materials. They should develop Standard Operating? Procedures (SOPs) for testing and implement formulation guardrails to account for variations in nutrient content when using certain ingredients. A lack of close monitoring can lead to non-compliance and nutrient toxicities in pets. When ingredients have unknown or outdated nutritional data, formulators cannot be sure that their formulations provide appropriate levels of nutrients.?

No. 2: Incorporate Alternative Proteins?

With the global population growing and protein demands rising, concerns have risen that there will not be enough animal protein sources to meet future demand. Alternative proteins present viable solutions for filling nutritional gaps. Ingredients like plant proteins, insect proteins, lab-grown meats, and genetically modified plants can help meet increasing protein requirements while reducing strain on traditional protein sources, as well as on the environment. Alternative proteins can be used as a single protein source or in combination with traditional proteins to achieve a well-balanced diet.?

To learn more about alternative protein opportunities in the pet nutrition space, tune in to this recent episode of the Barking Mad podcast.?

No. 3: Prioritize Obesity Prevention?

Obesity is a growing concern, with more than 50% of US dogs and cats classified as overweight or obese. Formulating with this in mind can make a significant impact on pet health.?

When designing pet food formulas, consider caloric density. Reducing the caloric content of new products should be a primary focus to address the obesity epidemic. Formulators can develop lower-calorie diets and treats to promote healthy weight management, ensuring that pets maintain optimal health without excessive caloric intake.?

Focus on nutrient density to ensure pets receive essential nutrients without extra calories. If the food is calorically dense, work with your marketing team to emphasize the ideal daily feeding quantities, as some pet parents are accustomed to feeding based on volume or weight rather than adjusting for caloric differences. Clear feeding guidelines and improved pet owner education can help prevent overfeeding and support healthier weight management.?

No. 4: Balance Meat Ingredients Thoughtfully?

Another important consideration for optimal pet health is balancing meat-based ingredients in a formula to achieve an ideal ratio of protein and fat. Formulators must consider ingredients' protein and fat contents when formulating a pet diet, as excessive fat can contribute to obesity, and overloading protein can strain pets’ kidneys, especially in older animals and those with limited activity levels. Formulators must aim for an ideal ratio that supports both energy and wellness.?

No. 5: Strive for Sustainability?

Sustainability should be at the forefront of pet food innovation. Producing traditional pet food ingredients, such as meat, requires significant land, water, and energy, contributing to deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, and resource depletion. By adopting sustainable practices, such as sourcing ingredients responsibly or minimizing waste in manufacturing, the pet food industry can reduce its ecological footprint. These efforts not only promote environmental health but also align with the values of increasingly eco-conscious consumers, fostering a more responsible and resilient industry for the future.?

BSM’s 2025 Commitment: Comprehensive and Well-Designed Formulas?

The BSM Partners team is dedicated to creating comprehensive, well-designed pet food formulas that prioritize nutrition, safety, and sustainability. These goals reflect our commitment to improving the lives of pets and their owners while driving meaningful change in the industry. By adopting these solutions, formulators can help ensure a brighter future for pet nutrition.?

As we move into 2025, let’s work together to innovate, collaborate, and elevate the standards of pet food formulation. The pets we serve deserve nothing less.?

About the Authors

Ada-Miette Thomas is a senior analyst at BSM Partners. She received both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in food science with an emphasis on nutrition. Ada-Miette conducted research with a focus on human nutrition and studied the effects of carbohydrate sources on markers of Metabolic Syndrome in adults.

Emilie Mesnier holds a master’s degree in food science from France and has been dedicated to the pet food industry since 2007. She is committed to leverage her almost 2 decades of experience to pets and animals in general, the petfood industry, efficiencies, palatability, environmental stewardship, responsible consumption, and international expansion. Passionate about continuous improvement, sustainable living and innovation, Emilie actively applies her knowledge to both her professional and personal life.