Research & Development
As soon as you become a partner, you gain access to some of the world’s finest Research and Development facilities. The Research & Development Department works continuously to create unique, innovative solutions.
Research & Development is part of the very DNA of GA Pet Food Partners. As a company, we strive to push the boundaries in both nutrition and manufacturing capabilities.
Our Research & Development team collaborates with expert teams in Nutrition, Production, Quality and other key departments to deliver groundbreaking and innovative solutions.
Innovation & New Product Development (NPD)
Protein Hydrolysis/HDP
Since introducing Freshtrusion®, GA Pet Food Partners has led the way in manufacturing diets containing increasing amounts of freshly prepared meat and fish protein sources.
At GA, we are proud to be at the forefront of advances in pet food manufacturing. We never rest when it comes to innovation, and our Research & Development team constantly strives to offer our partners (and pets) even better products. We are incredibly excited to present our latest innovation, ‘HDP’ – Highly Digestible Protein.
By using controlled enzymatic hydrolysis, with conditions determined in collaboration with experts at Nofima, a leading independent institute for applied food research, we can digest protein into small peptides (a process that occurs naturally in the digestive tract). HDP increases the digestibility and bioavailability of the protein, improves palatability and produces a protein with low allergenic potential.
For more information on HDP, please contact your dedicated Account Manager.
HDP – Highly Digestible Protein Report
You can view and download for free GA’s report on the development of the protein hydrolysis approach to increase the nutritional benefits of freshly prepared meat and fish. Written by Dr Adrian Hewson-Hughes, this report details our efforts to improve the nutritional value of the protein within our fresh meat and fish ingredients by converting it into small peptides that are more easily absorbed by pets. We refer to this process as HDP (Highly Digestible Protein).
Collagen & Collagen Peptides in Pet Food
A unique feature of GA Pet Food Partners is our commitment to collecting the finest meat and fish ingredients at the source. We know that these ingredients naturally contain collagen, although the amounts vary among different types of animal tissues.
For example, if we test different parts of a whole chicken, collagen is most abundant in the skin, followed by the carcass (from the bones and cartilage), with lower amounts in skeletal meat and internal organs (viscera).
Kibbles made with natural collagen-containing ingredients – such as freshly prepared meat and fish – are digested and absorbed by the pet. This provides the building blocks, particularly the amino acids glycine and proline, for the body to synthesise more collagen, which can help maintain healthy bones, joints and skin.
Thanks to our latest Research & Development work on protein hydrolysis, alongside the introduction of the innovative HDP process, we can ‘pre-digest’ the collagen in our selected meat and fish ingredients into collagen peptides using carefully controlled enzymatic hydrolysis before incorporating them into a delicious kibble.
Collagen & Collagen Peptides In Pet Food Report
You can view and download for free the GA Pet Food Partners report on collagen and collagen peptides in pet food, authored by Dr Adrian Hewson-Hughes. This report provides valuable information on what collagen is, its function, how it is formed, and the considerable innovations achieved by our Research & Development department in HDP and collagen absorption.
Connoisseur Cat
When it comes to food, cats are notoriously difficult to please.
With this in mind, we have spent several years working with various organisations, alongside our expert Research and Development and Nutrition teams, to formulate recipes using a variety of ingredients and different coating combinations on the kibbles. We have also conducted extensive palatability trials to determine what makes fussy cats happy.
We are pleased to announce that we have developed six fantastic new products – one kitten recipe, one adult cat recipe and four sterilised adult cat recipes – that we are confident cats will love. These recipes are now available via our MyLabel portfolio.
In addition to great taste, all products are formulated to support urinary tract health and have been shown to maintain urine pH within an optimal range to minimise the risk of urinary crystals or stones forming.
All research and development carried out at GA benefits every partner. Any exciting R&D developments are offered to our valued partners, as our expertise is your success.
Please get in touch with your dedicated Account Manager for more information on the Connoisseur Cat range.
Nutrition
Our Nutrition team has expertly formulated more than 800 recipes. They use their deep knowledge of animal biology and nutrition to offer expert support and advice throughout the journey, ensuring that our dog and cat recipes comply with the latest pet food legislation. In collaboration with our Research and Development Department, the Nutritionists help create new recipes using the most innovative solutions and select the most suitable raw materials before the recipe is trialled. Working closely with our lab technicians, they then analyse the results in detail before the new recipe is sent into production.
Sophia Parkinson, our Pet Food Claims Expert, has compiled several informative articles on why we formulate not only for the various life stages of the pets we feed and their species but also for their lifestyles.
Puppy Recipes
Puppies require an appropriately high protein level to support growth and development during this crucial phase of life. The protein requirement during this period is typically higher than that for adult dogs, as it represents the fastest phase of development.
During this time, puppies also require controlled levels of calcium and phosphorus to ensure proper skeletal development, which is especially important for large breed puppies.
Adult Dog Recipes
Our Adult Dog recipes are complete and balanced, providing all the nutrients a dog needs to live a healthy and happy life. They are formulated using various combinations of highly digestible proteins, carbohydrates and functional ingredients. There are plenty of delicious recipes available to suit both dogs and their owners.
Small Breed Dog Recipes
Small breed dogs have a faster metabolic rate than large breeds, meaning they have much higher energy requirements per kilogram of body weight. Therefore, our Small Breed dog recipes are formulated to be nutrient-dense, with a higher calorie content packed into a smaller kibble size designed specifically for smaller mouths.
Large Breed Dog Recipes
Our large-breed dog recipes are nutritionally complete and balanced. They are available in a larger kibble size to promote proper chewing and to prevent gorging or fast food consumption, which could lead to bloating and digestive upset. Given that the size and weight of large-breed dogs place additional strain on their joints, we have added a combination of glucosamine, chondroitin and methylsulfonylmethane to support cartilage metabolism and help maintain healthy joints.
Light* Recipes
Our light recipes include added L-carnitine, derived from the amino acid lysine, which promotes fat oxidation to help maintain a healthy weight and lean muscle mass. These recipes are 15 per cent lower in fat than standard adult products to aid in weight reduction. However, as it is the calorie content that is reduced, this does not mean that a pet must eat less, and they can still consume a normal amount of food.
*FEDIAF guidelines state that if you declare a recipe as Light, Metabolisable Energy or kcal must be declared on your product packaging.
Senior Dog Recipes
Senior recipes are designed for dogs over seven years old. A senior diet is formulated to support joint health, contain higher levels of fibre to aid digestion and have reduced energy content to help prevent weight gain in the later years. A careful blend of glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM supports cartilage in healthy joints, while the inclusion of L-carnitine helps maintain a healthy weight and lean muscle mass.
Kitten Recipes
Kittens grow rapidly, reaching approximately 75 per cent of their adult body weight within six months. Therefore, getting their diet right is vital for their development into healthy adult cats.
Our complete kitten recipes are formulated to provide balanced nutrition and increased energy content during growth. These recipes include a higher protein level, rich in essential amino acids to support muscle growth, and added vitamin E to bolster the immune system. The smaller kibble size of a kitten recipe also ensures that mealtimes are easily manageable.
Adult Cat Recipes
Unlike dogs, cats cannot synthesise all the amino acids they require, so these must be provided in their diet to maintain health. Our adult cat recipes are excellent sources of quality protein, rich in essential amino acids including taurine and vitamin A to support heart and vision health, as well as omega‑3 fatty acids to promote a good coat and skin condition. This complete diet provides pet owners with the confidence that their cat has everything it needs to lead a happy, healthy life.
Senior Cat Recipes
As felines age (7+ years), their nutritional requirements can change, particularly if they become less active or spend more time indoors, leading to a slower metabolism. Our complete senior recipes are formulated to provide high‑quality protein with fewer calories, and L‑carnitine is added to help maintain optimum weight and lean muscle mass. Our joint care pack enriches these recipes to support ageing joints and maintain mobility, ensuring that senior cats continue to enjoy mealtimes without compromising taste.
Sterilised/Neutered Cat Recipes
While sterilisation/neutering is recommended for pet cats, it is known to be a risk factor for obesity due to an increased appetite and reduced activity levels. Our recipes have been specifically formulated to counteract these changes and help maintain a healthy weight.
Indoor Cat Recipes
IWith the rise in city living, more cats are living indoors, which can limit their exercise. Our indoor cat recipes have been formulated with a lower energy content to reduce the risk of unwanted weight gain, helping indoor cats to maintain a healthy weight.
Fussy Cat Recipes
Cats are notoriously particular about their food. In response, our recipes have been carefully formulated to ensure they are especially palatable to even the fussiest felines, ensuring that mealtimes remain enjoyable.
Active Cat Recipes
For extremely active cats, we offer recipes with a high-energy content to meet their increased energy demands. These recipes are rich in high-quality protein and omega‑3 fatty acids, which help maintain strong muscles and support joint health.
Colleague Spotlight: R&D
Alex Tebay
Product Innovation and Process Development Manager
Alex graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University in 2004 with a BSc (Hons) in Food Science & Technology. He then gained 11 years’ experience in roles within the Human Food Industry, covering both Quality and New Product Development, working with products ranging from cereals to dairy and fruit.
Before joining GA in 2017, Alex served as Head of NPD for a sugar-based jams and fillings manufacturer, where he was responsible for launching over 100 products into the bakery sector, supplying all major supermarkets. He was tasked with formulating, costing and drawing up specifications for all these products, as well as managing the process from ‘Concept to Launch’.
Since joining GA in 2017, Alex has been at the forefront of numerous technical innovations in the dry pet food sector – whether in equipment, manufacturing techniques or new raw materials. He also oversees the processing side of NPD within the company and plays a significant role in assisting our partners by introducing new products that continuously drive the pet food sector forward.