THE NEED FOR ANTIOXIDANTS

Autoxidation of fats due to exposure to air/oxygen can greatly reduce the nutritional value of pet food. Decreased food quality causes diminished or even inadequate nutrition resulting in weak or sick animals.

Due to their chemical reaction with oxygen in the air, many nutrients are destroyed during the process of oxidation. Nutrients greatest at risk are fats and oils as well as various vitamins & pigments.

Antioxidants are used against free radicals which play a major role in the oxidation process. Antioxidants in effect neutralise free radicals, thereby preventing them from harming other molecules like nutrients.

Chelating agents further ensure that no harm is done by free radicals through binding the ions needed by free radicals as catalysts during the oxidation process. The binding of these metal ions to the chelating agent therefore renders them unavailable for their catalytic action. Chelating agents are of great value since metal ions like iron and copper are often present in high levels in pet foods.

ANTIOXIDANTS

The use of Bitek’s synergistic blends of approved antioxidants and chelating agents will…

stabilize nutrients susceptible to oxidation and therefore:

retain the nutritional value of pet foods and premixes.

extend the shelf-life of pet foods and premixes.

prevent the development of rancidity.

retain the palatability and freshness of pet foods and premixes.

maintain mineral availability since the complex formed between the metal ions and the chelating agent is easily metabolized in the digestive system.

These antioxidants include BHA, BHT and TBHQ. Powder antioxidants are hammer milled before blending to improve active surface area and coverage.

BHA, BHT and TBHQ used are food grade.