The pet food industry continues to grow as owners are willing to spend more and do the necessary research to ensure their pets are eating healthy. In fact, a recent survey found that 90% of dog owners consider their pet’s health to be as or more important than their own. This has led to a number of innovations in pet food development that focus on supporting particular aspects of pet welfare. For pet food manufacturers, this creates opportunities to develop products with ingredients that deliver specific health benefits while still tasting good to pets.1
Digestive Function and Gut Health
Gut health has become one of the top concerns for pet food developers, largely because of the high proportion of veterinary visits dedicated to digestive issues. Instead of simply addressing occasional discomfort, modern formulations aim to support the gut microbiome and digestive function through specific functional ingredients. This shift from reactive solutions to proactive maintenance has created a substantial market for pet foods focused specifically on digestive wellness, both in specialized diets and in everyday feeding options.
Fiber-rich vegetables like pumpkin and sweet potatoes are popular choices for supporting canine and feline digestive systems. The combination of soluble and insoluble fiber helps regulate digestion and absorb excess water in the digestive tract. Silva’s careful dehydration methods preserve these functional properties while creating ingredients with consistent moisture content and particle size. This reliability allows manufacturers to develop digestive-focused products ranging from fiber-enhanced kibble to functional treats that pets willingly consume.
Joint Health and Mobility Support
As dogs and cats age, they eventually begin to experience a number of mobility issues and joint discomfort. Just as humans have found functional foods that can potentially mitigate their own joint pain, pet food formulations now often also support joint function. This has led to the pet food market creating new specialized senior diets that are designed to improve joint health as a preventative measure, though joint-supporting ingredients are also appearing in regular adult formulas.
Certain plant compounds naturally support joint function and comfort in aging pets. Tart cherries and turmeric both contain anti-inflammatory compounds that help reduce tissue inflammation, while antioxidant-rich fruits like blueberries protect against oxidative damage in joint tissues. Silva offers these ingredients in multiple formats to match different product applications, from fine powders that blend seamlessly into kibble to larger pieces that create visual appeal in premium treats. The ability to see recognizable ingredients like cherries and blueberries on labels makes these functional foods easier to market than synthetic alternatives.
Immune System Support
Pet owners have become more aware of the connection between nutrition and immune function, particularly after seeing how diet affects their own health. This awareness has translated into demand for pet foods that actively support immune system function rather than simply providing basic nutrition. The immune support category has grown to include both everyday maintenance formulas and targeted products for pets with specific health challenges or those in high-stress situations.
Colorful fruits and vegetables naturally contain the antioxidants and vitamins that support healthy immune function. The deep blues of blueberries and cranberries indicate high levels of protective compounds, while the orange hue of carrots signals beta-carotene content that converts to immune-supporting vitamin A. Dark leafy greens like spinach provide additional vitamins and minerals that work together to maintain immune system health. Silva’s careful dehydration preserves these natural colors, creating ingredients that visually communicate nutritional quality to manufacturers and pet owners alike. This visual appeal becomes particularly important in premium products where ingredient transparency drives purchasing decisions.2
Skin and Coat Health
One of the clearest indicators of pet health is the state of their skin and coat. A shiny coat is often a clear sign that the animal is healthy, but poor coat condition can signal nutritional deficiencies, allergies, or other underlying issues. Products that support skin and coat health have become more popular as pet owners have made it a higher priority. The market has responded with formulations that address these concerns through ingredients that support skin barrier function and promote lustrous coats from the inside out.
Nutrient-dense vegetables and fruits provide the building blocks for healthy skin and coat development. Sweet potatoes and carrots supply beta-carotene and other carotenoids that support skin cell renewal and protect against environmental damage. Antioxidant-rich berries help maintain the skin’s natural barrier function while supporting overall cellular health. Silva processes these ingredients to retain their natural oils and fat-soluble vitamins, which are essential for optimal skin and coat benefits. The appeal of these whole-food ingredients also aligns with pet owner preferences for nutrition they can understand and trust, rather than synthetic additives with unfamiliar names.
Functional Pet Food Ingredients from Silva
The demand for functional pet food ingredients continues to grow as pet owners seek products that actively support their animals’ health. Silva International specializes in providing premium dehydrated fruits, vegetables, and herbs that meet the quality standards required for functional pet food applications. Our ingredient experts work closely with manufacturers to identify optimal solutions for specific product development challenges, from maintaining bioactive compounds through processing to achieving the right balance of function and palatability. Contact us today to discover how Silva’s comprehensive ingredient portfolio can help you develop innovative new pet foods.
1https://nypost.com/2025/05/14/lifestyle/dog-owners-claims-pets-health-is-just-as-important-as-their-own/
2https://www.petfoodindustry.com/blogs-columns/adventures-in-pet-food/blog/15539657/functional-pet-food-drivers-health-nutrition-science