AMSERFOOT, THE NETHERLANDS and NAVARRA, SPAIN — IQI Trusted Petfood Ingredients and Eggnovo, a provider of eggshell-based ingredient solutions, have signed a partnership agreement to offer an Eggshell Membrane (ESM) powder solution, Ovopet®, to the pet food market. The partnership now makes Ovopet easily available to customers in North America, with IQI acting as the distributor, according to the companies

Ovopet is a science-backed, natural ingredient containing collagen types I, V and X, with a very low daily dosage needed, according to the companies. On top of collagen, it naturally contains an array of biomolecules such as hyaluronic acid, elastin, chondroitin sulphate and glucosamine.  Ovopet has a purity of more than 90% protein and a shelf life of 48 months. It can be used in many different formats such as capsules, tablets, dry and wet pet food, and more.

A study has shown that Ovopet is a safe and highly effective ingredient for relieving pain and reducing inflammation in dogs. ESM contains compounds involved in the reduction of inflammation, the benefits of which can be seen in joint, skin and gut health, according to the companies. Supplementation with this eggshell-derived ingredient can produce a significant reduction in joint pain symptoms while also improving physical function. 

Eggshell membrane supplementation also supports gut health by reducing inflammation-related bacteria and enhancing gut integrity. The non-digestible fraction serves as a substrate to be fermented by gut microbes and increases microbiota diversity. Fermentation of these components produces short-chain fatty acids, which nourish gut cells and foster a balanced microbiome, according to the companies. 

There is also a sustainability benefit to using ESM, as it’s a byproduct of human food consumption, which is upcycled by Eggnovo. According to the companies, the membrane is separated from the eggshell through a patented method using a chemical-free extraction process, creating a natural, human-grade ingredient. 

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