Malt historically has been an attractive ingredient in pet food and animal feed for its whole grain derived nutritional contributions. Some of the more common associations with malt include:
Minerals: including calcium, copper, magnesium, manganese, potassium, selenium and zinc. Copper and seleni-um are integral as antioxidant enzyme co-factors which help shorten recovery in sporting and working dogs.
From malt extract, B Vitamins: (niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, thiamin, nicotinic acid, Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), biotin, and folic acid). Vitamins are primary cofactors in metabolism and formulating with vita-min containing ingredients helps aid energy production and utilization in animals that consume them.
Protein and amino acids: malt extract contains ~6% protein and free amino acids which are nutritional compo-nents required for building and maintaining muscle tissue. Physical exertion increases the need to rebuild and reinforce muscle fibers, and the presence of protein and amino acid helps in this regard.
Pallatability: Malt contains compounds that help improve the overall flavor profile of petoods and that can mask bitter tastes.