| 1. Utilization of dairy-based raw materials focusing on functionality | Whey protein | (1) Easy to digest(2) Used as a source of high-quality protein(3) Maintains muscle mass and enhances immunity |
| Lactoferrin | (1) Antibacterial and immune function enhancing ingredients(2) Intestinal health promotion effects |
| Casein-derived peptides | (1) Blood pressure control(2) Antioxidant effects(3) Development as functional materials |
| Probiotic-derived lactic acid bacteria fermented dairy products | (1) Improves intestinal health and digestion(2) Utilizes yogurt extract or lactic acid bacteria mixture |
| 2. Enhanced palatability | · The unique aroma and flavor of dairy products induces high palatability in companion animals (especially dogs)· Using cheese powder or yogurt powder as a topping or snack ingredient improves the taste and flavor of the product |
| 3. Consideration for allergies/lactose intolerance | · Lactose intolerance is common in pets, especially cats, so the use of lactose-free or lactose-hydrolyzed dairy products is essential· Lactose-free cheese or fermented dairy products (yogurt, kefir) are relatively safe due to their low lactose content |
| 4. Development of functional snacks and customized feed | Functional snacks for senior dogs | Whey protein+calcium+probiotics |
| Feed for healthy coat | Casein peptide+biotin+omega-3 |
| Snacks to improve digestion | Yogurt powder+prebiotics (inulin, etc.) |
| 5. Reflection of consumer trends | · Increased interest in ‘human grade’, ‘clean label’, and ‘functional feed’· Marketing of dairy-derived ingredients that emphasize functionality· Securing trust in origin and quality by ‘using Korean dairy products’ |
| 6. Proposal of a collaborative model | · High added value of by-products (whey, cheese’s by-products) is possible through collaboration with major Korean dairy processing companies· Joint R&D development to convert concentrated whey (WPC, WPI, etc.) into pet food raw materials |
| The trend of high-end, functional, and human-lefted product consumption in the Korean pet market is providing a positive environment for the use of dairy products. |
| Therefore, it is expected that the possibility of success will be higher if dairy products are approached with a differentiation strategy that has the three elements of functionality, palatability, and reliability rather than simply as raw materials. |