Evidence-driven companion animal nutrition: Integrated perspectives

on ingredients, processing technologies, functional nutrition, food safety,

and digital assessment

The global companion animal industry has rapidly evolved due to pet humanization,

dietary premiumization, and growing demand for scientifically substantiated

nutrition. Modern pet foods are now evaluated through a multifactorial framework

encompassing ingredient sourcing, processing technologies, functional additives,

palatability, food safety, and digital health monitoring. However, these domains

are often discussed independently, resulting in fragmented interpretations. This

review presents an integrated overview of contemporary companion animal

nutrition, focusing on dogs and cats. Major ingredient categories, including

plant-based materials, animal-derived co-products, and emerging insect proteins,

are examined with respect to nutritional value, sustainability, and

digestibility. Key processing technologies-extrusion, retort sterilization, and

fresh formats-are discussed in relation to nutrient retention, safety, and

functional performance. The roles of functional ingredients such as probiotics,

phytogenics, essential oils, and melatonin are evaluated for their effects on

gut health, immunity, behavior, and metabolism. Approaches to palatability

assessment, food safety considerations, and regulatory frameworks are reviewed.

Finally, the integration of digital and AI-driven technologies is highlighted as

a future direction for precision nutrition in companion animals.