AstaReal, a company focused on natural astaxanthin cultivation and related research, is launching its astaxanthin brand Novasta for pet food and feed supplements in the European market. With its high content of natural astaxanthin and additional valuable carotenoids, proteins, carbohydrates and essential fatty acids, the ingredient supports optimal health and nutrition for a variety of animals.
Astaxanthin is derived from the microalgae species Haematococcus pluvialis, and provides benefits for muscles, eyes, the brain and immune system. It’s suitable for all animals, including pets and those in competitive sport, agriculture and aquaculture, the company says.
The ingredient reportedly supports mobility, endurance and muscle health, as well as attentiveness, weight management and eye health in pets. In studies, the addition of astaxanthin formulations to dogs’ diets has been shown to increase antioxidant activity and liver function as a result of improved lipid metabolism, and enhance shininess and overall quality of dog fur in six weeks.
The company also says Novasta astaxanthin also helps regeneration in horses by supporting recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage as a result of either dressage or high-performance racing.
The ingredient is also designed to support productivity in agriculture by encouraging improved fertility, better growth during suckling, more successfully hatched chicks and stronger immune defence for overall health.
Lastly, it promotes better growth, health and pigmentation in fish and crustaceans. It reportedly allows aquaculturists to use fewer fish-based products, as it is derived wholly from algae, which means close-to-nature nutrition as well as environmentally sound aquaculture.
Microalgae-derived astaxanthin represents a sustainable and naturally sourced feed ingredient, AstaReal says. In addition, it is easy to combine with other nutrients for animal products such as dry and wet food, powder mixes, extruded snacks, soft chews, flakes, tablets, softgel capsules and liquid solutions.