In modern days, dog owners are often living in close proximity with their dogs. Many pet owners are looking for solutions to minimise the offensive odour coming from their pets’ stool. An ingredient that has gained increasing attention in the pet food industry is Yucca schidigera extract. This natural extract, derived from the Yucca schidigera plant native to the southwestern United States, has been making its way into pet food formulations due to its remarkable benefits in controlling stool (poo) odour. In this article, we'll explore what Yucca schidigera extract is, where it's from, and the advantages it brings to pet food in terms of stool odour controlfor our beloved pets.
What is Yucca schidigera extract?
Yucca schidigera extract is derived from the Yucca schidigera plant, a succulent native to the arid regions of the southwestern United States and parts of Mexico. This plant has been used for centuries by Native American tribes for its various medicinal and practical uses. Traditionally, it was known for its healing properties and was used for conditions ranging from arthritis to wound healing. The plant is characterised by its long, sword-shaped leaves and striking white flowers.
In recent years, Yucca schidigera extract has found a place in the pet food industry due to its potential to address two common pet owner concerns: stool odour and stinky farts.
The Benefits of Yucca schidigera Extract in Pet Food
The most compelling reason for incorporating Yucca schidigera extract into pet food is its ability to reduce stool odour. Pet owners often grapple with the unpleasant task of cleaning up after their furry companions, and the smell can be particularly overpowering. Yucca schidigera extract contains saponins that when added to dry and wet pet food, can neutralise ammonia produced in the gut, a major contributor to foul-smelling stools and stinky farts. By decreasing ammonia production, this super ingredient helps mitigate the pungent odours associated with pet waste.
So in summary
Yucca schidigera extract is a natural ingredient that in most instances can help manage stool odour. Its saponin-rich composition makes it a valuable addition to pet food formulations such as VitaPet Dog Food.
References:
Beynen, A. C. and Saris, D. H. J. (2016) “Beating odour with Yucca schidigera.” Unpublished. doi: 10.13140/RG.2.2.33167.79523.
Lowe, J. A. et al. (1997) “The effect of Yucca schidigera extract on canine and feline faecal volatiles occurring concurrently with faecal aroma amelioration,” Research in veterinary science, 63(1), pp. 67–71. doi: 10.1016/s0034-5288(97)90160-0.
Lowe, J. A. and Kershaw, S. J. (1997) “The ameliorating effect of Yucca schidigera extract on canine and feline faecal aroma,” Research in veterinary science, 63(1), pp. 61–66. doi: 10.1016/s0034-5288(97)90159-4.
Roque, N. C. et al. (2011) “Increasing levels of zeolite and Yucca schidigera in diets for adult cats,” Revista Brasileira de Zootecnia, 40(11), pp. 2471–2475. doi: 10.1590/s1516-35982011001100027.
Vierbaum, L. et al. (2019) “In vitro evaluation of the effects of Yucca schidigera and inulin on the fermentation potential of the faecal microbiota of dogs fed diets with low or high protein concentrations,” Archives of animal nutrition, 73(5), pp. 399–413. doi: 10.1080/1745039x.2019.1616498.
