CAPS: Humans testing pet food is big business

Dear reader, pet food has become big business and I was amazed to find out that people are paid large salaries to taste cat and dog food. OK, that sounds yucky considering some of the wet food offerings but salaries for pet food tasters range from $34,000 to $100,000; not chump change.

There are two basic types of food tasters. The first group requires professionally educated and trained people who evaluate the pet food’s nutritional value, write reports, and figure out ways to enhance flavors and develop new pet food. The second group consists of part-time workers who evaluate and taste the food. Yes, tasting the actual food is the criteria for the job.

The first step is evaluating how the food smells. Observing the way your pet chows down on food they like you might assume they are not paying attention to how it smells or tastes. However, the aroma is what attracts them to the food. In fact, pet owners are fussy about pet food odors also, especially if the food is pungent. Have you ever tossed food because it smelled too fishy or stinky? Your pet definitely notices the odor.

After the taster has evaluated the smell, they evaluate the flavor, texture, and consistency. Pet food tasting is similar to wine tasting. The taster savors the aroma then takes a sample to discern the individual flavors and spits it out. Of course, they can rinse their mouths and gargle if necessary. If they find it unsavory, chances are pets will too.

Because cats have a more acute sense of smell than humans do some researchers used feline taste-testers to develop flavored sprays for cat food. The aromas stimulate their interest in the food presented. If the cat is extremely interested and gobbles the food, the scientists know they have a winner and use the spray on dry kibble, wet food, and treats.

Cats do not need carbohydrates in their diet so they have no need to detect sweet taste. They also have fewer taste buds than other animals but are able to taste sour, bitter, salty, and umami (broth or meaty) flavors. This taste ability is likely due to their highly acute sense of smell.

Why don’t they make a mouse flavored cat food? Well, that is just icky! I know cats are fussy eaters and it appears that the future of pet food is going to be high tech fur-ever.

ATTENTION

• Please donate funds to help keep our shelter operating. Any amount helps!

• You can donate through our Venmo at Churchill Animal Protection Society.

• You can donate through our website at http://capsnevada.org

IN NEED OF

• Board members. We are seeking community-minded folks to serve on the CAPS board. We meet once a month. Call 775-423-7500 for details.

• Bleach and cleaning supplies for our kennels.

• Leashes, harnesses for big dogs, Big Kongs, and treats for our guests.

• Dog walkers, we need volunteers to walk our dogs and foster animals. Call 775-423-7500 for details.

• Aluminum cans. Please drop them off at CAPS. We are temporarily unable to pick up cans.

SHOUT OUT TO

The volunteers who represented CAPS at the Cantaloupe Festival. You are the heart and soul of CAPS!

All the folks who have donated funds. Pooch smooches to you!

COME SEE US

CAPS is open to the public on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. We suggest appointments for adoptions and food pantry.

DON’T FORGET

• August Holiday: Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day is Aug. 29.

• If you would like a newsletter, call 775-423-7500 or email caps@cccom.net.

• CAPS’ mailing address is P.O. Box 5128, Fallon, NV 89407. CAPS’ phone number is 775-423-7500. CAPS’ email address is caps@cccomm.net. Please visit the CAPS website (www.capsnevada.com) and Facebook page (Churchill Animal Protection Society). Be sure to “Like” CAPS on Facebook because we are likeable.

Kathleen Williams-Miller is a CAPS volunteer. Email jkwmil@outlook.com.