Malto-oligosaccharides in Pet Food Applications
Low sweetness clean mild sugar profile
Natural starch-derived functional oligosaccharide
High moisture retention for texture
Low viscosity easy handling properties
Malto-oligosaccharides in Pet Food Applications
What Are Malto-oligosaccharides?
Natural Starch-Derived Functional Oligosaccharide
Malto-oligosaccharides (MOS) are functional oligosaccharides composed of 3 to 7 glucose molecules linked by alpha-1,4 glycosidic bonds. They are primarily produced through the enzymatic hydrolysis of starch and appear as a colorless transparent syrup or white powder, with a sweetness level of approximately 20% that of sucrose.
As a naturally derived functional ingredient, malto-oligosaccharides are widely used across the food industry. With their low sweetness, high moisture retention, thermal stability, low viscosity, and good solubility, they have become a versatile ingredient frequently chosen by formulators.
In pet food applications, their mild flavor, technical functionality, and health benefits make them suitable for a wide range of formulations including liquid treats, purees, chews, and soft treats.
Health Benefits
Low-Calorie Weight Control
Malto-oligosaccharides are low in calories, with sweetness of only about 20% that of sucrose. They deliver mild sweetness and a pleasant mouthfeel while reducing caloric intake, making them suitable for weight-control pet food formulations.
Promotes Calcium Absorption
Malto-oligosaccharides help facilitate the dissolution and absorption of minerals such as calcium in the intestinal tract, contributing positively to pet bone and dental health.
Supports Blood Lipid Regulation
Malto-oligosaccharides help regulate blood lipid metabolism, providing auxiliary support for cardiovascular health in pets.
Supports Digestive Comfort
As a functional oligosaccharide, malto-oligosaccharides help maintain a healthy digestive environment in pets, supporting the normal operation of the digestive system.
Application Advantages
Delicate Flavor Integration
Their low sweetness and mild flavor profile allow them to integrate into a variety of formulations without masking the natural flavors of other ingredients, making them particularly suitable for liquid treats and puree products where delicate flavor matters.
Moisture Retention & Texture Softness
The excellent moisture retention of malto-oligosaccharides helps soft treats, chews, and wet foods maintain appropriate moisture and a tender texture, slowing staling and extending palatability throughout the shelf life.
Processing & Thermal Stability
Malto-oligosaccharides demonstrate good thermal stability and low viscosity, making them easy to handle in extrusion and baking processes without adding burden to production.
Structure Building in Chews & Purees
In dental chews, malto-oligosaccharides participate in building a resilient structure with chewing resistance without excessive hardness. In liquid puree treats, their solubility and low viscosity preserve smooth texture and flowability.
Real-World Applications
Product Information
Brand: Basil | Company: Basil
Premium oral care chew featuring a 360-degree double-sided hollow design, dental bristle texture, and parsley oil for breath freshening and plaque control (90 g flexible pouch).
Key Ingredients
Malto-oligosaccharides Value
In this dental chew product, malto-oligosaccharides serve a dual role in texture building and functional enhancement. Dental chews require appropriate resilience and chewing resistance so that the mechanical friction during chewing can clean the tooth surface. Malto-oligosaccharides work synergistically with corn starch, wheat gluten, and other ingredients to build the elastic structure of the chew, ensuring the product is durable yet not so hard as to damage teeth. At the same time, the high moisture retention of malto-oligosaccharides helps maintain the chew's softness during shelf life, preventing it from drying out and becoming brittle. Their low-calorie, low-sweetness properties also align with the product's oral health positioning, avoiding the dental burden of high sugar content while supporting digestive health in line with the product's digestive function claim.
Product Innovation Highlights
360-Degree Cleaning Design: Double-sided hollow structures combined with dental bristle textures reach between teeth during chewing to mechanical reduce plaque and tartar buildup.
Dual Oral & Digestive Care: Integrates natural parsley oil for breath freshening alongside malto-oligosaccharides to support digestive health in a single treat.
Texture & Shelf Stability: Malto-oligosaccharides preserve structural elasticity and moisture retention, ensuring chewing performance and soft mouthfeel throughout shelf life.
Product Information
Brand: Riverd Republic Pure Value | Company: Riverd Republic
Minimalist, Japanese-made communication treat packaged in long strip pouches (13 g x 4 sticks), made with natural water from Tottori Ogamiyama and free from artificial colors or gluten.
Key Ingredients
Malto-oligosaccharides Value
In this liquid puree treat, malto-oligosaccharides primarily serve texture regulation and flavor optimization functions. Puree treats demand a smooth consistency and good flowability. The low viscosity and excellent solubility of malto-oligosaccharides allow them to disperse evenly throughout the puree system, helping maintain a smooth, delicate mouthfeel without increasing the system's thickness or affecting the squeezing experience. Their sweetness at only 20% of sucrose gently enhances the natural flavor of the puree without overpowering the umami of chicken and vegetables, and without being so sweet as to encourage picky eating. Furthermore, the moisture retention of malto-oligosaccharides helps the puree stick retain a hydrated texture after opening, preventing surface drying. As a functional oligosaccharide, it also adds gentle digestive health support to the product.
Product Innovation Highlights
Human-Pet Interaction Focus: Designed as a "communication treat" in individual 13 g strip pouches for hand-feeding, building bonding during training at only 6 kcal per stick.
Pure Minimalist Formula: Uses Tottori Ogamiyama natural water with zero gluten, artificial colors, or artificial sweeteners, seasoned purely with chicken, vegetables, and seafood extracts.
Smooth Viscosity Control: Malto-oligosaccharides maintain optimal flowability and delicate mouthfeel in liquid systems while delivering functional digestive support.
Company Introduction
Leading Global Manufacturer of Functional Sweeteners Since 1997
Baolingbao Biotechnology Co., Ltd. is a leading global manufacturer specializing in the R&D, manufacturing, and solution services of functional carbohydrates. Founded in 1997, we are focused on enzyme engineering and fermentation engineering, serving customers across more than 100 countries and regions worldwide.
In 2009, we became the first functional sugar company listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange (Stock Code: 002286) in China's A-share market. Today, we have established deep strategic partnerships with major global customers including Coca-Cola, Danone, Yili Group, and Perfect (China).The company operates on a site spanning 300 acres, with an annual production capacity of 600,000 tons and a workforce of 1,300 employees.
Advanced R&D Capabilities
Possessing 9 R&D platforms including national enterprise technology center, national-local joint engineering lab, and postdoctoral research workstation. Expert team composed of academicians, Taishan Scholars, and overseas experts.
Global Market Presence
Products exported to over 100 countries and regions worldwide. Strategic partnerships with majority of core customers across food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and dietary supplement industries.
World-Class Manufacturing
Baolingbao's production infrastructure is characterized by a high degree of automation, intelligence, and digitalization. The company has made substantial investments in key facilities, including drying towers, pharmaceutical-grade sugar production lines, digital erythritol plants, and intelligent stereo warehouses. Featuring internationally sourced technologies and advanced control systems, these initiatives have enhanced production efficiency, reduced energy consumption, and enabled full traceability across the supply chain.In support of sustainable operations, Baolingbao manages 40,000 mu (approximately 2,667 hectares) of regenerative agricultural planting bases and generates 10 million kWh of photovoltaic power annually.
Comprehensive Quality Assurance
First batch to pass FDA on-site audit. Certified with GMP, GRAS, HALAL, Kosher, Organic (US & EU standards), ISO9001/22000/14000/45001. End-to-end food safety from farm to table.
Innovation & Industry Leadership
Over 260 patent applications submitted with 97 patents granted and more than 70 core technologies developed. Actively participated in formulation of 1 international standard and over 30 national standards.
Contact Us
baolingbao@blb-cn.com
