Trouw Nutrition’s Tasco, Superfood of the Sea, Is Unlike Any Other Kelp
Tasco, derived from a specific species of ultra-resilient kelp, is harvested and processed in a unique way to retain all of the constituents and nutrients, which benefit companion animals at all life stages and support overall well-being.
Las Vegas, May 30, 2019 – Trouw Nutrition, a global leader in animal nutrition, will educate SuperZoo attendees about Tasco® and why it is unlike any other kelp or seaweed, truly qualifying it as the “Superfood of the Sea.”
Caption: Tasco is all natural and can be classified as so in natural and organic pet foods.
“Different species of kelp contain different constituents and improper handling and processing can destroy important compounds originally present in the live plants,” said Scott Baker, Trouw Nutrition Manager of Companion Animal Strategic Marketing and Analytics. “Commodity kelp meal can contain mixtures of species from all parts of the world and can contain varying compositions of constituents that are not well characterized or scientifically researched.”
Harvested from a single species of macroalga (Ascophyllum nodosum) in Canada’s North Atlantic, Tasco thrives in one of the harshest environments on earth. Selectively harvested and processed to retain its nutrients, Tasco features a unique combination of prebiotic fibers, antioxidants, and protective compounds that support the immune system and help pets become more resistant to stress.
Resistant to Stress
Over 20 years of peer-reviewed scientific studies and journal articles indicate that when animals consume this unique kelp, they receive and benefit from the kelp’s protective compounds that guard it from extreme environmental stresses this kelp experiences in the Bay of Fundy.
“By helping cells suppress the production of harmful proteins and metabolic byproducts, as well as boost animals’ metabolism, Tasco enables animals to more easily regulate their body temperature, thereby reducing vulnerability to heat stress,” said Dr. Trevor Faber, Trouw Nutrition Companion Animal Nutritionist.
Building Strong Defenses
Most of the beneficial bioactive compounds found in Tasco are exclusive to marine plants and are not commonly found in other sources of prebiotics. The prebiotic compounds enhance GI tract health, thereby supporting the immune system.
“Tasco’s unique, naturally occurring mix of polysaccharides and other protective compounds improve digestion by positively changing the gut microbiota,” said Dr. Faber who earned his Ph.D. in Companion Animal Nutrition from the University of Illinois. “The important polyphenolics and soluble fibers extracted from Tasco help promote a healthy gut by providing novel, fermentable fibers for the bacteria in the GI tract. With roughly 70 percent of an animal’s immune system residing in the digestive tract, a healthy digestive system is essential for supporting the immune system.”
At the end of the harvesting and processing, Tasco’s kelp is evaluated for select nutrients and microbial counts to ensure batch-to-batch consistency and purity. Only batches that meet the strictest quality and safety standards earn the name Tasco. All of this detailed attention to harvesting and quality sets Tasco apart from commodity kelp.