Happy Earth Day!

Miscanthus is a perennial grass, and represents a highly sustainable and effective fiber source. In addition to serving as a source of dietary fiber, it also enhances the structural integrity of pet foods during manufacturing processes, contributing to better kibble cohesion and moisture retention.

Miscanthus is primarily cultivated in southwest Missouri and stands out due to its substantial growth, reaching heights of 10 to 12 feet during the summer months. This perennial grass is established once and yields harvests annually for up to 30 years, requiring minimal maintenance. It does not require annual tilling, extensive nutrient inputs, or the felling of trees, which are common in other fiber production processes.

Compared to other ingredients used as fiber in pet food, like powdered cellulose or beet pulp, miscanthus is produced in a far more sustainable, and less resource-intensive process. It is a highly sustainable crop, requiring minimal inputs and offering considerable ecological benefits:

Water Use: Miscanthus requires significantly less water compared to other crops. It is grown without the need for irrigation, and requires significantly less water compared to powdered cellulose in its production process. It saves over 153 million gallons of water for every million pounds replaced in the industry, which translates to approximately 153 gallons of water per pound when miscanthus is used instead of powdered cellulose.

Chemical Free: The processing of miscanthus does not involve chemicals, relying instead on mechanical means to convert the harvested grass into a usable fiber form. Powdered cellulose requires the introduction of chemicals to break down wood pulp

Carbon Sequestration: As a perennial plant, miscanthus has a deep root system that helps sequester carbon, contributing positively to carbon footprint reduction efforts. The production of powdered cellulose is linked to logging activities, which not only deplete forest resources but also contribute to habitat destruction and increased carbon emissions.

Amazingly, along with all the sustainability benefits that miscanthus offers producers, it is also more cost-effective than powdered cellulose. According to Dustin, miscanthus costs about half as much as powdered cellulose. It also has cost advantages when compared to beet pulp, which is a byproduct of the sugar beet industry. Its availability and quantity depend on the sugar production levels, which can vary annually. The cost of beet pulp can fluctuate based on the sugar market and agricultural conditions, potentially making it less predictable in terms of pricing and availability compared to miscanthus.

Finally, miscanthus offers specific health benefits as a dietary fiber. It is predominantly insoluble, helping to regulate digestive health in pets, which parallels its utility in human dietary fiber applications. The presence of miscanthus in pet foods supports optimal gut health, nutrient absorption, and stool quality, vital for overall pet wellness.

The adoption of miscanthus by pet food manufacturers not only supports sustainability initiatives but also offers cost benefits due to its lower production costs. These factors make miscanthus a compelling choice for companies looking to enhance their environmental footprint while maintaining high standards in pet nutrition.

Check out the episode to learn more about miscanthus, and hear Dustin talk about which prominent brands M-Fiber already counts as clients. Patronizing these brands contributes to sustainability in pet food consumption.

If your favorite pet food brand isn't using miscanthus, consider reaching out and asking them to consider reformulating. It might take some time and effort, but ultimately, it's an ingredient that is better for the health of our planet, and costs less than the products it's replacing. On Earth Day 2024, I think that's something we can all rally around and celebrate.