Dried Aspergillus Orzyae Fermentation Extract

Enzyme makers grow Aspergillus oryzae specifically for its enzyme output. They separate soluble material from the fermentation and dry the extract for use in feed. It is a purpose-made ingredient, not a leftover from food production.^4,5,7

1. 01 // Source Fungal culture A selected Aspergillus oryzae strain grows on a nutrient medium chosen for enzyme production.
2. 02 // Process Solubles extracted Processors separate and concentrate water-soluble material from the fermentation.
3. 03 // Process Extract dried Drying turns the extract into a feed ingredient; one supplier dries its product on wheat bran.
4. 04 // Output Dry enzyme extract The resulting powder carries enzyme activity, including amylase and cellulase in one supplier's product.

1. 01

   Supplies enzyme activity

   Manufacturers add the extract for enzymes that break down food components. The ingredient name does not tell an owner which enzymes remain active in the finished kibble.^4,7

2. 02

   Can ease extrusion

   In a dog food production trial, Aspergillus oryzae amylase increased extruder output and reduced electricity use. The trial tested an enzyme during production, not this extract in finished kibble.³

3. 03

   Supports a digestion claim

   An enzyme listing gives manufacturers a basis to describe digestive support, although controlled dog studies of added enzyme products have not shown a consistent digestibility gain.^1,2,7

4. 04

   Offers processing efficiency

   Higher extruder output and lower electricity use could reduce manufacturing expense. The production study did not measure the total cost of making the food.³

How much One dog trial tested a supplement containing Aspergillus oryzae amylase at 2.5 g per cup of food; inclusion of this extract in dog food is unpublished.¹

1. Brands say

   Amylase cuts kibble production costs

   Outruns the evidence

   Evidence

   1. Strong
   2. Some
   3. Thin
   4. None

   In one production study, Aspergillus oryzae amylase increased extruder output by 43% and reduced electricity use by 29%. Those results support processing efficiency, but total manufacturing cost was not measured and the study did not test every extract.³

2. Brands say

   Added enzymes make healthy dogs digest food better

   Outruns the evidence

   Evidence

   1. Strong
   2. Some
   3. Thin
   4. None

   A 14-dog trial found no nutrient or energy digestibility gain from a supplement containing Aspergillus oryzae amylase. Another controlled study found no digestibility gain from enzyme blends applied after extrusion. Neither tested this extract alone.^1,2

3. Owners say

   This extract works as a live probiotic

   Outruns the evidence

   Evidence

   1. Strong
   2. Some
   3. Thin
   4. None

   The Canadian feed entry describes an extracted preparation and requires its label to state that it is not a source of viable microbial cells. An extract on a bag does not identify a live probiotic.⁵

4. Owners say

   It replaces pancreatic enzymes for sick dogs

   Outruns the evidence

   Evidence

   1. Strong
   2. Some
   3. Thin
   4. None

   The 14-dog supplement trial involved healthy dogs and found no digestibility benefit. Pancreatic enzyme replacement for dogs with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency is a separate treatment; this ingredient listing supplies no tested treatment dose.¹