Renan Donadelli

Title

PhD Student

Company

Kansas State University

Effects of Miscanthus grass on processing and nutrient utilization in extruded foods for dogs and cats – Renan Donadelli, PhD student at Kansas State University, shares research findings on miscanthus grass, an alternative source to other fibrous materials used to dilute the caloric density of pet foods and thus help address overweight in cats and dogs. Miscanthus is a non-GMO, purpose-grown grass high in cellulose, readily accepted by dogs and cats, according to this research, and may provide a less expensive source of cellulose fiber to pet food manufacturers.

Donadelli is pursuing his doctorate in pet foods and nutrition science in the Grain Science & Industry Department at Kansas State. He received his bachelor of science in agriculture engineering and master of science in animal sciences and pastures at the University of Sao Paulo, College of Agriculture (Luiz de Queiroz). His master’s research explored the use of poultry by-product meal as an alternative to fishmeal for dourado. Donadelli will complete his doctoral program in late 2017 and plans to pursue a career in the development of processes and products for companion animals.