Discussing animal nutrition in the pet food industry

Dr. Mikael Lassén on 30 years of WinOpti in the pet food industry

When Dr. Michael Lassén began his career in animal nutrition nearly four decades ago, the pet food industry looked very different. Today, as a seasoned expert and long-time user of WinOpti , Lassén is helping shape how we feed our pets in a world of evolving challenges and expectations.

Born in Finland and now based in Denmark, Lassén’s academic roots lie in biology, human physiology, and biochemistry. After earning his PhD in animal nutrition in 1994, he spent decades optimizing diets for mink before transitioning to the pet food sector—a move he describes as “a total different world.”

The complexity behind pet food

Unlike livestock diets, which prioritize production, growth and cost efficiency, pet food formulation is influenced by marketing, consumer perception, and emotional attachment to animals. “In pet food, price has not been an issue for a long time,” Lassén explains. “Recipes often have surplus protein—sometimes 35% when dogs need only 18%. But minerals and vitamins? That’s where the real challenge lies.”

One of his biggest concerns is fatty acid balance. “Dogs and cats often get too much omega-6 from plant oils and not enough omega-3. This imbalance can lead to inflammation and even allergies,” he warns. Research now suggests links between fatty acid ratios and cognitive health in senior pets, echoing findings in human nutrition.

Data: the backbone of formulation

For Lassén, accurate data is non-negotiable. “Optimization programs only work when your database is correct,” he emphasizes. He routinely requests full ingredient analyses—amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, even heavy metals—especially for natural recipes without synthetic supplements. Variability in raw materials adds complexity: “Chicken carcasses from Norway differ from those in Holland. You need to know your source.”

This is where Win Opti becomes indispensable. “I use it almost daily,” Lassén says. “It lets me set nutrient limits, integrate new materials, and find solutions when traditional ingredients become scarce.” With slaughter byproducts declining and pet food production soaring, adaptability is key. “If a recipe was 90% meat, can we reduce it to 80% without compromising nutrition? WinOpti helps answer that.”

Trends shaping the industry

The pet food market is evolving rapidly. “Lightly cooked diets are trending, and freeze-dried raw food is gaining traction,” Lassén notes. Sustainability is another buzzword, driving interest in insect protein. “Black soldier fly larvae produce excellent protein and fat from byproducts. It’s a true circular solution,” he says, though consumer acceptance varies—France leads, while the UK and US remain hesitant.

Yet sustainability claims can be misleading. “Is it really sustainable to import quinoa from South America for dog food when it’s a staple for humans there?” Lassén asks. His experience with plant proteins also informs caution: “Peas are good, but there’s a limit. Beyond that, health issues appear. Experience matters.”

Technology and the human factor

Artificial intelligence is making inroads, but Lassén remains pragmatic. “AI can help fine-tune processes, but it can’t replace expertise,” he says. “Ask it how to increase magnesium, and it might suggest seaweed—without warning you about toxic iodine levels.” His advice? Use AI as a tool, not a substitute for education and judgment.

For Lassén, the future of pet food lies in balancing innovation with science. “We need better energy evaluation systems for dogs and cats, not just rough Atwater calculations,” he says. And while trends like raw diets and insect protein promise progress, he insists that fundamentals—data integrity, nutrient balance, and informed decision-making—remain the foundation.

“Experience and knowledge cannot be beaten by AI,” Lassén concludes. “Formulation is both art and science. And at the end of the day, it’s about creating food that truly supports animal health.”

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