Dried Aspergillus Niger Fermentation Extract

Enzyme makers grow selected Aspergillus niger strains to produce useful compounds. The extract is made for that purpose, rather than recovered as a leftover from another industry. One supplier dries it on wheat bran.^5,6,7

1. 01 // Source Fermentation medium A selected fungal strain grows in a nutrient medium; the strain and medium vary by manufacturer.
2. 02 // Process Grow the fungus Controlled fermentation produces enzymes and other compounds in the surrounding material.
3. 03 // Process Extract and dry Water soluble material is separated and dried; one feed supplier uses wheat bran as a carrier.
4. 04 // Output Dry extract The powder reaches the kibble plant with no specific enzyme or activity identified by its ingredient name.

1. 01

   Adds targeted enzymes

   An Aspergillus niger extract can supply enzymes that break down parts of food. One supplier guarantees cellulase and amylase activity, but the ingredient name identifies neither enzyme nor its activity.^5,6

2. 02

   Tests cheaper formulations

   A supplier involved in a dog trial proposed using protease to reduce protein costs. The trial measured digestibility, not whether a cheaper finished recipe nourished dogs as well.¹

How much No usual amount is published for this exact extract; a dog trial tested a related Aspergillus niger fermentation product at 200 mg per kg of food.^2,5

1. Brands say

   Added enzymes make kibble easier to digest

   Outruns the evidence

   Evidence

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

   A trial in 10 dogs found higher protein digestibility with a mixed Aspergillus niger and Bacillus subtilis protease, 93.3% versus 90.7%. Other dog trials found no general digestibility gain from enzyme blends. None tested this unspecified extract.^1,2,3

2. Brands say

   Its enzymes give dogs a healthier gut

   Outruns the evidence

   Evidence

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

   In 12 Beagles fed a related enzyme product, fecal Lactobacillus abundance rose, but measured fermentation products did not change. A bacterial shift alone does not demonstrate better gut health, and the tested product was not this extract.^4,5

3. Brands say

   It unlocks minerals trapped in plants

   Outruns the evidence

   Evidence

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

   A crossover trial in 12 dogs tested a related enzyme blend on a high phytate diet and found no improvement in zinc availability. The ingredient name does not even specify whether this extract supplies active phytase.^2,5

4. Owners say

   The extract adds live beneficial fungus

   Outruns the evidence

   Evidence

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

   The Canadian feed listing describes this dried extract as nonviable and requires a statement that it is not a source of live microbial cells. Aspergillus niger makes the extract; it is not supplied as a probiotic.⁵