Why Pet Food Brands Are Adding Lutein and Zeaxanthin?

As the pet food industry continues to grow, more attention is being given to the ingredients that contribute to pets’ well-being. Among the emerging trends in functional pet ingredients, lutein and zeaxanthin—are gaining attention for their role in supporting vision health and overall wellness in pets.

In this blog, we’ll explore why lutein and zeaxanthin should be a key component in pet food and supplements, and how manufacturers and distributors can leverage these nutrients to create superior products.

What Are Lutein and Zeaxanthin?

Lutein and zeaxanthin are two carotenoids found in many vegetables and fruits, most notably in leafy greens like spinach and kale, as well as in eggs. These nutrients accumulate in the retina and lens of the eye, where they help filter harmful blue light and combat oxidative stress. Lutein and zeaxanthin are natural antioxidants that play a key role in protecting the Retina

Greenagribio mainly extracts lutein and zeaxanthin from marigold, orange-yellow powder, lutein75%-80%, zeaxanthin20%-60%, HPLC, 100Kg-5000Kg stock, is specially formulated for use in pet food.

Rising Demand for Pet Eye Health

Just like humans, pets are exposed to oxidative stress from UV light, and environmental factors that can impact their vision. Lutein and zeaxanthin, naturally found in the retina, act as:

• Antioxidants – Protecting eyes from free radical damage
• Blue light filters – Shielding against harmful light exposure
• Anti-inflammatory agents – Reducing risk of age-related eye issues

With 1 in 4 dogs developing eye problems as they age (and cats being prone to retinal degeneration), pet owners are actively seeking foods that support lifelong visual health—making lutein and zeaxanthin a must-have ingredient.

Today’s pet owners treat their pets like family. A few key trends driving adoption:

• Premiumization: Pet parents are willing to pay more for health-boosting ingredients.
• Preventive care: Owners want foods that proactively protect their pets’ health.
• Transparency: Brands that highlight research-backed ingredients (like lutein & zeaxanthin) gain consumer trust.

By incorporating these carotenoids, pet food brands can:

• Differentiate your products in a crowded market
• Enhance perceived value with science-backed benefits
• Cater to aging pet populations with targeted nutrition

How to Produce Lutein and Zeaxanthin?

The most common source of natural lutein and zeaxanthin is the Tagetes erecta plant. This plant is rich in lutein esters.

Production Steps:

• Cultivation: Harvest marigold flowers at peak bloom.
• Drying & Grinding: Dry the flowers and grind them finely into powder.
• Solvent Extraction: Use food-grade solvents to extract lutein esters from the marigold powder..
• Saponification: The esters are converted into free lutein and zeaxanthin using an alkaline treatment.
• Purification & Standardization: The extract is purified, concentrated, and standardized to desired potency levels.
• Microencapsulation (optional): Manufacturers often encapsulate lutein and zeaxanthin in beadlets or powder form to enhance stability and bioavailability—especially for pet food use.

Quality You Considerations

When sourcing lutein and zeaxanthin, manufacturers should consideration:

• Specifications (carotenoid content)
• Non-GMO & pesticide-free sourcing
• Third-party testing for heavy metals and contaminants
• Stable formulations (to withstand pet food processing)

How Pet Food Brands Are Using Lutein & Zeaxanthin?

Leading manufacturers are adding these ingredients to:

1. Senior pet formulas (for vision & cognitive support)
2. Breed-specific diets (e.g., breeds prone to eye issues like Cocker Spaniels or Siamese cats)
3. Functional treats & supplements (as an easy health boost)
4. Puppy/kitten foods (for early-life development)
5. Daily chewables and soft gels

A Strategic Move for Pet Brands

Adding lutein and zeaxanthin isn’t just about improving pet health; it’s also a strategic differentiator in a competitive market. As more consumers seek functional nutrition for their pets, brands that offer targeted health benefits—like eye support—build greater trust, secure more shelf space, and capture a larger market share.

Partner With a Trusted Manufacturer

As a manufacturer of high-quality lutein and zeaxanthin, we provide consistent, pet-safe ingredients backed by rigorous quality control. Whether you’re formulating for everyday wellness or launching a specialized eye health product, we’re here to support your innovation.

Interested in adding lutein and zeaxanthin to your next pet nutrition product? Contact us today!