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MELOFEED for animals is an interesting ingredient for brands looking to develop a supplement focused on antioxidant support. Lallemand’s ingredient is based on freeze-dried melon juice and pulp and naturally contains superoxide dismutase (SOD).
Thanks to a protective coating, the SOD remains better protected during processing and within the stomach. This opens up opportunities for private-label supplements for senior and active dogs, among others.
MELOFEED® is derived from a specific melon variety that is naturally rich in SOD. This is an antioxidant enzyme that plays a role in protecting the body against free radicals and oxidative stress.
SOD is sensitive to factors such as oxidation, heat, and gastric acid. For this reason, MELOFEED® features a patented gastro-protective coating. This protects the SOD, allowing the active ingredient to reach the small intestine.
There, it can support the body’s own antioxidant defense system, including enzymes such as SOD, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase.
In short: MELOFEED® combines a natural source of SOD with a technology that helps preserve its bioactivity.
Free radicals are produced naturally in the body. When there is an excess of free radicals relative to antioxidant protection, this is referred to as oxidative stress.
Therefore, antioxidant support can be beneficial in supplements for, for example, senior animals and animals that engage in intense physical activity.
An internal study by Lallemand from 2025 investigated MELOFEED® in ten adult to senior dogs over a period of 28 days. Changes were observed in various antioxidant parameters and inflammatory markers. Lower CK levels—a parameter linked to muscle integrity—were also measured.
Given the limited scope of this study, the results should be interpreted with caution. However, they do offer interesting leads for product concepts focused on healthy aging, mobility, and support for older dogs.
Oxidative balance is also relevant during intense physical exertion. This is demonstrated by a 2018 study involving 18 Alaskan Huskies.
The dogs received MELOFEED® daily for 21 days and participated in several intensive races during this period. The animals receiving MELOFEED® maintained a better Total Antioxidant Status (TAS) during and after exertion compared to the control group.
MELOFEED® may therefore be of interest for private-label concepts for active dogs—for instance, within formulations focused on physical exertion and recovery. The final concept and permissible claims naturally depend on the complete formulation and applicable regulations.
For a private-label supplement, it is not just the ingredient that counts; stability during production is also important.
An extrusion study from 2025 showed that MELOFEED® retained its antioxidant functionality after processing at temperatures up to 130°C. In the same test, uncoated melon juice showed no measurable antioxidant functionality.
This technological advantage makes the ingredient attractive for various product concepts, including soft chews and powders. The most suitable product form depends on the animal species, desired dosage, formulation, and positioning.
At Nutriliq, we work with you every step of the way, from recipe to packaging.
MELOFEED® also offers opportunities within healthy aging concepts, as oxidative stress is linked to various processes associated with aging.
This is also relevant within the context of cognitive concepts. Scientific literature, for instance, describes a link between oxidative stress and cognitive aging in dogs. Head, Rofina, and Zicker (2008) discuss this relationship in detail.
However, this is not a direct cognitive study involving MELOFEED®. Consequently, no specific cognitive effect of MELOFEED® can be claimed based on this. Nevertheless, the ingredient can be viewed as part of a broader supplement concept focused on antioxidant support and healthy aging.
According to the technical information, MELOFEED® is also suitable for use in horses. However, the cited performance data are derived from research on dogs. Therefore, further supporting evidence is desirable for specific applications in horses.
Do you want to explore whether MELOFEED for animals fits into your product range? Nutriliq helps you translate an ingredient into a complete product concept. Together, we look at the animal species, formulation, product form, dosage, and positioning.
Contact Nutriliq or schedule an appointment directly to discuss the possibilities for your brand.
Please note: nutritional supplements are not medicines. Potential uses and communications must always be assessed based on the final composition, the animal species, and applicable regulations.
