For the love of pets: Nutramax and ADM Protexin to expand reach of animal supplement distribution

18 Oct 2023 --- The pet supplement R&D company Nutramax Laboratories has announced it is expanding its partnership with ADM Protexin, ADM’s probiotic supplements brand. ADM Protexin is set to take charge of Nutramax brands in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region to grow internationally.

“ADM Protexin and Nutramax have a longstanding partnership that has enabled Nutramax products produced in the US to be distributed in the UK, other European countries and the APAC market, supporting our customers and the health and well-being of animals worldwide,” James Kyffin, commercial director of animal health at ADM Protexin, tells Nutrition Insight.

“This is an opportunity to introduce some of the market-leading products from the US to a global audience.”

As part of the new deal, ADM Protexin is to take over the management of the distribution of select Nutramax brands, including Cosequin, Dasuquin and Denamarin, in various international markets. This is expected to leverage capabilities in Europe, allowing better servicing of existing distribution channels and expanding Nutramax brands’ global reach.

“We are excited to expand our partnership with ADM Protexin to meet the increasing needs for international markets better,” said Todd Henderson, CEO and president of Nutramax.

“This is a significant step for both organizations and is a testament to our shared commitment to quality and improving the lives of animals around the globe.”

Pet nutrition supplements 
US-based Nutramax Laboratories, offers several researched formulas in the animal health industry and employs over 750 people in the country.

“This partnership will focus on supplements for pet health and wellness,” says Kyffin. “ADM Protexin will manage the distribution of Nutramax brands for dogs and cats, including Cosequin and Dasuquin for joint health and Denamarin — a liver health supplement.” 

The products offered by Cosequin include its MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) and Omega-3 chew tablets for dogs and joint health capsules to be sprinkled over food for cats. For horses, the brand presents joint and hoof pellets and powders. The products offered by Nutramax Laboratories brands target pet joint and liver health

Dasuquin is the Nutramax premium joint health supplement for cats and dogs that contains a patented combination of avocado and soybean unsaponifiables, green tea extract, glucosamine hydrochloride, and chondroitin sulfate. 

Denamarin is a liver health supplement for cats and dogs that features S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe), shown to increase glutathione, a compound essential for liver function and formed when SAMe is metabolized. SAMe has further been shown to protect liver cells from cell death and to promote regeneration.

In dogs, SAMe has also been shown to support cognitive function by acting as a neuroprotector. 

The delivery formats include an enteric-coated tablet and a chewable tablet for dogs. 

Research and development
“Nutramax products always use the highest quality ingredients, including patented forms of glucosamine and chondroitin, in synergistic formulations to provide effective support to pets. The products are supported by multiple published studies, both pre-clinical and clinical, demonstrating their effectiveness in supporting joint and liver health, respectively,” Kyffin says.

The Nutramax transnational research laboratory evaluates ingredient function at a cellular level. The bioactivity of raw materials is assessed by cellular and molecular biologists by evaluating changes in biomarkers. 

Raw materials are sourced from vetted and approved suppliers. The materials undergo analytical chemistry and microbiology testing to confirm the purity and other specifications of the ingredients. 

“Nutramax and ADM Protexin have a shared mission — to bring high quality, science-based products to vets and pet owners,” Kyffin asserts. 

Last year, ADM also announced a new partnership with the microbiome pioneer Gnubiotics Sciences focused on commercializing microbiome solutions to improve pet nutrition. 

By Milana Nikolova