Launch of Pet Dog Snacks Using Patent Technology from Gyeonggi Agricultural Research and Extension Services

Snacks for companion dogs using patented technology from the Gyeonggi-do Agricultural Research and Extension Services will be sold on the market through private companies. Photo by Gyeonggi-do Agricultural Research and Extension Services

[Asia Economy (Suwon) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] Plant-based alternative jerky made from oyster mushrooms and diet snacks for companion dogs, developed using patented technology by the Gyeonggi-do Agricultural Research and Extension Services, have been released.

According to the provincial agricultural research institute on the 8th, 'Samsong Food' located in Uiwang recently launched the plant-based alternative jerky 'Delicious Oyster Mushroom Jerky,' and 'Natural Pro' in Hwaseong began selling the dental chew for dogs 'Beyond Chew.'

Last year, the provincial agricultural research institute transferred the technology for 'Mushroom dried jerky with improved dried texture and its manufacturing method,' which it owns, to five companies including Samsong Food and Natural Pro.

This technology was developed to overcome the short shelf life of about two weeks of oyster mushrooms. The core is plant-based alternative jerky using oyster mushrooms. The provincial agricultural research institute dried the mushrooms to soften the texture and manufactured them in a form similar to jerky, allowing the healthy oyster mushrooms to be consumed conveniently and deliciously.

Samsong Food's Delicious Oyster Mushroom Jerky reproduces the texture of jerky by utilizing the grain of oyster mushrooms. This product is a healthy snack with low calories and 0% cholesterol, and is available for purchase at metropolitan area branches such as Pangyo Hyundai Department Store.

Natural Pro's Beyond Chew is made from oyster mushrooms and potato starch without additives, making it easily digestible and low in calories. It is also suitable for elderly and obese dogs and can be purchased at the Dr. Buy online store.

The other three companies that received technology transfer from the provincial agricultural research institute will also launch new products this year.

Oyster mushrooms are a specialty crop of the Gyeonggi-do region. 68.2% of the national production volume is produced in Gyeonggi-do. Oyster mushrooms have a short shelf life of about two weeks and are mainly consumed as a side ingredient in soups and stews, so various consumption methods are needed. Recently, consumption has decreased while production costs have risen, increasing the burden on farmers.

Lee Young-soon, head of the Crop Research Division at the provincial agricultural research institute, said, "Consumer interest in health products using plant-based materials has been increasing recently," and added, "If the plant-based alternative jerky released with the institute's technology is stably established in the market, it is expected to greatly help expand the consumption of Gyeonggi-do agricultural products and increase farmers' income."