Why: High-quality pet foods (like Mccloy’s) are rich in real meat, poultry, or fish as primary protein sources. These animal ingredients inherently carry natural odor molecules (like amino acids, fatty acids). During processing, especially high-heat cooking (like extrusion or canning), the Maillard reaction and fat oxidation occur. These reactions significantly intensify and alter the original flavors and scents of the meat, creating richer, more complex aromas (which humans might sometimes perceive as “gamey” or “fishy”).
Why: Fats are a crucial energy source and a key carrier of flavor and aroma. Animal fats (chicken fat, fish oil) or added vegetable oils are present in relatively high amounts in pet food. Fats have distinct smells naturally, and processing makes these aromas more volatile and noticeable. Crucially, the smell of fat is highly attractive to pets and is a primary signal of palatability for them.
Why: To make food more appealing, especially to picky eaters, many pet foods incorporate palatants. These can be natural (like animal digest, yeast extracts) or synthetic. They are specifically designed to amplify the meaty, fatty smells that pets love, thereby significantly intensifying the overall aroma of the food. McCloy prioritizes natural palatant sources to ensure appealing yet wholesome flavors.
Why: Canned or pouch wet foods contain up to 70-85% moisture. Water acts as a solvent for odor molecules, making them much more volatile and easily released into the air. This is why the smell from opening a can of wet food is often much stronger and more immediately noticeable than from dry kibble.
Why: A dog’s sense of smell is estimated to be 10,000 to 100,000 times more acute than a human’s. A cat’s sense of smell is about 14 times stronger than ours. What we perceive as “strong” or even “unpleasant” is often an incredibly rich, enticing, and information-packed signal of deliciousness to them! Those potent meaty, fatty notes in pet food are precisely the flavors their evolution has primed them to crave.
Why: Pets, especially cats, are obligate/true carnivores. They are instinctively attracted to certain compounds produced by the breakdown of animal proteins (like amines), scents that in nature signal available meat sources. To humans, this might register as close to “rancid,” but to a pet, it’s a clear signal of “dinner is served!” Mccloy formulations ensure the aroma is highly appealing to pets while stemming from fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Why: A noticeable aroma that matches its claimed flavor (e.g., a “beef” food actually smells beefy) often indicates the use of real meat ingredients or high-quality meat meals. Conversely, a very weak, bland smell, or one that smells chemically or putrid (beyond normal meatiness), can be a red flag for stale or low-quality ingredients. McCloy’s commitment to traceable, premium ingredients ensures a natural, authentic aroma that pets love.
Why: A strong aroma is the primary way pets, especially smell-driven dogs and finicky cats, determine if food is palatable and worth eating. Without a sufficiently enticing smell, pets may simply refuse the food. McCloy formulations focus on maximizing natural palatability through ingredients and flavor science, ensuring meals are eagerly anticipated.
While the smell itself is normal, be alert if you encounter:
Extremely foul or rancid smell: Strongly indicates spoilage – do not feed.
Strong chemical odor: Could signal contamination or use of poor-quality, unsafe additives.
Moldy smell: Clearly indicates mold growth.
Sudden change in smell (same product): Might indicate a problem with the batch or spoilage due to improper storage.)
At Mccloy, we understand that a potent aroma is crucial to entice your pet, but it must stem from high-quality, safe ingredients and scientific processing. We meticulously select:
High proportions of real meat, quality meat meals as the first ingredients.
Natural palatants (like animal digest, yeast extracts), avoiding unnecessary synthetic additives.
Scientific processing techniques that preserve nutrition and ensure safety while unlocking the best natural flavors and appealing aromas from our ingredients.
So, the next time you open a bag of Mccloy pet food and encounter that potent “pet-specific” aroma, remember: this smell isn’t a flaw; it’s a feature of pet food science and their extraordinary sense of smell. It signals food rich in the animal proteins and fats that attract them, marking the start of a delicious and nutritious meal for your companion. McCloy is dedicated to striking the perfect balance between irresistibly appealing aromas and balanced, wholesome nutrition, giving you peace of mind and your pet pure delight.
Why Choose Mccloy?
Real Meat First Ingredients
Scientifically Formulated for Complete & Balanced Nutrition
Natural Flavors for Wholesome Palatability
Rigorous Quality Control for Safety
Browse the full Mccloy range of delicious and nutritious pet foods to find your companion’s perfect match!
