From Ancient Organism to Modern Pet Nutrition
What looks like a mysterious green jelly after rainfall is actually an ancient organism with a fascinating nutritional and cultural story. Nostoc, sometimes known as star jelly, is a genus of cyanobacteria found in both aquatic and terrestrial environments. Cyanobacteria are among the oldest groups of organisms on Earth, with a history stretching back billions of years. Like plants, they are capable of photosynthesis and producing oxygen.
Beyond its unusual appearance and remarkable ability to survive changing environmental conditions, certain edible species of Nostoc have long been valued as traditional foods.
It is also one of the unique ingredients we incorporate into our pet food.
What Is Star Jelly?
Nostoc consists of microscopic cells that form colonies surrounded by a soft, gelatinous material. One of its most fascinating characteristics is its ability to change dramatically depending on the availability of water. During dry weather, terrestrial Nostoc loses moisture and shrinks. Its appearance may become yellow-green, brownish, or dark, making it difficult to notice among grass and soil.
When rain arrives, the colonies absorb water and rapidly expand. Their color deepens and they develop the distinctive soft, jelly-like appearance for which they are known. It may seem as though the mysterious green jelly has suddenly appeared after rainfall, but it was often there all along—waiting for moisture to transform it.
Why We Include Star Jelly in Our Pet Food
When selecting ingredients for pet food, nutritional value is only one part of the story. We also look for ingredients that can complement a thoughtfully formulated diet and provide naturally occurring nutrients from diverse food sources. Star jelly offers an unusual combination of protein, fiber, minerals, and naturally occurring polysaccharides, making it an interesting addition to our ingredient selection. Every ingredient has a purpose, and the overall balance of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients is ultimately what matters most.
Nutritional Value of Star Jelly
Certain edible Nostoc species contain a variety of naturally occurring nutrients and compounds, which is one of the reasons they have traditionally been consumed as food.
Protein
Nostoc can provide naturally occurring protein, an essential macronutrient that supplies amino acids used throughout the body. Protein is particularly important in pet nutrition because dogs and cats require amino acids for the maintenance of muscles and other tissues, as well as numerous normal biological functions.
Dietary Fiber
Nostoc also contains dietary fiber and complex carbohydrates. Fiber can play several roles in pet nutrition, particularly in supporting normal digestive function and helping maintain a healthy gastrointestinal environment as part of a complete and balanced diet.
Naturally Occurring Minerals
Nostoc can contain a variety of naturally occurring minerals, including calcium and iron. Minerals perform numerous essential functions throughout the body. Calcium, for example, is important for normal bones and teeth, while iron is involved in normal oxygen transport. The exact mineral content of Nostoc can vary depending on species, growing conditions, harvesting, and processing, so the nutritional value of a particular ingredient should be evaluated based on its individual specifications.