While Authentic Tonquin is a decent curiosity product, I believe its true value is its tremendous ability as a carrier. Very comparable to pure quill skunk in that respect. Besides canines, otter also seem to show a fascination with tonquin. While some synthetics are close in odor to the real deal they don't possess that carrying capability.

The question I have about some of these "real" ingredients vs the synthetics is, do they have an effect on the animal beyond it's sense of smell? For instance regular and decaf coffee smell the same to a non-coffee drinker, and to most coffee drinkers too, but if you love your caffeine you will notice it missing. Do some of these authentic ingredients affect the nervous systems of animals through their olfactory bulb, and then cause a reaction that a mimic just can't acheive?