Manufacturer Beneo has created a new ‘toolbox’ of plant-based ingredients for pet food suppliers.
Featuring non-GMO vegetal proteins such as rice protein, vital wheat gluten and faba bean protein concentrate, each item offers specific nutritional and technical benefits for manufacturers. According to Beneo consumer research, one in three pet food shoppers think that using plant-based ingredients make pet food seem healthier.
Beneo’s rice protein has a protein density of approximately 80% and is hypoallergenic and highly digestible, making it suitable for sensitive pets and those with allergies.
The company’s vital wheat gluten also offers a protein density of approximately 80% and delivers an amino acid profile containing glutamine, which is the preferred fuel for intestinal cells that can help repair damaged cells, and tyrosine, which plays an important role in maintaining fur colour.
Beneo’s faba bean protein concentrate is an alternative to animal and soy proteins and is suitable for “no grain” claims in pet food. Its amino acid profile is relatively rich in lysine and can complement cereals’ protein, meaning it can be combined with rice protein or vital wheat gluten. All three ingredients also have physical properties which can be blended into common pet food textures, says Beneo.
