Pea protein and its starches have been used in pet food for many years, but interest in their application is rapidly growing. A key driver of this trend is the rising demand for non-grain pet foods, which started in the U.S. and is now expanding globally. As a plant-based protein, pea protein is widely used in pet food, aquafeed, and animal feed, often serving as a substitute for meat, fish, or soy in pet formulations.
Benefits of Pea Protein
Uses of Pea Protein
Nutritional Properties of Pea Protein
Pea protein is a versatile ingredient for pet foods. It’s grain- and GM-free, and has good nutritional properties. It’s also a healthy, hypoallergenic protein source for pets.
Pea protein has a similar protein level to soy protein concentrate, and so can be a good substitute. Table 1 compares the amino acid profile of pea protein and soy protein concentrate. Pea protein is slightly higher in lysine, and its amino acid profile is largely comparable to soybean protein when standardized to the same protein basis of 72%.
Table 1: The amino acid profile of pea protein and soy protein concentrate
| Pea Protein, % | Soy Protein Concentrate*, % | Soy Protein Concentrate, % CP 72% (Corrected) | |
| Dry Matter | 92% | 92.7% | 92% |
| Protein | 72% | 78.3% | 72% |
| Essential amino acids | |||
| Lysine | 5.00% | 4.88% | 4.49% |
| Methionine | 0.68% | 1.1% | 1.01% |
| Cystine | 0.84% | 1.32% | 1.21% |
| Threonine | 2.59% | 2.78% | 2.56% |
| Tryptophan | 0.53% | 1.19% | 1.09% |
| Isoleucine | 3.08% | 3.49% | 3.21% |
| Valine | 3.37% | 3.78% | 3.48% |
| Leucine | 5.66% | 6.07% | 5.58% |
| Phenylalanine | 3.54% | 3.95% | 3.63% |
| Tyrosine | 2.33% | 2.72% | 2.50% |
| Histidine | 1.60% | 2.04% | 1.88% |
| Arginine | 5.32% | 5.72% | 5.26% |
| Non-essential amino acids | |||
| Alanine | 3.05% | 3.35% | 3.08% |
| Aspartic Acid | 7.4% | 8.98% | 8.26% |
| Glycine | 2.70% | 3.17% | 2.92% |
| Glutamic Acid | 10.95% | 14.2% | 13.06% |
| Serine | 3.28% | 3.13% | 2.88% |
| Proline | 3.09% | 3.85% | 2.84% |
*Source: https://www.feedtables.com/content/soybean-protein-concentrate-protein-70-90
Functional Properties of Pea Protein
Pea protein offers functional properties such as solubility, water and fat binding, emulsification, and gelation, comparable to commonly used proteins like soy and whey (Boye et al., 2010). As a concentrate, it serves as a viable alternative to wheat gluten or soy protein in various pet foods and treats, enhancing pellet durability, improving binding capacity, and reducing dust formation.
A More Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Alternative to Soy
Pea protein is a more sustainable crop than soy protein because it requires less water, fewer pesticides, and no synthetic fertilizers due to its natural nitrogen-fixing ability. Unlike soy, which contributes to deforestation and soil depletion, peas improve soil health and support biodiversity. Additionally, pea protein production generates lower greenhouse gas emissions and is mostly non-GMO, making it an eco-friendly alternative with a smaller environmental footprint.
Conclusion
In summary, pea protein is a valuable plant-based alternative to animal proteins like meat and fish, making it particularly suitable for pets with specific dietary needs or allergies. Its inclusion in pet food aligns with the industry’s shift toward natural, plant-based ingredients, catering to pet owners seeking balanced, nutritious diets free from artificial additives. Lam Tak supplies Pea Protein 72% to support this growing demand. Contact us today for product inquiries!
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