PET Food Processing - December 2018 - 44

INGREDIENTS

A vegan dry dog
food from Petcurean
uses organic pea
proteins and other
complementary
ingredients to
provide a complete
and balanced diet
for dogs.
Petcurean

tein because two of the amino acids, methionine and cysteine, are limiting. However, formulators can blend pea
protein with a complementary protein source, such as rice,
chickpea, soy or pumpkin. Rice is a common option as it
has higher levels of methionine and cysteine to complement the pea protein. Pea and rice protein can be blended
together in the right ratio to achieve a complete protein."
Pulses, which include dry peas, lentils, chickpeas and
beans, are nutritional powerhouses, packed with protein,
fiber, vitamins and minerals. Pulses are versatile and
serve as a flavor sponge. They complement all types of
formulations, vegan and vegetarian, and pair well with
animal-based proteins. "They also happen to be good
for the planet with one of the lowest carbon footprints
of almost any other food group," says Tim McGreevy,
CEO, US Dried Pea and Lentil Council, Moscow, Idaho.
"Production of pulse crops has more than doubled in the
past 10 years as demand for these nutrient-dense foods
has risen."
This increased production has been followed by a
significant investment in processing plants that convert
pulse crops into whole flour, protein, starch and fiber
ingredients. Pulse ingredient manufacturers continue
to build capacity to meet the growing demand for pulse
crop proteins and ingredients. They are also investing in
ways to enhance functionality and identify new uses.
"Some pulse ingredients, for example, can be utilized
to partially or fully replace egg or dried egg in highmoisture, wet, canned applications, where binding and
adhesion are desired functionalities," Luchsinger says.
Plant proteins and nutrient pre-mixes are often combined at contract blending facilities. This simplifies measuring and mixing at the manufacturing location.
For example, ADM has a new pre-mix facility in
Effingham, Illinois. The company sources and blends
standard, dry ingredients for bulk shipment to pet food
and treat manufacturers. "These ingredient blends eliminate the need for additional bin space at the manufacturer, while reducing the number of bulk and micro
ingredients that must be added during food and treat
making," Davenport says.

Neither a plant nor an animal
In addition to plants being a source of vegan protein,
there's also the emerging category of fungal proteins.
Fungi are a type of eukaryotic organism. Others include
microorganisms such as yeasts and molds, as well as more
familiar mushrooms. From a biological standpoint they
are neither plant nor animal; however, most consumers
view them as being part of the plant kingdom.
Wild Earth Inc., Berkeley, California, a biotech pet
food start-up, is rolling out its first product, a dog treat
made with koji (Aspergillus oryzae), an eco-friendly,

PET FOOD PROCESSING | December 2018 | www.petfoodprocessing.net

renewably sourced member of the fungi kingdom.
Koji has umami-rich flavor; it mimics the taste of
savory meat. It is a whole protein that provides all
essential amino acids, along with omega fatty acids,
digestion-boosting enzymes and prebiotics to support
gastrointestinal microbiomes.
"We need new and alternative proteins to feed a growing global pet population, and also to minimize the environmental impact of feeding that growing population,"
says Ryan Bethencourt, chief operating officer at Wild
Earth. "Koji is ideal for dogs based on its nutritional
profile and sustainability, and it is used by Michelinstar chefs to add gourmet flavor, so our dog taste testers
loved these treats."
Wild Earth cultivates koji, an ancient Asian protein,
in fermentation tanks, and uses proprietary technology
to optimize it for nutritional content, texture and
flavor. "Our mission is to help pet owners feed their dog
a varied diet that meets its complete nutritional needs
while reducing the need for animal meats," says Dr.
Ernie Ward, chief veterinary officer at Wild Earth. "We
don't believe broad labels such as vegan or vegetarian
adequately define our products. Our goal is to create the
best pet food possible utilizing biotechnology."
New plant proteins will continue to be identified,
grown and purified into safe, high-quality ingredients
for use in foods for both pets and their owners. Maybe
someday there will be meals strategically designed to
meet the nutritional needs of both at the same time, giving new meaning to family-sized portions.
PFP

http://www.petfoodprocessing.net

PET Food Processing - December 2018

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