Discover why pet food manufacturers and formulators are tapping into plasma’s bioactive properties to meet rising demands for better pet diets.
Plasma is a high-quality protein alternative with proven palatability that can outperform common ingredients, like egg powder, poultry byproduct meal and wheat gluten.
Research (Vasconcellos et al., 2023) shows it contains unique bioactive components – immunoglobulins, bioactive peptides and growth factors – that provide notable health benefits beyond standard nutrition, while enhancing food acceptance.
Key health benefits
- Immune support: Maintains the intestinal barrier and supports the immune function.
- Prebiotic effect: Encourages growth of beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus, supporting digestive
- Cognitive support: By promoting immune function, plasma may benefit neurological health.
- High digestibility: Improves nutrient absorption and reduces fecal
Applications in pet food manufacturing
Beyond its health advantages, plasma offers considerable versatility in product formulation.
From wet food and dry kibble to treats and supplements, its functional properties help manufacturers meet evolving consumer demands:
- Nutritional value: As an animal-based protein with essential amino acids, plasma complements other ingredients to support balanced nutrition across life
- Product quality: Plasma’s cohesive properties enable higher fresh-meat inclusion while maintaining water retention, emulsification and product quality, improving texture and
- Palatability: Well-documented preference in dogs and cats makes plasma a key ingredient for improving food acceptance and intake.
- Evidence-backed claims: Research shows plasma’s immune and digestive benefits, providing solid support for health claims on products tailored to life stages or health needs.
Moving toward sustainability
Plasma addresses sustainability by efficiently using animal ingredients that might otherwise be discarded.
Compared to proteins such as wheat gluten or egg powder, plasma’s environmental footprint tends to be lower, supporting a more circular approach to pet food production.
Further integration into pet diets
As a global producer of functional plasma proteins, APC pursues new ways to incorporate plasma into pet diets by combining scientific insights, processing functionality and eco-conscious practices.
While still evolving, plasma stands out as a compelling ingredient that has the potential to reshape how the pet industry approaches both nutrition and sustainability.