Read our latest whitepaper on our new plant-based product Protéger™

October 17 2023 - News

As the shift towards plant-based ingredients in human diets is gaining momentum, evidence of the beneficial health effects of fermentation on our food is also growing. And as human food trends are often leading pet food trends, it shouldn’t surprise that fermentation is now also acknowledged as beneficial for pet food. This is why IQI recently introduced Protéger™, a fermented plant-based protein product developed by Houdek, a U.S.-based partner of IQI. 

Fermentation is a remarkable, natural process that has the ability to improve natural foodstuffs. In the case of Protéger™, a carefully developed patented fermentation technology is used to extract outstanding, especially nutritive proteins from plant meals. Fermentation also improves digestibility, a characteristic that’s especially welcome for cats and dogs. The end result is a wholesome, sustainable and traceable ingredient with a great nutritional value for the premium pet food industry. Protéger™ is sourced from Identity Preserved non-GMO soy, giving it contains all 9 essential amino acids and contributing even more to a world that increasingly values high quality and stewardship of earth’s resources.  

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More alternative plant-based proteins in pet food 

In his latest whitepaper ‘Offering alternative, plant-based proteins with Protéger™’, Geert van der Velden, IQI Trusted Petfood Ingredients’ Innovation Manager, discusses the brand new plant-based ingredient in full detail. After explaining the growing demand in plant-based proteins in pet food, he proceeds with a detailed description of the development and production of Protéger™– a process in which the use of fermentation technology plays a central role. Lastly, he covers the nutritional composition of the ingredient and the various (health) benefits that Protéger™ offers for pets. 

Serving and inspiring the industry  

“In the coming years, the demand for alternative plant-based proteins in pet food will only increase due to a shrinking availability of animal proteins, animal welfare and environmental concerns”, Van der Velden says. “With this whitepaper, we’re putting the spotlights on one of our latest solutions. I hope it convinces the pet food brands of the beneficial effects that fermentation has for pet food applications, and that it inspires manufacturers to keep developing alternative plant-based proteins. As for ourselves, we will keep offering more plant-based protein products as to help the industry anticipate the plant-based trend.”  

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