Ingredient supplier Beneo has expanded its product portfolio for pet food with the addition of the new faba bean ingredient range.
The new pulse ingredients, which include faba bean protein concentrate, starch-rich flour and hulls, are non-GMO and represent sustainable sources of protein, starch, and fibre, enabling pet food and feed manufacturers to improve the nutritional profile of their products, argues Beneo. The new range will help meet growing demand for alternative nutrient sources, sustainable and plant-based options for pet food.
One in four pet owners globally say they like to see plant-based or vegan claims on pet products, mainly because they perceive such products as healthier and better for the environment (FMCG Gurus). In addition, there is rising demand for understandable, cleaner pet food labels, with 76% of dog owners and 68% of cat owners always or usually checking the ingredients list when purchasing a new pet food product, according to Beneo research.
Faba beans are described as a good source of protein, starch and dietary fibre, as well as vitamin C, folates, calcium, phosphorous and zinc. In addition, faba beans help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at farm level and can capture nitrogen from the air, reducing the need for fertilizer. The production process, taking place at farms in Germany, has been chosen for its low energy and water consumption in comparison to alternative processes.
Karel Thurman, commercial director animal nutrition at Beneo comments: “Manufacturers of pet food and feed are increasingly faced with the challenge of finding ingredients that deliver the necessary nutrients for their formulas, whilst also complying with ambitious commitments towards sustainability.
“Our new plant-based faba bean ingredients are a valuable addition to our portfolio, as they provide convincing sustainability credentials and offer producers in the pet food, livestock and aquafeed industries sound nutritional and technological alternatives for their feed recipes.”
