Bursting with natural proteins
Hydrolysis is a widely used and abused term in the pet food industry but done right it can deliver a new source of powerful proteins.
The right kind of hydrolysis
Today’s pet owners expect protein-rich pet food – and more nutrients from better sources. Pet food brands struggle to cater to this demand, as existing rendering techniques fall short. One way to deliver high protein is through hydrolysis – and that is something else than you might expect. More than just a method to boost up protein levels, hydrolysis is really about turning proteins into easy digestible, soluble peptides. And until recently, hardly anyone was able to do that in high volumes.
It takes a highly technical and time-consuming process to break proteins down the right way, with enzymatic hydrolysis continuing where the standard approach leaves off. From the packaging it is hard to tell what process was used in the production of the ingredient. And to complicate matters, there is also a clear distinction between hydrolysed proteins and protein hydrolysate.
Many benefits
Essentially, enzymatic hydrolysis yields two qualities of proteins. Hydrolysed protein is a protein that has been submitted to hydrolysis, but not so much that all of the proteins have turned into peptides. With 70% soluble peptides, the product can still contain native proteins. Protein hydrolysate, on the other hand, consists solely of soluble peptides and free amino acids.
As there is no trace of animal particles, this product is especially interesting from a legal perspective.
The benefits of enzymatic hydrolysis over standard rendering methods are many. Hydrolysed meat powder is as pure as it gets, bursting with natural proteins and extremely low in fat and ash. It is richer in taste and easier to digest and, moreover, actively improves pet health. Because the peptides are too small to be perceived as a threat by the immune system, this innovative ingredient boosts hypoallergenic qualities and helps reduce inflammatory reactions.
Source of powerful proteins
IQI embraces innovation, especially when it leads to better product quality. For all the reasons mentioned above, the company recently added chicken and turkey premium meat powders to its menu. With this new source of powerful proteins, IQI becomes Europe’s first and only producer of food grade, 100% pure poultry meat powders. Working with strictly separated production lines and state-of-the-art technology, they deliver the quality IQI is proud to serve.