Yeast: a pet food ingredient of the future

Yeast in plant-based meat-free pet food

In view of the increased interest in plant-based diets, yeast is likely to become more popular in pet food. Although yeast is a living microorganism, it does not have a nervous system, that is, it does not feel pain. This makes yeast an attractive ingredient for meat-free diets, and it is particularly well-suited for vegan dog food. Besides that, it is a sustainable source of protein with a much lower carbon footprint than meat. Therefore, some industry experts and start-ups regard fermented yeast protein as the protein of the future in dog food.

Nutritional benefits

Many studies have already been done on the palatability effect of yeast, but there is still potential for more interesting findings, particularly with respect to various combinations of dietary ingredients. Skin and hair health, gut health and immunomodulatory properties as well as levels of protein, amino acids, nutrients and minerals; these are all topics that continue to be explored.

Popular yeast-based ingredients

A by-product of brewing, brewers’ yeast is a source of protein and B vitamins. It is used as a natural flavour enhancer, sometimes in synergy with other complementary ingredients.

Mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS) are used in pet food due to their prebiotic effect: they increase the colonisation of the intestine with beneficial microflora, reduce the risk of colonisation with pathogens, perform immunomodulatory functions and promote the excretion of toxins.

1.3-1.6 Beta-glucans form another structural and functional component of the yeast cell wall. They are an effective modulator of both innate and acquired immunity and can increase the effectiveness of antibiotics in infections caused by antibiotics-resistant bacteria.

Inactivated selenium yeast is a source of organic selenium which means that it is more easily digestible by the body.

Unique additive

Two years ago, in cooperation with well-known manufacturers of yeast-based ingredients, Kormotech started a project with the biotech company Enzym to develop a unique additive with an immunomodulatory effect. One of the main components of the additive is a special yeast. This additive is still under development and will be added to some of Kormotech’s products. The research phase of this project is expected to be completed in early 2022.