Faba Bean Protein Offered as Pet Food Substitute
New trials show plant-based faba bean ingredients could replace animal blood plasma in certain wet pet food recipes.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Vegetarian
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Technical trials have identified faba bean protein as a functional replacement for animal plasma in wet pet food. This development may offer new plant-based ingredient options for manufacturers seeking to reformulate pâté and chunks in gravy recipes.
Why it matters
The transition toward plant-derived ingredients in pet food may alter ingredient profiles and supply chain requirements for manufacturers. These trials provide the functional validation needed to assess whether these alternatives maintain the specific texture and quality standards expected by pet owners.
Technical trials evaluated the functionality of faba bean protein concentrate as a replacement for animal plasma in wet food, finding that 25% to 30% substitution preserves firmness in chunks in gravy. Researchers also tested a 35% inclusion level of starch-rich flour for kibble expansion.
The players
BENEO
A manufacturer of plant-based functional ingredients used in food and pet feed applications.
Passion4Food
A food technology organization that conducts technical performance trials for ingredients.
Maygane Ronsmans
A researcher who presented the findings regarding faba bean protein functionality.
The details
Faba beans are processed via dry fractionation to separate the protein concentrate and starch-rich flour. In wet food formulations like pâté, the protein concentrate successfully maintains texture properties that are traditionally provided by animal blood plasma. For chunks in gravy, achieving the correct firmness required specific substitution ratios to ensure the product remains stable during processing.
Timeline
September 23, 2026: Trial results were presented at CIPAL in Buenos Aires.
Health Landscape
This research follows the performance benchmarks set by the Passion4Food technical trial protocols for evaluating functional plant-based proteins. It contributes to the ongoing industry shift toward plant-derived components in pet nutrition, moving beyond traditional animal-sourced stabilizers.
Pet owners interested in the environmental or ingredient sourcing of their pet's diet may want to monitor labels for these new plant-based additives. If you have concerns about diet transitions or ingredient sensitivities, it is worth discussing your pet's current nutritional needs with your veterinarian.
The takeaway
Faba bean protein shows promise as a functional, plant-based substitute for animal plasma in specific pet food applications. As these formulations reach the market, pet owners can ask their veterinarian about how ingredient changes in commercial diets may impact their pet's specific dietary requirements.
Further reading
For more information on the growing selection of plant-based alternatives, visit Vegetarian.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Petfood Industry Community.
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