In the pet food industry, traditional animal proteins (such as beef and poultry) and plant proteins (like soy) have long dominated. However, these ingredients face significant shortcomings: animal protein production involves long cycles and high carbon emissions, while plant proteins suffer from imbalanced amino acid profiles and allergenic risks. With the global push for "dual-carbon" goals and increasing demand for pet health, finding more efficient and sustainable protein sources has become an urgent industry need.
Against this backdrop, yeast protein has emerged as a "game-changer" in the field of pet functional ingredients, transitioning from laboratory research to industrial production. In 2023, Angel Yeast led the formulation and release of the *Yeast Protein* industry standard, marking the official entry of this novel protein into a phase of standardized and large-scale application.
Core Advantages of Yeast Protein: Supported by Scientific Data
1. Comprehensive Nutritional Value, Comparable to Whey Protein，Yeast protein's amino acid scores (AAS and DIAAS) are comparable to whey protein and significantly superior to plant proteins like soy and pea (Table 1). It contains all essential amino acids in balanced proportions, meeting pets'needs for growth, immunity, and muscle maintenance. Studies show that pet food supplemented with yeast protein increases muscle fiber density and delays age-related muscle loss.
Saccharomyces cerevisiae* (brewer's yeast) is the most widely used microbial protein (SCP) production strain. It adapts to a broad pH range (2.5–8.5) and temperatures (2–45°C), with optimal conditions at pH 4–6 and 28–33°C. Commercial brewer’s yeast is inactivated, lacking fermentation activity. Its biomass is rich in protein (31–54%), B vitamins, minerals (e.g., selenium, chromium), and low in sodium.
Amino Acid Scores (AAS and DIAAS) of Different Proteins
Amino Acid Composition of Yeast Protein
Yeast protein's value lies in its amino acid profile. Per 100 grams of yeast biomass, there is an average of 47 grams of protein. Yeast protein provides a complete set of essential amino acids, making it a high-quality protein source with high bioavailability for pets. Its balanced amino acid profile includes all exogenous amino acids, making it ideal for pet consumption.
As shown in Table 2:
2. Low-Carbon Efficiency, Redefining Production Logic
Yeast protein production efficiency is revolutionary: annual protein yield per hectare reaches 150 tons, 2,142 times that of beef and 833 times that of soy (Figure 2). Its raw materials, such as molasses, are renewable. Production emits only 1/20 of the carbon footprint of beef, with zero biosafety risks. This "microbe-driven" model offers a new pathway to address food security and environmental challenges.
3. Functionality and Palatability Combined
Yeast protein is rich in B vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, while being naturally low-fat and hypoallergenic. Its emulsification and foam stability outperform common plant proteins (Figure 3), improving pet food texture. Its mild odor and smooth texture eliminate the bean-like off-flavors of plant proteins. Compared to brewer’s yeast powder, it has minimal allergenic potential, making it more acceptable to pets.
Application in Practice: From Lab to Shelf
Yeast protein has achieved diversified applications in the global pet food market:
Europe: A German premium cat food uses 11.5% yeast protein combined with insect protein to create a "97% sustainable protein" formula. North America: U.S. pet snack bars, certified by veterinary nutritionists, feature yeast protein as the main ingredient, promoting "animal-free, high-protein, low-allergen" claims. China: Innovative products like triple-protein sausages and plant-based beef incorporate 5–10% yeast protein, optimizing nutritional ratios and enhancing flavor.
These cases demonstrate yeast protein’s potential to replace traditional proteins and develop functional pet products.
Technological Breakthroughs and Industry Standards: Angel Yeast's Leadership
As an industry leader, Angel Yeast not only drove the establishment of the *Yeast Protein* standard but also addressed industrial challenges through technological innovations. These achievements have cleared barriers to the large-scale application of yeast protein.
Conclusion: Redefining Industry Standards with Yeast Power
The rise of yeast protein is not merely a technological innovation but a transformation across the entire industry chain—from production to consumption. With its core strengths of "efficiency, sustainability, and functionality," yeast protein redefines the value standards for pet food ingredients. As biotechnology advances, yeast protein is poised to become the cornerstone of a "new golden era" in pet food, driving the industry toward a healthier and more sustainable future.
About Angel Animal Nutrition
Fubon is a brand of Angel Animal Nutrition. Fubon is committed to developing natural, efficient microbial feed derived from yeast with Angel's leading technology in yeast industry, providing the best service solutions for the nutrition and health in animals. Angel Animal Nutrition creates value for global feed and animal agriculture customers through continuously upgraded products and professional services.
About Angel
Angel Yeast Company is a high-tech listed company specializing in yeast and biotech. Product business covers Yeast and Baking, Yeast Extract-Savoury, Nutrition & Health and Biotechnology fields. It is one of the world's leading companies in the yeast industry. Angel has 12 holding subsidiaries and provides products and services for more than 150 countries and regions.
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