As petfood companies and pet owners continue to explore a broader range of ingredient options, the lowly pea (Pisum sativum) has been gaining in popularity. Not to be confused with the fresh or succulent green pea, the type that is being used in an ever widening array of applications is dried peas. These peas are part of a group of seed legumes known as pulses-leguminous dry seeds removed from their pods (a general description of these pulses was provided in a previous column.
Dried peas, commonly known as split peas or field peas, along with several co-products such as pea fiber and pea protein concentrate, are being used on a routine basis in petfood-in some cases taking a very prominent position on petfood ingredient panels. Given their growing popularity, a look at their acceptability, processing effects, regulatory status, nutritional benefits or challenges is probably in order.
