Faba beans: A new pulse for the dog and cat food market

Faba beans may be the next new grain-free ingredient in dog and cat food, according to recent research.

Greg Aldrich, Ph.D.

August 13, 2019

Recent research has provided some promising results in the potential use of fava beans in pet food. (vencavolrab | iStockPhoto.com)

Recent research has provided some promising results in the potential use of fava beans in pet food. (vencavolrab | iStockPhoto.com)

Faba beans may be the next new legume seed for novel pet diets. The bean is consumed by people and animals around the world. It has become quite popular in the vegan, vegetarian and alternative food markets for humans where it is recognized as a rich source of starch, protein, fiber and vitamins. Given the penchant for novel ingredients in the pet food aisle, it may be a good option if properly verified.

Fava beans: promising grain-free dog food ingredient

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Processing Functional Ingredients

Locust bean gum (carob bean gum) use in canned pet foods

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Spinach: Is this original superfood beneficial for dogs and cats?

Packed with nutrition and knows as a superfood in the human food world, spinach can be a good addition to pet foods.

Spinach is a staple in the “superfoods” world among humans, and it seems to have great potential to serve the same purpose in pet foods. | (virtu studio | Shutterstock.com)

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Cruciferous vegetables: “Superfoods” in dog and cat diets?

We take a look at kale and broccoli as health beneficial ingredients in pet foods, as well as cruciferous vegetables in general and their place in human and pet products.

Cruciferous vegetables do find their way into pet foods, but their health claims are based largely on human food research rather than the little-available pet research. | (Kira_Yan I Shutterstock.com)

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An apple a day keeps the vet away … are apples safe for pets?

Including apples or apple pomace in a pet’s diet could be beneficial to pet health, but more research is needed to claim so confidently.

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Carrots: Getting down to the root of the issue for pets

Carrots are a great source of fiber, beta-carotene and flavor in pet food formulations.

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Fibers and Legumes

Should we be using more peanuts in pet food?

Peanuts can be found in plenty of dog treats, but the same can't be said for their presence in pet foods.

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Whole soybeans may be the next new trend in high-performance pet foods.

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Miscanthus grass: A new fiber option for dog and cat diets

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Fibers and Legumes

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