Discover how plasma protein supports pet health, boosts palatability, and improves pet food functionality and processing performance in modern formulations.
Brand Insights from APC
As pet food formulations become more complex and expectations for performance continue to rise, ingredient functionality matters more than ever. Proteins are no longer evaluated solely on crude protein content or cost, but on how they contribute to pet health, product quality, and manufacturing efficiency and performance.
Plasma has emerged as a unique, multi-faceted protein ingredient that delivers value across health, processing, and nutrition, while also supporting palatability in finished pet food products. Backed by decades of research and real-world application testing, plasma offers functionality that extends beyond many commonly used protein options.
Learn more about plasma-based pet food ingredients
1. Reinforcing Health Benefits
Plasma is rich in bioactive components that support gut health and immunity, an area of increasing interest for pet owners and formulators alike. Recent peer-reviewed research conducted with the University of Illinois evaluated spray-dried plasma in extruded adult dog diets, demonstrates meaningful shifts in fecal metabolites associated with a healthier microbial profile, alongside positive immune indicators. Another recent in species peer-reviewed study explored the role of plasma in supporting mobility-related outcomes in adult dogs, examining measures tied to joint function, immune function, and physical performance.
These complementary research areas will be discussed during an upcoming webinar on February 10, where findings from both studies will be reviewed and placed into practical formulation context for pet nutrition professionals. Register for the February 10 plasma research webinar
Beyond gut and immune measures, functional performance remains essential. Health benefits must be supported by ingredients that perform reliably within real-world formulations. Plasma delivers soluble proteins and bioactive compounds that support digestive wellbeing and contribute to consistent product performance. This combination of functional support differentiates plasma from single-purpose protein sources that often require additional formulation adjustments to achieve desired outcomes.
APC’s continued investment in controlled, peer-reviewed research reinforces plasma’s role as more than a simple protein. With hundreds of published studies supporting plasma functionality, the ingredient offers substantiated health benefits that can be confidently communicated to both customers and internal teams.
Explore APC’s plasma research and publications
2. Formulation Benefits That Improve Processing
From a processing standpoint, plasma delivers functional performance that extends well beyond nutrition. Its natural water-holding, emulsification, and gelling properties help support texture, structure, and consistency across a range of pet food formats, including wet and dry foods, gravies, baked products, treats, and supplements.
These functional attributes can help formulators reduce reliance on multiple binders or stabilizers while maintaining product integrity for the duration of shelf life. Plasma’s solubility and cohesive properties also support uniform distribution of flavors and nutrients, contributing to consistent product quality from batch to batch.
APC applies this functionality in real-world settings through its Innovation Kitchens in North America and Europe. Designed to mirror pet food manufacturing conditions while maintaining pilot-scale flexibility, these kitchens allow formulation teams to evaluate how plasma performs under realistic processing scenarios. By testing texture and structure before scale-up, teams can reduce risk and make more informed formulation decisions.
This application-driven approach sets plasma apart from proteins evaluated solely on paper specifications or bench chemistry.
See how APC’s Innovation Kitchens support pet food development
3. Nutrition Benefits Beyond Protein Content, With Palatability Built In
Nutritionally, plasma delivers high-quality, highly digestible protein with a favorable amino acid profile and functional bioactive proteins that support whole-body wellness. While plasma is produced through controlled drying, it is functionally and commercially distinct from single-purpose animal protein ingredients commonly used in pet food.
Plasma’s digestibility and bioavailability support efficient nutrient utilization, while its palatability helps ensure consistent intake. By supporting both nutrient delivery and acceptance, plasma contributes to overall diet performance without compromising taste.
APC’s evidence-based approach ensures these nutritional benefits are not theoretical. Data generated through independent research and commercial trials helps translate nutritional science into practical formulation outcomes.
Explore APC’s evidence-based plasma research
A Science-Driven Ingredient for Modern Pet Food Development
As competition increases and formulations grow more sophisticated, multi-functional ingredients like plasma offer a strategic advantage. By delivering health support, processing functionality, and nutritional value, while consistently enhancing palatability, plasma stands apart from traditional protein ingredients.
APC’s long-term commitment to research, application testing, and collaborative innovation continues to advance how plasma is understood and applied in pet food. Through ongoing investment in science and real-world validation, plasma remains a versatile solution for formulators seeking performance across every stage of product development.
Partner with APC on pet food innovation
About APC
For more than 40 years, APC has led the development of plasma-based functional proteins across multiple species, supported by over 600 published scientific studies. We apply that depth of research and ingredient expertise directly to the pet food industry, combining proven science with real-world validation to support pet health, processing performance, and palatability. Through our Innovation Kitchens in North America and Europe, APC helps pet food teams move faster with confidence from concept to commercialization. To learn more, visit apcpet.com