IQI Petfood Beef greaves meal

Hydrolyzed protein versus protein hydrolysate (peptide)

In the production of animal protein powders an enzyme technology can be used to separate the meat from the bones, which means that these products are only partially hydrolyzed, unlike a meat or collagen hydrolysate. These protein hydrolysate powders are strongly enzymatically hydrolyzed in order to obtain functional peptides (see frame).

In order to determine which animal protein powder meets the customer’s requirements it is important to know the final application. Many different factors may apply, such as if it concerns a straight forward replacement of a meat slurry, if a binding functionality is required, if palatability enhancement is required, if the product needs to be hypo allergenic, or if a low ash content is crucial. IQI can advise you on an appropriate animal protein powder solution (hydrolysate, collagen, meat or broth powder) for each application and species.

Animal protein powders can be reconstituted, which means you can enhance your pet food by declaring the animal protein first on your list of ingredients.

Animal protein powders can be produced from different species, using different kinds of raw material and therefore require different production technologies. Consequently, the final product may have different parameters in terms of technical functionality, palatability and digestibility.

The drying technology is another important factor in the application of the animal protein powder. For reconstitution purposes, it is advantageous if the animal protein powder can be easily dissolved or dispersed in cold water. In general, very gentle drying methods are recommended to attain high digestibility and prevent off-flavors. Typically, spray-drying techniques are used but hot-air drying or (vacuum) drum drying can be excellent gentle alternatives, especially in the case of non-soluble raw materials.

IQI animal protein powders never contain any by-products. IQI co-operates with high-quality processors in Europe and North America, some of which are human grade. Other producers are non-human grade but maintain at least human-grade standards in production. This means that they use fresh and chilled raw materials to prevent the formation of biogenic amines. The range of raw materials used consists of meat trimmings, meaty bones, carcasses/frames, MDM and skin. Depending on the required characteristics of the final product, a selection and/or combination of various raw materials can be made. The final product specs are determined in combination with the production technology (separation, hydrolysis, drying, grinding).