13/08/2023
Can microalgae become an alternative protein in petfood?
Microalgae are a good source of protein and often have a well-rounded amino acid profile. The specific profile can vary depending on the species of microalgae, but many types are considered a "complete" protein, meaning they contain all essential amino acids that the body cannot produce on its own.
Spirulina, one of the most well-known microalgae, for instance, is approximately 60-70% protein by dry weight. Its amino acid profile is often compared favorably to eggs, which are considered a high-quality protein source (with the highest biological value).
However, while microalgae are a good source of protein and amino acids, they might not be as digestible as some animal proteins, which means the body may not be able to utilize all the protein present. This factor is crucial to consider when incorporating microalgae into a diet, especially in pet food formulation where it's important to ensure pets are receiving adequate and accessible nutrients.
Inclusion of small amount (up to 5%) of microalgae will make no dramatical changes to a pet’s diet (in the case of the good palatability), but more significant changes must be analyzed and investigated by nutrition experts, in this case it’s not enough just to meet all FEDIAF or AAFCO requirements, prolonged studies are needed.
But I personally believe in microalgae 😀
Photo from Choopani, Ali. (2016). A Review on Antioxidant Properties of Spirulina. Journal of Applied Biotechnology Reports. 3.
