Pea Protein Concentrate
Last updated: February 11, 2026
Table of Contents
Quick Summary
Pea Protein Concentrate Isolated protein from peas (80-85% protein), used to boost protein percentages in grain-free foods.
What It Is
Isolated protein from peas (80-85% protein), used to boost protein percentages in grain-free foods.
Compare to Similar Ingredients
- vs. pea protein concentrate: Pea protein concentrate is 60-80% protein (some starch remains), while pea protein isolate is 85-90%+ protein (more processed, more pure).
- vs. pea flour: Pea protein concentrate is isolated protein (60-80% protein), while pea flour is whole ground peas with starch, fiber, and protein together.
- vs. soy protein concentrate: Both are plant protein concentrates. Pea protein is allergen-friendly and lower in phytoestrogens than soy protein.
Why It's Used in Dog Products
Manufacturers include pea protein concentrate in dog food, treats, and supplements for several reasons:
- Boosts protein without meat
- Grain-free protein source
- Cheaper than animal protein
Quality Considerations
When evaluating pea protein concentrate in dog products, it's important to understand protein density, amino acid profile, digestibility, and sourcing quality. This ingredient's quality and appropriateness can vary significantly based on sourcing, processing, and the specific formula it's used in.
Concerning in grain-free diets - linked to DCM (heart disease) when used heavily. Incomplete amino acid profile compared to meat. Used to inflate protein numbers without animal protein. Better than wheat gluten but still inferior to meat.
Potential Concerns
While pea protein concentrate can be appropriate in dog nutrition, pet owners should be aware of allergies, protein digestibility, and quality variations between named and generic sources. Individual dogs may respond differently to the same ingredient based on their health status, age, and sensitivities.
Concerning plant protein tied to grain-free DCM cases. Used to boost protein cheaply in grain-free formulas without adding meat. Incomplete amino acids. Dogs need animal protein primarily. Acceptable as supplement, problematic as primary protein.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is pea protein concentrate safe for dogs?
Pea Protein Concentrate is generally recognized as safe but has some concerns. Concerning in grain-free diets - linked to DCM (heart disease) when used heavily. Incomplete amino acid profile compared to meat. Used to inflate protein numbers without animal protein. Better than wheat gluten but still inferior to meat. Monitor your dog for any adverse reactions when first introducing products containing this ingredient.
What does pea protein concentrate do in dog food?
Isolated protein from peas (80-85% protein), used to boost protein percentages in grain-free foods. Dog food manufacturers include this ingredient to provide boosts protein without meat and provide grain-free protein source.
Can pea protein concentrate cause allergies in dogs?
Any protein source can potentially trigger allergies in sensitive dogs. Signs of food allergies include itchy skin, ear infections, digestive issues, and excessive paw licking. If your dog shows these symptoms, consult your veterinarian about an elimination diet to identify the trigger ingredient.
How much pea protein concentrate should be in dog food?
Quality dog foods typically list primary protein sources like pea protein concentrate within the first 3-5 ingredients. The exact percentage varies by formula, but protein-focused foods generally contain 25-35% total protein for adults, and 28-40% for puppies or performance dogs. Check the guaranteed analysis rather than relying solely on ingredient order.
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