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Porcine plasma protein

A representation of Porcine plasma protein
Artificial replica (Not real!)

You may have heard of porcine plasma protein or seen it on the ingredients list of dog food or snacks. But what is it actually and how good is it for your dog? In this article, you will find out what pork plasma protein is, what its advantages and disadvantages are and what you should look out for when buying products containing pork plasma protein.

What is porcine plasma protein?

Porcine plasma protein is an animal protein obtained from the blood plasma of pigs. Blood plasma is the liquid component of blood that contains various proteins, minerals, hormones and other substances. The blood plasma is collected from slaughterhouses or blood banks, filtered, pasteurized and spray-dried to obtain a powder called porcine plasma protein.

What are the benefits of porcine plasma protein for dogs?

Pork plasma protein has several benefits for dogs that can make it a valuable ingredient in dog food or snacks. Here are some of them:

  • High protein content: pork plasma protein has a high protein content of about 80%, which is more than double that of other animal proteins such as beef or chicken. Protein is an important building block for your dog's muscles, skin, hair, immune system and other functions.
  • High digestibility:Pork plasma protein is easily digestible for dogs because it contains many essential amino acids that the dog's body cannot produce itself. Essential amino acids are important for your dog's health and well-being.
  • High biological value: The biological value of proteins describes how well the protein present in the food can be converted into the body's own protein. Pork plasma protein has a high biological value of around 90%, which means that it can be used very efficiently by the dog's body.
  • Low allergy potential:Pork plasma protein has a low allergy potential for dogs as it does not contain antibodies that can trigger an immune reaction. It is also free from grains, artificial colors or preservatives, which can also trigger allergies.

What are the disadvantages of pork plasma protein for dogs?

Pork plasma protein also has some disadvantages for dogs that you should be aware of before feeding it to your dog. Here are some of them:

  • High price: pork plasma protein is an expensive ingredient that can increase the price of dog food or snacks. Also, it can be difficult to find products with pork plasma protein as it is not very common.
  • Lack of transparency: Pork plasma protein is often not clearly labeled on the packaging of dog food or snacks. It can appear under different names such as "animal protein", "animal plasma" or "animal blood". This makes it difficult for you to know exactly what you are feeding your dog.
  • Possible health risks: Porcine plasma protein can pose possible health risks to dogs if it is not processed properly. For example, it may contain bacteria or viruses that can cause illness. It can also lead to an overdose of certain minerals such as iron or copper, which can be toxic to dogs.

What should you look out for when buying products with pork plasma protein?

If you decide to feed your dog products with pork plasma protein, there are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure quality and safety. Here are some tips:

  • Pay attention to the ingredients list: Read the ingredient list on the package carefully and look for porcine plasma protein or any of the other names it may have. Also pay attention to the order of the ingredients, because the further up an ingredient is listed, the more of it there is in the product.
  • Pay attention to the origin: Find out about the origin of the porcine plasma protein and how it was processed. It should come from a trustworthy source that adheres to high quality and hygiene standards. It should also have been pasteurized and spray-dried to eliminate possible pathogens.
  • Pay attention to the quantity: Do not feed your dog too much pork plasma protein, as too much protein can lead to digestive problems or kidney damage. Follow the feeding recommendations on the packaging or ask your vet about the optimal amount of protein for your dog.

Porcine plasma protein is an animal protein obtained from the blood plasma of pigs. It has some advantages for dogs, such as a high protein content, high digestibility and a high biological value. However, it also has some disadvantages, such as a high price, a lack of transparency and possible health risks. If you want to feed your dog products with porcine plasma protein, you should inform yourself well and pay attention to the quality and safety.

Learn even more about Porcine plasma protein

If you notice any signs of hypersensitivity or poisoning in your dog, you should see your vet immediately. We are not a substitute for a vet, but we try to be as accurate as possible. Every dog reacts differently and we recommend you get a second opinion or consult your vet if in doubt.

Stay healthy and take good care of your four-legged friend!😊