AMERSFOORT, THE NETHERLANDS — IQI Trusted Petfood Ingredients has teamed up with Royal Avebe, an ingredient supplier, to offer a new premium potato ingredient, called ProtaSTAR®, for application in pet food formulas. ProtaSTAR is a high-quality, potato-based protein that aims to meet demand for alternative proteins in pet nutrition. 

Avebe has used its 100-plus years of expertise in the food industry to develop the  potato ingredient. According to the company, potatoes are not only fit for human consumption, but serve as a nutritional, versatile and sustainable protein source for pet food applications. Potatoes contain a high starch and protein content, providing both nutritional and functional benefits to pet food, according to Avebe. Additionally, potatoes are rich in fiber, antioxidants, vitamins C and B, potassium, iron, magnesium and phytonutrients. 

To create ProtaSTAR, Avebe has taken the standard potato and enhanced its nutrient profile through a patented process of purification and refining. The resulting ingredient touts an extremely low ash content and high digestibility that outperforms other plant-based proteins, including soybean meal, pea and corn, according to IQI and Avebe. Additionally, research has shown that the digestibility and protein quality of the potato-based protein matches traditional animal-based sources, including beef, pork, chicken breast and salmon.  

ProtaSTAR has a protein content of 80% and complete amino acid profile. The ingredient also touts 88% ileal digestibility and has ten times less total glycoalkaloid (TGA) content compared to traditional potato protein. According to IQI and Avebe, this reduced TGA content makes ProtaSTAR palatable with a neutral taste. 

As well as its nutritional benefits, ProtaSTAR also offers environmental benefits. Avebe uses its own potato varieties, focusing on higher yields and disease resistance, to develop the ingredient. The company has full control over its supply chain and sources locally from Dutch and German farmers to ensure its ingredients are made with a low carbon footprint. 

Avebe’s ProtaSTAR ingredient is available to processors in Europe through IQI. The potato protein comes in 1,000-kg (2,204-lb) and 25-kg (55-lb) bags. 

Read more about product development, ingredients and formulation.