Expanding Canada’s protein potential in the pet food market

For many, the idea of securing a supply chain of diverse, sustainable protein options for their family extends beyond the dinner plates that land on the table. Pets are as much a part of many Canadian families as any other members, with their diet being often discussed, and often changed, as they age and their health needs change.

Regardless of age or health needs, protein plays an important role in any pet’s diet. New research and development efforts are providing a wider range of options for protein sources that pet food makers can use in their products. This, of course, gives families more selection in the pet store, helping better meet dietary needs across the country.

“Allergies in pets are on the rise, and research shows that animal proteins such as beef, dairy, chicken and fish are among the most common allergens for dogs and cats,” ALT-PRO Advantage Founder and CEO Sofia Bonilla said. “On top of that, the pet food industry relies heavily on synthetic nutrients and animal ingredients, which raises concerns about supply chain reliance and sustainability. By innovating with plant-based and other alternative proteins, we can create nutritionally complete, highly digestible pet foods that support pets’ wellbeing while reducing the industry's environmental footprint.”

With the growth of Canada’s ingredient manufacturing space, Bonilla and her team have been able to source new varieties of protein from a range of sources, such as plants, insects, algae and fungi. It also includes incorporating Liven Proteins' animal-free collagen into their recipes, through a Protein Industries Canada project announced in November 2024.

“We believe pet food needs innovation, and we are leading the way using alternative proteins in allergen-free formulas, incorporating both commercially available ingredients and proprietary innovations,” Bonilla explained. “Innovation doesn’t happen in isolation, and we wouldn’t be where we are today without the incredible support of our partners and industry collaborators. Developing next-generation pet food requires expertise across multiple fields from ingredient science and nutrition to sustainability and processing, and we’ve been fortunate to work alongside passionate, like-minded people and organizations that share our vision.”

Fei Luo, Co-founder and CEO of Liven Proteins, has much the same view. She explained that partnering with companies like ALT-PRO has allowed her team to demonstrate the benefits of their animal-free collagen, while improving the process of any necessary formulation changes.

At the same time, the project has given Liven Proteins the opportunity to test their ingredient in an entirely new, growing market. Like Bonilla, Luo believes it’s important to widen the options available in the pet nutrition aisle, particularly for those families trying to meet particular health needs. An animal-free collagen, Luo explained, can be particularly helpful for joint health and mobility.

“We are developing a specialized collagen with proven benefits to joint health for both humans and animals. This ingredient currently can be extracted only from chicken sternum cartilages. With the avian flu unfortunately on the rise, chicken-derived Type II collagen is facing enormous supply chain challenges. In addition, poultry ingredient is a top allergen to dogs,” Luo said. “Mobility of pets is always on the top of mind of pet parents. By developing this specialized, animal-free collagen with ALT-PRO Advantage, we’re co-developing a line of pet treats that is beneficial for dog joints, and eliminating supply chain and allergy issues that conventional collagen ingredients are facing.”

The diversification of the Canadian plant protein ingredient manufacturing and food processing industry is having ripple effects out to the pet food market, with an increasing segment of the industry looking toward the market as a growth opportunity. It’s an opportunity Bonilla looks forward to, not just for her company, but also for the pets she helps feed.

“As more pet parents seek hypoallergenic, clean-label, and sustainable options, there is a growing opportunity to develop plant-based alternatives that benefit both pets and the planet,” she said. “Investing in this space aligns with Canada’s leadership in plant-based proteins and food innovation, but it’s also a necessity, pets are part of the family, and any shift in how we feed ourselves must include them as well.”