Pet Food Ingredient
Pea Protein
Concentrated protein fraction extracted from yellow or green peas. Used to boost crude protein percentages on the label cheaply, particularly in grain-free formulas.
Also labelled as
Regulatory status
Not a standalone AAFCO-defined ingredient in the way animal proteins are; falls under general "vegetable protein" category.
Key notes
- —Pea-heavy formulas are one of the ingredient patterns the FDA identified in its ongoing DCM (dilated cardiomyopathy) investigation, which as of 2022 had tracked over 1,300 cases. The FDA has not established causation but has noted the pattern in reported cases.
- —Not a true allergen in the classic IgE sense, but increasingly implicated in gut reactions in some dogs as its prevalence has exploded — present in most grain-free foods released since 2012.
- —Protein contribution on the label can mask a lower animal-protein percentage than the ingredient list suggests.
Classified as a pea-protein allergen source in the scanner's cross-match. If your pet reacts to pea-protein, this ingredient is also a trigger.
Common alternatives
Brands commonly using this ingredient
List based on typical formulations — specific SKUs may vary. Scan the actual label to confirm.
Is this ingredient in your pet's food?
Scan the label. If it contains pea protein or any of the alternative names above, the scanner will flag it against your pet's allergen profile.
Scan a label →This entry is factual reference. It is not medical or veterinary advice. Consult a veterinarian for any decisions about your pet's diet.