Backed by research. Proven in application.
At APC, science drives every decision. Our plasma-based ingredients are supported by decades of peer-reviewed research, controlled feeding trials, and real-world application testing. This evidence-based approach helps pet food teams evaluate formulation options using scientific data and practical experience.
Peer-Reviewed Research
APC collaborates with leading academic institutions and industry experts to study the biological, functional and nutritional role of plasma for pets. Research efforts focus on parameters relevant to formulators, nutritionists, and veterinarians, including gut health–related indicators, immune-associated biomarkers, nutrient utilization, and performance in complete and balanced diets, treats and supplements.
Read the most recent publications with in species data:
Inside Plasma: The Science Behind a Unique Functional Ingredient
Understanding plasma’s functional role starts with its composition. More than a protein source, plasma contains bioactive components that contribute to nutrition, functionality, and biological performance in pet food systems. Before exploring application and processing, it is important to understand how plasma functions biologically.
Elements of Plasma
This video outlines key components of plasma and discusses how these elements relate to functionality, palatability, and performance considerations in pet food formulations.
Mode of Action (MOA) of Plasma
This video outlines the proposed biological mechanisms associated with plasma, including interactions of bioactive components within the gastrointestinal tract and their relationship to immune-related signaling and gut integrity.
How Plasma Helps Support Immune Balance
This video discusses how plasma’s naturally occurring functional components are associated with immune balance, providing context for outcomes evaluated in controlled feeding studies and practical applications.
Ingredient Insights
How plasma improves pet nutrition and product quality
In this episode of Ask the Pet Food Pro, APC shares how plasma is evaluated as a functional ingredient in pet food formulations. The discussion covers nutrition, processing performance, and formulation considerations, drawing on APC’s research and application experience.
White Papers & Technical Resources
Plasma: A Whole-Body Health Ingredient
This technical white paper reviews plasma as a functional protein ingredient, summarizing its composition, proposed mechanisms of action, and relevance across pet life stages and product formats.
Published Articles & Industry Education
APC scientists collaborate with industry professionals to support education around plasma-based ingredients and their role in pet food systems.
Featured article series: Spray-Dried Plasma in Pet Food: Multiple Functions of a Unique Ingredient
This multi-part series explores plasma from nutritional, technological, and biological perspectives. Topics include digestibility, emulsification, texture, palatability, and functional performance in pet food applications.
The series also includes an in-depth review of the full body of available research on spray-dried plasma, compiled by Dr. Ricardo Souza Vasconcellos, providing a comprehensive scientific foundation for its use in pet nutrition.
Research Briefs & Proof-of-Concept Studies
APC research briefs translate scientific evaluations into practical insights for formulation and processing teams.
From Science to Application: APC Innovation Kitchens
Scientific research delivers value when it can be applied. APC’s Innovation Kitchens connect peer-reviewed research with commercial pet product development by providing environments where plasma-based ingredients can be evaluated under realistic conditions.
Located within APC’s global R&D network, the Innovation Kitchens combine technical expertise, pilot-scale equipment, and collaborative development to support formulation testing and process evaluation prior to scale-up.
In our Innovation Kitchens, teams can:
- Evaluate plasma performance in dry and wet pet food systems
- Explore ingredient interactions and formulation adjustments
- Assess texture, structure, and eating experience
- Test concepts prior to commercial production
- Collaborate with APC scientists and application experts
Explore Our Innovation Kitchens
Europe Innovation Kitchen
APC’s Europe Innovation Kitchen supports pet food innovation across dry, wet, and hybrid formats, with a focus on evaluating plasma functionality and processing performance.
North America Innovation Kitchen
Located in Iowa, APC’s North America Innovation Kitchen is embedded within our research center and pilot plant, providing access to pilot-scale processing and hands-on application support.
Applied Science You Can Build On
Whether reviewing peer-reviewed research or evaluating concepts in our Innovation Kitchens, APC supports pet food teams as they move from scientific evidence to practical formulation decisions.