Beyond Protein: The Functional Benefits of PEKILO®Pet 

Blog
11 June, 2025

PEKILO®Pet is more than just an excellent source of highly digestible protein—it’s a multifunctional ingredient packed with additional health-promoting compounds, making it a valuable addition to a wide range of applications.

Fungal β-glucans

One of the standout components of PEKILO®Pet is its high content (~11%) of fungal β-glucan. The (1,3/1,6)-branching structures of fungal β-glucans give them unique health-promoting properties. β -glucans from yeast – which are part of the fungal kindom – have been shown to positively effect the gut microbiota and enhance immune function in pet nutrition. Research confirms that the β-glucan present in PEKILO®Pet improves gut health in dogs, while studies in fish nutrition demonstrate its bioavailability and its positive impact on immune response.

By supporting a healthy gut microbiota and regulating immune responses, fungal β-glucans also contribute to improved gut barrier integrity and protection against harmful pathogens. Together, these effects promote gastrointestinal health, strengthen immune function, and enhance overall resilience in animals.

Bioactive polyamines

PEKILO®Pet is also naturally rich in spermidine, a vital bioactive polyamine involved in cellular growth, repair, and renewal. While humans typically obtain spermidine through fermented foods like aged cheese and soy products, it’s also produced by the gut microbiome.

One of spermidine’s most important roles is its activation of autophagy, the body’s internal clean-up system that recycles damaged cellular components and helps maintain optimal cell function. Impaired autophagy is increasingly linked to age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s and cardiovascular conditions.

As animals age, decreased spermidine levels can contribute to an accelerated aging processes and disease susceptibility. By delivering a bioavailable and stable source of spermidine, PEKILO®Pet offers a natural way to support healthy aging and cellular vitality in pets and animals of all life stages.

A next-generation ingredient

PEKILO®Pet represents a new frontier in animal nutrition, with the potential to deliver health benefits that extend well beyond basic nutrition. PEKILO®Pet is uniquely positioned to meet the growing demand for functional ingredients in pet and animal care, offering formulators and brands a compelling, sustainable, and scientifically backed solution for creating products that support the health and vitality of animals across all life stages.