A: Pulse crops use less nonrenewable energy inputs, reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
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Pulse crops, which include beans, peas, lentils, and chickpeas, are among the small group of crops that draw their own nitrogen fertilizer directly from the atmosphere. Nitrogen is the most heavily used nutrient for plant growth and the main product used to make it is natural gas, a fossil fuel. When products are made using pulse crops, you are making the environmentally friendly choice because less fossil fuel is used to grow the plants and less carbon dioxide (CO2) is emitted as a result. |
A: Pulse crops reduce overall greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
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While we sometimes equate greenhouse gases with CO2 alone, it’s important to remember the other major ones. Methane and nitrous oxide are more powerful greenhouse gases than CO2, and make up the bulk of food production’s contribution to climate change. Research completed to date for pulse crops indicates that pulses reduce nitrous oxide emissions overall, have little to no effect on methane, and may increase the planet’s ability to capture carbon dioxide from the air and store it in the soil. |
A: Pulse crops are good for the animal.
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Vegetables are a well known ingredient for both cats and dogs. Pulse crops contain large amounts of soluble and insoluble fiber which aid in the health of the digestive system, assist with weight control and lower blood sugar helping to prevent the onset of diabetes. Insoluble fiber passes through the digestive system regulating bowel function and preventing constipation. Soluble fiber such as beta-glucan, inulin and other polysaccharides are fermented in the intestinal tract stimulating the production of good bacteria for a healthy gut and also aid to slow the absorption of glucose thereby helping to prevent the onset of diabetes. Legumes are one of the best sources of soluble fiber for your pet. At the same time, these ingredients are a good source of digestible protein required for growth and maintenance as well as supporting a healthy immune system. |
A: Pulse crops are a safe ingredient source for pets.
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North America is the largest producer/exporter of pulse crops in the world. By working with processors and producers when necessary it can be possible to trace product back to the farm where it was grown. Knowing where your ingredients come from will enhance the confidence that the consumers have in the quality of their pet’s food.
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A: More plant sources in your pet’s diet work together to reduce your pet’s footprint on the environment and reduce food safety risks.
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As people and pet populations grow, it’s increasingly important to minimize the need to change the planet’s wildlife habitat and other fragile lands to use for food production. Vegetable protein sources like pulses are one of the few ways that the planet can accommodate increasing protein needs while minimizing people’s and pets’ environmental footprint. |
