Shear cell technology is a promising method for the production
of meat analogues. Meat analogues are also studied as alternative
proteins for dogs and cats, which require high-quality protein. This
study monitored the effect of shearing, using shear cell technology,
and sterilization (26 min at 125.5 °C) on selected amino acids,
advanced glycation end products (AGEs), lysinoalanine, o-phthalaldehyde-reactive lysine, as well as oxidation markers, free
thiols, and dityrosine, in soy protein- and pea protein-based meat
analogues. These are compared with animal-based pet foods. Processing
resulted in modified amino acids, especially cysteine. Reductions
in amino acid levels were higher in the soy-based meat analogue, but
markers indicated more pronounced oxidation in the pea-based meat
analogue. AGEs and lysinoalanine were not formed on shearing, only
during sterilization. Despite extensive thermal treatment, the effects
of processing on the protein quality of plant-based products were
comparable or less than those in animal-based pet food.