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Pea Protein Isolate vs Pea Protein Flour for Horses What’s the Difference

Pea Protein Isolate vs Pea Protein Flour for Horses: What’s the Difference?

In the world of equine nutrition, choosing the right protein source can make a significant difference to your horse’s performance, recovery, and topline condition. Two terms that often come up are Pea Protein Isolate and Pea Protein Flour. While both are derived from yellow peas, they differ greatly in composition, digestibility, amino acid content, and application.


Quick Comparison

FeaturePea Protein IsolatePea Protein Flour
Protein Content85–90% protein20–50% protein (varies depending on grind and source)
Amino Acid ContentHigher amino acid concentration, including lysineLower amino acid concentration
Starch & Carbohydrate LevelsVery lowHigh — includes starch, sugars, and fibre
Digestibility & RefinementHighly digestible and refinedLow to moderate; minimally processed whole pea product
Ideal Use CasePerformance horses, insulin-resistant/EMS horses, topline supportBudget bulk feed, weight gain (if starch isn’t an issue)
Price PointCompetitively priced, similar to many pea protein flours but with superior quality and effectivenessTypically priced similarly depending on supplier and quality of protein

What Is Pea Protein Flour?

Pea Protein Flour is a coarsely ground, minimally processed product made from yellow peas. It contains protein but also retains high levels of starch, fibre, and other plant matter. While it may offer some nutritional value, it’s a less efficient source of usable protein for horses — especially those with metabolic issues or needing muscle support.


What Is Pea Protein Isolate?

Pea Protein Isolate is created through a refined extraction process that removes nearly all starch, sugars, and fibres, leaving a product that is over 85% pure protein. It’s easier to digest, naturally low in non-structural carbohydrates, and highly efficient at delivering key amino acids like lysine.

Balius Equine Nutrition offers Pea Protein Isolate because we believe horses deserve the highest-quality, most bioavailable protein source available — especially those in performance, recovery, or with metabolic sensitivities.


Scientific Support for Pea Protein Isolate

  • Pea Protein Isolate has a DIAAS score of 1.00, indicating excellent amino acid digestibility (FoodNavigator, 2022).
  • Human studies show digestibility above 93%, comparable to milk proteins (PubMed ID: 34665230).
  • Pea Protein Isolate contains a higher concentration of essential amino acids — including lysine — than pea protein flour, making it ideal for supporting muscle, hooves, and immune health.

Which Option Is Right for Your Horse?

If your goal is to support lean muscle, recovery, or reduce starch intake, Pea Protein Isolate is the clear choice. It delivers more usable protein per dose and suits insulin-resistant or laminitic horses.

Pea Protein Flour may be used for basic supplementation or to add calories, but is less ideal for horses with sensitive metabolic systems.


Why We Recommend Pea Protein Isolate at Balius

At Balius, we offer Pea Protein Isolate because we believe horses deserve the highest quality, most bioavailable plant-based protein available.

Although most pea protein isolates on the market are expensive, our pricing is on par with many pea protein flours, making it an affordable yet much more effective solution.

Pea Protein Isolate is:

  • More concentrated in usable protein
  • Higher in essential amino acids
  • Easier to digest
  • Free from unnecessary fillers
  • Naturally low in sugar and starch

If you’re feeding for performance, recovery, topline, or metabolic stability, pea protein isolate is the superior choice — and the one we proudly stand behind.


Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only. Always consult your veterinarian or equine nutritionist before introducing new supplements.