Insects for pet food: an update
From insects to worms, the potential of alternative proteins for the pet food industry is huge. Such proteins are not only a way to grow business but, importantly, they enable companies to achieve sustainability goals at the same time.
In a world of ever-increasing protein consumption by humans, alternative and more sustainable sources are being sought by scientists and the industry alike to contribute to pet diets.
An insect-based future
It is estimated that, in 2021, the global insect-based pet food market accounted for a $7 billion turnover in pet food sales. These sales are expected to increase annually by some 9.3% until the end of the decade.
In fact, the total turnover of insect feed operators is expected to exceed $2 billion per year by the end of the decade, with the sector generating up to 25,000 jobs by 2030.
The International Platform of Insects for Food and Feed (IPIFF) forecasts that by 2025, no less than 40-50% of the demand for insect meal will come from the pet food sector.
Interestingly, more than $1 billion has been invested in this sector since its inception, and this figure is expected to grow to $3 billion through to 2025.
Black soldier fly – fast conquering the market
This novel feed ingredient is fast gaining popularity among pet food manufacturers, especially since farming insects is significantly low in
greenhouse gas and methane emissions.
In Europe, the use of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) in pet food formulations was approved several years ago already. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) formally approved BSFL to be used in adult dog food in August 2022. Up to now, AAFCO has not received any ingredient definition request to expand the use of BSFL in cat food.
Some sources claim BSFL accounted for 35% of the insect pet food market share in 2021. No wonder the number of companies farming BSFL for the pet food industry is also on the rise. Some experts forecast an increase in the segment of 30.5% in the coming years, reaching a value of about $4 billion by 2033.
PETS International learned that since the official approval of BSFL in the US, different states are seeing an increase in registered dog food products containing this ingredient.
More research?
Recently, the British Veterinary Association (BVA) recognized the ‘exciting health and environmental opportunities’ of insect protein. At the same time, they also expressed their concern for insect welfare, as well as over-enthusiasm in the market for a source of protein that has not yet fully been researched.
“We believe more research is needed, to be certain insects can fully meet the nutritional needs of pets over their lifetimes,” is the conclusion of BVA President Justine Shotton, speaking to PETS International. Shotton believes that “there is not yet enough evidence” to support entirely replacing current pet food diets. She also underlines that most of the meat that goes into pet food is from cuts not eaten by humans, so these may otherwise go to waste if replaced by insect protein.
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