Mealworms for premium-quality, nutrient-rich and sustainable pet food

For the last decade, Ÿnsect, the world leader in the production of insect protein, has been researching and breeding mealworms (Tenebrio molitor and Alphitobius diaperinus) in vertical farms in France, the Netherlands and the US. The aim is to provide a new food source for pets while preserving natural resources, catering specifically to pet owners in search of climate-conscious alternatives.

Premium-value insect protein

Mealworms are rich in all essential amino acids (except for methionine and taurine) while also naturally supplying significant amounts of fats, vitamins, natural fibers like chitin, and minerals. This makes them the perfect base ingredient for a balanced, complete and high protein dietary formulation for cats or dogs.

Valorizing every part of the insect through its circular model, Ÿnsect has developed a range of high-quality, natural, digestible and healthy ingredients such as protein concentrates, protein hydrolysates and protein oils for both dry and wet pet- food applications. Using mealworms guarantees a premium nutritional quality with the highest protein content (71%) on the market. Ÿnsect’s appetizing odorless and brown ingredients with exceptional nutritional properties are specifically tailored for the pet food industry.

Stability and safety

Based on its decades of research into the physiological and nutritional requirements of the mealworm, Ÿnsect focuses on the well- being of the insects in addition to the quality of the product line. A lot of work has gone into formulating and developing the ideal sustainable diet so mealworms can grow in the fastest, healthiest and most optimal way.

Dry, compartmentalized, controlled and stackable nurseries, tailored to the insects’ needs, also help maintain consistent, hygienic and disease-free conditions so that production is largely unaffected by external factors, thus guaranteeing system stability and product quality.

Meanwhile, precise monitoring of the mealworms’ environment ensures product safety, consistency and traceability over time. This is a real asset in terms of R&D activities, quality control and regulatory requirements.

Mealworm proteins: the best of both worlds

Compared to traditional animal protein sources, mealworms can be farmed commercially using less water, land and energy, while producing high-quality feed with fewer greenhouse gas emissions. As such, diets that include a large percentage of protein from mealworms offer the optimum solution to reduce environmental impact while providing high nutritional benefits. Mealworm protein-based products combine the best of both worlds – not only performance and health, but also sustainability.