The advantages and disadvantages of insect-based pet food

Did you know that our dogs and cats consume approximately one-fifth of all the meat and fish worldwide?

What about the fact that animal feed production accounts for about a quarter of the environmental impact of beef farming?

These numbers seem excessive with mounting global environmental concerns and the growing demand for sustainable food solutions.

One way to solve the problem is to diversify protein sources in our pets’ diets.

According to research, pet owners are increasingly looking for quality, environmentally friendly ingredients in pet food. So the chosen alternative protein source must benefit the pet’s health.

Several years ago, entoprotein pet food emerged and is becoming increasingly popular as an environmentally friendly and ethical alternative to conventional diets.

Understanding entoprotein

Entoprotein is a protein concentrate obtained from “edible” species of insects: the larvae of the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens), true crickets (Gryllidae), mealworms (the larval form of the yellow mealworm, Tenebrio molitor), and others.

Black soldier fly (BSF) is the most popular source of entoprotein in dog and cat food, accounting for 80% of the market.

Why is black soldier fly so popular?

These larvae demonstrate remarkable efficiency, growing 15,000 times their initial size within two weeks. They can digest any organic food and offer the following unique features:

• High percentage of protein: BSF larvae contain up to 60% protein, which is more than twice as much as fresh beef (26%) or chicken (27%). At the same time, its protein is also of animal origin and has a similar valuable amino acid profile.
• Lauric acid: A substance that is called a “natural antibiotic.” It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects and is also used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
• Chitin: A healthy source of dietary fiber that works as a prebiotic and has been proven to improve metabolism and strengthen intestinal immunity.
• B vitamins: These are essential for the growth and function of the nervous system and also help prevent the development of anemia.
• Melanin: This highly active pigment has an antitumor effect, promoting immunity and helping the body fight pathogenic microorganisms.
• Amino acids and minerals: Amino acids such as lysine, methionine, and minerals (iron, calcium, zinc, magnesium, sodium and others) are essential for the health and normal functioning of mammals.

Market evolution and current landscape

Today, there are dozens of insect-based pet food brands on the market. As of June 2023, 43 manufacturers have entered this space globally, with 35 operating in Europe. These include:

• CosmoPet:
  • An innovative brand from Moscow that has declared itself in the Russian pet food market. The company has launched the country’s first pet food and treats containing BSF protein.
  • CosmoPet is one of the only pet food companies in the world to independently produce entoprotein using its own exclusive technology. This allows them to directly influence the recipe and protein concentrate quality.
  • The brand debuted in the fall of 2023. A year later, its customer base has grown significantly, covering the Commonwealth of Independent States, China, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.

• Yora Pet Foods:
  • The London-based pet food company has done a great job developing, producing, and popularizing entoprotein foods for dogs and cats. They also became the world’s first pet food manufacturers to use BSF protein and this insect’s oil.
• Petgood:
  • This Stockholm-based company debuted in 2020, becoming the first insect-based pet food brand in the Nordics. Today, the Swedish brand produces complete food for dogs and cats (both dry and wet), dental sticks and treats.
  • In addition, Petgood collaborates with major universities and veterinary research centers in Sweden, researching the benefits of insects for animal health.

Advantages of entoprotein

First, insect-based pet food is often chosen as a low-allergenic diet option. Entoprotein is a “light,” low-molecular, easily absorbed type of protein.

BSF protein could be an ideal alternative to hypoallergenic meat flour, which is in short supply in many parts of the world. This shortage is due to the high cost of easily digestible meats such as lamb, rabbit, and duck.

In addition, other benefits of food based on black soldier flies have been scientifically proven to be rich in:

• Fatty acids: Omega-6 supports brain health in dogs and cats.
• Glucosamine, in its composition, protects joints and can help treat arthritis.
• Lauric acid: This “natural antibiotic” also reduces inflammation in the body. Research has shown that the antibacterial properties of lauric acid may even improve pets’ oral health and make their breath fresher.
• Strengthening the immune system: Antimicrobial peptides, antioxidants, and chitosan in entoprotein provide powerful protection against the body.
• We also cannot discount protein’s high digestibility: over 90%, which is the physiological limit. Pets can get the maximum portions of animal protein they need. This guarantees strong muscle mass, proper body growth and development and the health of all its systems.
• Pure & organic composition: Entoprotein does not contain antibiotics or growth hormones widely used in animal husbandry. In addition, during its short life cycle, the black soldier fly larva does not have time to accumulate toxins in its body. Dead animals are not used in its production, as is often the case with meat flour.
• Sustainability: Entoprotein is an environmentally friendly production. Vertical farms that grow plants require ten times fewer resources than their traditional farm animal counterparts. To obtain one kilogram of entoprotein, 10 times less land and half as much water is required than one kilogram of beef. At the same time, 24 times less CO2 is released.

Challenges and limitations

While cats and dogs can benefit from insects, and their production reduces the global carbon footprint significantly, there are some challenges ahead:

• Price: Scaling the production of entoprotein remains technically challenging and capital-intensive. While manufacturers try to keep the price down, pet food using this ‘alternative protein’ remains more expensive than classic pet food.
• Consumer perception: Many people are averse to products made from insects, and it may take time to overcome their reaction to it.
• Taste: While most pets readily accept entoprotein food, some, particularly cats, show resistance to the novel flavor profile.
• Dosage limitation: The entoprotein content in a recipe should be at most 30-40%. Otherwise, the pet food will be oversaturated with chitin, which is a healthy choice when used in small quantities as it stimulates beneficial microflora and improves intestinal motility. But in excess, it has a harmful effect on digestion, causing flatulence, bloating, cramps, and decreased absorption of nutrients.

Future outlook

Overall, insect-based pet food has a bright future. It will allow us to move in several essential directions simultaneously: minimizing livestock meat products, partially diversifying the source of protein, reducing the burden on the environment and providing pets with a healthy diet.

Market analysis confirms its growth potential: From $143.6 million (€137.6M) in 2019, the sector is projected to reach $9.6 billion (€9.2B) by 2030, with demand expected to hit a whopping 500,000 tons.