Pet food companies are swapping meat proteins for insect proteins to reduce your cat or dog’s environmental footprint or carbon footprint.
Big brands like Nestle Purina and Mars recently joined the move by using dried black soldier fly larvae, while other companies like Jiminy’s are using cricket protein.
The shift aims to reduce the 64 million tons of carbon dioxide emitted each year from the manufacture and consumption of meat-based products.
Some companies say their insect farms cause only four percent of the current emissions released each year from farms that keep cows, pigs and chickens.
Using insect protein as a base requires much less feed, land and water, which creates fewer greenhouse gases per pound than beef, pork or chicken.
Big brands like Nestle Purina and Mars recently joined the move, using dried black soldier fly larvae
Thanks in part to the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement, the world has undergone a major shift towards a green transition in recent years, hoping to curb CO2 emissions to combat climate change.
And it seems even pet food brands want to do their part.
In November 2020, Purina launched its Beyond Nature’s protein line for cats and dogs in Switzerland, which contains two recipes: one based on chicken, pork liver and millet; the second with insect protein, chicken, and fava beans.
The insect protein comes from the larva of the black soldier fly, which Mars also uses in its new LoveBug for cats, which was first launched in the UK.
Using the larva enables companies to create a taste that mimics “beef and cheese” so our furry friends are unlikely to taste any different from traditional meat-based products
Mars uses black soldier fly larvae in its new Cat LoveBug, which was first launched in the UK
However, the ingredient didn’t get approved for adult dogs in the U.S. until last January, and it’s expected to be used in cats in 2022.
Using the larva enables companies to create a taste that mimics “beef and cheese” so our furry friends are unlikely to taste any different from traditional meat-based products.
The insect protein also contains beneficial omega 6 as well as nine pet fatty acids that can provide the same nutrients when consumed by humans.
A representative from Mars Petcare emailed PetFoodIndustry.com, “The insects we use and the process that the insects and pet food go through are all designed to produce a safe and nutritious food for your cat. Protix takes care and responsibility to improve animal welfare.
“This begins from the breeding phase to the last processing phase, the larvae are well cared for, protected and can express normal insect behavior.”
The larvae can be grown in smaller spaces that would not be suitable for cows or pigs, and the production facility can grow vertically.
Petco, a large pet store chain, added Jiminy’s dog food and insect-based treats to its line of products that use crickets on June 5th.
Jiminy’s products are formulated with insect-based protein powder instead of traditional protein options like beef or poultry, which have a significant impact on the environment.
Other companies are replacing meat proteins with mealworms to combat climate change
Yora Pet Foods, a UK startup, uses the insect ingredient, which the company says uses only two percent of the land needed for ranching to produce 22 pounds of protein, while causing about four percent of emissions.
Last year alone, Jiminy’s estimates its products saved 218 million gallons of water and avoided 20.5 million grams of greenhouse gas emissions.
Jiminy’s founder and CEO Anne Carlson said in a statement, “The carbon paw print of pets is enormous, with more than 89 million dogs in the US consuming more than 32 billion pounds of protein each year.
“Jiminy’s use of insect-based protein powders challenges pet owners to rethink their dogs’ diets and make healthy choices for pets and the planet. We are excited to now have our full line of products in store and online at Petco, giving more dog owners the opportunity to switch to alternative proteins for their pets. ‘
Crickets are a great source of vitamins, minerals, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and they actually provide more iron, vitamin B12, and magnesium than beef.
Other companies are replacing meat proteins with mealworms to combat climate change.
Yora Pet Foods, a UK startup, uses the insect ingredient, which the company says uses only two percent of the land needed for ranching to produce 22 pounds of protein, while causing about four percent of emissions.
