Pet food companies are changing meat proteins for those of insects to try to reduce the environmental impact or carbon footprint of our cat or dog. Renowned brands like Nestle Purina and Mars have recently joined the initiative using dried black soldier fly larvae, while other companies use cricket protein.
The change aims to reduce the 64 million tons of carbon dioxide emitted each year from the production and consumption of meat products. Some companies say their insect farms only generate four percent of the current emissions released each year by farms that keep cows, pigs and chickens.
I feed with insects to improve climate change
The use of insect proteins as a base requires a lot of less food, land and water, which in turn generates fewer greenhouse gases per kilogram compared to those made with beef, pork or chicken. Thanks in part to the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement, the world has made a big green shift in recent years, hoping to reduce carbon emissions to combat climate change. And it seems that even pet food brands want to do their part.
In November 2020, Purina launched its line Beyond Nature's Protein in Switzerland for dogs and cats, which contains two recipes: one based on chicken, pig liver and millet; the second using protein from insects, chicken and lima beans. Insect protein comes from fly larva black soldier, although it has so far only been approved for adult dogs and is expected to be administered to cats in 2022.
Using the larva allows companies to create a flavor that mimics meat and cheese, so it is likely that our pets will not feel any difference with traditional meat-based products. This would support in parallel the seal of Animal welfare that has become so popular, but nothing is known about whether this chicken meat is certified with that seal or not.
Insect protein also includes Omega 6, along with nine pet-friendly fatty acids, which can also provide the same nutrients when consumed by humans.
Insects kept for animal consumption
From the breeding stage through to the final processing stage, the larvae are well cared for, protected, and allowed to express normal insect behavior. The larvae they can be grown in smaller spaces that would not be suitable for cows or pigs and the production site can be designed to grow vertically.
There are other brands of feed that use crickets as a source of protein, which has a significant impact on the environment. This improves water consumption and millions of greenhouse gas emissions are avoided. Crickets are a great source of vitamins, minerals, Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, and actually provide more iron, vitamin B12, and magnesium than beef.
Other companies are replacing meat protein with mealworms to combat climate change and improve the pet diet.