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The Next generation Insect based pet food : 2023

Sunil Dcosta

26 Apr 2023

Insect based pet food is catching up as a protein source alternative to traditional pet meat food. Pet owners are aware of its high protein and sustainability.

Insect-based pet food is a new and innovative approach to pet nutrition that is gaining increasing attention and popularity worldwide. Insects have been used for human consumption for centuries, but now they are being recognized as a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional meat sources for pets.


As we face growing concerns over the impact of meat production on the environment, insect-based pet food offers a promising solution to reduce carbon emissions, land use, and water consumption. Not only is it a more sustainable option, but insects are also highly nutritious, being a rich source of protein, vitamins, and minerals.


As the pet food industry is constantly evolving, the growing interest and investment in insect-based pet food suggest that it could become a significant part of the industry in the future. With numerous benefits for both pets and the environment, insect-based pet food is a promising option that should be considered by pet owners and pet food manufacturers alike.


Let us Analyse Insect based ingredients in pets and Aquafeed:


In recent years, there has been growing interest in using insect-based ingredients in pet food and aquafeed. Insects are a promising alternative source of protein for these industries, as they are rich in essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, and are more sustainable and environmentally friendly than traditional animal protein sources.


Insect-based pet food:


Insect-based pet food is already available in some countries, such as the United States and the United Kingdom. The most commonly used insect species for pet food are black soldier fly larvae, mealworms, and crickets. These insects are typically raised on organic waste, such as fruit and vegetable scraps, and are processed into a dry meal that can be used as a protein source in pet food.


Studies have shown that insect-based pet food is safe and nutritious for dogs and cats, and can meet their dietary needs. In addition, many pet owners are interested in insect-based food because of its sustainability benefits.


Insect-based aquafeed:


Insect-based aquafeed is also being explored as a potential alternative to traditional fishmeal and soybean meal, which are commonly used in commercial fish feed. Insects such as black soldier fly larvae and mealworms have been found to be good sources of protein and fat for fish, and may also have other health benefits. I have fed Fluval Bug Bites personally which has 40% BSFL in its fish food for Freshwater aquarium has got good results in health and colour of the fish. The finnage of the fish has improved and looks more attractive and not dull. There is no wastage in the food.


Research has shown that fish fed with insect-based feed can have similar growth rates and survival rates as those fed with traditional feed. In addition, insect-based feed has a lower environmental impact than traditional feed, as it requires less land, water, and resources to produce.


In conclusion, insect-based ingredients have the potential to be a sustainable and nutritious alternative to traditional protein sources in pet food and aquafeed. While more research is needed to fully understand their benefits and limitations, the use of insects in these industries is a promising development in the quest for more sustainable food systems.


What was the sale in USA and Europe 2020-21 for Insect based pets food?


The global insect-based pet food market size was valued at $52.3 million in 2020, and is expected to reach $334.6 million by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 28.3% from 2021 to 2028. In terms of regional sales, North America and Europe are expected to be the largest markets for insect-based pet food during this period, due to growing consumer awareness of sustainability and the benefits of alternative protein sources.


North America is expected to account for the largest share of the market, driven by factors such as the high pet ownership rates, increasing demand for high-quality pet food, and the growing popularity of sustainable and eco-friendly products. Europe is also expected to see significant growth in demand for insect-based pet food, driven by similar factors and increasing consumer interest in ethical and sustainable pet food products.


According to a report by Meticulous Research, the European market for insect-based pet food is expected to grow at a CAGR of 39.7% from 2021 to 2028, reaching a market size of €1.0 billion by 2028. The report also states that Europe is the largest consumer of insect-based pet food, followed by North America and Asia Pacific.


In the United States, a survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association (APPA) in 2020 found that 16% of pet owners were interested in trying insect-based pet food for their pets. This suggests that there is a growing interest in insect-based pet food among American consumers.


However, it's worth noting that insect-based pet food is still a relatively new and niche market, and more data and research are needed to fully understand consumer acceptance and behavior towards these products.


What is the future market for insect based pet food sales in India?


The market for insect-based pet food in India is still in its early stages, but it has the potential to grow significantly in the coming years. The growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly pet food, coupled with the need for new and innovative protein sources, presents a significant opportunity for insect-based pet food manufacturers in India.








According to a report by Mordar Intelligence, The India Pet Food Market is growing at a CAGR of 4.7% over the next 5 years. Dog food share is the highest at 80 %, Followed by cat at 12%, Birds at 5% and others at 3%.


Given these trends, it is likely that there will be increasing demand for insect-based pet food in India in the coming years. Insect-based pet food products could be particularly appealing to environmentally conscious pet owners, as well as those with pets that have dietary sensitivities or allergies.


Ento proteins is promoted by Mukka Proteins Limited (MPL) the pioneers in fish meal industry in India with over 55 years of legacy and Holocene Ecosolutions Private Limited the world’s largest producers of BSF eggs and larvae. It claims as the first Company in India in the field of Black Soldier Fly production at MSW Sites.


Siezing the opportunity in the insect based pet food, Ankit Alok Bagaria and his friend Abhi Gawri started Loopworm in 2019 . They are developing insect-based protein products that can go into animal feeds, including livestock, poultry and aquaculture. The company has set up their research and development in Bengaluru. At petzcareindia, we are extremely delighted and look forward to more updates from Loopworm.


According to Ms. Anupa Velusamy, founder of KovaiBSF (INDIA) a company that follows the stringent process in raising BSF larvae for animal feed says " BSFL are a good source of protein with high bio-availability. Also, the immuno stimulants are well researched and proven. BSFL can be feed ingredients for almost all pet segments with their goodness directly shown in pets health".


However, it's worth noting that consumer awareness and education about the benefits of insect-based pet food will be a key factor in driving adoption and growth in the Indian market. As such, companies that can effectively market the sustainability and nutritional benefits of insect-based pet food are likely to be well positioned to capitalize on this growing market opportunity.


Overall, the potential for insect-based pet food production in India is significant, and it is likely that we will see more companies entering this market in the coming years. However, as with any new industry, there are still regulatory and logistical challenges that need to be addressed, and it will be important for stakeholders to work together to ensure that the industry can grow in a sustainable and responsible manner.


Which scores better insect based pet food or Lamb based pet food or chicken based pet food?


It is difficult to make a direct comparison between insect-based, lamb-based, and chicken-based pet food as each type of protein has its own unique nutritional profile and potential benefits. In general, lamb and chicken are commonly used sources of protein in pet food and can be highly nutritious when properly balanced with other ingredients.


Lamb is often recommended for pets with food sensitivities, as it is a novel protein source that is less likely to trigger allergic reactions. Chicken is also a popular protein source in pet food and is a good source of essential amino acids.


Insect-based pet food is a relatively new trend, but research suggests that insects can be a rich source of high-quality protein and other important nutrients. Insects are also considered to be more environmentally sustainable than traditional protein sources such as beef or chicken.


Ultimately, the quality and nutritional value of any type of pet food will depend on the specific formulation and ingredients used by the manufacturer.


It is important to carefully review the ingredient list and guaranteed analysis of any pet food before making a decision, and to consult with a veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns.



Any big brand manufacturer contemplating getting into Insect Based pet food?


Yes, there are several big brand pet food manufacturers that have started to explore the use of insect-based proteins in their pet food products, or are actively developing insect-based pet food lines. For example, Mars Petcare, one of the world's largest pet food manufacturers, has invested in the insect protein company, Bugfarm Foods, and has been exploring the use of insect proteins in their pet food products. Nestle Purina has also launched an insect-based cat food product in Switzerland under their Purina Beyond brand.


Other notable examples include Yora Pet Foods, a UK-based company that produces insect-based pet food, and Jiminy's, a US-based company that produces insect-based dog treats and food. In addition, there are several smaller companies that specialize in insect-based pet food, such as EntoBento and Protix.


As consumer demand for sustainable and eco-friendly pet food continues to grow, it is likely that more big brand pet food manufacturers will start to explore the use of alternative protein sources such as insects. However, it's worth noting that the regulatory landscape for insect-based pet food is still evolving, and manufacturers will need to navigate these regulatory challenges in order to bring their products to market.


Any successful and report on findings by authorised body on Insect based pet food in USA?


Yes, there have been some successful studies and reports on the use of insect-based pet food in the United States. For example, the University of Illinois conducted a study in 2018 that compared the nutritional content and digestibility of cricket protein with traditional protein sources in dog food. The study found that cricket protein was a highly digestible and nutritionally complete source of protein for dogs, and that it was well-tolerated by the dogs in the study.


In addition, the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) recently established a new ingredient definition for dried black soldier fly larvae, which is a common source of insect-based protein for pet food. This new definition provides a framework for the safe and legal use of black soldier fly larvae in pet food products.



In Conclusion, Insect-based pet food is a new and innovative approach to pet nutrition that is gaining popularity around the world. The use of insects as a protein source is a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional meat sources. Insect-based pet food also has numerous health benefits, as insects are high in protein, vitamins, and minerals.


While there are still regulatory challenges and consumer acceptance issues to be addressed, the growing interest and investment in insect-based pet food suggest that it could become a significant part of the pet food industry in the future.





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