Insect-based pet food

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Insect-based pet food is pet food consisting of, or containing insects digestible by pets such as dogs or cats. A limited, but growing number of products are available on the market, including insect-based cat food, dog food, and pet treats.

Contents

The process of consuming insects by animals (as well as humans) is called entomophagy .

Background and potential

There are many benefits to using insects in pet goods, including implications for the environment and sustainability.[ citation needed ] There is potential for growth in the pet food industry, with many insect species having the ability to be used as a novel protein source. There are also alternate uses for insects, such as control of hypertension and antioxidant properties.

Environment and sustainability

As global populations rise, food demand is becoming an increasingly important issue. Raising conventional livestock requires resources such as land and water, of which availability is concurrently decreasing. As a result, the ability to meet the needs of the growing population may require alternative sources of quality protein. [1] As the global population rises, there is an increasing demand for animal-based proteins that will require the use of alternative and sustainable sources for pet food as well. [2] Pets play an important role in society, providing companionship and support, and owning pets has been linked to reduced incidence of heart disease, stress and depression. [3] The popularity of pet ownership is increasing, and with this is a trend of humanization. [4] People are increasingly demanding pet food ingredients that they believe are healthy. [5] This creates a competition with the human food chain for quality protein sources. [3] Producing insect protein through other agricultural practices requires considerably less resources than traditional livestock. [1] The production of insects also produces lower greenhouse gases and ammonia than traditional livestock species. Insects also have the ability to feed on organic waste products such as vegetable, restaurant and animal waste, therefore reducing the amount of excess food produced by humans. [6] Insects are very efficient at converting feed into protein, as they require less feed than traditional livestock. [7] Furthermore, water conservation is also accomplished as insects are cold-blooded and are able to meet water requirements through their feed. [6] Thus, insects may be an acceptable source of protein for pets. To learn more about sustainability of insect rearing, see Insect farming.

Insects as a novel protein source for pet food

A challenge that is presented when feeding companion animals with food intolerance or sensitivities is finding protein sources that will not irritate their gastrointestinal tracts. Animal protein is a major cause of gastrointestinal problems, and insect protein may be an alternative source for these pets. Insects have the potential to be used as a novel protein in diets for sensitive animals. A novel protein is a protein source to which the animal has not previously been exposed. [8] There are some risks to using novel protein sources, such as contaminants, antinutritional factors (ANFs), and allergens which are not well known. [9] When referring specifically to dog and cat nutrition, the use of alternative protein sources must be able to deliver the ten essential amino acids (EAA) that are not synthesized from the body (including Arg, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Thr, Trp and Val). [10] One additional amino acid which is specific to cats who are obligate carnivores by nature is taurine. [11] This requirement is based on the low enzymatic action of cysteine dioxygenase and cysteine sulphinic acid decarboxylase within feline metabolism, where the competing pathway of pyruvate for an energy source overrides taurine synthesis. [11] McCuster et al. created a study to identify amino acid composition of different insects, specifically addressing the presence of taurine in comparison to the National Research Council's (NRC) minimal requirements (MR) for the dog and cat. [10] This study titled Amino acid content of selected plant, algae and insect species: a search for alternative protein sources for use in pet foods was published in 2014 in the Journal of Nutritional Science and provided the following table of data:

InsectCP (%DM)ArgHisIleLeuLysMetPheTauThrTrpVal
American cockroach (Periplaneta americana)95.833.7115.4118.8135.8634.918.9019.681.1021.014.7130.99
Flesh fly, larva (Sarcophaga (Neobelliaria) bullata)65.835.6923.4727.4044.8656.1415.9640.620.9227.158.9335.46
Western harvester ant (Pogonomyrmexoccidentalis)66.325.7215.1330.3346.9228.428.0316.156.4224.36NA37.94
Flesh fly, adult (Sarcophaga (Neobelliaria) bullata)78.644.2724.8832.0551.8061.3619.9132.373.3329.009.0040.39
Black soldier fly, larva (Hermetia illucens)46.723.2515.6017.3028.7528.576.9416.000.1916.546.2626.01
NRC MR Canine for growth18.06.33.15.210.37.02.85.2NR6.51.85.4
NRC MR Feline for growth18.07.72.64.310.26.83.54.00.325.21.35.1

The results demonstrated that all evaluated insects met the canine and feline MR for growth of the NRC for EAA and CP with exception to the black soldier fly in regards to taurine, where composition was lower than recommended. [10]

Regulations for pet food ingredients

Aside from the CFIA, which makes the use of specified risk materials illegal, [12] pet food ingredients do not need to be approved by any regulatory body in Canada. However, if manufacturers plan to expand into the U.S. market, they must adhere to regulations imposed by each state, or comply with guidelines established by the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). These guidelines will provide country-wide acceptable ingredients, and nutritional recommendations based on research collected by the National Research Council (NRC). [13] As of August 2021, AAFCO has approved the use of Black Soldier Fly (BSF) insects in pet food - specifically for adult dogs. [14]

The use of insects in feed in the European Union was previously prohibited under an act called "TSE Regulation" (Article 7 and Annex IV of Regulation 999/2001) that bans the use of animal protein in animal feed. In July 2017 this regulation was revised and partially lifts the ban on animal proteins, allowing insects to be included in fish feed. This was coupled with another change that reclassified insects in the European Union (EU) catalogue of feed materials. This change specifically refers to fats and proteins from insects instead of classifying them under a broad title of animal products. Due to this change, producers now must list the species and life stage of the insect on their product. [15] Novel pet food ingredients in Europe must also follow certain stringent regulations, making approval of new ingredients a lengthy process. Novel ingredients must undergo scientific assessment before being considered safe for consumption, and a safety assessment report must be completed for ingredient authorization. [16] In addition, all pet food animal products must be considered fit for human food consumption, a measure put into place to prevent the spread of zoonotic diseases, and plants that will be manufacturing the pet food must be authorized under two of the EU legislature bodies. [17] To learn more about labelling and regulations of pet food, see Pet food.

Challenges and safety concerns

In spite of all the advantages that insect protein are provided, there are some potential challenges caused by production and safety concerns.

Mass production in the insect industry is a concern due to a lack of technology and funds to efficiently harvest, and produce insects. [6] The machinery would have to house proper enclosure for each life cycle of the insect as well as the temperature control as that is key for insect development. [6]

The industry also has to consider the shelf life of insects in companion animal products as some can have food safety concerns. Insects have the capability of accumulating potential hazards, such as contaminants, pathogens, heavy metals, allergens, and pesticides etc. [9]

The table below combines the data from two studies [9] [18] and summarizes the potential hazards of the top five insect species consumed by humans.

Insect typeCommon nameHazard categoryPotential hazard
Coleoptera BeetleChemical Hormones
Cyanogentic substances
Heavy metal contamination
Lepidoptera SilkwormAllergic
Chemical Thiaminase
Honeycomb mothMicrobialHigh bacterial count
Chemical Cyanogentic substances
Hymenoptera AntChemicalAntinutritional factors (tannin, phytate)
Orthoptera House cricketMicrobialHigh bacterial count
Hemipetera Parasitical (other) Chagas disease
Diptera Black soldier flyParasitical (self) Myiasis

These hazards in insects can be controlled in various ways. Allergic hazards can be labelled on the packaging to avoid consumption by susceptible consumers. Selective farming can be used to minimize chemical hazards, whereas microbial and parasitical hazards can be controlled by cooking processes. [18]

Insect-based pet food products on the market

As of August 5, 2021, AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) has voted to include adult dogs in the ingredient definition for whole dried black soldier fly larvae and black soldier fly larvae meal. [19] This approval allows for the sale of BSF based dog food and treats in the United States. As of June 2023, according to a review of the market by leading BSF producer Protix there are over 43 brands worldwide marketing insect-based pet foods. 35 of these are in Europe. [20] An example of a European brand developing complete dog and cat diets and treats using BSF in European, Asian and North American markets is YORA, another example of a brand making BSF treats in the US and Canada is HOPE Pet Food. [21]


Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nutrition</span> Provision to cells and organisms to support life

Nutrition is the biochemical and physiological process by which an organism uses food to support its life. It provides organisms with nutrients, which can be metabolized to create energy and chemical structures. Failure to obtain the required amount of nutrients causes malnutrition. Nutritional science is the study of nutrition, though it typically emphasizes human nutrition.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Taurine</span> Aminosulfonic acid not incorporated into proteins

Taurine, or 2-aminoethanesulfonic acid, is a non-proteinogenic naturally occurred amino sulfonic acid that is widely distributed in animal tissues. It is a major constituent of bile and can be found in the large intestine, and accounts for up to 0.1% of total human body weight.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kitten</span> Juvenile cat

A kitten is a juvenile cat. After being born, kittens display primary altriciality and are fully dependent on their mothers for survival. They normally do not open their eyes for seven to ten days. After about two weeks, kittens develop quickly and begin to explore the world outside their nest. After a further three to four weeks, they begin to eat solid food and grow baby teeth. Domestic kittens are highly social animals and usually enjoy human companionship.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dog food</span> Food intended for consumption by dogs usually made from meat

Dog food is specifically formulated and intended for consumption by dogs and other related canines. Dogs are considered to be omnivores with a carnivorous bias. They have the sharp, pointed teeth and shorter gastrointestinal tracts of carnivores, better suited for the consumption of meat than of vegetable substances, yet also have ten genes that are responsible for starch and glucose digestion, as well as the ability to produce amylase, an enzyme that functions to break down carbohydrates into simple sugars – something that obligate carnivores like cats lack. Dogs evolved the ability living alongside humans in agricultural societies, as they managed on scrap leftovers and excrement from humans.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cat food</span> Food for consumption by cats

Cat food is food specifically formulated and designed for consumption by cats. As obligate carnivores, cats have specific requirements for their dietary nutrients, namely nutrients found only in meat or synthesized, such as taurine and Vitamin A. Certain nutrients, including many vitamins and amino acids, are degraded by the temperatures, pressures and chemical treatments used during manufacture, and hence must be added after manufacture to avoid nutritional deficiency. Cat food is typically sold as dry kibble, or as wet food in cans and pouches.

Raw feeding is the practice of feeding domestic dogs, cats, and other animals a diet consisting primarily of uncooked meat, edible bones, and organs. The ingredients used to formulate raw diets vary. Some pet owners choose to make home-made raw diets to feed their animals but commercial raw diets are also available.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pet food</span> Animal feed for pets

Pet food is animal feed intended for consumption by pets. Typically sold in pet stores and supermarkets, it is usually specific to the type of animal, such as dog food or cat food. Most meat used for animals is a byproduct of the human food industry, and is not regarded as "human grade".

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) is a non-profit organization which sets standards for the quality and safety of animal feed (fodder) and pet food in the United States. AAFCO is a voluntary organization consisting largely of state officials who have responsibility for enforcing their state's laws and regulations concerning the safety of animal feeds. AAFCO also establishes standard ingredient definitions and nutritional requirements for animal feed/pet food. Most states have adopted the AAFCO models or use them in the regulation of animal feed/pet food. AAFCO meets twice yearly, typically in January and August, so that committees and the board of directors can conduct the organization's business of assessing the need for changes to the Model Bill, model regulations, ingredient definitions, etc. Once per year, the latest version of all AAFCO-approved documents is printed in the organization's Official Publication.

Beginning in March 2007, there was a widespread recall of many brands of cat and dog foods due to contamination with melamine and cyanuric acid. The recalls in North America, Europe, and South Africa came in response to reports of kidney failure in pets. Initially, the recalls were associated with the consumption of mostly wet pet foods made with wheat gluten from a single Chinese company.

This timeline of the 2007 pet food recalls documents how events related to the 2007 pet food recalls unfolded. Several contaminated Chinese vegetable proteins were used by pet food makers in North America, Europe and South Africa, leading to kidney failure in animals fed the contaminated food. Both the centralization of the pet food industry and the speed and manner of the industry and government response became the subjects of critical discussion.

In China, the adulteration and contamination of several food and feed ingredients with inexpensive melamine and other compounds, such as cyanuric acid, ammeline and ammelide, are common practice. These adulterants can be used to inflate the apparent protein content of products, so that inexpensive ingredients can pass for more expensive, concentrated proteins. Melamine by itself has not been thought to be very toxic to animals or humans except possibly in very high concentrations, but the combination of melamine and cyanuric acid has been implicated in kidney failure. Reports that cyanuric acid may be an independently and potentially widely used adulterant in China have heightened concerns for both animal and human health.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Animal feed</span> Food for various animals

Animal feed is food given to domestic animals, especially livestock, in the course of animal husbandry. There are two basic types: fodder and forage. Used alone, the word feed more often refers to fodder. Animal feed is an important input to animal agriculture, and is frequently the main cost of the raising or keeping of animals. Farms typically try to reduce cost for this food, by growing their own, grazing animals, or supplementing expensive feeds with substitutes, such as food waste like spent grain from beer brewing.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Insects as food</span> Use of insects as food for humans

Insects as food or edible insects are insect species used for human consumption. Over 2 billion people are estimated to eat insects on a daily basis. Globally, more than 2,000 insect species are considered edible, though far fewer are discussed for industrialized mass production and regionally authorized for use in food. Many insects are highly nutritious, though nutritional content depends on species and other factors such as diet and age. Insects offer a wide variety of flavors and are commonly consumed whole or pulverized for use in dishes and processed food products such as burger patties, pasta, or snacks. Like other foods, there can be risks associated with consuming insects, such as allergic reactions. As commercial interest in insects as food grows, countries are introducing new regulatory frameworks to oversee their production, processing, marketing, and consumption.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Puppy nutrition</span>

The developmental life stage of dogs requires a specific intake of nutrients to ensure proper growth and development and to meet energy requirements. Despite the fact that puppies have different nutritional requirements compared to their adult counterparts, of the 652 breeders surveyed in the United States and Canada in 2012, 8.7% report feeding puppies commercial diets not intended for the developmental life stage of canines. Large and small dog breeds have even more specific nutrient requirements during growth, such as adjusted calcium to phosphorus ratio, and as such should receive a breed specific growth formula. Feeding diets formulated by a nutritionist for specific breeds and life stage differences in nutrient requirements ensures a growing puppy will receive the proper nutrition associated with appropriate skeletal, neurological and immune development. This includes nutrients such as protein, fibre, essential fatty acids, calcium and vitamin E. It is therefore important to feed puppies a diet that meets the minimum and/or maximum requirements established by the National Research Council.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Senior dog diet</span> Pet foods catered toward senior pets

Senior dog food diets are pet foods that are catered toward the senior or mature pet population. The senior dog population consists of dogs that are over the age of seven for most dog breeds, though in general large and giant breed dogs tend to reach this life stage earlier when compared to smaller breed dogs. Senior dog foods contain nutrients and characteristics that are used to improve the health of the aging dog. Aging in dogs causes many changes to occur physiologically that will require a change in nutrient composition of their diet.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Allergies in cats</span>

Cats exposed to allergens may develop allergies or allergic reactions. Allergies tend to become evident and intensify over extended periods of time and can take years to develop. Some allergic diseases and allergies in cats include feline atopic dermatitis, flea allergy dermatitis, feline-mosquito hypersensitivity, and food-induced allergy. In the case of feline atopy, hypersensitivity to allergens is due to genetic predisposition. However, various allergies may arise due to environmental factors. Allergens, ingested, inhaled, or airborne, can be seasonal or non-seasonal, similar to allergies in humans. Suspected seasonal allergens include but are not limited to pollen, fleas, and mosquito bites; suspected non-seasonal allergens include but are not limited to plastic materials, food, dust, trees, and grass. After exposure to suspected allergens, symptoms may be immediate or delayed, arising within a few minutes to two hours. Symptoms can include both dermatological and gastrointestinal signs such as itchy skin, hair loss and excessive scratching. In cases of feline atopic dermatitis or atopy in cats, pruritic skin diseases may result; however, signs can also include miliary dermatitis, symmetrical alopecia, and lesions of the eosinophilic granuloma complex.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hypoallergenic dog food</span>

Hypoallergenic dog food diets are created for dogs that experience food-related allergies causing adverse effects to their physical health.Super Hypoallergenic is enzymatic hydrolyzed hypoallergenic ostrich protein. The molecules that usually become allergens are intact proteins or glycoproteins. Hypoallergenic dog food diets offer a variety of protein sources that are unique by using proteins that are not recognized by the dog's antibodies as being antigens, minimizing allergic reactions for example Ostrich meat, bones and sinews. Adding novel protein sources, such as novel meats that a dog or its ancestors have never been exposed to is one method. Novel proteins can also be created by chemically modifying well known protein sources using hydrolysis techniques, rendering proteins unrecognizable by the gastrointestinal tract. Not all antigens are specific to proteins, however, and it is possible for anything that the body ingests to become an allergen. Providing diets with a limited amount of ingredients can be used for diagnostic purposes, as well as for dogs who are allergic to the common ingredients that are used in pet food. Certain nutrients are commonly incorporated into hypoallergenic dog food to help alleviate the symptoms of an allergic reaction. These ingredients include omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamins A and E, zinc, novel carbohydrates, and fiber.

In general, cognitive support diets are formulated to include nutrients that have a known role in brain development, function and/or maintenance, with the goal of improving and preserving mental processes such as attentiveness, short-term and long-term memory, learning, and problem solving. Currently, there is very little conclusive research available regarding cat cognition as standardized tests for evaluating cognitive ability are less established and less reliable than cognitive testing apparatus used in other mammalian species, like dogs. Much of what is known about feline cognition has been inferred from a combination of owner-reported behaviour, brain necropsies, and comparative cognitive neurology of related animal models. Cognition claims appear primarily on kitten diets which include elevated levels of nutrients associated with optimal brain development, although there are now diets available for senior cats that include nutrients to help slow the progression of age-related changes and prevent cognitive decline. Cognition diets for cats contain a greater portion of omega-3 fatty acids, especially docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) as well as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and usually feature a variety of antioxidants and other supporting nutrients thought to have positive effects on cognition.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vegetarian and vegan dog diet</span> Adequate meat-free or animal-free nutrition

As in the human practice of veganism, vegan dog foods are those formulated with the exclusion of ingredients that contain or were processed with any part of an animal, or any animal byproduct. Vegan dog food may incorporate the use of fruits, vegetables, cereals, legumes including soya, nuts, vegetable oils, as well as any other non-animal based foods.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Insects as feed</span>

Insects as feed are insect species used as animal feed, either for livestock, including aquaculture, or as pet food.

References

  1. 1 2 Premalatha, M (November 5, 2017). "Energy-efficient food production to reduce global warming and ecodegradation: The use of edible insects" (PDF). Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews. 15 (9): 4357–4360. doi:10.1016/j.rser.2011.07.115.
  2. ↑ Bosch, Guido; Zhang, Sheng; Oonincx, Dennis G. A. B.; Hendriks, Wouter H. (January 3, 2014). "Protein quality of insects as potential ingredients for dog and cat foods*". Journal of Nutritional Science. 3: e29. doi:10.1017/jns.2014.23. PMC   4473158 . PMID   26101598.
  3. 1 2 Swanson, K., Carter, R., Yount, T., Aretz, J., Buff, P. (March 2013). "Nutritional Sustainability of Pet Foods". Advances in Nutrition. 4 (2): 141–150. doi:10.3945/an.112.003335. PMC   3649094 . PMID   23493530.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  4. ↑ Stewart, C. "Projected 2015 Trends in the Pet Industry". Market Research. Retrieved 30 November 2017.
  5. ↑ Stewart, C. "Projected 2015 Trends in the Pet Industry". Market Research. Retrieved 30 November 2017.
  6. 1 2 3 4 Rumpold, B.A., & Schlüter O.K. (2013) Potential and challenges of insects as an innovative source for food and feed production.Innov Food Sci Emerg Technol 17, 1–11.
  7. ↑ van, Huis, Arnold. Edible insects : future prospects for food and feed security. Rome. ISBN   9789251075968. OCLC   868923724.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  8. ↑ Bowlin, Cynthia. "Novel Proteins and Feed Allergies" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2017-12-01. Retrieved 2017-11-23.
  9. 1 2 3 van der Spiegel, M.; Noordam, M.y.; van der Fels-Klerx, H.j. (2013-11-01). "Safety of Novel Protein Sources (Insects, Microalgae, Seaweed, Duckweed, and Rapeseed) and Legislative Aspects for Their Application in Food and Feed Production". Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety. 12 (6): 662–678. doi:10.1111/1541-4337.12032. PMID   33412718.
  10. 1 2 3 McCusker, Sarah; Buff, Preston R.; Yu, Zengshou; Fascetti, Andrea J. (February 27, 2014). "Amino acid content of selected plant, algae and insect species: a search for alternative protein sources for use in pet foods". Journal of Nutritional Science. 3:1-5
  11. 1 2 Morris, James G. (December 14, 2007). "Idiosyncratic nutrient requirements of cats appear to be diet-induced evolutionary adaptations". Nutrition Research Reviews. 15:153-168
  12. ↑ Pet Food Association of Canada https://pfac.com/industry-regulations/ . Retrieved 21 November 2017.{{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  13. ↑ American Association of Feed Control Officials http://www.aafco.org/ . Retrieved 21 November 2017.{{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  14. ↑ "AAFCO August 2021 Meeting Notes". 5 August 2021.
  15. ↑ "EU Legislation - IPIFF". www.ipiff.org. Retrieved 2017-11-22.
  16. ↑ "Authorisations". Food. European Commission. Retrieved 28 November 2017.
  17. ↑ Plant, Terry. "Outlining the regulatory framework for petfoods in the EU". Rules, regulations and directives. Petfood Industry.
  18. 1 2 Belluco, Simone; Losasso, Carmen; Maggioletti, Michela; Alonzi, Cristiana C.; Paoletti, Maurizio G.; Ricci, Antonia (2013-05-01). "Edible Insects in a Food Safety and Nutritional Perspective: A Critical Review". Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety. 12 (3): 296–313. doi: 10.1111/1541-4337.12014 .
  19. ↑ "Insect protein for pet food buzzing into mainstream". 26 April 2021.
  20. ↑ Siddiqui, Shahida A.; Brunner, Thomas A.; Tamm, Iwan; Van Der Raad, Paul; Patekar, Gautam; Alim Bahmid, Nur; Aarts, Kees; Paul, Aman (2023). "Insect-based dog and cat food: A short investigative review on market, claims and consumer perception". Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology. 26. doi:10.1016/j.aspen.2022.102020. S2CID   253786397.
  21. ↑ "More pets are eating insect-based food to fight climate change for their owners". CNBC . 12 June 2021.
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