22/07/2025

Ingredients and Trends in the Pet Food Sector in 2025 (Part II)

By Josiane Volpato

Another expectation for the pet food sector this year is the increase in the consumption of supplements, such as vitamins, fish oil, and probiotics. Especially probiotic snacks that help those pets suffering from digestive disorders and food allergies. Due to the bond between a pet and its owner, who wishes for its health, there is an increased demand for supplements that benefit skin health, fur, anxiety, and aging. 

According to research from Packaged Facts in the USA, the most sellout supplements enhance joint mobility, which shows that pets' health and well-being have priority for owners.

From the point of view of the pet food industry, in 2025, it is essential to consider that the recent concern about pets' well-being drives new solutions, e.g., emerging companies that evaluate food acceptability, palatability, and digestibility of animals at home.

Since not all pet food manufacturing companies can test their product palatability and digestibility with their research animals, the emerging ones offer the service by using scientifically proven protocols, making pet food reliably testable at home. This provides manufacturers with key information about the product's benefit in its usage as the animals used have different breeds and vary in ages and genders, which shows an illustrative outlook of the pet food population diversity to the food evaluation.

This methodology reflects the precise situation of pets and owners. Home testing offers an innovative approach essential to the pet food industry, which allows the testing of food palatability, acceptability, and digestibility to occur in the domestic atmosphere, providing trustworthy information about product acceptability.

The main advantage of home testing is the accurate reproduction of the consumption conditions among the destined population. Contrary to tests in controlled laboratory environments, where stress and changes in the routine can influence feeding behavior, tests at home allow animals to show their preferences naturally. In addition, these tests provide broader and more diverse samples, considering age, breed, dietary record, and sensorial preferences, which ensure a more representative test of the pet population.

As they are home tests, owner perception is also a benefit. Pet parents can give valuable feedback about food consumption, behavior, and reception, and besides they provide their perspective on the new product's sensorial characteristics, adding quality information that is not always obtained in laboratory tests.

Home testing can also be challenging. The first problem is controlling experimental variables. In a laboratory, factors such as the amount of food, consumption time, and competences between animals can be controlled. In home testing, the meddling of other pets, changes in the routine, and pet parents' opinions can affect the results.

Moreover, owners' support for the experimental protocol can vary. Its success depends on pet parents' commitment to meet the established rules, accurate measures, and precise reports. To minimize challenges, it is essential that companies making home tests take on scientifically proven protocols, use standardized methodologies, and provide detailed instructions to the participants. 

With the growing demand for true and reliable tests, specialized home testing companies are gaining ground in the market. They offer complete services to pet food manufacturers, developing and carrying out food testing protocols that rigorously meet scientific standards.

Companies in the sector have stood out for their detailed and informed tests, which help the industry to develop more attractive and efficient products. These organizations use technologies like remote monitoring, data collection apps, or AI for result analysis to guarantee accurate and reliable tests.

Considering concerns about pets' health and well-being, home testing tends to consolidate as an essential standard for trying new products. It offers companies reliable data about food acceptability and its effects on daily pet lives. This methodology not only contributes to the pet food industry's progress but also reinforces consumers' loyalty to brands that use it.

The industry faces the challenge of including sustainable practices to maintain food quality at a competitive price to also ensure a significant advantage since consumers are aware of the environmental impact that pet products have and seek brands that share their values.

Finally, those who benefit from the trends incorporated in the pet food market are pets themselves.    You can read the first part of the article HERE.
References
Bassi Scarpim, L., de Ramos, E.C., Graziele Pacheco, L., Goloni, C., de Souza Theodoro, S., de Souza Ávida de Castro, T., Carciofi, A.C., 2024. Hydrolysed poultry byproduct meal in extruded diets for cats. Arch. Anim. Nutr. 78, 45–59. https://doi.org/10.1080/1745039X.2024.2312700
Perez-Velazquez, M., Millanes-Mora, M.A., González-Félix, M.L., 2024. Avaliação da hidrólise de farinha de larvas de mosca soldado negra parcialmente desengordurada em dietas para tilápia do Nilo Oreochromis niloticus. Anim. Feed Sci. Technol. 307, 115831. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2023.115831
Pet Food Market Size & Forecast 2025-2035 [WWW Document], n.d. . Metatech Insights. URL https://www.metatechinsights.com/industry-insights/pet-food-market-1142 (accessed 12.11.24).
Pet Supplements in the US, 10th Edition Report [WWW Document], n.d. . Free. Group. URL https://www.freedoniagroup.com/packaged-facts/pet-supplements-in-the-us (accessed 12.11.24).
UN/DESA Policy Brief #102: Population, food security, nutrition and sustainable development | Department of Economic and Social Affairs [WWW Document], n.d. URL https://www.un.org/development/desa/dpad/publication/un-desa-policy-brief-102-population-food-security-nutrition-and-sustainable-development/ (accessed 12.11.24).
Zóia Miltenburg, T., Uana da Silva, M., Bosch, G., Vasconcellos, R.S., 2021. Effects of enzymatically hydrolysed poultry byproduct meal in extruded diets on serum angiotensin-converting enzyme activity and aldosterone in cats. Arch. Anim. Nutr. 75, 64–77. https://doi.org/10.1080/1745039X.2020.1849899
Bosch, G., Swanson, K.S., 2021. Effect of using insects as feed on animals: pet dogs and cats. J. Insects Food Feed 7, 795–805. https://doi.org/10.3920/JIFF2020.0084
Cesar, C.G.L., Marchi, P.H., Amaral, A.R., Príncipe, L. de A., Carmo, A.A. do, Zafalon, R.V.A., Miyamoto, N.N., Garcia, N.A.C.R., Balieiro, J.C. de C., Vendramini, T.H.A., 2024. An Assessment of the Impact of Insect Meal in Dry Food on a Dog with a Food Allergy: A Case Report. Animals 14, 2859. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14192859


By Josiane Volpato, Ingrid Caroline da Silva, Isabela Bogo y Fernando González
Source: All Pet Food Magazine

10/06/2025

Insect Protein in Pet Food: Sustainable Breakthrough or Strategic Media Push?

Advocates argue that insect protein offers a climate-smart solution with a significantly lower environmental footprint, addressing the pet food industry's growing demand for protein.
  However, the question remains: is the media buzz around insect protein grounded in its real-world potential, or is it being strategically driven by well-funded startups and investor-backed companies eager to validate their business models? 
  This article delves into the environmental benefits, commercial pressures, regulatory challenges, and market realities of insect protein in pet food, exploring whether the excitement surrounding it is driven by genuine consumer demand or the influence of corporate media strategies. 
  Photo by TDyuvbanova
  The Environmental Promise
The primary insect species used in pet food—black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) and mealworms—have gained recognition for their efficiency in converting feed into protein. Insects like BSFL achieve feed conversion ratios (FCRs) as low as 1.5:1, meaning they require significantly less feed to produce protein compared to traditional livestock like beef (6–10:1) or pork (3–5:1).This efficiency is one of the key selling points of insect protein, making it an attractive solution for improving the sustainability of the pet food industry.
  In addition to feed efficiency, insect farming results in significantly lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions when compared to traditional livestock farming. According to studies, beef emits 27–60 kg CO₂-eq/kg of protein, while poultry emits 6–20 kg CO₂-eq/kg. In contrast, black soldier fly larvae emit just 1–2.5 kg CO₂-eq/kg, which is a substantial reduction in emissions. These figures suggest that insect protein could play a significant role in reducing the carbon footprint of pet food production. 
  Another advantage of insect farming is the reduction in land and water use. Insects like BSFL can be farmed in vertical, climate-controlled environments, reducing the need for vast amounts of land and minimizing natural habitat destruction. Unlike traditional livestock farming, which requires large expanses of land for grazing, insect farming can be done in compact facilities, making it more land-efficient.
  Moreover, many insect farms use food waste or agricultural by-products as feed, creating a circular economy that reduces food waste while providing a new protein source. This approach aligns well with sustainability goals by helping to tackle food waste issues, assuming regulatory frameworks permit such feed inputs.   The Less Publicized Challenges
While insect protein holds promise, there are several challenges that must be addressed to make it a viable and widespread ingredient in pet food.
  High Processing Energy
Farming insects is resource-efficient, but the process of turning insects into protein meal or oil is energy-intensive, often requiring drying and grinding. These steps increase the overall energy footprint of insect protein production, potentially offsetting some of its environmental benefits. 
  Regulatory Hurdles
Regulatory challenges also pose a significant barrier to the widespread adoption of insect protein in pet food. In the U.S., the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) has approved BSFL for use in adult dog food, but not yet for cats or for all life stages of dogs.
  Furthermore, regulations around the type of feed that insects can consume—such as restrictions on the use of post-consumer food waste—limit the sustainability potential of insect farming in some regions.
  Scalability and Cost
Scalability remains a critical issue for insect protein production. While the technology for insect farming is promising, it is not yet able to meet the demand for mass adoption in the pet food industry. Insect protein currently costs significantly more than traditional proteins such as poultry meal. As noted in a 2023 Petfood Industry report, insect meal can cost three- to five-times more per kilogram than poultry meal, making it difficult for mainstream pet food companies to integrate insect protein at scale.
  Additionally, insect protein remains a niche ingredient in pet food. Consumer perceptions remain a key barrier, but research suggests that educational efforts can help bridge the gap: for example, an ADM surveyrevealed that while only 12% of U.S. pet owners were initially "completely likely" to try insect-based pet foods, that figure rose to 42% after learning about the benefits of insect protein, such as its high digestibility, hypoallergenic properties, and lower environmental impact compared to traditional animal proteins. As awareness grows, insect protein holds promise as a novel, eco-friendly option in the pet food space.    Is the Hype Partly a Media Strategy?
The increasing focus on insect protein in pet food raises the question of whether the media's enthusiasm for insect-based protein is grounded in real-world demand or driven by the commercial interests of well-funded startups.
  Over the past five years, companies like Ynsect, Innovafeed, and Protix have raised millions of dollars to fund their insect farming operations. With large amounts of venture capital at stake, there is significant pressure on these companies to create narratives that validate their business models, often by positioning insect protein as a scalable, sustainable solution for pet food. 
  The focus on sustainability in the media, particularly through partnerships with NGOs and climate-focused events, has also contributed to the narrative that insect protein is the "next big thing." However, it is important to consider that some of these media messages may be influenced by the commercial ties of insect protein companies and the growing investor pressure to generate returns.
    Key Takeaways
Insect protein offers significant environmental benefits, including lower emissions, reduced land and water use, and upcycling food waste. However, challenges related to processing energy, regulatory hurdles, cost, and scalability continue to impede widespread adoption. The media's enthusiasm for insect protein may be fueled in part by the commercial interests of well-funded startups, leading some experts to question whether the hype surrounding insect protein is ahead of real-world market demand.
  As the industry continues to evolve, it will be essential for stakeholders to balance the environmental benefits of insect protein with the practical realities of scaling production and meeting regulatory requirements.
  About the Author
Lee Ann Hagerty is Director of Customer Enrichment and Consumer Insights on the BSM Product Innovation team with 29+ years in the pet food industry, working for Iams/Eukanuba, Procter & Gamble, and Mars Pet Care. She brings a unique combination of project management skills with consumer insights, product design, animal nutrition, and sensory science which drives an in-depth understanding of the pet and consumer. Lee Ann has a passion for helping dogs. Over the last year and a half, she has fostered over 22 dogs. Many of them were senior dogs who had lived their entire lives outside as hunting dogs. She has been a foster pet parent for many years, and it brings her great joy to see these pets find fur-ever homes where they live with families indoors with love and care.



By Lee Ann Hagerty, MBA, BS, AS, CVT, RVT, PAS
Source: BSM Partners

15/04/2025

Ingredients and Trends in the Pet Food Sector in 2025 (Part 1)

By Josiane Volpato

This reflects the growth in the companion animal population and the humanization of pets. As a result, consumers are concerned about and researching the ingredients used in their pets' food and are more demanding about product quality. Consequently, the dog and cat food sector is constantly readjusting, driven by global trends and changes in habits that influence consumers' behavior. 

The pet food market tends to evolve based on the results of seeking new products within the market through technological improvement, constant search for innovation, and stepwise transformations in consumer behavior. By 2025, expectations focus on sustainability in terms of food and biodegradable and renewable packaging. In this way, the formulation of food with insect protein and the use of eco-packaging increase. However, is using insects in pet food just an emerging trend or a long-lasting one?

According to the United Nations (UN), the world population growth is expected to reach 9 billion people by 2050. Along with this, strategies are being implemented to reduce the competence of protein sources for humans and meet the global demand for proteins for pets; one of these alternatives is insect proteins that aim to reduce competition. Thus, with the good acceptability by dogs and cats of food formulated with this ingredient, it is believed that their search tends to increase, making the projection in insect farming a long and lasting path, even because it is a sustainable source due to its farming model and low use of water resources.

Focusing on sustainability, using insect-based proteins represents a step towards eco-friendly formulations. Still, this effort loses its impact if food is not packaged with materials that minimize the environmental impact. That is why many companies choose packaging made of sustainable materials and production processes with fewer pollutants. This packaging, produced from organic materials such as recycled paper or bioplastics, naturally decomposes in the environment, reducing plastic waste and showing its commitment to sustainability and ecosystem preservation.

Recycling, the use of nutrients, and the struggle to meet the protein needs of the population are important issues that make poultry viscera meal a widely used nutrient in the formulation of dog and cat food as the main source of protein. It is an ingredient rich in amino acids, minerals, essential fatty acids, and a sustainable one due to the use of inedible parts by humans that are thrown away in the environment. 

As a result, manufacturers of poultry viscera meals are always working to enhance their product quality and meet the nutritional requirements of the pet food industries. A widely adopted alternative for the best utilization of these ingredients is enzymatic hydrolysis, which breaks big proteins into tripeptides, dipeptides, and free amino acids, facilitating absorption and the use of these molecules by the animal organism.

Therefore, by 2025, it is expected that the amount of food made of poultry viscera meal enzymatic hydrolyzed increases, aiming at the different benefits these meal peptides provide to animal health; because of their low molecular weight, they can be easily absorbed and used by the organism. Bioactive peptides strengthen the immune system and offer additional functions, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activities. However, the most recognizable characteristic is its hypoallergenic property.

As the poultry viscera meal enzymatic hydrolyzed has peptides with bioactive activities, it is the main ingredient used in the formulation of food adjuncts used in diets to treat gastrointestinal disorders, hypersensitivity, and food intolerance, therefore, its use tends to increase even more.

These characteristics make hydrolyzed proteins and insect meals the most promising alternative in the pet food market by 2025. 

References
Bassi Scarpim, L., de Ramos, E.C., Graziele Pacheco, L., Goloni, C., de Souza Theodoro, S., de Souza Ávida de Castro, T., Carciofi, A.C., 2024. Hydrolysed poultry byproduct meal in extruded diets for cats. Arch. Anim. Nutr. 78, 45–59. https://doi.org/10.1080/1745039X.2024.2312700
Perez-Velazquez, M., Millanes-Mora, M.A., González-Félix, M.L., 2024. Avaliação da hidrólise de farinha de larvas de mosca soldado negra parcialmente desengordurada em dietas para tilápia do Nilo Oreochromis niloticus. Anim. Feed Sci. Technol. 307, 115831. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2023.115831
Pet Food Market Size & Forecast 2025-2035 [WWW Document], n.d. . Metatech Insights. URL https://www.metatechinsights.com/industry-insights/pet-food-market-1142 (accessed 12.11.24).
Pet Supplements in the US, 10th Edition Report [WWW Document], n.d. . Free. Group. URL https://www.freedoniagroup.com/packaged-facts/pet-supplements-in-the-us (accessed 12.11.24).
UN/DESA Policy Brief #102: Population, food security, nutrition and sustainable development | Department of Economic and Social Affairs [WWW Document], n.d. URL https://www.un.org/development/desa/dpad/publication/un-desa-policy-brief-102-population-food-security-nutrition-and-sustainable-development/ (accessed 12.11.24).
Zóia Miltenburg, T., Uana da Silva, M., Bosch, G., Vasconcellos, R.S., 2021. Effects of enzymatically hydrolysed poultry byproduct meal in extruded diets on serum angiotensin-converting enzyme activity and aldosterone in cats. Arch. Anim. Nutr. 75, 64–77. https://doi.org/10.1080/1745039X.2020.1849899
Bosch, G., Swanson, K.S., 2021. Effect of using insects as feed on animals: pet dogs and cats. J. Insects Food Feed 7, 795–805. https://doi.org/10.3920/JIFF2020.0084
Cesar, C.G.L., Marchi, P.H., Amaral, A.R., Príncipe, L. de A., Carmo, A.A. do, Zafalon, R.V.A., Miyamoto, N.N., Garcia, N.A.C.R., Balieiro, J.C. de C., Vendramini, T.H.A., 2024. An Assessment of the Impact of Insect Meal in Dry Food on a Dog with a Food Allergy: A Case Report. Animals 14, 2859. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14192859


By Josiane Volpato, Ingrid Caroline da Silva, Isabela Bogo y Fernando González
Source: All Pet Food Magazine    

06/11/2024

Tebrio secures €30 million in funding from Banco de Santander, Sodical, GPC and CDTI

Salamanca, October 29, 2024. The biotechnology company Tebrio has successfully closed a €30 million funding round. Investors in this round include Banco de Santander, Sodical Instituto Financiero de Castilla y León, GCP, and the CDTI Innvierte Economía Sostenible closed-end collective investment company.
Tebrio, a global leader in the industrial production of Tenebrio molitor, will allocate the capital raised from this funding round to significantly increase its production capacity and optimization at its new 90,000 square meter facility. Construction is already underway in Salamanca. With this new plant, Tebrio will be able to produce over 100,000 tons of product annually, meeting the high levels of production and commercialization demand already committed to its current clients.   "This new round of investment in our company validates our industrial model based on proprietary technology. A model that allows us to produce at competitive prices in the markets where we operate, thus serving as a platform to expand our operations to different geographic markets," highlights Adriana Casillas, CEO and co-founder of Tebrio, a company that also maintains Caixa Capital Risc as a shareholder.   "Through Innvierte, CDTI has been a shareholder in the company since 2020. Our participation in the current round reflects the company's and its founders' ability to position themselves in an area that we consider strategic with a disruptive and innovative approach. We want to help them become a key player in a sector that we consider strategic at a national level," says Andrés Ubierna Gorricho, Head of Capitalization and Technology Transfer at the Center for Technological Development and Innovation.   Jesús García, CEO of GCP Consulting, points out that "after 30 years of experience in the agri-food industry, and after evaluating various investments in the insect sector, we chose Tebrio due to the quality of its products, coupled with an interesting financial return. All of this is linked to the high biological safety guarantees offered by the Tenebrio molitor insect, which guarantees our investment. We are proud to work with partners who share our values and are committed to developing solutions that benefit everyone. Together, we are sowing the seeds of positive change, cultivating a more just and healthy world for generations to come".   Tebrio, world leader in the production and processing of the Tenebrio molitor insect, currently has a 3,500 square meter production plant, from which hundreds of tons of protein, fat, biofertilizer, and chitosan are produced each year. Tebrio began operations in 2014 with the mission of providing innovative and 100% sustainable solutions for the agri-food industry. Its areas of focus are food safety, sustainability, and the circular economy model.   -----------------------------------------------------------------------
TEBRIO Tebrio is the world leader in the production and processing of the Tenebrio molitor insect. Based in Salamanca, Spain, it utilizes proprietary patented industrial technology and machinery in over 150 countries to address the technological challenge of industrializing the mass breeding of insects. Its processes allow for the commercialization of four main products: protein and fat for animal feed; organic fertilizers for soil and plant nutrition; and polymers for various industrial biotechnological uses. All of this is based on sustainable industrial solutions that position Tebrio as a zero-waste company, with a carbon footprint lower than any other natural-based solution. Tebrio requires 90% less water and 80% less arable land, so its products, when used as raw materials for the base of animal and plant feed, help reduce the carbon footprint of current livestock and agricultural models. Additionally, the company does not emit greenhouse gases, including methane and ammonia.   CDTI The CDTI Innovation is the Agency of the Ministry of Science and Innovation that supports knowledge-based innovation, providing advice and public funding for innovation through grants or partially repayable aid for innovation projects and managing pre-commercial public procurement projects. Additionally, through the Innvierte Economía Sostenible initiative, it supports and facilitates the capitalization of technology companies. To date, the CDTI, through Innvierte, has committed more than €390 million to 20 investment vehicles that have invested in more than 240 companies, and through its co-investment line has directly committed more than €300 million to over 120 companies. CDTI Innovation also facilitates the internationalization of R&D and innovation projects of Spanish companies and entities and manages the participation of Spanish companies in international R&D organizations such as Horizon Europe and Eureka, and in the Space Science and Technology industries. The Center for the Development of Technology and Innovation, E.P.E. (CDTI) is a public entity under the Ministry of Science and Innovation.   GPC GPC is a Family Office based in Madrid, although its operational offices are located in Salamanca. Given the professional nature of its members, GPC's main projects include strategic investments in start-ups and companies related to the agri-food industry, in the Pharma world as well as in the field of renewable energies, without detriment to any other business project and with a clear focus on sustainability and social impact.   Source: Tebrio

17/09/2024

Tenebrio Molitor: Insect protein that helps control allergic dermatitis

Food allergies are a more common problem than we often think for the pets we live with. Almost a third of the world's dog population suffers from a more or less severe intolerance during their lifetime. Sometimes, they manifest through intense itching in areas, such as the paws, back, or abdomen. Sometimes, they develop into flaking of the skin. And in some cases they lead to rashes, loss of fur and other secondary lesions caused by scratching, which can even trigger a dangerous bacterial infection if not treated in time. They also often cause gastrointestinal problems, ranging from vomiting to diarrhoea to upset stomach inflammation, or recurrent ear infections due to sustained irritation of the ear canals. And even respiratory problems.   Among the most allergenic foods are animal proteins, which at the same time, and under normal conditions, are essential for the correct development of our pets. Of these animal proteins, the ones that cause most intolerances are beef, followed by lamb, chicken, and fish. All of them are usually included in the formulation of the most balanced feeds we can find on the market, together with wheat, maize, soya, and dairy products, the other commonly consumed ingredients that can cause the most problems of this type.   Detecting these intolerances is not always easy, as the same symptoms may respond to other types of skin problems or illnesses of a different nature. But if there are suspicions, a provocation test and elimination of certain ingredients from the diet can help us to clear up doubts and find solutions.   Hypoallergenic protein   Fortunately, there are alternatives. One of them is the protein from the Tenebrio molitor or mealworm, a extremely versatile insect that offers top-quality ingredients for animal feed. The meal that Tebrio has managed to extract from this coleoptera not only achieves 72% crude novel protein, but is also more than 90% digestible and highly palatable.              Studies carried out in recent years have also revealed that it has a regulating effect on the microbiota, which promotes the balance of the intestinal flora and improves the animal's immune response in periods in which, for one reason or another, there has been a drop in the level of defences. Furthermore, and this is particularly important when it comes to allergies, our pet's organism will not have an acquired memory of the protein of this insect, so it will be much less likely to cause a diet-induced skin alteration.   In this regard, a recent clinical trial conducted by scientists at Chungbuk University in South Korea reveals that this ingredient has a high degree of hypoallergenicity. This research was carried out on 19 atopic dogs that also suffered from adverse skin reactions to food.   They were classified into 3 groups. The first group of seven individuals received an insect-based diet. The second group of six dogs was given a salmon diet. And the third, of six others, fed a commercial or homemade diet that was also hypoallergenic in principle. The experiment was spread over twelve weeks. The degree of lesions was assessed according to the Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index (CADESI-4). At the same time, transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and the pruritus visual analogue scale (PVAS) were also evaluated.   Well, after 8 weeks, the group of dogs fed on Tenebrio molitor protein showed a significant decrease in CADESI score compared to the other two groups. The same was true after 12 weeks. Also, there was a decrease in transepidermal water loss at the end of the two and a half month test. And although the study universe, the number of animals surveyed, was small, the scientists concluded that the preliminary results reinforced the thesis that mealworm protein can help to reduce skin barrier dysfunction and the severity of skin lesions. Including those that the animal inflicts on itself in an attempt to soothe the itching it suffers.   A unique molecular structure   Insect-based diets have already been used in veterinary medicine to optimise production in industrial farms and fisheries for species, such as pigs, poultry, freshwater and saltwater fish, and shellfish. And since 2015, they have also been used to diagnose and treat food-associated allergic skin disorders. In Europe alone, there are dozens of pet foods that integrate insect protein and fat.   All indications suggest that Tenebrio molitor protein has a unique molecular structure, both in terms of its amino acid sequence and its three-dimensional conformation. And that these differences mean that it goes unnoticed by the animal's immune system, which ultimately reduces the risk of triggering an allergic reaction. Because, in addition, their appropriate processing can also reduce the presence of potential allergens considerably, increasing the degree of tolerance in sensitive animals.   At the same time, mealworm protein meal strengthens the immune system, as it contains low molecular weight antimicrobial peptides and an optimal proportion of fatty acids. It not only strengthens the intestinal flora, but also has antioxidant properties and can mitigate certain cell damage.   Similarly, the fat extracted from the larva is rich in Omega 6 and 9, unsaturated fatty acids (>70%) and a natural source of oleic, linoleic and alpha linolenic acids. It has anti-inflammatory properties and such a low acidity that it is ideal for premium feed formulation.   Sustainable feed   And all this, with a low environmental footprint, is far lower than that of other conventional protein sources. According to consumption figures for the last decade, in 2014 the pet sector needed 36 billion kilos of food to meet global demand. Today it requires 57 billion. And next year, it will reach 60 billion as, far from stalling, the pet population continues to grow. And there is no sign of it slowing down. Especially in Europe, North America, and South America. Hence the importance and urgency of finding alternative sources of supply to relieve the pressure on the global animal protein market. And the need for these new resources to be environmentally friendly.   From this perspective, insects represent an opportunity worth exploring. Their rearing and processing on an industrial scale emits very little greenhouse gas emissions and produces no waste of any kind. Similarly, the quality and safety of the ingredients obtained from them are fully tested and approved by health authorities. And their production requires infinitely fewer natural resources than any other farm to bring a comparatively much higher volume of protein to market. This allows us to optimise the use of available arable land and water to get the most out of nature's assets without exhausting them.   The petfood industry has a promising future ahead, although it will have to continue innovating as it has done so far in order to find new functional ingredients that respond to specific nutritional and health concerns. And at the same time, it will have to adapt to the environmental requirements demanded not only by regulators, but also by customers.     By Sabas de Diego, CTO at Tebrio, Spain   Sabas has an academic background in Chemical Engineering and 20 years of experience in the agri-food sector. In 2014, he founded Tebrio together with Adriana Casillas, leading the technological development and supervising the team of engineers and scientists on which lies the activity of a pioneering company worldwide in the breeding and processing of insects. Previously, he headed the technical team at the Maguisa slaughterhouse in Salamanca, where he developed an in-depth knowledge of the agri-food industry and the legislation that regulates it. During this time, he managed R&D projects in the swine sector and managed budgets in upwards of 12 million euros.   Source: All Pet Food Magazine