07/07/2026

Black Soldier Fly Larva Meal: A Sustainable and Functional Protein Source for Pet Food

By Josiane Volpato

A New Scenario for Proteins in the Pet Food Industry   In this scenario, the pet food industry has been looking for alternatives that simultaneously meet nutritional, technological, and environmental requirements, promoting innovation without compromising the quality of the final products.
  Among the main trends, the partial or total replacement of traditional protein sources, such as poultry viscera meals, meat and bone meal, fish meal, and soybean meal, with more sustainable ingredients with less environmental impact stands out. In this context, black soldier fly larva meal (Hermetia illucens or BSF) has gained prominence as a promising solution to the current challenges of the production chain.
  The production of this ingredient is directly related to the ability of the larvae to convert organic waste into biomass of high nutritional value. This process, known as bioconversion, allows the use of agro-industrial by-products, reducing waste and contributing to circular economy models. In this way, BSF flour not only meets nutritional demands but is also part of a broader sustainability strategy in the pet food sector.
  From a nutritional point of view, BSF flour has a variable protein content, usually between 35% and 60%, depending on the substrate used in the larvae and the industrial processing applied. Although this content is considered intermediate compared to some conventional sources, the ingredient stands out for the quality of its protein and amino acid profile, suitable for the nutritional requirements of dogs and cats.
  In addition, BSF flour has a high lipid content, especially lauric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid associated with antimicrobial properties and potential benefits to intestinal health. This differentiated lipid composition can contribute not only to the energy value of diets but also to important functional effects in the animals' bodies.     Recent studies also indicate additional benefits associated with the use of BSF flour in extruded diets, including improvements in skin integrity, coat quality, and antioxidant response. These effects are possibly related to the presence of bioactive compounds and the quality of the nutrients present in the ingredient.
  Another relevant point is the presence of minerals, such as calcium and phosphorus, at significant levels, as well as essential amino acids, e.g., methionine and tyrosine. The higher concentration of tyrosine, in particular, has been highlighted as a differential of BSF flour, reinforcing its nutritional potential in complete formulations.
  In addition, BSF flour contains compounds with potential prebiotic and antibacterial action, which can contribute to the modulation of gut microbiota and the maintenance of digestive health. This set of characteristics makes the ingredient attractive not only as a source of protein but also as a functional component in diets for dogs and cats.
  Because it is an alternative protein and still little used on a large scale, BSF flour also has potential application in hypoallergenic diets, being an interesting option for animals with food sensitivities to conventional proteins, such as chicken, beef or soy.   Digestibility: The Critical Point of Formulation for a Sustainable Future in Pet Food   Digestibility is one of the main criteria for evaluating the quality of new ingredients in animal nutrition. In this aspect, BSF flour presents consistent results, with protein digestibility coefficients similar to those observed in diets formulated with traditional ingredients.
  Studies indicate that inclusion levels ranging from 5% to 20% result in apparent protein digestibility of 83% to 84%, values compatible with those observed in conventional diets. These results demonstrate that the ingredient is efficiently used by the animals' bodies, without compromising fecal quality.
  In addition to the protein fraction, the lipid digestibility of BSF flour is also noteworthy, being frequently high due to the presence of medium-chain fatty acids, which are easier to digest and absorb when compared to long-chain fatty acids.
  The presence of chitin, a structural polysaccharide in the exoskeleton of larvae, represents another important aspect from a nutritional point of view. Chitin can act as a functional fiber, contributing to the modulation of the gut microbiota and the formation of stools with better consistency. However, its effect depends directly on the level of inclusion and processing of the ingredient, and can, at high concentrations, interfere with the digestibility of nutrients.
  Thus, the use of BSF flour requires an adequate balance in the formulation of diets, in order to maximize its functional benefits without compromising nutritional use.     Palatability and Acceptance by Animals    Another determining factor for the practical application of the ingredient is palatability. The acceptance of food by animals is one of the main indicators of commercial success, especially in diets for cats, which have more selective feeding behavior.
  In general, the inclusion of BSF flour does not compromise the intake, and good acceptance is observed in both dogs and cats. However, studies indicate that this factor is strongly dependent on the level of inclusion.
  Lower levels of substitution, such as 3%, maintain intake similar to the control diet and may even stimulate the animals' initial interest in the food. On the other hand, higher levels, such as 6%, tend to reduce intake and preference. This effect may be associated with the lipid composition of the larvae, especially the higher content of medium-chain fatty acids, which can influence the sensory perception of food.
  Thus, the definition of the appropriate level of inclusion is essential to ensure the acceptance of the final product, with moderate inclusion being the most suitable strategy for commercial formulations.
  In addition to the nutritional and functional aspects, BSF flour has significant environmental advantages when compared to traditional protein sources. Its production requires less use of natural resources, such as water and agricultural areas, in addition to resulting in lower greenhouse gas emissions.
  The ability of larvae to convert organic waste into high-value protein allows the use of by-products that would otherwise be discarded, contributing to the reduction of the environmental impact of the production chain.
  Another important point is production efficiency. Insect farming has better feed conversion and lower need for inputs when compared to conventional livestock, making it a viable alternative for more sustainable production systems.
  This set of characteristics positions BSF flour as an ingredient in line with the main global trends in the pet food industry, which seeks to integrate nutritional performance, innovation, and environmental responsibility.
  In conclusion, black soldier fly larva meal consolidates as a strategic ingredient for the pet food industry, bringing together nutritional quality, functionality, and environmental benefits. Its use allows the development of more sustainable diets without compromising digestibility, fecal quality, or acceptance by animals, representing a promising solution for the future of dog and cat nutrition. By Bruna Cavalari Santello; Laura Cicília Cassol da Silva; Douglas Melo de Souza; Lorenna Nicole Araújo Santos; Josiane Aparecida Volpato
Source: All Pet Food Magazine
  References
ABD EL-WAHAB, A.; et al. Insect larvae meal (Hermetia illucens) as a sustainable protein source of canine food and its impacts on nutrient digestibility and fecal quality. Animals, Basel, v. 11, n. 9, p. 2525, 2021. BOSCH, G.; VERVOORT, J. J. M.; HENDRIKS, W. H. In vitro digestibility and fermentability of selected insects for dog foods. Animal Feed Science and Technology, v.221, p.174–184, 2016.  CARDOSO, R. K. N. FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF BAHIA (UFBA). Nutritional evaluation of black soldier fly larva meal in extruded diets for dogs and effect on intestinal health. Salvador: Repositório da UFBA, 20 (thesis/dissertation). 2 Jul. 2024. CARVALHO, L. C.; et al. Possible use of insect meal in the diet of dogs and cats. Caderno de Ciências Agrárias-UFMG, 2016. DE ANDRADE, G. C.; et al. Alternative foods for the formulation of diets for dogs and cats. Animal Science, v. 35, n. 2, p. 45-56, 2025. FREEL, T. A.; MCCOMB, A.; KOUTSOS, E. A. Digestibility and safety of dry black soldier fly larvae meal and black soldier fly larvae oil in dogs. Journal of Animal Science, v. 99, n.3, 15 fev. 2021. GONÇALVES, C. A.; RIBEIRO, G. B.; AFONSO, M. V. R. Assessment of population knowledge about breeding and management of dogs and cats. Veterinária Notícias (Online), v.1, n.1, p.1-11, 2022. KWAKERNAAK, C.; et al. Apparent nutrient digestibility, metabolizable energy and apparent ileal amino acid digestibility of commercial partially defatted Hermetia illucens meal for laying hens. Journal of Insects as Food and Feed, p. 1–12, 8 dez. 2023. LAYNE, C.A. My dog is in teletherapy with me: The impact of a pet dog on their owner's teletherapy session, 2023. 154p. (Tese de Doutorado em Community Care and Counseling). Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA, 2023. Liu, X.; et al. Dynamic changes of nutrient composition throughout the entire life cycle of black soldier fly. PLOS ONE, v. 12, n. 8, e0182601, 2017. Lu, S.; et al. 'Nutritional Composition of Black Soldier Fly Larvae (Hermetia illucens L.) and Its Potential Uses as Alternative Protein Sources in Animal Diets: A Review.' Insects vol. 13,9 831. 13 Sep. 2022. VALDÉS, F. V.; et al. Insects as Feed for Companion and Exotic Pets: A Current Trend. Animals, v. 12, n. 11, p. 1450, 3 jun. 2022. Hyuck Kim, et al. Evaluation of black soldier fly larvae reared on different organic substrates on nutrient digestibility and palatability in cats. J Anim Sci Technol 2025; 67(2):477-488.
PENAZZI, L.; et al. In vivo and in vitro Digestibility of an Extruded Complete Dog Food Containing Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae Meal as Protein Source. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, v. 8, 11 jun. 2021.  Silva Carvalho, R. et al. Effect of feeding a diet based on black soldier fly larvae meal on canine skin barrier function, organic antioxidant defense, and blood biochemistry. 2024. Arquivos de Nutrição Animal , 78 (2), 159–176. 

09/06/2026

From Alga to Bowl: Astaxanthin Supports Pet Health 

Owing to the ongoing anthropomorphism of pets, owners are taking a closer look at what they're feeding their beloved companions. Just as they themselves are opting for healthier and cleaner-label nutrition—and starting to consider the associated environmental aspects—, owners want to ensure that the same standards apply to their pet's meals. This is manifesting as a shift towards providing fresh food or preferentially selecting more natural or organic pet food products.

Overall, the pet food sector is witnessing continuous growth. The market size in Europe is estimated to be worth $55 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach a value of more than $78 billion by 2029 (growing at a CAGR of approximately 7%).1 Next to classic feed compounds, such as grain or meat, novel functional ingredients are gaining traction in this developing market. Many of these components can be both integrated into feed grades as well as pet-friendly nutraceuticals. One example is carotenoids, which are not only known for their vibrant yellow, orange, or red colours, but also for their antioxidant attributes. One carotenoid with a particularly high antioxidant power—110 times more than vitamin E—is astaxanthin. 

In nature, the most abundant source of astaxanthin is a tiny microalga called Haematococcus pluvialis. Although astaxanthin has a long history as an ingredient in human supplements, its beneficial effects were first discovered in the marine world regarding the survival and reproduction rates of salmon. Research on astaxanthin in aquaculture was also the basis for the Swedish company, AstaReal's business. The organisation was the first to produce natural astaxanthin on an industrial level and, as the subject of more than 70 clinical studies on humans and animals, it owns today's most researched astaxanthin brand in the market.
Species-Specific Research
'We wanted to understand what this might mean for different kinds of animals, so we started using the ingredient in trials with cats and dogs,' says Peter Ahlm, Head of Marketing & Sales at AstaReal. Distinct research on targeted animals is indispensable when it comes to developing a safe and efficacious product; effects might vary between species, and it's imperative to optimise the amount of ingredients to be dispensed.

There is a growing body of evidence for various positive effects of natural astaxanthin on pets' health, many of which show a similar pattern to humans. For instance, astaxanthin can support canine mobility, endurance, and muscle recovery; the cardiovascular system; cognitive function; attentiveness and at the cellular level, the mitochondria.2–5 Moreover, natural astaxanthin supplementation in dogs and cats could enhance their innate defence systems and improve both their cell-mediated and humoral immune responses.6,7 Astaxanthin also has shown potential to improve impaired vision due to age-related conditions like cloudy lenses in dogs.8 

'The recorded health effects may seem quite diverse; however, they are all rooted in astaxanthin's unique molecular structure. Due to its linear, polar-nonpolar-polar molecular layout, natural astaxanthin can effectively penetrate and traverse the cell and mitochondria membranes and neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS) in both the hydrophobic interior and hydrophilic exterior boundaries. In addition to providing better protection to the cells and their powerhouses against oxidative stress, natural astaxanthin also has anti-inflammatory effects that support multiple bodily organs and systems.' -  Behnaz Shakersain, Scientific Affairs Manager at AstaReal.
Scoring with Natural Astaxanthin Options
As neither humans nor animals can produce astaxanthin in their bodies, they can only benefit from its protective functions through nutritional intake. To obtain effective amounts, dogs are generally recommended to be fed 1 mg of astaxanthin per 10 kg body weight, which equates to about two wild King salmon fillets for a beagle or three for a golden retriever per day. Feed or treats rich in astaxanthin might offer an easier and more sustainable solution in many cases. 

Natural algae-derived versions of astaxanthin offer additional advantages, such as higher levels of antioxidant potency. Moreover, algae play an essential role in the planet's ecosystem, and being recognised as a renewable resource resonates strongly with responsible consumers. If algae are cultivated indoors, they can be better protected from environmental harm or contamination, and the yield of astaxanthin-rich algal biomass has a higher quality profile. 

Developing a formula with healthy ingredients is only the first step, according to Peter Ahlm: 'Pet food manufacturers also need to make sure that their product will remain stable and nutritious throughout its intended shelf-life. Bioactive substances are particularly prone to interact with other compounds in multi-ingredient formulations or can degrade during harsh production processes, such as extrusion or pelleting.' 

To minimize such risks and protect the power of astaxanthin, AstaReal uses encapsulation in its animal nutrition brand NOVASTA®. Its recently launched NOVASTA® EB15 can be mixed into pet food or added to supplements and consists of algal flour (32%) encapsulated in rapeseed oil with a final astaxanthin concentration of 1.5%. Due to encapsulation, it can be better incorporated into challenging formulations, such as pellets, meal mixes, and soft chews, which are more likely to be exposed to air at ambient temperature.

If manufacturers are sensitive to the shifting demands of pet parents and are willing to combine health with sustainability trends, they are well set. Algal astaxanthin can play an assisting role in these efforts. Thanks to its antioxidant and multifunctional effects, it naturally supports the well-being of our four-legged friends while stemming from a futureproof source.
Futureproof Feeding
One of today's major challenges is how to feed the planet sustainably. In search of plant-based sources for both human and animals, algae are gaining attention. Algae are relatively easy to cultivate, are nutritious, and being considered as more sustainable than several conventional crops. One precious and health-promoting ingredient that algae offer is astaxanthin. AstaReal derives the carotenoid from the micoralgae Haematococcus pluvialis that are being cultivated indoor in specially designed photobioreactors. The company applies a unique system to reuse the excess heat produced during the algae cultivation process to heat up 2500 apartments in the nearby residential area, aiming to continuously reduce their carbon footprint.   By AstaReal
Source: All Pet Food Magazine
References
1.    Mordor Intelligence. 'Europe Pet Food Market SIZE & SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS & FORECASTS UP TO 2029.' https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/pet-food-market-in-europe-industry. Accessed Feb. 23, 2024.
2.    B.M. Zanghi, et al., 'Effects of Postexercise Feeding of a Supplemental Carbohydrate and Protein Bar with or without Astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis to Exercise-Conditioned Dogs,' Am. J. Vet. Res. 76(4), 338–350 (2015).
3.    T. Murai, et al., 'Effects of Astaxanthin Supplementation in Healthy and Obese Dogs,' Veterinary Medicine: Research and Reports 10, 29–35 (2019).
4.    National Center for Biotechnology Information. 'PubChem Patent Summary for US-9820497-B2, Astaxanthin-containing pet foods.' https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/patent/US-9820497-B2. Accessed Feb. 23, 2024.
5.    J.S. Park, et al., 'Astaxanthin Modulates Age-Associated Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Healthy Dogs,' Journal of Animal Science 91(1), 268–275 (2013).
6.    B.P. Chew, et al., 'Dietary Astaxanthin Enhances Immune Response in Dogs,' Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology 140(3–4), 199–206 (2011).
7.    J.S. Park, et al., 'Astaxanthin Stimulates Cell-Mediated and Humoral Immune Responses in Cats,' Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology 144, 455–461 (2011).
8.    W. Wang, et al., 'Antioxidant Supplementation Increases Retinal Responses and Decreases Refractive Error Changes in Dogs,' Journal of Nutritional Science 5, E18 (2016).

02/06/2026

Unlock Innovative Possibilities in Wet Pet Food Formulation with the Power of Faba Bean Protein

Demand for wet pet food is on the rise, with the segment's growth being driven by pet owners looking for premium and nutritionally balanced pet food with good palatability.i At the same time, consumers increasingly want to see more plant-based offerings that also reflect their own sustainability values. In response to these evolving expectations, BENEO has conducted a new set of technical trials to explore the potential of its faba bean protein concentrate as a functional, plant-based ingredient for wet pet food.
Exploring Alternatives to Animal Blood Plasma
In premium and super-premium wet pet food, maintaining consistent product quality is essential. These products typically contain at least 50 wt% total moisture, and their quality is standardised and maintained through the addition of spray-dried animal blood plasma (ABP). This ingredient provides excellent texturizing and emulsifying properties but can come at a high cost. Moreover, due to its animal origin, ABP is increasingly perceived as undesirable by consumers who increasingly want more plant-based ingredient options for their pets.
  To address these challenges, BENEO initiated a series of technical trials in collaboration with Passion4Food, a specialist service provider for the pet food industry. The objective was to evaluate whether faba bean protein concentrate could be used as a suitable and cost-effective alternative to ABP in wet pet food formulations.
Technical Trials Confirm Strong Functional Performance
The initial trials investigated the performance of BENEO's faba bean protein concentrate when partially (50%) or fully (100%) replacing ABP in high-protein wet pet food loaves (paté format). The results showed that the ingredient could be successfully used for both full and partial ABP replacement, with no significant change in the end product's weight or texture. This means producers can maintain desired product quality while achieving considerable cost savings compared to ABP. Based on these promising results, BENEO carried out follow-up trials using a test recipe suitable for commercial scalability.  

As part of the following additional trials, the same percentages of ABP and faba bean protein concentrate were used and compared to a test recipe in which ABP was partially replaced at 50% with pea protein concentrate.
  The data demonstrated that BENEO's faba bean protein concentrate acted as an excellent and cost-effective alternative binder to ABP, with no significant changes observed in loaf height, weight, hardness, or adhesiveness. In contrast, the partial replacement of ABP with pea protein concentrate led to a significant decrease in hardness, indicating that faba bean protein concentrate provides a higher binding capacity in wet pet food loaves. This makes it a valuable ingredient for maintaining the desired texture of the end-product while reducing reliance on animal-derived binders.  
Patent Application Supports Scientific Innovation
Following these successful results, BENEO filed an international patent application for the use of faba bean protein concentrate as an alternative to spray-dried animal blood plasma in wet pet food. The patent application was published in August 2025, underscoring BENEO's dedication to research-based innovation and functional ingredient development for the pet food industry.
Nutritional and Formulation Advantages
Beyond its technical and cost benefits, BENEO's faba bean protein concentrate also provides strong nutritional value. With a protein content of 61 g per 100 g on a dry matter basis and an ileal digestibility score of almost 90%, it is a highly digestible source of protein. Its amino acid profile is relatively rich in lysine and can complement cereal proteins, such as rice protein or vital wheat gluten, to achieve a complete essential amino acids profile.

The ingredient also provides flexibility for product positioning. It is listed in the EU Catalogue of Feed Materialsii and can be used in formulations that carry 'no grain' claims.
Contributing to Sustainable and Locally Sourced Solutions
Sustainability has become an increasingly important consideration for both consumers and producers. BENEO's faba bean protein concentrate offers strong sustainability credentials linked to the faba bean crop and to BENEO's local sourcing and production processes in Germany. Local production in the new state-of-the-art pulse-processing plant, located in Obrigheim, further supports short transport distances, secures supply and reduces the environmental impact compared to more resource-intensive ingredients.
  Dr Maygane Ronsmans, Product Manager Animal Nutrition at BENEO, comments:

'With two in three pet owners considering plant-based proteins to be better for the environmentiii, demand has grown for sustainable and locally sourced vegetal protein ingredients. As the technical trials show, BENEO's faba bean protein concentrate offers pet food manufacturers a win-win scenario: producers can decrease their recipe costs while benefitting from secure supply and meeting consumer expectations for more sustainable and plant-based pet foods, without impacting the quality of the end-product.'
Supporting the Next Generation of Wet Pet Food Innovation
The findings from BENEO's trials confirm that faba bean protein concentrate combines functionality, nutritional quality and sustainability. It performs effectively as a binder in wet pet food, delivers a high level of digestible protein, and provides a viable alternative to animal blood plasma in applications where consistency and texture are key.
  For pet food manufacturers, this opens the door to new formulation strategies that balance technical performance, cost efficiency and environmental responsibility. As the market continues to evolve, ingredients such as BENEO's faba bean protein concentrate can help producers meet consumer expectations for more plant-based, locally sourced and high-quality products.
  Interested in learning more about BENEO's ingredient solutions? Find more details here  By BENEO
Source: All Pet Food Magazine References
i Wet Pet Food Market Analysis - Size, Share, and Forecast Outlook 2025 to 2035, Future Market Insights Inc, 2024. 
ii Commission Regulation (EU) No 68/2013 of 16 January 2013 on the Catalogue of feed materials – Faba bean protein concentrate is listed under entry 3.7.5: 'Horse bean protein' 
iii BENEO Consumer Research On Pet Care 2025. FMCG Gurus conducted a quantitative online survey in 2025 with 2.500 pet owners in the US, Brazil, UK, Germany, and China (250 cat and 250 dog owners per country).

21/05/2026

Grain-Free Pet Food for Cats and Dogs  

WHAT ARE 'GRAIN-FREE' PET FOODS?
Pet foods that are sold as 'grain-free' typically do not contain grains. Grain-free foods typically contain ingredients such as pulses including beans, chickpeas, and lentils, and can also include tubers (e.g., potatoes). More recently, grain free pet foods have become a popular feeding choice for some pet owners.
  WHAT ARE GRAINS?
Grains (cereals) are a group of ingredients that contain mainly starch as well as varying amounts of protein, fibre, lipids, vitamins, and minerals and are used in pet foods. Grain examples include rice, corn, wheat, barley, sorghum and oats.   WHAT ARE PULSES?
Pulses are defined as the dried edible seeds of plants in the legume family1. Examples of pulses include dried beans, broad beans/faba beans, peas, chickpeas/garbanzo beans, and lentils. Pulses contain starch (typically at levels lower than cereals) as well as protein (at levels higher than cereals), fibre and some lipids, vitamins and minerals.   DOES 'GRAIN-FREE' MEAN CARBOHYDRATE FREE?
Carbohydrates, which include starches and fibres, are an important source of energy and promote digestive health. Carbohydrates are present in ingredients typically found in 'grain-free' recipes for instance in pulses (e.g., beans, chickpeas, lentils, etc.), potatoes, and sweet potatoes.

Starch plays a crucial role in the manufacture of dry pet food. For more information about the role of carbohydrates in pet food see the FEDIAF factsheet on carbohydrates2.
  WHAT IS GLUTEN AND WHERE DO YOU FIND IT?
Gluten is a type of protein. It is found in some cereal grains (wheat, barley, and rye). Gluten can be used to bind items together, such as in bread. Gluten is composed of two main proteins – glutenin and gliadin, with gliadin making up 70% of the protein content. Wheat gluten intolerance is very rare in dogs and has not been reported in cats. It is recommended to consult with your veterinarian if you think your pet could benefit from a gluten-free diet. There are many ingredients commonly believed to contain gluten that are actually gluten-free, including quinoa, buckwheat, rice, millet, and maize (corn).   ARE 'GRAIN-FREE' PET FOODS HEALTHIER?
The most important consideration when deciding what diet to feed is whether it provides complete and balanced nutrition. If there is too much of one nutrient and not enough of others, it will impact the pet's health. This principle is true regardless of whether the pet food contains grain or not.
  The best way to ensure a healthy diet is to feed a complete food appropriate to the pet and their life stage. Your veterinary health care team can help select an adequate food for each case. For those that prefer grain-free pet food, there is a good selection of products on the market.   ARE 'GRAIN-FREE' DIETS BETTER FOR PETS WITH ALLERGIES?
While adverse reactions to food do occur in pets, the true prevalence of dietary intolerance or allergy in pets is unknown but thought to be rare. Reports vary, however one review found that cutaneous adverse food reactions (CAFR) – which include allergies as well as intolerances – have a prevalence of between 1-2% of dogs and 0.2% of cats, presented to veterinarians3. It is important to remember that not all allergies are linked to food e.g., fleabite allergy, and it is important to investigate all potential causes with your veterinarian.
  Whilst a very small number of pets, like humans, may be intolerant or allergic to a particular grain, this does not mean that other grains are not tolerated, that all pets will be affected, or that any one grain is inherently bad for the health of pets.
  Available research has highlighted that the most common proven allergens for cats and dogs are protein sources and include beef, chicken, fish, and dairy products4. Owners concerned about dietary intolerances or allergies should always speak to their veterinarian. It is important to work closely with your veterinarian to determine the cause of your pet's allergy. An allergic response can occur to any protein, including those contained in cereals and pulses. Specialized diets are available that are designed for the reduction of food intolerances and allergies.   ARE 'GRAIN-FREE' DIETS LINKED TO HEART PROBLEMS IN DOGS?
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) opened an investigation into the occurrence of non-hereditary dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs in 2018, when they noted an association between reported cases of DCM and some diets containing a very high proportion of pulses and/or potatoes5,6. Diets reported included both 'grain-free' and grain-containing formulations. In some cases of DCM, a change in diet is part of the treatment as it can result in clinical improvement. Research to examine a potential cause has been inconclusive to date.
  The FDA is also continuing to explore the role of genetics, underlying medical conditions, and/or other factors in DCM. The FDA did not recall any products at any time. In December 2022, FDA issued a statement saying that it does not intend to release further public updates on DCM and diets until there is meaningful new scientific information to share.
  If you have any questions relating to DCM it is recommended that you talk to your veterinarian. Source: FEDIAF
  References
Ingredient Definitions | IPIC – International Pulse Ingredient Consortium (pulseingredients.com). ↩︎
Carbohydrates in dog and cat food | FEDIAF (europeanpetfood.org) ↩︎
Olivry T, Mueller RS. Critically appraised topic on adverse food reactions of companion animals (3): prevalence of cutaneous adverse food reactions in dogs and cats. BMC Vet Res. 2017 Feb;13(1):51. doi: 10.1186/s12917-017-0973-z. PMID: 28202060; PMCID: PMC5311844. ↩︎
Mueller RS, Olivry T, Prélaud P. Critically appraised topic on adverse food reactions of companion animals (2): common food allergen sources in dogs and cats. BMC Vet Res. 2016 Jan 12;12:9. doi: 10.1186/s12917-016-0633-8. PMID: 26753610; PMCID: PMC4710035. ↩︎
FDA Investigation into Potential Link between Certain Diets and Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy | FDA ↩︎
Questions & Answers: FDA's Work on Potential Causes of Non-Hereditary DCM in Dogs | FDA ↩︎

22/04/2026

Symrise Invests in Bond Pet Foods to Accelerate Sustainable Innovation in Pet Nutrition Via Precision Fermentation  

Symrise today announced a strategic equity investment in Bond Pet Foods, a U.S.-based biotechnology company that uses precision fermentation to produce animal-identical proteins complementing the existing pet food portfolio of Symrise. The partnership supports Symrise's ambition to develop biotech-enabled ingredients that work better for pets and the planet, strengthening the long-term competitiveness and sustainability leadership of Symrise Pet Food.
  With this partnership, Symrise will leverage Bond Pet Foods' technology to help address key industry challenges, including supply-chain continuity and growing consumer demand for sustainable products that diversify the source of pet food ingredients. For pet food manufacturers, the collaboration aims to broaden access to high-quality proteins while supporting resilience and responsible sourcing.
  'This investment marks an important step in advancing our strategy to develop next-generation sustainable ingredients with biotechnology. By combining Bond's fermentation capabilities with Symrise's application expertise and market insight, we can deliver high-performance nutrition solutions and create new growth opportunities for our customers,' said Diego Maurizio, General Manager, Palatability & Nutrition Business Line at Symrise.
  Founded in 2017, Bond Pet Foods develops animal-identical proteins for pet nutrition using precision fermentation. The company has progressed its platform through several development agreements, building expertise in bringing novel protein ingredients toward real-world application.
  'We have put great effort into building a new way to produce animal-identical proteins for pet food applications. Now, we find it exciting to see that work gaining traction across the industry", said Rich Kelleman, CEO of Bond Pet Foods. "Partnering with Symrise marks an important step forward bringing their deep expertise in pet nutrition and taste to further expand how our ingredients perform and can be used by pet food manufacturers,'
  "This investment advances our ambition to scale biotechnology across our business. With this, we aim at effectively supporting long-term resilience, portfolio diversification, and a stronger innovation pipeline", says Walter Ribeiro, President Taste, Nutrition & Health at Symrise. "By helping our customers develop more sustainable pet food formulations, the collaboration reinforces Symrise's sustainability commitments and consumer-driven innovation strategy." Source: Symrise AG
About Bond Pet Foods Bond Pet Foods is a Boulder, Colorado-based company using precision fermentation to produce animal-identical proteins for the pet food industry. By combining yeast fermentation with food science, Bond creates high-quality animal-identical proteins that meet the nutritional needs of dogs and cats, while supporting a more sustainable and resilient food system.
  Bond supplies these ingredients to pet food manufacturers for use in food, treat, and supplement applications.
  The company's investors include leading funds and organizations across the biotechnology, ingredient, and pet nutrition sectors, including Genoa Ventures, Lever VC, ADM Ventures, Cavallo Ventures (Wilbur-Ellis), Agronomics, Thia Ventures, KBW Ventures, iSelect Fund, Stage 1 Fund, Plug and Play Ventures and Symrise North America. www.bondpets.com