Trends

5.0

5+ MIN

12/03/2024

Black Soldier Fly Larvae as an alternative protein source in pet diets

The use of insects as a protein source has gained considerable popularity in the pet and human food industries as the consumer agenda focuses more heavily on sustainability.3 Insects are commonly consumed as human food in many cultures around the globe.4-6 Of the insects most commonly being produced on a commercial scale, black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) have been given considerable attention, as they are cheap to raise and possess a unique nutritional composition.7,8 The utilization of BSFL as a sustainable protein source in feed for swine, poultry, and aquaculture has been studied extensively, and researchers are beginning to study BSFL in feed for companion animals as well.3,9,10 According to previous studies, the environmental impact of BSFL production is far less than that of conventional livestock production.11,12 Black soldier fly larvae have the unique ability to transform organic waste such as cow manure, sewage sludge, restaurant waste, and fish offal into valuable biofuels such as ethanol and biodiesel, however, the nutritional composition of BSFL will differ depending upon their diet.13,14 Recently, BSFL, as an alternative protein source in pet food, has been the subject of much investigation. Many studies have been done to evaluate the nutrient composition of BSFL, noting a high-quality composition of nutrients.15 Black soldier fly larvae are considered a complete protein for humans, meaning they contain all nine essential amino acids.21 In addition, BSFL has one of the highest amino-acid scores compared to conventional protein sources such as fish meal.16,17On average, BSFL contains approximately 400 grams of crude protein per kilogram of dry matter (DM) and 300 grams of crude fat per kilogram of DM.9,18 A recent study showed similar results when comparing BSFL (36.5% inclusion) and venison as the primary protein source in extruded dog kibble.15 In dogs, acceptability of dry kibble containing BSFL is good, with dogs accepting foods containing up to 20% inclusion rate of BSFL; however, acceptability is lower in cats, with acceptance up to 5% inclusion.19,20 When evaluating the sustainability, nutrient composition, digestibility, and acceptability of protein products to use in pet food, BSFL is comparable to conventional meat products. While adequate studies have shown that BSFL is an acceptable alternative protein source in pet diets, more studies to evaluate processing, digestibility, and palatability would be beneficial.17 By: Ada-Miette Thomas
Source: BSM Partners References American Pet Products Association. (n.d.). Industry trends and stats. APPA. https://www.americanpetproducts.org/research-insights/industry-trends-and-stats Sutton, A., Costa, N.D. 2023. The role of black soldier fly larval protein and fat in companion-animal nutrition: challenges and opportunities from an industry perspective. Animal production science. Wang, Y. S., Shelomi, M. 2017. Review of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) as animal feed and human food. Foods. 6(10):91. Paul, A., Frederich, M., Megido, R. C., Alabi, T., Malik, P., Uyttenbroeck, R., et al. 2017. Insect fatty acids: A comparison of lipids from three Orthopterans and Tenebrio molitor L. larvae. J. Asia-Pacific Entomology. 20(2):337-340. Paul, A., Frederich, M., Uyttenbroeck, R., Hatt, S., Malik, P., Lebecque, S., et al. 2016. Grasshoppers as a food source? A review. Biotechnologie, Agronomie, Société et Environnement, 20(AgricultureIsLife). Paul, A., Frederich, M., Uyttenbroeck, R., Malik, P., Filocco, S., Richel, A., et al. 2016. Nutritional composition and rearing potential of the meadow grasshopper (Chorthippus parallelus Zetterstedt). J. Asia-Pacific Entomology. 19(4):1111-1116. Star, L., Arsiwalla, T., Molist, F., Leushuis, R., Dalim, M., Paul, A. 2020. Gradual provision of live black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae to older laying hens: Effect on production performance, egg quality, feather condition and behavior. Anim. 10(2): 216. Schmitt, E., Belghit, I., Johansen, J., Leushuis, R., Lock, E. J., Melsen, D., et al. 2019. Growth and safety assessment of feed streams for black soldier fly larvae: A case study with aquaculture sludge. Anim. 9(4):189. Barragan-Fonseca, K.B., Dicke, M., van Loon, J.J. 2017. Nutritional value of the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens L.) and its suitability as animal feed– A review. J. Insects Food Feed. 3(2):105-120. Makkar, H. P., Tran, G., Heuzé, V., Ankers, P. 2014. State-of-the-art on use of insects as animal feed. Anim. Feed Sci. Technol. 197:1-33. Smetana, S., Schmitt, E., Mathys, A. 2019. Sustainable use of Hermetia illucens insect biomass for feed and food: Attributional and consequential life cycle assessment. Res. Conserv. Recylcing. 144:285-296. Gligorescu, A., Fischer, C.H., Larsen, P.F., Nørgaard, J.V., Heckman, L.H.L. 2020. Production and optimization of Hermetia illucens (L.) larvae reared on food waste and utilized as feed ingredient. Sustain. 12(23):9864. Van Huis, A., Van Itterbeeck, J., Klunder, H., Mertens, E., Halloran, A., Muir, G., Vantomme, P. 2013. Edible insects: Future prospects for food and feed security (No. 171). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Tomberlin, J.K., Cammack, J.A. 2017. Black soldier fly: Biology and mass production. Insects as food and feed: from production to consumption. Wageningen Academic Publishers, Wageningen, the Bosch, G., Zhang, S., Oonincx, D. G., & Hendriks, W.H. 2014. Protein quality of insects as potential ingredients for dog and cat foods. J. Nutr. Sci. 3(e29):231-246. Penazzi, L., Schiavone, A., Russo, N., Nery, J., Valle, E., Madrid, J., et al. 2021. In vivo and in vitro digestibility of an extruded complete dog food containing black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal as protein source. Front. Vet. Sci. 8:653411. Loho, L., Lo, D., Romulo, A. 2023. Amino acid analysis and physiological properties of protein concentrate made from Black Soldier Fly Larvae (Hermetia illucens). In IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science. 1200(1):012028.  Bosch, G., Swanson, K.S. 2021. Effect of using insects as feed on animals: Pet dogs and cats. J. Insect Food Feed. 7(5):795-805. Abd El-Wahab, A., Meyer, L., Kölln, M., Chuppava, B., Wilke, V., Visscher, C., Kamphues, J. 2021. Insect larvae meal (Hermetia illucens) as a sustainable protein source of canine food and its impacts on nutrient digestibility and fecal quality. Anim.11(9):2525. Yamka, R.M., Koutsos, E.A. and McComb, A., 2019. Evaluation of black soldier fly larvae as a protein and fat source in pet foods. Petfood Forum, Kansas City, MI, USA, pp. 8-9. Paßlack, N., & Zentek, J. (2018). Akzeptanz, Verträglichkeit und scheinbare Nährstoffverdaulichkeit von Alleinfuttermitteln auf Basis von Hermetia-illucens-Larvenmehl bei Katzen [Acceptance, tolerance and apparent nutrient digestibility of complete diets based on larvae meal of Hermetia illucens in cats]. Tierarztliche Praxis. Ausgabe K, Kleintiere/Heimtiere, 46(4), 213–221. https://doi.org/10.15654/TPK-180372 Miron, L., Montevecchi, G., Bruggeman, G., Macavei, L. I., Maistrello, L., Antonelli, A., & Thomas, M. (2023). Functional properties and essential amino acid composition of proteins extracted from black soldier fly larvae reared on canteen leftovers. Innovative Food Science & Emerging Technologies, 103407.

Trends

5.0

3+ MIN

04/03/2024

Grub’s up! Insect protein as pet food

Dog owners: how many times have you seen your pup chase a spider across the carpet and gobble it up? Dogs and cats are happy to eat insects in the wild; now they have the chance to eat them every day. Insect protein is on the rise as an alternative to animal protein in pet food. But is it nutritious enough for your furry friend? Read on to find out more about the rise of insect protein in pet food, its benefits, and how Sciantec can help.   How insect protein in pet food is taking wing   In 2019, the British Veterinary Association (BVA) publicly endorsed the use of insect protein in pet foods. Some insects, such as crickets, grasshoppers, and locusts, provide more protein than even meat and chicken eggs. However, research on how nutritious insects are is limited, and there are plenty of barriers to overcome before insect protein in pet food is widely accepted. The biggest barrier is legislation because processed animal protein in feed has been banned since the 90s. However, the EU is gradually starting to relax legislation. In May 2017, the EU partially lifted the feed ban rules regarding the use of insect processed animal proteins to be used in aquafeed. In September 2021, they could also be fed to poultry and pigs. At the end of last year, they also authorised insect waste (frass) for use in fertiliser to spread on our crops. There is also an EU non-for-profit organisation called the IPIFF: the International Platform of Insects for Food and Feed. This trade body represents 80+ members involved in insect feed and food, such as insect farms, on a legislative level. With these hurdles starting to be cleared, experts suggest that the market is now set to increase exponentially in less than 10 years. Some even project production to soar from about 10,000 metric tonnes today to 500,000 by 2030. The buzz around insect protein Now that the safety of insect protein seems to be more secure than before, we must ask if it is nutritious enough for our pets. Insects like crickets, mealworms, and black soldier flies offer stacks of rich, healthy proteins for your animal's diet. Farmed species can also contain high fat/oil content, mineral content, and vitamin levels, and have fantastic amino acid profiling. There is also some evidence that insects accumulate low quantities of heavy metals, mycotoxins, and pesticides. So, we might find the idea of eating creepy crawlies unpleasant, but the potential nutritional value of insect protein for animal feed is clear. To be sure, producers must undertake analysis from a specialist animal feed laboratory. How Sciantec can help We service several customers who use insect protein in pet food products. Nutritional analysis can include amino acid and fatty acid profiling, species specific energy calculations, crude protein, total oil, moisture and dry matter, crude ash, and more, helping our customers to ensure the safety and quality of their products. We also test for undesirable substances and contaminants to help producers remain compliant and safeguard public and animal health. With over 30 years' expertise in animal feed analysis and our extensive experience in the agriculture sector, we work closely with customers to undertake specialist research like determining the nutritional value of insect protein. We also deliver microbiology services to check feed and ingredients for Salmonella, E. coli, and other Enterobacteriaceae and help keep animals, livestock, and humans safe from disease. If you want to undertake nutritional or undesirables analysis, or you have a specialist project that we can help you with, contact us to discuss your requirements. Source: Cawood.

Trends

5.0

4+ MIN

29/02/2024

Upcycling in traditional products

By María Candelaria Carbajo

Faced with these numbers, the upcycling technique becomes increasingly relevant in industries such as the food industry, which absolutely needs to take measures regarding raw materials and waste treatment.   What is upcycling? Upcycling, known as upcycling or creative reuse, consists of the use of products, waste materials, or waste to manufacture new ingredients or products of higher quality, ecological, and economic value. Thus, through recycling, healthy, and nutritious foods and ingredients are prevented from becoming waste, giving them a second chance to be consumed. Ingredients that can be recycled help pet food manufacturers improve their efforts to build sustainability. The products of this type most used in the industry have been, at least until now, those made from extracted meat by-products. Although converting meat by-products into protein-rich sources instead of throwing them away is something positive, nowadays, the most innovative ingredients and materials are those capturing the attention of pet food consumers concerned about the planet's sustainability. Many certified recycled elements can be easily integrated into any recipe, giving the new product a competitive advantage in sustainability. The main challenge is that these usually have the same nutritional properties as other more conventional, but not the same appearance. To work with them, it is essential that the processing and control systems take these variations into account, as well as formula design. Rescuing these ingredients not only helps eliminate food waste throughout the supply chain but also reduces demand for 'virgin' crops. But, when we talk about the inclusion of new ingredients and by-products, we must also talk about education and awareness. In the case of pet food and its relationship with cereal ingredients such as wheat, corn, and rice, commonly used as sources of carbohydrates, there is debate about how much of these nutrients are necessary for pet feeding. Although the pet nutrition industry struggles to eradicate misconceptions about these ingredients, the challenge still exists and, consequently, affects the use of these new proposals in food formulas. The truth is that recycled products prevent nearly one billion pounds of food waste worldwide each year, and this number may continue to grow as consumer demand for recycled products increases, which, Obviously, will be achieved through information and awareness. Currently, you don't have to look hard to find proposals from entrepreneurs or small manufacturers who, instead of working with large suppliers and processing plants, choose local farms and suppliers as they trust the quality of their raw materials, especially when we talk about those considered waste or by-products. The good point is that most of these elements can be easily integrated into any recipe, making a product (and its entire chain) more sustainable by reducing greenhouse gasses and using waste from other industries or chains in pet food formulas without risking quality, as may be the case of pumpkins used for decoration at Halloween or apple pulp from a cider factory.   According to the UFA (Food Upcycling Association): 'Recycled foods use ingredients that otherwise would not have reached consumption. They are sourced and produced through verifiable supply chains and have a positive impact on the environment.' This entity has already certified more than 200 ingredients as recyclable in the food sector, many of which have applications in pet food and treats. Examples of materials and ingredients used in upcycling: Sweet potatoes or other types of tubers that come from local organic farms and that have rare shapes that are not as aesthetic as those hypermarket chains seek to sell. Ends and pieces of meat and seafood that have not been sold in the supermarket. Fruits that, like tubers, are bruised or with amorphous shapes. Alternative proteins such as cricket, spirulina, or silver copi, an overpopulated fish. Used barley from local breweries. Eggshells. Salmon oil, produced from fresh salmon trimmings, such as the head, spine, and skin. By-products from the production of french fries or potato starch are applied in formulas to gain texture, shape croquettes, and improve digestion.
  Conclusion Recycled ingredients have revolutionized the pet nutrition landscape as a way to add value to elements that would otherwise go to waste while also supporting pet health. Various agricultural products and wheat-based ingredients, including blueberries, sweet potatoes, flaxseeds, carrots, and various flours, are currently used in the North American pet food and treat industry to capitalize on sustainability as a consumer priority. Converting by-products into pet food ingredients reduces food waste and makes more efficient use of the resources needed to produce human food. Renaming these recycled products could help pet owners accept them.

Source: All Pet Food Magazine.

Trends

5.0

7+ MIN

28/02/2024

The unexpected new ways pet brans embracing sustainability

Consumers are interested in purchasing more sustainable products and "remain concerned about climate change and related sustainability issues," according to the National Retail Federation (NRF). Pet retailers can stay in step with customers by offering an array of products that recognize these concerns. Claudia Loomis, president of CB Pet Market, a small chain of pet stores in New Jersey, said that while her shoppers are showing more interest in eco-friendly and sustainable products, they are looking for a range of product attributes. "Sustainably sourced as a standalone feature will not be enough to sell the product," Loomis said. "For example, one of our most popular-selling dog chews are antlers. These are sustainably sourced as they are naturally shed by deer, elk or moose. But they are also a proven long-lasting chew with some nutritional value, making it a product pet parents can feel good about purchasing on several levels." Christina Reville, marketing coordinator for Healthy Pet, which operates production and distribution in Jesup, Ga., said that the company creates small-pet bedding and cat litter from sustainably sourced, responsibly rescued natural plant fiber. Reville said it's cleaner and healthier for the entire family—two factors that are important to pet owners. "Every year, Healthy Pet diverts millions of pounds of unused wood, pulp and paper remnants from landfills," she said. "These upcycled materials are crafted into our plant-based pet products. Plus, all finished product is biodegradable, making them better for pets, home and planet." In 2023, Healthy Pet began producing its Ökocat natural cat litter in a 100-percent recyclable paper bag after consumer research revealed that the natural litter and Ökocat consumer has a strong desire for 100-percent recyclable packaging. "Starting in October of 2023, the current box packaging began transitioning to new double-wall paper bags with a recyclable handle to directly answer the requests of our consumer," Reville explained. "Customers can expect to see the bags on shelves in 2024." According to Jane Wasley, head of marketing for Healthy Pet, the consumer demand for eco-friendly litter packaging isn't being addressed by very many companies. "Very few natural brands are meeting natural litter consumers' wants on packaging, with many still being in heavy non-recyclable, non-biodegradable plastic bags or poly pouches," Wasley said. Spencer Williams, CEO of West Paw, a pet treats and accessories manufacturer in Bozeman, Mont., said that the company has recycled almost 150,000 pounds of dog toys and spun more than 16 million water bottles into dog beds and toy stuffing. West Paw's Seaflex toy line reclaims ocean-bound plastic. In addition, the company's freeze-dried and air-dried dog treats are crafted with humanely raised and sustainably sourced ingredients and made in the USA. "We think not only about the finished product, but also about the materials, the whole supply chain and how it's made," Williams said. "We continue to bring new innovation to our treat line with a growing focus on regenerative beef production in Montana. New products will be coming out throughout 2024 that we're very excited about at West Paw. Many will continue our focus on regenerative practices that capture carbon, naturally sequestering it back into the soils." Jason Ast, co-owner of Just Dog People, a pet store in Garner, N.C., said that he and his customers appreciate how West Paw recycles old products to create new products "ready to be enjoyed again." "We also like Paw 5," Ast continued. "They say their snuffle mat removes over two pounds of textile waste from landfills. They also hire women in Ghana, teach them skills and help elevate their lives." Larry Wright, CEO of The Green Pet Shop, a manufacturer of pet accessories in Deerfield, Ill., said that all of the company's products have some type of eco-friendly component to them. "Our mission statement is to manufacture eco-friendly products that solve problems, are unique, and that help pets, their pet parents and the planet, at competitive prices as compared to non-eco-friendly products," Wright said. "At our company, we are all aware of the issues involving climate change and the danger it poses to our planet and future generations. We all take our responsibility to the planet seriously and are all involved in designing, testing and bringing these products to market." For 2024, Wright said The Green Pet Shop is introducing a line of leashes and collars that will piggyback off of the success of the company's Pooie Vuiton waste bag line. The new line, Bonejour by Green Pet, will be made from recycled canvas. Austin and Kat, a Seattle-based manufacturer of pet supplements, is also committed to sustainability in producing its chews, oils and toppers. "Our approach involves selecting farms, suppliers and producers that uphold the highest ethical standards, ensuring both quality and sustainability," explained founder Kat Donatello. "We're passionate about running our business in environmentally friendly ways, from sourcing eco-friendly packaging to reducing our carbon footprint at our Seattle Makery. We've also embraced sustainable manufacturing, considering the full life cycle of our products from raw materials to end-of-life, to minimize environmental impact."   CONSUMER PREFERENCES Interest in sustainability may be heightened in certain categories. Loomis said that sustainability in "anything the pet eats" gets the most notice at CB Pet Market. This includes pet treats and food. "Customers naturally want the most wholesome products for anything being consumed," she said. "We would like to see more supplements being made from whole and natural ingredients. We are beginning to see transparency in sourcing ingredients in the supplement category, but some of the traditional supplement brands we carry are [synthetic]-based vitamins and minerals. I would like to see more natural supplements, like green-lipped mussels as a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin. Again, supplements are ingested by our pets, so it is good to keep them clean, wholesome and as bioavailable as possible." Jenna Harrison, store manager for NorthPoint Pets & Company, a pet store in Cheshire, Conn., said that the store's biggest request for eco-friendly products is in home-compostable poop bags. "I do wish there were more home-compostable—not biodegradable—options available," she said. "People are looking for creative ways to reduce their waste output and environmental impact, and pet care is no exception." Ast agreed and said that poop bags are the eco-friendly option they get asked about most at Just Dog People. "I would say 90 percent of the people who shop for poop bags prefer 'quick biodegradable' options," he said. Reville said that Healthy Pet's research has revealed consumers want a "healthier home," which affects their buying habits across many categories—and products. "Whether it's buying organic pet products, nontoxic and plant-based cleaning products or paraben-free beauty products, more and more consumers are looking for products that help them live a cleaner, healthier lifestyle, even when it comes to their pets," she said. "We continually educate our retailers and consumers about the importance of switching to natural, sustainable products and the impact that it has on the planet." Retailers can play a valuable role in helping to alert customers to eco-conscious options, Loomis noted. "Brands that tout ethically sourced, fair trade and sustainably sourced are generally a bit more pricey than other brands, and often the call-out on the product packaging is not prominent enough to have a customer notice it on their own," Loomis said. "So, the role of the sales associate is important. The associates need to be knowledgeable about the products so they can point out the different features. When comparing two similarly formulated dog foods, for instance, and trying to help the customer make their choice, it is helpful to call out if the protein source in the food is sustainably or ethically sourced; that could be the differentiator that tips the scales to that brand for the customer." But not all efforts will pay off. Sometimes it's merely a matter of the interest level in a retailer's specific area. Ast admitted that at Just Dog People, they made a concerted effort to push a specific eco-friendly, sustainable dog food choice this past year, giving it prominent, upfront positioning and valuable space on the floor. They also created an attractive display, gave away free samples and ran a contest—all to sell only one bag of dog food. "This says more about the demographic makeup of our customer base than it does the quality of the product," he said. "From my experience, the interest in sustainability and eco-friendliness differs greatly depending on where you are in the United States. We are based outside of Raleigh, a large city. I believe if you were to ask dog owners in downtown Raleigh what they thought of eco-friendly dog products, they would have a range of knowledge and opinions. But outside of the city, the focus on eco-friendliness and sustainability simply may not be as big a concern." Yet that doesn't mean attitudes won't evolve. "Even so, the pet industry has been a hotbed for eco-friendly and sustainable innovation, so we are likely to see interest continue to grow," Ast added.

By: Lindsey Getz.
Source: Pet Product News.

Trends

5.0

4+ MIN

22/02/2024

PET-TECH: cutting-edge technology and startups for the pet industry

By María Candelaria Carbajo

In turn, the pet universe seems to become the best friend of investors looking for new technological opportunities. More and more startups are entering the market with innovative game-changing offerings.
As the trend of treating pets like family members gains momentum, the pet tech industry is growing significantly, and venture capital firms are quickly recognizing the potential of this industry. Today, the pet industry is witnessing a rise in business initiatives aimed at the diverse needs of today's pet owners. Areas such as health and well-being, food and nutrition, technology, and pet services, and much more are the areas that attract all attention. Recently, startups in the industry have multiplied, and new ones continue to appear, mainly those of the DTC (Direct-To-Consumer) style.
  Why join the pet-tech sector? Pet humanization Digital natives spend more time searching for online solutions for their pets. They are spending more and more money on personalized solutions that fit their pets' needs. Today, it is not uncommon to see that owners buy more expensive products if they are ecological, organic, or kinder to the environment or the natural pets' growth. Just as in human nutrition, the boom in personalized food packages continues according to the consumer's requirements, tastes, or eating plans. In the pet food industry, this trend is only growing. The startup Butternut Box, for instance, has received £280 million in funding to continue its project to prepare and deliver healthy meals and snacks for dogs, according to TechCrunch. Other sectors attracting funding are the design of personalized meals by weight and needs of each pet and alternative proteins with vegan, cellular agriculture, precision fermentation, and insects. Disruptive healthcare models The high costs of veterinary care have always been a problem and, in many cases, an impediment when it comes to adopting or acquiring a pet or not. This is being addressed by the emergence of new comprehensive and lifetime insurance plans that are expanding the available and accessible options. The case of Get Joy, for example, has already expanded beyond food and has entered on-demand veterinary services after generating an initial round of funding in January 2022. There are also other successful cases, such as pet friendly, which promises personalized 'human-safe' subscription boxes for flea and tick medications and supplements with custom packaging featuring pets' pictures. Additionally, we are increasingly finding telemedicine platforms that connect owners with veterinarians, subscription delivery services, and wearable health monitors to track vital signs and detect early signs of potential health problems. A new pets' well-being era Human trends such as gut and mental health, immunity, oral and skin care, and anti-aging through supplements and other products have also extended to pets. A simple search online will yield pet spa-like salons with services like manicures and pedicures, body treatments like massages, and more. Toothbrush wipes, new products to clean tear stains, and ear cleaning products of natural origin are other products on the rise. Witch hazel, for example, has historically been used for skin care in humans and is now beginning to be seen in skin care and cleaning products for the face, eyes, and ears of pets. Apps and digital products The pet health app segment is expected to account for more than 25% of this market share by 2032. Many smart devices are already being developed to monitor pet health, such as the Dearbuds PE technology, launched in February 2023 by Linkface, which, through a digital device, controls the humidity levels of the ears of dogs and cats to avoid and prevent infections. Even the company behind the famous GoPro cameras is already thinking about this market. The Fetch Dog Harness model allows you to capture images from different dogs' perspectives while they run, play, or dig holes in the ground. Conclusion In the current macroeconomic environment, offering unique products or services that work to add real value and solve consumer problems is essential to establish yourself and gain market share. The industry is already clear that owners now demand the same for their pets as they would for themselves or any other family member.
The trends we have invested in for years in consumer brands are transforming the pet industry at an even faster pace, and investors are increasingly interested in participating in the capital allocation of innovative projects. The pet startup ecosystem is driven by a passion for pets and a commitment to innovation. Hand in hand with these emerging ventures, it will be possible to reinvent pet care, combining technology, personalization, and social impact to provide a comprehensive and enriching experience for both pets and their owners. With each new venture, the industry grows and offers more possibilities to improve the lives of man's best friends.

Source: All Pet Food Magazine.