Bugging the Bowl

Human population growth has increased demand for animal-based foods; this, combined with pet parents’ preference for pet foods containing a higher proportion of animal protein, places significant strain on natural resources.

Tiny Treasures for your Furry Friends 

Insects provide a lot of energy because of their high lipid content, especially in larval stages because larvae need to build up energy reserves for metamorphosis to pupa and in the adult stage where a lot of energy is expended for reproduction. Insects’ primary amino acids are glutamic and aspartic acids. Glutamic acid has been linked to the perception of umami taste, which has been described as a pleasant and appetizing taste for dogs, cats, and other animals.

The third most important component of insect meal is ash. The ash content of the black soldier fly larvae is high, as it contains high concentrations of calcium and phosphorus. Insects are rich in several microminerals such as copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, selenium and zinc.

The rearing of edible insects is relatively simple and inexpensive. There are currently different industries that raise insects called “mini-farms”, located mainly in Africa, Asia, the European Union, and the United States.

 Currently, the three most commonly used insects in pet feed are –

• Black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens)
• Mealworm larvae (Tenebrio molitor)
• Adult house crickets (Acheta domesticus)

Buzzing benefits – Advantages of Insect-based Pet Nutrition 

Animal-based ingredients have several advantages in pet nutrition, including a high protein content (20% to 23% on a fresh basis for meat and fish), and amino acids that are more digestible than those derived from vegetable sources. They also contain significant amounts of some vitamins and minerals, such as complex B vitamins, particularly B12, phosphorus, and calcium, which are found in organic form in animal-derived foods and are more bioavailable than plant sources.

Insects have been used as food ingredients for farm animals due to their excellent nutritional quality, specifically high protein (25% to 70%) and lipid (10% to 50%) contents on a dry matter basis, and their low environmental impact. Several advantages of insect production over animal farming systems are –

• They have a lower water and carbon footprint.
• Less land use is required to raise insects.
• Insects can be fed with waste (agro-industrial, household, forestry, and others).
• Insects emit low levels of greenhouse gases and ammonia.
• Insects’ feed conversion rates are more efficient.

Insect Infusion – A Growing Industry 

The concept is fairly new in India, but in different parts of the world, it is well received.

Agriprotein (South Africa), which produces meal, fat and fertilizer from black soldier fly larvae; Entocycle (UK), which produces black soldier fly larvae; Ynsect (France), which produces mealworm larvae-based ingredients; and Cricket Farm (United States), which produces whole adult crickets and meal are the most common.

Some industries are also located in developing countries, such as Food for the Future (F4F) (Chile), which produces meal, fat, live and dehydrated larvae and fertilizer from black soldier fly larvae.

Mentioned below are the stages of rearing.

• Reproduction and egg production are the first stages of insect rearing.
• Development, which occurs when eggs are transferred to rearing sheds, where they develop and transform into larvae, which are fed until they reach an optimal size and yield for harvesting. Insects can be easily raised in small plastic containers that are ventilated at room temperature of up to 30 °C and relative humidity of up to 70%.
• Harvesting and sorting, in which insects are processed for food or chosen as broodstock.

Health and Safety Considerations 

Hypoallergenic: Insects are novel proteins, making them suitable for pets with food allergies or sensitivities.

Digestibility: Insect protein is highly digestible, especially when properly processed (e.g., dried, ground).

Chitin: Found in the exoskeleton, chitin provides natural fiber. In excess, it can affect digestibility for some pets, so balance is key.

Regulation: Insect-based pet foods are subject to approval by pet food safety authorities (e.g., AAFCO, EFSA).

Insect-based pet nutrition in India is at a nascent stage but holds significant promise. With increasing environmental awareness and the push for sustainable alternatives, insect proteins could play a pivotal role in the future of pet food. However, widespread adoption will depend on consumer education, regulatory support, and continued innovation in product development.

(Dr. Aryak Mishra – M.V.Sc Scholar – Department of Animal Nutrition; Dr. Ankur Pandey – M.V.Sc Scholar – Department of veterinary Anatomy; Dr. Ajay Patel – M.V.Sc Scholar – Department of animal nutrition, Dr. Akshat Kaushik – M.V.Sc Scholar- Department of livestock production and management – College of Veterinary Science and AH, Duvasu, Mathura)