Pet owners concerned about the environment are switching to meals made from crickets, mealworms and black soldier flies, according to reports.
The move is designed to reduce the overall environmental impact household pets have on the planet, as insect farms have a lower carbon footprint than livestock.
Pets are able to thrive on a diet of insects, as they are rich in protein, according to a report in the Guardian, that says they are also high in fats, oils and minerals.
It’s estimated that by 2030 the insect-pet-food market will increase 50-fold over current levels, producing more than half a million tonnes per year.
Experts recommend owners transitioning to an insect diet do so slowly, as pets can be sensitive to sudden diet changes.
The move is designed to reduce the overall environmental impact household pets have on the planet, as insect farms have a lower carbon footprint than livestock. Stock image
Research has suggested that if insects are farmed commercially, emissions and water use are lower per square ft than the land use required for livestock.
Nicole Paley from the Pet Food Manufacturers Association told the Guardian that when it is made into a nutritionally complete pet food, insect proteins can be used to contribute to a sustainable and nutritious diet.
‘Insect-based products offer an alternative for owners who prefer to feed their pets a diet that is sourced from ingredients other than traditional livestock animals.’
Andrew Knight, an expert in veterinary science from the University of Winchester, agreed, and told the Guardian it reflects a wider, more sustainable shift in society.
He said it was partly due to owners anxieties about the carbon footprint of the pet food industry, and the meat industry as a whole.
Studies have shown that about a quarter of the environmental harm linked to the meat industry is linked to the production of pet food.
This is equivalent to about 64 million tonnes of carbon dioxide being emitted to the environment each year, a UCLA study found.
One barrier to the shift to an insect diet for our pets could be the cost, with insect-based pet food generally more expensive than meat-based products.
However, the price of these products is expected to come down with increasing demand, experts predict.
Lovefood produces an insect-based dry kibble that costs about £12 per kg, which is more than twice the per kg price of a chicken alternative.
Futerra announced earlier this year it was working with Mars Petcare on an insect pet-food range for cats called Lovebug.
Their market research found that half of pet owners would consider an insect diet as a direct result of a desire to be more sustainable.
Solitaire Townsend, Futerra co-founder told the Guardian: ‘Cats aren’t squeamish about eating bugs, but some people can be.
‘Of course, millions of people across the world eat insects as normal within their diet.
Pets are able to thrive on a diet of insects, as they are rich in protein, according to a report in the Guardian , that says they are also high in fats, oils and minerals. Mealworms pictured
‘Perhaps in the UK it can feel a bit unusual, but I’m old enough to remember when sushi, and even pasta, was the same way.’
The Pet Food Manufacturers Association say there are seven insects authorised for use as pet food ingredients in the EU, each of which are fed on spent grains, palm kernel, fruit and vegetable crop by-products.
‘At the moment, there is not enough evidence to support insect-based protein completely replacing current complete pet food diets, but it is another option which could be considered in the future,’ Justine Shotton, president of the British Veterinary Association told the Guardian.
‘Owners should always ensure any changes to a pet’s diet are supervised by a vet with in-depth nutritional knowledge.’
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