ARTICLE Alternative Proteins Magazine October 2024 37 “The top ‘must haves’ for insect-based pet food are their pet must like the flavor, the food must offer nutritional benefits, labels must clearly state the food contains insect-based ingredients and these ingredients must be backed by science. Notably, 63% of surveyed pet owners said having their top priorities met would increase their likelihood of serving pet food made with insect protein.” Global demand for high-quality protein and sustainably sourced ingredients continues to rise, driven by consumer preferences, corporate initiatives and public policy. Insect-derived ingredients – like dried black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) – are increasingly being used in pet food formulations to satisfy pets’ dietary needs while contributing to the circular economy. Black soldier flies (Hermetia illucens) are powerful upcyclers with the ability to efficiently turn low-quality feedstock into premium-quality alternative sources of amino acids, fatty acids and other key nutritional components. Agtech company Innovafeed is a leading producer of Hermetia illucens with a unique “industrial symbiosis” production model. Its indoor insect farms are strategically located alongside grain processing facilities to upcycle grain byproducts as feedstock for black soldier flies. In Decatur, Illinois, USA, Innovafeed has joined forces with ADM, a global leader in innovative solutions from nature, to leverage its corn processing plant. This co-location will eliminate the need to dry the feedstock and the trucks required for transport, reducing energy and fuel needs. Additionally, Innovafeed plans to use reclaimed heat and water from ADM’s facility as circular energy sources. ADM also serves as Innovafeed’s exclusive North American distributor of Hilucia™ Protein and Oil ingredients for the pet food industry. Hilucia™ products deliver highly digestible essential amino acids; lauric acid, a medium chain triglyceride that is prevalent in coconut oil; over 50 unique bioactive peptides, small proteins with unique properties; and chitin, which acts as a dietary fiber. DETERMINING SUITABILITY FOR PET DIETS Dr. Maria R. C. de Godoy is a prominent researcher in the field of companion animal nutrition at the University of Illinois, with a specific focus on BSFL as an ingredient for dog and cat foods. Her trailblazing research, in collaboration with ADM and Innovafeed, recently investigated the protein quality of BSFL to determine if it is a nutritious substitution for other commonly used protein ingredients in pet food. ACCELERATING ADOPTION OF INSECT-BASED INGREDIENTS FOR PET FOOD Dr. Jennifer Adolphe Pet Technical Services Manager ADM
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