ARTICLE 38 Alternative Proteins Magazine October 2024 The first feeding trial measured the digestible indispensable amino acid score (DIAAS), which evaluates amino acid digestibility to assess protein quality. DIAAS values for Hilucia™ Protein were compared to scores for chicken meal, a high-quality, very common ingredient in pet food, and whole powdered egg, which is considered the gold standard for protein quality. Results demonstrated that Hilucia™ Protein is a suitable substitute for chicken meal in pet foods1. In the second trial, dog diets were specially formulated to evaluate macronutrient digestibility of Hilucia™ Protein. The control diet was made with chicken meal, and two test diets included either 15% or 30% Hilucia™ Protein as a partial or complete substitution for chicken meal, respectively. Findings indicate that all three diets were well accepted by the dogs1. In addition, all of the diets had average fecal scores between 2 and 3, which is considered ideal. Notably, the 30% Hilucia™ diet resulted in the firmest stool, which is a highly desirable trait for pet parents1. Researchers also noted that macronutrient digestibility values were very similar between the three diets, again suggesting that Hilucia™ Protein performs very similarly to chicken meal in dog diets1. INFLUENCING CONSUMER ACCEPTANCE ADM and Innovafeed have also collaborated on a consumer study to understand pet parent perceptions of insect ingredients in pet food. This survey of U.S. dog and cat owners identified barriers and drivers to purchasing insect-based pet food, as well as the impact of consumer education on willingness to feed insect protein to their pets. A key finding from the survey shows consumers can be educated to enhance their likelihood of serving pet food made with insect protein. Initially, only 12% reported being “completely likely,” while 43% expressed being “not likely at all” to feed their pets insect-based food2. When asked the question again after receiving educational statements about insects, covering nutrition, safety, ethics and environmental benefits, 42% of pet owners became more willing2. Additionally, pet parents emphasized that nutrition remains their top priority when selecting pet food, though ethical production is also a significant concern. 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 science2. Notably, 63% of surveyed pet owners said having their top priorities met would increase their likelihood of serving pet food made with insect protein2. The most important product claims for pet parents considering an insect-based pet food are its high protein content and support for digestive health and healthy aging2.
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