ISSUE FOCUS 18 Alternative Proteins Magazine April 2025 The animal feed and pet food industries rely heavily on fats and oils to provide proper nutrition and aid functionality. However, access to raw materials is becoming increasingly challenging. Insect oil is a viable alternative. By starting trials, feed manufacturers can reap immediate benefits, such as a lower footprint, while paving the way for more health advantages. THE INSECT OIL ADVANTAGE: Healthy animals, plus a greener future Piotr Postepski Chief Commercial Officer Protix SCARCITY OF RAW MATERIALS Animal feed and pet food manufacturers face a number of challenges. Scarcity of raw materials, triggered by the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and high demand for specific oils and fats in the pet industry, means spiralling costs. The new regulation on deforestation-free products introduced in December 2024 affects many livestock manufacturers selling within or exporting from the EU as it requires them to show that their forest-based products such as soy and palm kernel oil are legal, not sourced from deforested land, and do not contribute to degradation, including changes that harm biodiversity and ecosystem health. Pet food manufacturers have to deal with fierce competition for specific oils and fats due to increasing demand from other sectors. Moreover, the pet food industry is witnessing a marked increase in ‘humanisation’. In practise, that means pet owners expect the same high quality for their pets as they demand for themselves, leading to increased demand for environmentally-friendly ingredients. Ensuring the year-round availability of sufficient supplies at a viable price is a prime concern both in the livestock and pet sectors. NOVEL OILS CREATING A BUZZ As well as matching the functionality of conventional sources such as soy, coconut, palm kernel oil, and poultry fats, there are other important considerations when seeking novel sources of fat. Palatability and digestibility are of crucial importance. Health or performance benefits, consistent quality, and ease of ingredients handling are also high on the agenda. And the environmental footprint of ingredients is becoming increasingly important. To meet all these requirements, manufacturers are looking beyond traditional sources and opening their minds to other interesting concepts. And one source of ingredients causing a real buzz in the animal feed and pet food industries is insects. Specifically, fat derived from the larvae of the black soldier fly, or Hermetia illucens to give it its Latin name.
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