ISSUE FOCUS FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE October 2022 49 MEALWORMS FOR PREMIUM QUALITY, NUTRIENT RICH AND SUSTAINABLE PET FOOD “Mealworm proteins are rich in all essential amino acids (except for methionine and taurine) while also naturally supplying significant amounts of fats, vitamins, natural fibers like chitin, and minerals such as copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, selenium and zinc. This makes them the perfect base ingredient in quality protein dietary formulation for cats or dogs.” For the last decade, Ÿnsect, the world leader in the production of insect protein, has been researching and breeding mealworms (Tenebrio molitor and Alphitobius diaperinus) in vertical farms in France, the Netherlands and the USA, with the aim of providing a new food source for pets while preserving natural resources, catering specifically to pet owners in search of climate-conscious alternatives. PREMIUM VALUE INSECT PROTEIN According to the FAO, insects provide high-quality proteins with nutritional values comparable to other animal proteins commonly used by the petfood industry. Mealworm proteins are rich in all essential amino acids (except for methionine and taurine) while also naturally supplying significant amounts of fats, vitamins, natural fibers like chitin, and minerals such as copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, selenium and zinc. This makes them the perfect base ingredient for a balanced, complete and high in quality protein dietary formulation for cats or dogs1. Valorizing every part of the insect through its circular model, Ÿnsect has developed a range of high quality, natural, digestible and healthy ingredients such as high concentrated protein products, protein hydrolysates or oil, both for dry and wet petfood applications. Using mealworms guarantees a premium nutritional quality with the highest protein content (71%) on the market. Ÿnsect has specifically tailored to the petfood industry by producing appetizing odorless and brown ingredients with exceptional nutritional properties. KNOWING IS CARING FOR THE INSECT, THE STABILITY AND THE SAFETY Decades of research into the physiological and nutritional requirements of the mealworm has helped Ÿnsect tailor precisely to their needs, improving the well-being of the insects but also the quality of their product line. A lot of work was put into formulating and developing an ideal sustainable diet so mealworms can grow in the fastest, healthiest and most optimal way. Dry, compartmentalized, controlled, and stackable nurseries, tailored to the beetles needs, also help maintain consistent, hygienic and disease free2 conditions so that production is largely unaffected by external factors, and system stability and products quality is guaranteed3. Bénédicte Lorrette, PhD Animal Nutrition & Health R&D Director Ÿnsect
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