ISSUE FOCUS 56 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE December 2024 Protix, one of the leading insect ingredients company worldwide, has unveiled the results of a study into insect-based cat food conducted at Wageningen University and Research. The study has been published in the Journal of Insects as Food and Feed and shows that Protix’s black soldier fly larvae meal (ProteinX) included in high levels in cat diets was well accepted and resulted in food digestibility comparable to a super-premium poultry by-product meal-based diet. ProteinX modulated the gut microbiota and promoted an increase in the production of faecal shortchain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are considered beneficial for the animal’s health. The findings open up opportunities for manufacturers to develop feline-specific formulas with a science-backed health claim. THE STUDY STRUCTURE The study investigated the effects of incorporating Protix’s BSFL meal on the nutritional profile of a dry extruded cat food, and the impact on certain health aspects of cats. Eight adult cats were fed two different diets over two 28-day periods. One diet included ProteinX at 37.5% in the recipe, while the control was based on poultry by-product meal (PBP) with a similar nutrient and ingredient composition. Throughout the study, food acceptance was monitored, and samples were collected during the final seven days of each period for assessment of apparent total tract nutrient digestibility, faecal consistency, fermentation products and microbiota, as well as blood biochemistry and haematology. NUTRITIOUS AND DELICIOUS Given cats’ reputation for fickleness, the BSFL food found wide acceptance among the subjects. Protix has publicized a study conducted at Wageningen University and Research, which showed the positive effects of insect ingredients in cat food. The results show that Protix’s black soldier fly larvae meal causes great food acceptance and digestibility, and high nutritional value comparable to a super- premium poultry by-product-based diet. New study demonstrates positive effects of insect-based cat food
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