A new palatability study shared by Protix shows dogs respond positively to insect-based wet diets, demonstrating high acceptance and consumption. The research also highlights favourable owner perceptions of texture, aroma and appearance.
Protix, a leading company in insect ingredients for pet food, aquaculture and livestock feed, drew attention to the effects of insect-based ingredients on pet food flavor and shared the results of a new study. According to the statement, the study has shown that dogs fed a wet diet containing PureeX insect meat and ProteinX insect meal responded positively, with wagging tails, lip-licking, and empty dishes. The research demonstrated that two different diets with the PureeX/ProteinX combination were highly accepted and readily consumed by dogs, indicating excellent palatability. The study also investigated dog owners’ perceptions of the insect-based wet food, concluding that they rated the texture, aroma, and appearance of the food highly. The company noted that in addition to being highly palatable to dogs and appealing to owners, insect ingredients are increasingly recognised for their functional benefits. They thus offer an innovative option for pet food manufacturers aiming to provide health and wellbeing advantages in tasty products.
THE OBJECTIVES AND RESULTS OF THE STUDY
The objectives of the study were to assess the dogs’ acceptance of wet food with a substantial inclusion of PureeX, Protix’s fresh insect meat, and to gather pet owners’ opinions of the food. The study involved 170 privately owned small and medium-sized dogs fed two different diets. These sizes were selected because dogs of this stature tend to be pickier eaters. Diet 1 consisted solely of a combination of PureeX and ProteinX. Diet 2 was a hybrid diet, combining PureeX/ProteinX with fresh chicken. Dog owners fed each diet to their pets for two consecutive days before switching to the second diet for a further two days. They were not told the ingredients in each food.
• The trial indicates high palatability of both the insect-based wet foods. Dog owners were asked to rate the consumption of both diets at the end of the meal: the diet containing only black soldier fly ingredients and the hybrid diet were equally highly accepted, and readily consumed by the dogs. No significant difference between the diets was detected.
• Owners were also asked to evaluate their dog’s attitude to each diet before, during and after each mealtime. Positive behaviours noted by pet owners included tail-wagging in anticipation of being fed, clearing every last crumb during feeding and lip-licking after the meal.
• While palatability and acceptance by dogs are of paramount importance, pet owners often like to offer their dogs a diet that looks and smells nice to humans too. Study participants were thus asked to rate the sensory properties of the two feeds, which they scored with a sound seven out of ten for both options.
• Asked whether they would recommend the insect-based diets, 82% of owners stated that they would recommend the black soldier fly diet, and 81% would recommend the hybrid diet.
