Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL)-derived ingredients are gaining popularity as sustainable and nutritious pet food ingredients. Some experts project the insect protein market to increase exponentially in less than 10 years, soaring from production of about 10,000 metric tons today to 500,000 by 2030.
In the European Union, several dog foods using insects as a protein source have been on the market for several years. Recently pet food giants like Nestlé Purina and Mars have joined the category, with the former launching a Beyond Nature’s Protein product in Switzerland in November 2020 that includes BSFL among its protein sources. In April 2021, Mars announced its own entrant, Lovebug, in the U.K. also using BSFL.
Black soldier fly larvae-derived ingredients contain bioactive peptides with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and hypoallergenic properties; bioactive lipids with antimicrobial and brain health improvement potential; and chitin, which also has anti-inflammatory properties. Osteoarthritis (OA) accounts for one of the major problems in old dogs and cats worldwide, and initiation factors are associated to trauma, obesity and aging (inflammation-related conditions).
Symptoms of this pathology include inflammation of joints, severe pain, stiffness and discomfort. Due to anti-inflammatory potential, BSFL protein derivatives may provide a solution to prevent or suppress osteoarthritis in pets.
Aman Paul, Ph.D., director-product development, Protix, will present research conducted on BSFL during a virtual seminar presented by Petfood Forum Europe. Paul and his colleagues evaluated the anti-arthritic potential of BSFL protein derivatives using the in vitro cell models of red blood cell membrane stability, nitric oxide inhibition and reactive oxygen species inhibition. Additionally, content of glucosamine, which is used in the treatment of OA as a supplement, was also analyzed for the different samples. Paul will present his research on June 2.
Emerging Pet Food Nutrition Trends
Petfood Forum Europe presents Emerging Pet Food Nutrition Trends, a virtual seminar scheduled for June 2-4, 2021 during Interzoo Digital.
This free seminar, consisting of three sessions of 30-40 minutes, will provide new research on evolving protein sources for pet food. At the end of each session, attendees have an exclusive opportunity to ask the expert their own questions, to better understand how to apply the research to their own company’s business model.
Emerging Pet Food Nutrition Trends is sponsored by Extru-Tech Inc., Reading Bakery Systems and Schenck Process.
About the speaker:
Aman Paul, Ph.D., is the director of product development at Protix. He holds a doctorate in food chemistry and has worked in the field of insect-based ingredients since 2013. Paul has expertise in insect-based new product development, applications of insect products and food safety.
