Reports indicate that pet owners who are concerned about their pets’ environment have switched to eating meals from black soldier fly, mealworms, and crickets.
As insect farms produce a smaller carbon footprint than livestock, this move will help reduce household pet’s environmental impact on the Earth.
According to the Guardian report, pets can thrive when fed insects because they’re rich in protein.
According to estimates, the market for insect-pet-food will double by 2030 and produce more than half a billion tonnes annually.
Experts suggest that owners slowly transition to an insect diet for their pets. Pets can become sensitive to abrupt diet changes.
This move is intended to decrease the environmental impact that household pets can have on the world, since insect farms are less carbon-intensive than livestock. Image from stock
Researchers have found that insects farmed commercially are less likely to emit water and produce more emissions than animals raised on the same land.
Nicole Paley, Pet Food Manufacturers Association, told The Guardian that insect protein can be added to pet foods to make them nutritionally complete.
“Insect-based products are an option for pet owners that prefer to give their pets food derived from other sources than traditional livestock.
Andrew Knight, who is an expert on veterinary science at the University of Winchester said the Guardian that the Guardian’s assertions reflect a greater, more sustained shift in society.
It was due in part to pet owners’ concerns about carbon emissions from the pet food and meat industries.
Research has shown that nearly 25% of environmental damage linked to meat production is due to pet food.
A UCLA study estimated that this amounts to approximately 64,000,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide that is being released to the environment every year.
The cost of switching to an insect-based diet could prove to be a barrier for some pet owners. Insect-based pet food is generally more costly than other products.
Experts expect that these products’ prices will drop as more people buy them.
Lovefood produces an insect-based dry kibble that costs about £12 per kg, which is more than twice the per kg price of a chicken alternative.
Futerra earlier in the year announced it was partnering with Mars Petcare for a cat-insect pet food called Lovebug.
According to their market research, half of pet owners are open to considering an insect diet because they want it more sustainable.
Solitaire Townsend, Futerra co-founder told the Guardian: ‘Cats aren’t squeamish about eating bugs, but some people can be.
“Ofcourse, many people all over the world eat insects as a normal part of their diet.
According to the Guardian, pets can thrive when fed insects as they’re rich in protein. Mealworms pictured
“Perhaps it’s a little unusual in the UK, but I can remember when sushi and pasta were the same.
According to the Pet Food Manufacturers Association, seven insect species are allowed in Europe as ingredients for pet food. Each of them is fed from fruit, vegetable, and palm kernel by-products.
Justine Shotton of the British Veterinary Association stated that while there are not sufficient evidence for insect-based protein to replace current pet food, it was another option that could be looked into in the future.
Owners need to ensure their pet is fed properly by knowledgeable vets.