This species tends to accumulate heavy metal from their feed (particularly cadmium and lead). She explained that one risk of utilizing insect protein stems from contamination factors including metal and chemical pollution, such as insecticides that can be found with black soldier flies. Saar advised that investigations into insect protein should happen immediately because it can take years of experience to create a balanced and delectable diet, complete feeding trials, and ensure no unforeseen complications can occur. However, the nature of this protein resource does not come without concern. Public demand for meat protein is expected to rise 75% by 2050 and the pet population also continues to increase, which could potentially lead to meat protein shortages.Insects can transform low-value organic by-products into high-quality food or feed.Insects have high feed-conversion efficiencies.

So how exactly do bugs fit into the pet food equation? Saar noted the following environmental advantages of insect farming 1: Similarly, houseflies and blackflies, as protein-rich feed ingredients, can be compared to fish meal and soybean meal. For example, one study found that mealworms used as a protein-rich food can be comparable to meat and milk. How do bugs fit into the pet food scene?ДЄccording to Saar, life-cycle assessments (LCAs) have traditionally been published for mealworms, house crickets, black soldier flies, and houseflies, and they use benchmarks to provide comparisons of insect production systems. Saar shared findings from several studies on the advantages and disadvantages of these protein sources and how each can be used to enhance a petвЂ™s diet. With the vast amount of emerging ingredients being used in pet food, it is necessary to understand the nuances of these components, and which can provide a robust balance of protein for pets.Дuring her lecture at the Fetch dvm360 В® Kansas City conference, Robin Saar, RVT, VTS (Nutrition), national nutrition ambassador at VetStrategy, explained that the key to pets leading longer, healthier lives is providing complete and balanced nutrition in a meal-which may come from insect protein and cannabis. ItвЂ™s no secret that pet parents often scour the Internet in search of the next best thing for their pets-especially when it comes to nutrition.

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