Insect-based ingredients are gaining attention as sustainable, nutritious options for pet food. A recent study has shown that black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) meal can serve as a safe and effective protein source in dry food for adult cats.
The research, published in The Journal of Insects in Food and Feed, was conducted by scientists from Wageningen University in the Netherlands and Protix, an insect-based pet food ingredient company. They compared two dry cat food recipes: one containing 37.5% BSFL meal and the other made with traditional poultry meal.
Eight cats took part in the study. Each cat ate one of the diets for 28 days before switching to the other. Researchers measured how well the cats accepted the food, how well they digested it, and how it affected their health. This included checking their blood, stool, and other health markers.
Both diets were equally accepted by the cats, and stool quality remained healthy in both cases. The BSFL diet showed slightly lower digestibility of nutrients such as dry matter, nitrogen, and energy when compared to poultry-based food. However, the nutrient values still met the European pet food industry (FEDIAF) guidelines, making the insect-based option nutritionally suitable.
The study also found that the BSFL diet changed the cats’ gut bacteria. It increased the levels of short-chain fatty acids and biogenic amines in the feces, which are linked to higher microbial activity. There was also an increase in beneficial gut bacteria like Bifidobacterium. However, the BSFL diet led to a drop in overall microbial diversity, which can be a concern for gut health. This suggests more research is needed to understand the long-term effects of insect-based ingredients on cat microbiomes.
Researchers noted that the chitin found in insect meal could explain its lower digestibility compared to poultry. Still, the study concluded that BSFL meal is a promising alternative protein for dry cat food. It supports good digestion, is well-tolerated, and may offer gut health benefits.
As the demand for sustainable pet food grows, insect-based ingredients like BSFL are likely to play a larger role. Future studies may help clarify how they affect gut health, especially in cats with specific dietary needs.
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