Fit and healthy, without meat for the dog?

August 08 2023
3 min reading time

More and more consumers are looking for sustainable and healthy food for their pets. The rise of alternatives to traditional protein sources reflects the growing demand for pet food that is both environmentally friendly and nutritious.

Alternatives to traditional protein sources

Consumers are showing a growing interest in products that are more sustainable and environmentally friendly, not only for themselves, but also for their pets, such as dogs and cats. They increasingly value healthy and nutritious meals for their pets, rather than simply food that fills but does not nourish. This trend towards healthier food and meat-free alternatives is also reflected in the demand for pet food. To what extent does food based on insect protein meet these needs?

Insect-based food is becoming increasingly interesting for a growing number of consumers, who are striving for healthier and more environmentally friendly consumption. This year, the global demand for insect-based pet food is estimated to reach a market of $7.09 billion, which is equivalent to 7% of the total global pet food market. Although this is still relatively modest, it is certainly a significant development. According to forecasts by the international research company FMI, this market will grow by 9.3% annually to reach $27.2 billion in 2031.

Disadvantages of meat consumption

Although meat is an important source of protein, approximately 10% of dogs experience allergies, often related to animal proteins such as beef, chicken or dairy. In addition, meat consumption by pets contributes significantly to the environmental burden, accounting for as much as 20% of global meat consumption.

Insect protein based alternative

Insect protein is an excellent alternative to traditional protein sources such as chicken or beef . For owners who want to keep their dog healthy, Imby's Insect-based dog food offers an excellent option. This high-quality dog food provides quality proteins from insect powder instead of meat, with a high acceptance level in dogs.

Lots of interest

Insects in dog food is often seen as a premature step, but research suggests that consumers are open to using insects as a protein source in pet food, demonstrating a growing interest in this market.

Imby Insect-based dog food is well accepted by dogs, partly due to its taste and texture. In addition, insect powder is almost CO2 neutral and richer in proteins than meat, resulting in a lower ecological footprint and lower quantities required. In addition, insect protein offers a superior quality compared to various types of meat, without the disadvantages of animal suffering and environmental impact.

Hypoallergenic

Insect-based kibble is hypoallergenic, which is beneficial for dogs with allergies or sensitive digestion. Imby Insect-based kibble is completely free of animal proteins (from livestock farming) and dairy, making it an attractive option for consumers looking for hypoallergenic dog food.

Complete nutrition

It is important to note that insect powder alone is not sufficient for a complete and balanced diet. Therefore, when choosing a brand of kibble, it is wise to pay attention to the complete composition and nutritional value. Imby offers high-quality recipes that meet the nutritional guidelines of the European Pet Food Industry Federation.

CO2 neutral

Imby is not only environmentally conscious in its choice of ingredients, but also operates completely CO2 neutral. This makes it the first pet food brand in the Benelux to operate this way, through careful choices in ingredients, production, packaging and distribution, including CO2 compensation and tree planting campaigns.

Plant-based variant

In addition to the Insect-based variant, Imby also has a complete dog food based on plant-based ingredients, which fits in very well with the growing group of vegans and the increasing demand for plant-based food. This food - which is also hypoallergenic - is very suitable for older dogs, because the protein content is slightly lower.

Interested?

Want to tap into the growing market for sustainable, Insect-based and/or Plant-based dog food, supplements and dog snacks? Warmako helps you choose the right product range. Order easily online or contact your representative.