Growth in animal nutrition with insect protein

April 15 2025
3 min reading time

Groei in diervoeding met Insectenproteïne

Sustainable, hypoallergenic and popular with pets, more and more pet shops are discovering the benefits of insect protein pet food. Find out how you can tap into this growing trend!

More and more pet owners are looking for sustainable, hypoallergenic food for their dog or cat. Insect protein is an innovative protein source that perfectly meets this need. This protein source is not only environmentally friendly, but also hypoallergenic and easily digestible for pets. This offers a unique opportunity for pet shops to respond to a growing trend and strengthen their range.

Why choose pet food with insect protein?

The demand for sustainable and hypoallergenic pet food is growing rapidly. Insect protein is an excellent alternative to traditional protein sources such as chicken or beef and offers multiple advantages:

Sustainable alternative: Insects use less water, land and feed than traditional protein sources and emit fewer greenhouse gases. This significantly reduces the ecological footprint.
Hypoallergenic: Suitable for pets with food sensitivities or allergies.
Nutritious: Rich in high-quality proteins and essential amino acids for healthy digestion and muscle building.
Circular economy: Insects can be farmed on organic waste, contributing to a more sustainable food chain.

Strong growth in the market

Worldwide, the demand for animal feed with insect protein is growing. Stricter environmental regulations and increased awareness of sustainable food are accelerating this trend. In Europe and North America, we see an increasing acceptance of insect protein in both human and animal food. Also in Asian countries such as South Korea and Japan, more and more applications are being tested.

For pet shops, this is the perfect time to respond to this changing consumer demand and distinguish themselves with an innovative range.

Insect species in animal feed

There are currently seven insect species approved for use in animal feed in the EU, of which the following are the most widely used:

Black soldier fly (BSF larvae)
Yellow mealworms
House crickets

The larvae of the black soldier fly and mealworms are exceptionally rich in protein and essential nutrients, making them a perfect ingredient for dog and cat food.

Why is this interesting for your pet shop?

More and more conscious consumers are choosing pet food with insect protein for its sustainability and health benefits. This presents an opportunity for pet shops to attract a wider customer base, especially owners looking for hypoallergenic and environmentally friendly products.

Benefits for you as a retailer:

Innovative and distinctive range : Attract new customers who consciously choose sustainability and health.
High customer satisfaction : Insect protein is tasty and highly digestible, which ensures satisfied pets and returning customers.
Exclusivity and less competition : Pet food with insect protein is still relatively new and is not yet available everywhere.

Imby: Innovation in sustainable animal feed

Imby is a leading brand of pet food based on insect protein, derived from the larvae of the yellow mealworm. The food is supplemented with natural superfoods such as sweet potato, broccoli and cranberries, and developed in collaboration with veterinarians and nutritionists.

Why Imby?

Sustainable & CO2 neutral – The first Belgian brand with CO2 neutral dog food.
Excellent acceptance (>90%) – Research (Bosch et al., 2021) shows that cats prefer mealworm protein over other insect proteins.
Recyclable packaging – Reduces waste and supports environmentally conscious consumers.

High acceptance and satisfied customers

Pet shops that offer Imby are noticing that customers are responding enthusiastically. Online reviews confirm the satisfaction of pet owners, who indicate that their pets like to eat the food and respond well to it. This results in repeat purchases and loyal customers.

An opportunity for your pet shop

By including pet food with insect protein in your range, you are responding to the growing demand for sustainable and hypoallergenic options. This not only helps you attract new customers, but also positions you as a progressive pet shop.

Want to add Imby to your range?

Do you want to respond to the trend of animal feed based on insect protein? Warmako helps you choose the right product range. Order easily online or contact your representative.