Tuggs launches insect-based pet food pouches

Tuggs, the UK’s first fresh, insect-based dog food producer, has launched insect-based pet food pouches.

The Tuggs food pouches contain a blend of fresh insects such as the black soldier fly larvae, human-grade meat and vegetables.

These insect meals are available in beef, turkey and cod flavours.

These food pouches can be ordered via Tuggs subscription service which then creates meal plans tailored specifically to each dog’s dietary requirements using information submitted through their website.

Tuggs uses an algorithm to calculate the correct amount of food in pre-portioned meals for every pet, based on information such as weight, dietary conditions and age submitted to the website.

Harry Bremner, founded Tuggs over a one-year period in partnership with Katie McCaul, consultant pet nutritionist as he was “intrigued by the potential of insect protein after the legalisation of insects for use in aquafeed in 2017 paved the way for new forms of animal feed”.

The pet food company stated that insects are “rich in protein, hypoallergenic, and can be farmed more efficiently than other animals, emitting 96% less carbon, using 95% less land and 94% less water in the process”.

Customers can sign up for small trial hampers from £19.99 for six pouches to try a selection of flavours, or subscribe for a monthly supply that costs around £1.70 per serving.

Bremner said: “I began researching the pet food industry and was shocked to find that it’s responsible for up to 30% of the environmental impact related to food production including high levels of greenhouse gas emissions.

“Furthermore, many commercial dry pet foods are devoid of fresh ingredients and highly processed so they last up to two years on the shelf. I wanted to create healthier, more sustainable dog food with nutritious ingredients that dogs would love.”

McCaul added: “I’ve been part of the recipe production process to make sure the food fits UK guidelines and is rich in a variety of bioavailable ingredients. Bioavailability refers to the ability of an ingredient to be absorbed effectively and used by the body. Insects are a great source of amino acids, fats, essential minerals and protein, and are highly digestible.

“The unique thing about Tuggs is that it has the benefits of a fresh food diet and insects combined. We know that a wet food diet is much healthier than a dry diet in terms of hydration and fibre. Insects are nutritionally dense, but dogs are omnivores, so they should be eating a variety of proteins, which is why we include other meats and fish in the recipes.”