Nestlé Purina has announced the launch of pet food that builds on alternative proteins to “make better use of the planet’s resources”, through a new line that includes insects as well as plant protein from fava beans and millet.
Veterinarians and nutritionists at Purina have put together two recipes for the launch. The first is based on chicken, pig’s liver and millet, whilst the second uses insect protein, chicken and fava beans. Both recipes are available for dogs and cats.
The insect protein comes from black soldier fly larvae, and is already in use in animal feed in Europe. The millet and fava beans provide protein, energy, and fibre to aid digestion, and all ingredients are steamed to maintain nutrient quality.
The new pet food was developed by “taking into consideration the different nutritional requirements of cats and dogs, as well as their different taste profiles”.
The protein sources were blended to provide pets with all essential amino acids, with different levels of insect proteins for each.
Nestlé Purina Petcare EMENA CEO Bernard Meunier said: “Every ingredient in our food serves a purpose. With our new Beyond Nature’s Protein dry pet food, we are offering a complete nutritious alternative to conventional dog and cat products, while taking care of the planet’s precious resources by diversifying the protein sources.
“We’re constantly looking at ways in which we can source sustainably for the longer-term while still delivering the high-quality nutrition that pets need today and tomorrow.”
Purina Beyond Nature’s Protein will first be sold in Switzerland from this month, and Purina will be surveying consumers to gain feedback on the new products.
In addition to the use of alternative protein sources, tPurina has agreed to a partnership with Reforest Action, so that for every product sold, a tree will be planted in Sumatra, Indonesia, to aid reforestation.
