Nestlé Purina adds insect protein to pet food

Nestlé Purina is launching two new pet food recipes using alternative proteins including insects and plant protein.

The new innovation will be launched initially in Switzerland from November, and comes as the company is looking for new ways to source sustainably.

The launch of Purina Beyond Nature’s Protein comes one month after the company announced it would begin a yearlong pilot in the Netherlands of recyclable flexible plastic packaging for wet pet food – a first of its kind in the pet food industry.

The recyclable packaging has been first introduced under the Felix brand and is a part of Purina’s commitment to introducing reusable or recyclable packaging on all of its products by 2025.

Purina Beyond Nature’s Protein dry pet food has been developed by Purina nutritionists alongside veterinarians and includes one recipe based on chicken, pig’s liver and millet; and a second using insect protein, chicken and fava beans. Both are available for cats and dogs.

The insect protein comes from black soldier fly larvae, which is already used in animal feed in Europe. The millet and fava beans provide protein, energy, and fibre to aid digestion – and all the ingredients are steamed to maintain nutrient quality.

The new dry pet food takes into consideration the different nutritional requirements of cats and dogs, as well as their different taste profiles. The protein sources were blended to deliver all essential amino acids, with different levels of insect proteins for each.

Nestlé Purina Petcare EMENA CEO, Bernard Meunier, said the company is constantly looking to innovate and deliver high-quality pet food, while also looking after the planet.

“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 will be surveying consumers to gain feedback on the new products. The company has also agreed to a partnership with Reforest’Action so that for every product sold, a tree will be planted in Sumatra, Indonesia, to aid reforestation.

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