Purina launches Pet Food with Plant and Insect Protein

Nestlé Purina is launching pet food that builds on alternative proteins to make better use of the planet's resources. The new line includes insects as well as plant protein from fava beans and millet.

Purina Beyond Nature's Protein will first be sold in Switzerland from November. Veterinarians and nutritionists at Purina have put together two recipes: one based on chicken, pig's liver and millet; the second using insect protein, chicken and fava beans. Both recipes are available for dogs and cats.

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

The new pet food was developed taking 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 dogs and cats need, with different levels of insect proteins for each.