2024-07-05 09:45:54
Would you feed your cat food made from insects?
This is what a group of researchers from the Department of Animal and Animal Sciences of the University of Chile asked themselves, a question that is at the heart of an innovative study that proposes insects as an alternative sustainable for feeding cats.
Led by Professor Carolina Valenzuela, graduate student from the Department of Animal Production Promotion, together with researchers Valeria Villanueva and Fabrizzio Valdés, the project seeks to evaluate the willingness of cat owners to include insects in their diet their pet.
Foods made from crickets, flies and insects are part of what the research explores, the results of which promise to revolutionize the pet food market. In a world that is increasingly aware of the need for sustainable food solutions, this concept is not only an answer to the nutritional needs of cats, but also offers an ecological and economic alternative to conventional pet food production methods.
The successful idea
About how this innovative idea arose, Valeria Villanueva and Fabrizzio Valdés, researchers from the Department of Animal Production Promotion at the University of Chile, point out that “we started to study insects as a source of protein and we noticed that there are few. Studies have focused on pets, especially cats,” Valdés explained. The lack of previous information and the need for sustainable alternatives led the team to develop this research.
Therefore, 1,684 cat owners in Chile were surveyed through an online form. The participants, mostly college women with omnivorous eating habits, provided valuable data on their perceptions and attitudes toward using insect-based foods for their cats. “It is surprising to see that 63.6% of those surveyed want to feed their cats worms,” Villanueva revealed.
One of the most notable findings of the study is the preference for snacks containing 20% insect food, especially when the environmental benefits of insect production are demonstrated. Valdés says: “We show photos of cookies with insects and explain their nutritional and environmental benefits, which increases the owners’ desire to try these products.
Acceptance of insects as food varies depending on their presentation. Snacks with cricket flour are the most acceptable, while the intake of all insects is significantly reduced. “All insects cause rejection, probably because of their appearance and lack of knowledge,” Valdés explained. Three types of insects were used in the study: black army fly (Hermetia illucens), mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) and house cricket (Acheta domesticus).
The study was led by Professor Carolina Valenzuela, a student from the Animal Production Promotion Department of the Department of Medicine and Veterinary Sciences at the University of Chile, with her team of researchers, which included Valeria Villanueva and Fabrizio Valdés. (Photo: University of Chile / FAVET)
Environmental and nutritional benefits
Scientists demonstrate the environmental and nutritional benefits of insects. “Insects need fewer resources to make the same amount of protein as other animals. In addition, they have a high content of proteins and essential fatty acids,” said Villanueva. In this way, insect production can contribute significantly to the circular economy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The research team plans to continue exploring this field with additional studies, including similar studies for dog owners. “We firmly believe that insects are the protein of the future and that, with proper research and education, more people will be open to this idea. We hope that this study encourages pet owners to be more aware sustainable and environmentally beneficial food options concluded Valeria Villanueva.
The study, which was also carried out by the professor of Clinical Education and Veterinary Sciences of the University of Chile, José Manuel Yáñez, and researcher Sebastián Zavala, opens a new meeting in pet nutrition, suggests new and sustainable solutions. The first acceptance by cat owners in Chile is promising and suggests that, with proper promotion and education about the benefits of insects, this culture can gain popularity in the pet food market.
The study, “Cat Owners’ Perceptions of Using Insects as Ingredients in Cat Food,” was published in the academic journal Journal of Insects as Food and Nutrition. (Source: Carolina Aliaga / University of Chile)
#feed #cat #worms