Dutch owners are getting a sustainable alternative to dog food: dog food made from insects. Pets Place today launches a new insect line for dogs from the Dutch brand Teds. The sustainably produced food is also good for the health of four-legged friends, as it is rich in protein and naturally hypoallergenic.
Sales of the meatless dog food will start with a pilot in 45 Pets Place locations and the intention is to roll out the new line to all 175 retail locations over time. In addition, it is possible to order the insect food through the Pets Place website. "We notice that people are becoming more critical of their pet's food and the demand for sustainable food is increasing. Therefore, we are now broadening our range of natural pet food with an insect line," says Ard Malenstein, CEO of Kingfisher Retail to which Pets Place belongs.
The flexitarian dog
Almost half of all Dutch people currently describe themselves as "flexitarian": someone who consciously consumes fewer sources of animal protein. Recent figures from Statistics Netherlands show that 45 percent eat meat up to four times a week. Dogs are virtually not participating in this trend at the moment, whereas thanks to insect food, they can now do so responsibly. Quadrupeds get the protein they need through insect protein without using meat. "So owners don't have to worry about their four-legged friend not getting enough nutrients," says Malenstein.
The shift from dog food derived from meat to food based on insect protein saves five kilograms of CO2 per dog on an annual basis. Malenstein: "For Pets Place, products from Teds have an extra added value because they are produced domestically. Thus, we contribute to a more sustainable world in multiple ways and reduce our climate footprint as a company." Because insects multiply quickly, they are a good alternative to protein-rich food. Insects also play a major role in making the food chain more circular, as it is possible to grow insects on manure and waste streams from the food chain.