NPR reports that in a move to more eco-friendly protein sources, the world’s largest food conglomerate is offering pet owners in Switzerland a new type of kibble for Fluffy and Fido. The secret ingredient? Black soldier fly larvae.
Nestlé’s Purina Beyond Nature’s Protein line launches in Switzerland’s Coop stores this month, Reuters first reported, with plans to expand to other European markets. One option uses chicken, fava beans, and the fly larvae protein. The other uses pig’s liver, millet, and chicken.
Nestlé’s Purina brand is embracing what the company views as a growing trend among consumers seeking protein alternatives for their cats and dogs, company representatives told NPR. A desire to be more environmentally conscious drives the consumer change, as does a perceived health benefit from a diet that substitutes meat.
Purina also plans to offer U.S. consumers an insect-based dry dog formula in January online, Lorie Westhoff, a Purina spokeswoman said. It will be rolled out along with several other formulas using protein alternatives, like the invasive Asian carp, she said.
