GOURMET GRUBS
In recent years, faced with growing demand for protein and increasing environmental awareness among pet owners, some of the world’s largest pet food manufactures have been turning to an unlikely new food source - insects. Protein rich and incredibly fast growing, insects have been cited by the UN as a key way of addressing the growing global demand for protein.The pet food industry alone is set to use half a million tons of insect protein annually by the end of the decade.
The model is an appealing one to carbon conscious consumers: the flies feed on waste food products and turn them into protein and a fertiliser byproduct. The process consumes significantly less water and land than other types of protein production and is far less carbon intensive. Studies have shown that animals tend to find insect-based pet foods delicious, and they also bring health benefits.
In South Africa, the Maltento farm is one of many around the world springing up to meet the new global demand.
The model is an appealing one to carbon conscious consumers: the flies feed on waste food products and turn them into protein and a fertiliser byproduct. The process consumes significantly less water and land than other types of protein production and is far less carbon intensive. Studies have shown that animals tend to find insect-based pet foods delicious, and they also bring health benefits.
In South Africa, the Maltento farm is one of many around the world springing up to meet the new global demand.