While BSF protein is gaining recognition in dog food, it’s also making strides in cat diets and even exotic animal feed. Cats benefit from its balanced amino acid profile, and reptiles or birds thrive on this insect-rich diet that mimics their natural intake. Though sustainability may be a welcome bonus, it’s the nutritional performance of BSF protein that is driving adoption across the pet food landscape.

The Nutritional Profile of BSF Protein

Hypoallergenic Benefits

Food allergies are a growing concern for pet owners, particularly for dogs prone to reactions from common proteins like beef or chicken. BSF protein, as a novel ingredient, poses a lower risk of triggering allergies. Its hypoallergenic properties make it an ideal option for pets with food sensitivities.

In a documented case study, a dog suffering from food allergies showed marked improvement in gastrointestinal symptoms after switching to a BSF-based diet. This novel protein proved effective in controlling clinical signs, offering a practical solution for managing food allergies.

Highly Digestible and Nutrient-Rich

One of the key reasons behind BSF’s rising popularity is its excellent digestibility.

BSF larvae are packed with high-quality protein, essential amino acids, healthy fats, and key minerals like calcium and phosphorus. These nutrients are crucial for muscle development, energy levels, and maintaining healthy coats and skin in pets.

A study published in Animals found that dogs fed a diet where poultry by-product meal was replaced with BSF larvae meal showed no negative gastrointestinal effects, maintaining normal fecal scores and overall health. This indicates that BSF protein is a viable alternative, particularly for dogs with sensitivities to conventional proteins.

Similarly, research highlighted in Petfood Industry shows that BSF larvae meal in cat food supports healthy digestion and maintains optimal fecal consistency. The study confirms that BSF protein is well accepted by cats, which can sometimes be finicky with new food types.

Gut Health and Microbiome Support

Beyond digestibility and hypoallergenic properties, BSF protein also supports gut health, an essential aspect of overall wellness. Maintaining a balanced microbiome helps reduce inflammation, supports the immune system, and ensures better nutrient absorption.

BSF ingredients have antimicrobial and prebiotic qualities, so they have added nutritional benefits for pets. A recent study mentioned above revealed that BSF larvae meal positively influenced the gut microbiome of cats, promoting healthy digestion and maintaining fecal consistency. The inclusion of BSF protein led to favorable shifts in the gut bacteria profile, hinting at its probiotic-like benefits.

And the health benefits go even beyond. Another study published in the Journal Insects as Food and Feed, reported a positive impact on canine oral health when using insect ingredients in dog food, reporting positive effects on dental health and also showing a drop in halitosis that afflicts many of canine companions.

Sustainability: A Win for the Planet

Traditional livestock farming and the production of either meat or vegetable proteins consume vast amounts of resources and are a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. In contrast, BSF farming presents a sustainable alternative due to its efficiency and low environmental impact:

• Efficient Resource Use: BSF larvae can convert organic waste into high-quality protein, reducing food waste and the need for arable land and water.
• Lower Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Insect farming emits far fewer greenhouse gases compared to conventional livestock.
• Rapid Growth Cycle: BSF larvae mature quickly, enabling efficient protein production with minimal environmental footprint.

As consumers become more aware of the environmental cost of traditional pet foods, BSF protein stands out as a sustainable choice that aligns with modern eco-conscious values.

Market Opportunities for Pet Food Manufacturers

The insect-based pet food market is experiencing significant growth, driven by consumer demand for sustainable and health-conscious products:

The global insect-based pet food market is projected to reach USD 11.5 billion by 2033, reflecting a CAGR of 9.6% (Source: news.market.us)

BSF protein itself is expected to grow from USD 0.86 billion in 2024 to USD 1.01 billion in 2025, at a CAGR of 17.4%.

With pet owners increasingly seeking products that align with their values, BSF-based pet foods present a unique opportunity for manufacturers to innovate and capture new market segments.

Challenges and Considerations

Regulatory Hurdles

Regulations around using insect protein in pet food vary globally, posing challenges for manufacturers looking to scale production. Navigating these regulatory frameworks requires careful planning and adherence to safety standards.

Consumer Perception

Despite the clear benefits, some pet owners may feel hesitant about feeding their pets insects. A recent survey revealed that while U.S. pet owners are increasingly open to insect protein, there remains an educational gap regarding its safety and benefits. Addressing these concerns through transparent communication and consumer education is vital for wider acceptance.

Production Costs

Scaling up BSF production to meet the rising demand requires significant investment in infrastructure and technology. However, as techniques improve and economies of scale are achieved, production costs are expected to decrease, making BSF protein more accessible.

Conclusion

BSF protein offers a compelling combination of health benefits for pets and environmental advantages. Its high digestibility, hypoallergenic potential, and positive impact on gut health make it a superfood for dogs, cats, and even exotic pets. As the pet food industry evolves to meet the demands of eco-conscious consumers, BSF stands out as a sustainable and nutritious ingredient poised to redefine pet nutrition.

For pet food manufacturers, the opportunity is clear: investing in BSF protein not only meets market demand but also supports a more sustainable future. With consumer education and technological advancements, BSF protein could soon become a staple in pet diets worldwide.

As the global demand for chicken meat continues to rise, the poultry industry faces mounting challenges related to sustainability, feed costs, and animal welfare. Traditional feed ingredients, particularly soybean meal, contribute significantly to environmental degradation. In this context, Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae emerge as a promising alternative, offering nutritional benefits for chickens and a more sustainable solution for the industry.

Fishmeal – The Gold Standard

Fishmeal, derived from fish processing by-products or whole small fish, is a highly nutritious feed ingredient traditionally considered the gold standard of poultry nutrition. It is rich in essential amino acids, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. However, fishmeal use has significant drawbacks, such as:

• High cost due to limited supply and increasing global demand.
• Environmental concerns from overfishing and marine ecosystem disruptions.
• Risk of contaminants, such as heavy metals and toxins, if poorly sourced.

Nutritional Advantages of Black Soldier Fly Larvae

SF larvae are rich in essential nutrients, making them an excellent alternative protein source for poultry. They contain high levels of crude protein, often between 35-45% on a dry matter basis, and are abundant in essential amino acids such as lysine, threonine, and methionine, which are crucial for the growth and health of broiler chickens.

Additionally, BSF larvae provide significant amounts of energy, essential fatty acids, and minerals like copper, iron, and zinc, contributing to the overall nutritional profile required for optimal poultry development.

BSF larvae can also be fed live to chickens, generating a double value: replacing 5-10% of the feed with live larvae can improve feed conversion rate, enable to reduce the protein content in the dry formulated feed, and contribute to chicken walfare. On the other hand, the larvae are grown by converting local food waste into animal feed, contributing to more local and circular feed consumptions, and if grown on farm also to reduced feed expense.

Impact on Chicken Health and Performance

Incorporating BSF larvae into poultry diets has shown positive effects on chicken health and growth.

Studies indicate that broilers fed diets containing BSF larvae exhibit improved weight gain, feed conversion ratios, and immune responses. Additionally, BSF larvae meal has been associated with a healthier gut microbiota, reducing harmful bacteria and promoting beneficial ones.

Feeding broilers with black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) of up to 10% reduced heat stress and pathogenic intestinal bacteria count. Replacing soybean meal with BSFLM improved broiler performance and potentially reduced immune response energy expenditure in birds fed 20% BSFLM

BSF Larvae in Diets for Laying Hens: Enhancing Egg Production and Hen Health

Recent research underscores the potential of incorporating Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae into the diets of laying hens, offering benefits for both egg production. Furthermore, feeding live BSF larvae was associated with increased gut microbiota diversity in laying hens. Such diversity is linked to improved gut health and a stronger immune system, suggesting that BSF larvae not only support production metrics but also bolster the overall well-being of the hens.

A meta-analysis encompassing 24 studies from 17 countries revealed that BSF larvae meal supplementation significantly improved feed efficiency, enhanced egg quality parameters like Haugh units and albumen quality, and positively influenced blood lipid profiles in laying hens. Furthermore, including BSF larvae meal in laying hen diets also improved yolk color and maintained egg production levels during the overall laying period.

In another study where hens were provided with varying amounts of live BSF larvae, those with ad libitum access consumed fewer traditional feed concentrates and exhibited greater weight gain. Importantly, egg production and quality metrics remained consistent across all groups, indicating that BSF larvae can effectively supplement conventional feeds without compromising productivity.

Collectively, these findings highlight the viability of BSF larvae as a sustainable and health-promoting component in the diets of laying hens, aligning with industry goals for enhanced productivity and animal welfare.

Economic and Environmental Benefits

Incorporating BSF larvae into chicken feed formulations can lead to substantial cost savings by partially replacing ingredients like soybean and fish meals.

BSF larvae can be reared on organic waste streams, offering a sustainable method to convert low-value waste into high-value protein. This not only reduces feed costs but also addresses environmental concerns by minimizing waste and lowering the carbon footprint associated with traditional feed production. The ability of BSF larvae to efficiently convert organic waste into biomass positions them as a viable solution for sustainable and cost-effective poultry feeding strategies.

Conclusion

As the poultry industry navigates rising global demand, environmental pressures, and economic uncertainties, adopting innovative and sustainable practices becomes essential. Black Soldier Fly larvae represent not just an alternative protein source but a significant step forward in creating resilient and responsible poultry systems. Whether improving the health and productivity of broilers, enhancing egg quality in laying hens, or reducing the industry’s environmental footprint, the BSF advantage is clear. Embracing insects in chicken feed isn’t merely an option—it’s a forward-thinking solution essential for the future of poultry production.

As we bid farewell to 2023, allow me a moment to reflect on a year filled with accomplishments, growth, and innovation. The entire team achieved remarkable milestones in our growth as a market leader in the insect industry, and I want to take this opportunity to guide you through some of the key highlights that have defined our year.

In a year marked by significant growth in the Black Soldier Fly (BSF) industry, FreezeM has played a pivotal role, setting new standards and contributing to the industry’s advancement. Join me as we explore these milestones and the exciting path ahead for FreezeM within the flourishing landscape of the BSF industry.

1. Expanding Horizons: Launching Production in Europe with Hermetia Collaboration

In a groundbreaking move, FreezeM extended its reach by establishing a collaboration with Hermetia GmbH, one of the pioneers of BSF farming, marking our production launch in Europe. This strategic partnership broadens our geographical footprint and strengthens our commitment to sustainable and efficient Black Soldier Fly breeding practices. We can now support customers throughout Europe at scale from one centralized breeding hub.

2. Product Evolution: Advancements in PauseM®

Driven by customer feedback and a relentless pursuit of excellence, FreezeM continued to enhance PauseM®, our flagship product. This year saw significant improvements in product-market fit, increased compatibility with automation systems, and optimization for large-scale supply operations. These developments underscore our dedication to providing a seamless and efficient outsourcing solution for BSF breeding. During the last year, we have sent PauseM® to various locations worldwide and tested its performance in different production settings – from large-scale centralized operations to pilot facilities or decentralized, modular rearing units. The insights we gained were priceless, demonstrating the superior performance on various feedstocks and growth settings.

3. Genetic Breakthrough: Introducing BSF Titan and GFP-BSF

A momentous achievement for FreezeM in 2023 was the successful generation of the first enhanced BSF genetic line, BSF Titan, as covered in Feed&Additive magazine, leveraging our advanced genetics platform. BSF Titan larvae can reach a 50% higher weight with an improved feed conversion rate (FCR), demonstrating the potential of using targeted genetics to enhance larvae performance. This groundbreaking accomplishment showcases our commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation in insect breeding. Additionally, FreezeM proudly presents the world’s first GFP-BSF, demonstrating our leadership in genetic research within the insect-based protein production industry.

4. Industry Recognition: Embracing the Decoupled Production Model

FreezeM’s visionary approach to separate reproduction (breeding) and production (rearing and processing) has gained widespread recognition throughout the industry. More players are adopting innovative breeding solutions, including outsourcing and hybrid (combined outsource and in-house breeding) models, positioning FreezeM at the forefront of pioneering practices that redefine the future of BSF breeding. More and more BSF industry newcomers can now see they can enter the field with much lower investment and grow faster by adopting our decoupled model.

5. Team Growth: Welcoming New Talent and Celebrating Company Culture

The FreezeM family welcomed new and extraordinary talent in 2023, further enriching our collective vision and goals. In the face of challenging times, these remarkable individuals have demonstrated tremendous resilience, grit, and a shared determination that unites us as a team. Their strength and commitment have become a beacon of inspiration.
To showcase the vibrant culture that fuels our success, here’s a glimpse of the latest company fun day held in Tel Aviv. Meet the faces behind FreezeM and witness the collaborative spirit that drives our achievements.

6. Continued Innovation: Leading in R&D Excellence

FreezeM remains dedicated to pushing the boundaries of innovation through ongoing research and development initiatives. Two notable projects, the BSF-Israel consortium launch and collaboration with the Khalaila lab at  BGN, exemplify our commitment to advancing BSF breeding technologies. As we delve into new frontiers like genetics, FreezeM reaffirms its position as an innovation and R&D excellence leader, as stated by Nature Biotechnology magazine in its coverage of CRISPR advancements and Insect Tech.

Looking Ahead: Building on Momentum in 2023 and Embracing Change

As we step into the future, FreezeM is poised to build on the momentum of 2023. Our focus remains on growth, technological advancement, and staying at the forefront of BSF breeding innovation, making it simple for new players to enter the market. However, the excitement doesn’t stop there. We are working on a complete rebranding in response to our remarkable growth and maturity. It’s time to reflect on our evolution in a fresh, innovative way that truly captures the essence of our journey. Stay tuned as we continue to revolutionize the industry and unveil soon a brand-new identity that mirrors our commitment to excellence and sustainability.

In 2024, we plan to expand our production in Europe and Israel, creating more exciting new technologies and collaborations to enhance insect protein production globally and enable it to fulfill its potential.

Thank you for being an integral part of our story. Here’s to the memories we’ve made, the challenges we’ve overcome, and the exciting journey ahead.

With gratitude,
Yuval Gilad, CEO, FreezeM