IMPORTANCE OF PROTEIN IN DOG'S DIET

Protein is one of the main macro nutrients in a pet's diet, alongside carbohydrates and fats. Cats and dogs require a lot of protein, as it is a source of energy, but is also key to healthy growth, healing and gestation. Due to these roles, puppies and kittens, pregnant animals and those suffering from certain illnesses may require more protein than healthy, adult pets.

It doesn’t matter if dietary protein comes from one source, or from multiple ingredients, as long as the total protein supplied in the diet provides all the necessary amino acids in the correct amounts.

Puppies and kittens, pregnant animals and those suffering from certain illnesses may require more protein than healthy, adult pets.

Proteins are often large, complex molecules, consisting of a string of amino acids. They play critical roles in almost every aspect of the body, including:

1. Building and maintaining muscle mass

2. Producing enzymes which assist the many biochemical processes in the body

3. Supporting strong immunity, including the production of blood cells

4. Promoting healthy growth and development

Proteins from one ingredient may differ from another, based on; the length of the polypeptide chain, the individual amino acids that are in the chain, and how the chain folds. Sources of protein include:

1. Meat

2. Grains

3. Seeds

4. Legumes

5. Vegetables

6. Insects

Insect as Protein source is the new protein gaining its popularity as sustainable protein source which has all essential nutrients for the healthy growth of dogs.

Common types of insects used in production of feed:

• House crickets (Acheta domesticus)

• Yellow mealworms (Tenebrio molitor)

• Black soldier fly (BSF) (Hermetia illucens)​

Among these Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL)-derived ingredients are gaining popularity as sustainable and nutritious pet food ingredients. Some experts project the insect protein market to increase exponentially in less than 10 years, soaring from production of about 10,000 metric tons today to 500,000 by 2030.

In the European Union, several dog foods using insects as a protein source have been on the market for several years. Recently pet food giants like Nestlé Purina and Mars (Beyond Nature’s Protein product in Switzerland in November 2020 that includes BSFL among its protein sources. In April 2021, Mars (Pedigree) announced its own entrant), Lovebug, in the U.K. also using BSFL.

Why Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) is so popular ?

Black soldier fly larvae-derived ingredients contain bio active peptides with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and hypoallergenic properties; bio active lipids with antimicrobial and brain health improvement potential; and chitin, which also has anti-inflammatory properties. Osteoarthritis (OA) accounts for one of the major problems in old dogs and cats worldwide, and initiation factors are associated to trauma, obesity and aging (inflammation-related conditions). Nutrition in BSFL addresses many mainstream problems faced by our pets. This made loads of research into BSFL is done and companies grab their share into BSFL pet market.

#TomTommy is proud pioneering insect meal based dog feed in a way that is easier for pet parents to provide their pets the healthy diet possible.

Black soldier fly larvae-derived ingredients contain bio active peptides with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and hypoallergenic properties; bio active lipids with antimicrobial and brain health improvement potential; and chitin, which also has anti-inflammatory properties