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Buggy Bix launches new insect-based pet food in Australia
Founder Shaun Eislers and his wife were discussing different feeding trends for dogs as well as issues around general food security. Having read about the edible insect industry they thought why not use insects as a protein source in pet food?
After exploring the Australian market they were unable to find any local insect-based pet food products so they decided to source locally grown insects and develop this new pet food themselves!
Almost twelve months in the making, the new Buggy Bix dog treats are finally hitting Australian shelves this April 2019!
Why use insects?
“There are some compelling reasons to use insects as an alternative food source” explains Shaun Eislers. Broadly speaking, insects are capable of providing a comparable (if not more beneficial) nutritional profile for pets at a lower financial and environmental cost. More specifically these benefits include…
#1. Nutritional content
Independent nutritional analyses of insects indicates they are excellent sources of nutrients including minerals, essential amino acids, essential fatty acids and vitamins. Additionally, one of the biggest benefits of insects is that in many instances the whole insect can be consumed so there is no waste!
#2. Environmental impact
Insects have a favourable environmental footprint when compared to traditional farming. This includes water, land, energy consumption and feed. For instance, per kg of protein, mealworms require ~20m2 of land (vs ~200m2 for beef) and produce ~20kg of CO2 (vs ~125kg for beef).
#3. Efficiency
Insects are very efficient in converting feed into protein. When compared to current livestock farming, they require significantly less resources to grow comparable yields. As an example, within 18 days 1g of black soldier fly eggs grows into 2.4 kilograms of larvae protein.
The first flavour of Buggy Bix dog treats to be released to market is Pumpkin and Pea. This has been developed with two insect protein varieties: Mealworm and Black Soldier Fly Larvae.
Ingredient List:
- Black Soldier Fly Larvae or Mealworm
- Pumpkin
- Pea
- Brown Rice Flour
- Flaxseed Meal
- Cod Liver Oil
Given that this product is one of the first of its kind in the Australian market, the company wanted to provide a complete picture of the nutritional content to their customers. To ensure this, all products have undergone complete nutritional and shelf life lab testing with DTS Laboratories and Massey University (NZ).
Mealworms and Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) are were selected for this range so what makes them suitable as a pet food?
✔️ Bioavailability
Digestion and absorption of mealworms and BSFL is higher than traditional protein sources.
Digestion and absorption of mealworms and BSFL is higher than traditional protein sources.
✔️ Nutritional Profile
Both mealworms and BSFL are packed with nutrients which are beneficial for dogs. High in protein they contain all essential amino acids, essential fatty acids, minerals and vitamins such as zinc, copper and magnesium. The best part is that 100% of both mealworms and BSFL can be consumed.
Both mealworms and BSFL are packed with nutrients which are beneficial for dogs. High in protein they contain all essential amino acids, essential fatty acids, minerals and vitamins such as zinc, copper and magnesium. The best part is that 100% of both mealworms and BSFL can be consumed.
✔️ Hypoallergenic
Mealworms and BSFL protein sources are great alternatives for pets with allergies to beef, lamb or pork. They also contain a number of fatty acids which are beneficial for intestinal health.
Mealworms and BSFL protein sources are great alternatives for pets with allergies to beef, lamb or pork. They also contain a number of fatty acids which are beneficial for intestinal health.
✔️ Supporting Australia
The mealworms and BSFL used in Buggy Bix are locally grown by domestic insect farmers.
The mealworms and BSFL used in Buggy Bix are locally grown by domestic insect farmers.
The company plans to launch new flavours in the future and is also exploring the viability of new insect varieties including superworms and crickets.
Price & Where to Buy
RRP: $ 10.00 (75g) launch price at www.buggybix.com.au
Find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/buggybix/
Price & Where to Buy
RRP: $ 10.00 (75g) launch price at www.buggybix.com.au
Find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/buggybix/
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