What is the black soldier fly（Phoenix worm）?
When it comes to eco-friendly diets, insects have become a new focus. Yes, you heard it right; tiny insects might be the key to saving the planet. Compared to large livestock, insects require significantly less food, water, and space, and their carbon footprint is minimal. So, can pets accept this transition? The answer is yes! The seemingly inconspicuous black soldier fly has become a new choice for pet food. Not only are black soldier fly larvae rich in nutrients, but they are also beloved by pets. So, what exactly is the allure of black soldier flies?
Black soldier flies, though the name may sound unfamiliar, are a hot commodity in the pet food industry. As one of the few insect species currently commercialized for pet food, black soldier flies not only provide pets with a new source of protein but also drive the sustainable development of the pet food industry. Imagine if we could replace some traditional animal proteins with black soldier flies; it would be a significant liberation of Earth's resources. And what about pets? They would enjoy healthier, more environmentally friendly meals. So, what is the breeding and production of black soldier flies like?
When it comes to black soldier fly farming, it's truly an eco-friendly and efficient miracle. Compared to traditional meat production, black soldier flies not only do not produce methane and other greenhouse gases but also require significantly fewer food, water, and land resources. In Vietnam, through advanced vertical farming systems, black soldier fly larvae can rapidly grow in limited space, producing large amounts of protein per square centimeter. This efficient production method not only provides a new source of raw materials for the pet food industry but also showcases the future possibilities of sustainable agriculture. So, what about the nutritional value of black soldier flies?
The small black soldier fly is a nutritional treasure trove! They are rich in protein, essential amino acids, unsaturated fatty acids, as well as various minerals and vitamins. These nutrients are crucial for pet health. Dried and frozen black soldier fly larvae can be directly used in pet food or further processed into powder and oil, providing pets with comprehensive and balanced nutrition. Compared to traditional meat, black soldier flies not only have higher nutritional value but are also easier to digest and absorb. Pets that eat black soldier flies not only stay healthy but also become more energetic. So, how recognized is the pet food industry for black soldier flies?
Good news! In Europe, black soldier fly larvae, powder, and oil have been widely accepted and applied in the pet food industry. Nowadays, pet food manufacturers in the United States are also starting to experiment with incorporating black soldier fly ingredients into dog and cat food. Recently, the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) voted to include adult dogs in the range of animals suitable for whole-dried black soldier fly larvae, powder, and oil. This means that the use of black soldier flies in the pet food industry has been officially recognized. It is expected that shortly, black soldier fly ingredients will also be approved for use in cat food, allowing more pets to enjoy this healthy and environmentally friendly cuisine. With the increasing emphasis on the concept of sustainable development, the future of black soldier flies in the pet food industry is indeed bright. Here, we recommend feeding reptile pets such as turtles, lizards, geckos, snakes, etc., with black soldier fly larvae in their daily food, which can be ground into powder or fed whole to increase the pet's immunity and protein, reduce the fat content of traditional food, and prevent pet obesity, etc. If you have parrots, chickens, ferrets, and other pets, you can also add black soldier fly larvae to specialized pet food, which can increase the gloss of pet hair and make pets physically stronger.
