Insect oil as a sustainable innovation in pet food formulation

Insect oil offers functional health benefits through its rich fatty acid profile; consumer awareness and acceptance will play a critical role in its adoption into pet food.

Lisa Cleaver

December 30, 2024

Black Soldier Fly larvae oil, derived from insect processing, is primarily used in pet food and animal feed as a sustainable alternative to traditional plant oil sources like palm or coconut but also as an alternative to animal fats.

Innovafeed

Insect oil, derived from the larvae of the Black Soldier fly larvae (BSFL), is emerging as an alternative to traditional fats in pet food. Unlike insect protein, which focuses on amino acids for growth and nutrition, insect oil offers functional health benefits through its rich fatty acid profile, including lauric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid known for its antimicrobial properties. This makes it an attractive ingredient for supporting gut, skin and cognitive health in pets, particularly in premium and functional diets.

According to Innovafeed, the producer of Hilucia Oil, insect oil also addresses growing consumer demand for sustainability. With an environmental footprint 85% lower than traditional animal fats, the oil is produced through a circular economy process, recycling agricultural byproducts to feed the larvae. The oil’s versatility as a fat source, binder, and coating agent adds further appeal for manufacturers seeking innovative and eco-friendly solutions.

“Insect oil aligns with eco-conscious values while delivering functional benefits that meet the needs of modern pet owners,” said Hugo Paysan, product manager Insect Oils & Animal Nutritionist with Innovafeed.

Scaling production for widespread adoption will require advancements in processing efficiency, automation and localized sourcing of biowaste for larvae feed. Additionally, increasing consumer awareness and acceptance of insect-based ingredients will play a critical role.

"Scaling supply chains, optimizing production costs, and integrating circular economy principles, such as using food waste as feedstock will ensure insect oil becomes a cost-effective, sustainable alternative to conventional fats," said Paysan.

Processed from Black Soldier fly larvae, insect oil provides a new energy source as well as nutritional and functional health benefits through its fatty acids content.InnovafeedConsumer perception and acceptance

In summer 2024, ADM and Innovafeed partnered to conduct a survey on consumer perceptions of insect-based protein in pet food. The survey results suggest that there is potential for growth in the market for insect-based pet food. Efforts like co-branding and consumer education campaigns aim to bridge the gap and highlight the benefits of insect oil on packaging and through influencers.

"Consumer acceptance will be essential for the future success of insect ingredients in premium and mainstream pet food products," said Fernando Roberti, Petfood technical sales manager and veterinarian focused on Europe with Innovafeed. "Growing awareness of sustainability and the environmental benefits of insect farming may drive acceptance, particularly among eco-conscious pet owners. However, overcoming initial skepticism about the novelty of these ingredients will be key to gaining traction in both premium and mainstream markets."

Looking ahead, insect oil is expected to transition from niche to mainstream markets, particularly in diets targeting hypoallergenic, gut health or skin health needs. Scientific validation of its health benefits and innovations in processing techniques will further strengthen its role in the future of pet food formulation. As sustainability remains a priority for consumers and brands alike, insect oil offers a compelling solution.

To learn more about novel proteins and ingredients in pet food, be sure to register for Petfood Forum. Petfood Forum and Petfood Essentials show dates are April 28-30, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri, U.S. To stay informed on the latest event developments, go to PetfoodForumEvents.com. 

Insect oil is rich in beneficial fatty acids such as lauric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid typically found in coconut and palm oilInnovafeedWhat is insect oil? How is it different from insect protein?

Insect oil is a natural product mechanically derived from insect processing. In the case of Innovafeed’s Hilucia Oil, the oil comes from the farmed larvae of the Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens). Black Soldier fly larvae (BSFL) oil is rich in beneficial fatty acids such as lauric acid, a MCFA (medium chain fatty acid) typical from the coconut and palm industry. The MCFA has well known antimicrobial properties and contributes to better health outcomes in pet diets. Black Soldier Fly Larvae Oil is primarily used in pet food and animal feed as a sustainable alternative to traditional plant oil sources like palm or coconut but also as an alternative to animal fats.

In contrast, Innovafeed’s Hilucia insect protein is derived from the same BSFL but is composed by its proteic portion that contains highly digestible amino acids and functional peptides, making it an ideal ingredient for pet food applications by offering a nutritionally available, functional, and eco-friendly alternative to conventional protein sources.

"While both come from insects, insect oil provides a new energy source as well as nutritional and functional health benefits through its fatty acids content, and insect protein supports growth and nutrition through its amino acids," noted said Hugo Paysan, product manager Insect Oils & Animal Nutritionist with Innovafeed. "Together, they form a complementary solution for sustainable nutrition."