A new palatability study shows that two different diets containing the PureeX/ProteinX combination were highly accepted and readily consumed by dogs, indicating excellent palatability. The study also examined dog owners’ perceptions of the insect-based wet food, concluding that they rated the food’s texture, aroma and appearance highly.
In addition to being highly palatable to dogs and appealing to owners, insect ingredients are increasingly recognised for their functional benefits. They therefore offer an innovative option for petfood manufacturers seeking to provide health and well-being benefits in palatable products.
The objectives of the study were to assess dogs’ acceptance of wet food with a substantial inclusion of PureeX, Protix’s fresh insect meat and to gather pet owners’ opinions of the food. The study involved 170 privately owned small and medium-sized dogs. These sizes were selected because dogs of this stature tend to be more selective eaters.
Paw-sitive palatability results
The trial indicates high palatability for insect-based wet foods. Dog owners were asked to rate the consumption of both diets at the end of the meal: the diet containing only black soldier fly ingredients and the hybrid diet were equally well accepted and readily consumed by the dogs. No significant difference between the diets was detected.
Strong consumer approval
While palatability and acceptance by dogs are of paramount importance, pet owners often prefer to offer their dogs a diet that looks and smells appealing to humans as well. Study participants were therefore asked to rate the sensory properties of the two feeds, which they scored a solid seven out of ten for both options.
When asked whether they would recommend the insect-based diets, 82 percent of owners stated that they would recommend the black soldier fly diet and 81 percent would recommend the hybrid diet.
