Development of an insect protein food for companion animals with diet-dependent enteropathies
In veterinary practice food responsive enteropathies are increasingly observed in dogs, the symptoms of which cannot be relieved with commercial hypoallergenic food. The possibilities of novel substrates utilization in hypoallergenic dog food are running out, but edible insects may represent a new alternative. Their potential and nutritional value may be used in the development of personalized nutritional strategies. The implementation of insects in animal nutrition will increase due to the growing sector of insect breeders. The mealworm, Tenebrio molitor, an insect with a low allergenic potential and a promising nutritional composition remained outside the area of entrepreneurs interest. Due to the development of this sector in Poland, the possibility of using T. molitor as a feed component should be considered. It is possible to develop a recipe for hypoallergenic pet food based on T. molitor, but it requires rigorous research.The aim of the project is to develop a recipe for hypoallergenic food for dogs based on T. molitor, the effect of which will be tested in terms of the effectiveness of reducing the symptoms of food responsive enteropathies.The project involves developing a food formula and assessing its suitability for feeding dogs in clinical conditions. Studies on rats and dogs under controlled conditions are also planned. Clinical, gastroenterological, histological, immunological, microbiological and computed tomography tests will be used to evaluate the food impact. The presented concept may have a positive influence on the quality of dogs health suffering from food responsive enteropathies. This initiative will enable the introduction of a safe and effective innovatve food that may find a wide audience among veterinarians, food producers and dog owners.