Real Pet Food Co., creator of the specialty pet food brand Billy + Margot, has secured Australia’s first import permit for black soldier fly (BSF) meal to be used in pet food manufacturing. After over two years of research into protein alternatives, the company said it selected BSF meal as a key ingredient for their Billy + Margot Insect Single Protein + Superfoods dry dog food, which will be sold exclusively at Petbarn stores across Australia and online.
“The Billy + Margot Insect Single Protein + Superfoods is an exciting and important innovation that fuels sustainable growth for Real Pet Food Co.," said Germaine Chua, CEO of Real Pet Food. "We are committed to creating a world where every pet eats fresher every day, and this launch achieves that while also making positive strides toward sustainable practices in our operations.”
The black solider flies are grown in a quality-controlled environment and fed a traceable, responsibly sourced plant-based diet. The insects are then dehydrated and finely ground into a meal, serving as the single protein source for the dog food formula.
This protein source is rich in amino acids and includes TruMune postbiotics to support healthy digestion. According to palatability testing, canine satisfaction is equivalent to other animal protein products in the Billy + Margot portfolio. The novel protein source has been approved by the U.S. and EU pet food regulatory bodies, said the company.
Marie Jones, founder of Billy + Margot and a canine nutritionist, emphasized the benefits of the new product, saying, “I understand that it is new and may be difficult to understand, but trust me, there is nothing like it for sensitivities and overall health, and dogs love the taste of it.
