Alternative Proteins Enter Pet Food: Insect and Mycoprotein OEM Trends in 2026

In October 2026, Finnish company Enifer announced its PEKILO mycoprotein entered European pet food for the first time — Dutch brand HenArt used it in the baked dog food LEVENDO. Meanwhile, market research projects the global insect-based pet food market will grow from $1.5 billion in 2026 to $4 billion by 2036. Alternative proteins are moving from novelty to scalable ingredients.

What Are Alternative Proteins?

Alternative proteins refer to pet protein sources beyond traditional chicken, beef, lamb and fish:

• **Insect protein**: black soldier fly larvae, mealworms, crickets
• **Mycoprotein**: protein produced through microbial fermentation (like PEKILO)
• **Cell-cultured protein**: animal cells grown in vitro (still early stage)
• **Plant protein**: pea protein, fava bean protein (already common)

Why Are Alternative Proteins Hot in Pet Food?

1. Allergy Management

Many dogs and cats are allergic to traditional chicken and beef. Insect and mycoprotein are "novel proteins" that pets have not been exposed to, lowering allergy risk.

2. Sustainability

Black soldier fly larvae can be raised on food waste, using far less water and land than traditional livestock. Mycoprotein is produced in fermentation tanks with very low carbon emissions.

3. Digestibility

Early studies show insect protein digestibility at 80-90%, comparable to traditional animal proteins.

Current Manufacturing Status

Insect Protein

• The EU approved black soldier fly for pet food in 2021
• Multiple insect-protein pet food brands launched in North America in 2026
• In China, insect-protein pet food is still early stage, mainly export-oriented

Mycoprotein

• PEKILO is the first mycoprotein to be mass-used in European pet food
• Chinese fermentation protein technology is developing, but mass production lines for pet food are limited

Should Brands Enter Now?

Suitable for entering now:

• Export brands (EU has approved insect protein, can proceed directly)
• Premium differentiation positioning ("novel protein for sensitive pets" is a strong selling point)
• Brands with sustainability stories

Better to wait:

• Domestic-only brands (consumer education is insufficient; insect protein acceptance is low)
• Value positioning (alternative protein raw material costs are high; low prices are unrealistic)
• Brands with no export plans

What to Look for in a Co-Packer

1. Confirm the factory has experience with **novel ingredients**

2. Insect protein/mycoprotein suppliers must provide **ingredient safety documentation**

3. Products exported to the EU must confirm the ingredient is on the **EU feed material catalog**

4. Alternative proteins typically are blended with traditional proteins, not used 100%

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Mixiaoqi pet food OEM/ODM continues to follow novel protein ingredients in pet food. Currently operating fresh food, baking and freeze-drying lines, we will work with brands on alternative protein formula development as the category matures.

FAQ

**What is alternative protein pet food?**

Pet food made with non-traditional protein sources like insects, fungi or cell culture. Main selling points: low allergy and sustainability.

**Is insect protein pet food safe?**

The EU has approved black soldier fly for pet food after rigorous safety assessment. Export products must comply with target market regulations.

**What certifications are needed for alternative protein pet food OEM?**

Pet food production license plus ingredient safety documentation from suppliers. EU exports need confirmation that the ingredient is on the EU feed material catalog.