Whole dried larvae
A recognisable format for treats, toppers, and selected feed applications.
Ingredient formats
Natural formats for practical feed questions.
Explore insect-derived ingredient formats for animal feed and pet food development, from whole dried larvae to protein-rich meals and oils. Each format calls for its own assessment of composition, handling, and intended use.
Product overview
Choose a format that fits the application
Whole insects, meals, and oils can serve different roles in a finished product. Evaluation should begin with the target animal, desired ingredient function, formulation requirements, and current guidance for the intended market.
Contact Anterra FeedProtein meal
A concentrated format to assess within the nutritional design of a broader formulation.
Insect oil
A fat ingredient format with considerations for inclusion, processing, and product performance.
Our products
Three formats, each with distinct evaluation points
Descriptions below provide general context. Suitability depends on product specifications, formulation work, and applicable requirements.
Whole dried larvae
Dried larvae
Whole, dried black soldier fly larvae offer a simple ingredient format for products where visible whole insects are appropriate. They may be considered for animal treats and for incorporation alongside other ingredients.
- Whole-format ingredient for product concepts
- Relevant to treats and selected animal feed uses
- Consider storage, handling, and pack presentation
- Review specifications for the intended application
Protein-rich meal
Insect protein meal
Protein meal is an insect-derived ingredient format that can be assessed as part of formulated pet food and animal feed. Its contribution should be reviewed alongside the full nutrient profile and technical requirements of the recipe.
- Protein-focused format for formulation review
- Consider amino acid profile and inclusion goals
- Assess particle characteristics and processing fit
- Confirm quality documentation and traceability
Insect-derived fat
Insect oil
Insect oil is a fat ingredient format that can be explored for use in pet food and animal feed. Formulation teams should consider its nutritional role, handling characteristics, stability, and intended function in the finished product.
- Fat ingredient for recipe evaluation
- Consider use within the complete diet
- Review processing and coating requirements
- Check storage and stability guidance
Application context
Start with the finished product, not the format alone
A clear brief helps keep ingredient assessment focused on the animal, the product experience, and the formulation task.
Companion animals
Consider palatability, complete-and-balanced formulation needs, format, and product positioning.
Poultry
Review ingredient consistency, diet role, inclusion goals, and requirements relevant to the target market.
Aquaculture
Assess nutritional contribution, process compatibility, and the needs of the intended species.
Frequently asked
Product questions to address early
These answers are general information, not formulation, veterinary, or regulatory advice.
What is the difference between whole larvae and insect meal?
Whole dried larvae retain a recognisable whole-insect form. Meal is a processed, ground ingredient format that may be easier to assess within a compound formulation. The appropriate choice depends on the product concept and technical needs.
Can these formats be used in pet food?
Insect-derived ingredients are considered in a range of pet food and treat concepts. Any use should be evaluated against the nutritional needs of the animal, product specifications, and requirements that apply in the relevant market.
What information should be requested for a protein meal?
Useful review points can include the ingredient specification, nutritional analysis, processing information, microbiological criteria, contaminant controls, batch consistency, traceability, storage guidance, and documentation for the target market.
How is insect oil evaluated in a formulation?
Evaluation may consider fatty acid composition, the intended role of the oil, inclusion level, stability, storage, processing conditions, and the requirements of the complete diet. Technical review is important before product use.
Are ingredient formats interchangeable?
No. Whole larvae, meal, and oil have different physical and nutritional characteristics. A change in format should be reviewed in the context of the full formulation and manufacturing process.
How should market suitability be checked?
Applicable requirements vary by jurisdiction, animal type, insect species, production inputs, and product format. Consult current official guidance and appropriate qualified specialists for the intended market.
Looking at an ingredient format?
Send the Anterra Feed team a concise description of your intended application.