Study on Petgoods cat food shows supported health

A scientific study based on our adult cat food evaluated key parameters of nutrition and health such as palatability, digestibility, and impact on gut flora. In summary, the study showed that our food has high palatability and digestibility, provides optimal stool quality, and can even increase the presence of gut bacteria considered beneficial for health.

How was the study conducted?

In the study, a test panel of cats was fed our insect-based adult cat food for one month. The same group of cats also ate a chicken-based food for an equal period as a control. The chicken-based food was identical to the insect-based one, except for the protein source.

Throughout the study, the cats' food intake and well-being were monitored with veterinary checks and weighing. After the study, the digestibility of the food and the cats' gut flora were evaluated through fecal samples.

What were the study's findings?

All cats remained healthy throughout the study, ate the food eagerly, and had perfect stool quality. The study primarily noted three interesting results:

1. 100% of cats enjoyed the food

The food had very high palatability, with all participating cats enjoying it and continuing to eat it throughout the study — even beyond the study's conclusion!

2. The food had high nutrient digestibility.

Our adult cat food had high digestibility of all nutrients, with a protein digestibility of over 85%. This aligns with levels seen in other high-quality premium foods made from more traditional protein sources. This means that cats can easily digest and absorb nutrients from our food and utilize them in their bodies.

3. Cats had an increase in gut bacteria considered beneficial

Petgoods food stimulated activity in the gut flora, leading to an increase in gut bacteria considered beneficial and a decrease in bacteria associated with digestive issues.

There was an increase in species like Bifidobacterium and Megamonas, which are considered beneficial for gut health. A significant decrease in bacteria from the Clostridium group was also noted, which are associated with digestive problems and detrimental to gut health.

The study also noted an increase in fecal short-chain fatty acids in the group that ate the insect-based food. Short-chain fatty acids play a crucial role in gut health as they provide nutrients for the intestinal cells, and higher levels may indicate improved gut health.

Where can I find the study?

The study is peer-reviewed and published in the Journal of Insects as Food and Feed, and is available to read online here.

You can also download our white paper, which provides a scientific summary of the study and its results.

Curious to read more about research?

On our research page, you can find articles, references and news related to research on insects as pet food.