JÄRVENPÄÄ, FINLAND — Volare, a foodtech company that produces insect-based proteins, is collaborating with Mellilä, Finland-based pet food brand Dagsmark Petfood Oy on an insect-based cat food featuring Volare’s insect protein ingredients. The new cat food is expected to hit stores this month. 

“I think every cat owner is aware how picky eaters our feline friends can be, so using Volare’s protein in cat food is a big milestone for us,” said Tuure Parviainen, chief executive officer of Volare. “We now have a seal of approval like no other as the most critical taste-testers have approved our product’s taste and quality.”

Volare’s insect protein is made from black soldier fly larvae (BSFL). By incorporating Volare’s insect-based protein into its cat food, Dagsmark can continue its mission to provide sustainable and high-quality pet food using locally sourced raw materials, according to the company.

The new cat foods, Dagsmark GEPARDI and Dagsmark PUUMA, will feature insect-based protein along with locally sourced chicken. This combination of protein sources provides cats with a healthy and balanced diet while also offering an environmentally sustainable option for pet owners, the company said.

“Cats are hunters and carnivores, so we’re highly aware that they rely on nutrients found only in animal products,” said Janica Finneman, marketing director for Dagsmark. “Finding sustainable alternatives for these nutrients is very important to us — by replacing even a small portion of a cat’s diet with insect-based protein or locally-sourced chicken can have a big impact on their paw print.” 

Volare recently announced plans to construct its first industrial-scale facility in Järvenpää. The facility will produce environmentally friendly insect-based proteins and lipids for use in aquaculture, pet nutrition and other food products.

Read more about new pet food and treat products.