Insect protein enriched with mushroom bioactives targets premium pet food market

POLAND – University-backed research has confirmed EntoPro™, a novel insect protein enriched with mushroom bioactive compounds for pet nutrition, developed by Proteine Resources, a Polish biotech company in collaboration with researchers from AGH University of Science and Technology. 

The insect protein combines Buffalo mealworm-derived protein with fungal bioactives to create a new category of functional, sustainable ingredients for the pet food industry.

Scientists involved in the project reported that the ingredient contains a unique profile of bioactive compounds normally associated with fungi, alongside the nutritional characteristics of animal protein.

The development comes as the pet food industry increasingly explores alternative proteins that support sustainability, digestibility and functional health benefits for companion animals.

Combining insects and fungi to create a functional ingredient

According to the company, EntoPro™ is produced using a proprietary process that transfers selected bioactive compounds from fungi into insect-derived protein. 

This process creates a natural integration between two biological systems that normally operate separately.

Analytical testing conducted with AGH University researchers found that the ingredient contains elevated levels of ergothioneine and ergosterol, compounds typically linked to fungal metabolism and antioxidant activity. 

The protein also contains higher concentrations of tryptophan, an essential amino acid involved in protein synthesis and several physiological signalling pathways.

The ingredient also contains chitin, a structural polysaccharide naturally present in insects and fungi, which functions as a dietary fibre and may interact with the gut microbiota in animals. 

Researchers also identified increased levels of several B vitamins and minerals compared with standard insect protein produced without fungal substrates.

Konrad Włodarczyk, Founder and Co-CEO of Proteine Resources, said the innovation represents a significant development in insect protein technology.

“EntoPro™ represents a real qualitative leap, not just a cosmetic improvement,” he said. 

“We believe this is the first ingredient that combines the amino-acid profile typical for animal protein with sterol and antioxidant markers characteristic of fungi in a natural matrix.”

Addressing growing demand for functional pet nutrition

The ingredient is being positioned primarily for premium and private-label pet food formulations. 

Pet food manufacturers are increasingly focusing on ingredients that support gut health, immunity and overall well-being, while also addressing sustainability concerns.

Industry experts note that insect protein has gained attention in recent years due to its high protein content, favourable amino acid profile, and lower environmental footprint compared with traditional livestock proteins.

Bartłomiej Roszkowski, Co-CEO and Co-Founder of Proteine Resources, said the company aims to differentiate its product in a rapidly expanding insect protein market.

“The market is full of insect protein suppliers,” he said. 

“What we are introducing is fundamentally different, a naturally enhanced ingredient with functional compounds rarely found in conventional insect protein.”

Patent-protected technology and industry collaboration

The production technology behind EntoPro™ is currently under patent protection, which the company believes will help establish a distinct position for the ingredient within the growing alternative protein sector.

Proteine Resources is working with partners in the pet food industry to explore applications for the ingredient in functional formulations for dogs and cats, including diets focused on digestive health and nutritional performance.

The company believes combining insect protein with fungal bioactives could open new opportunities for pet food manufacturers seeking to develop products with clear functional benefits while maintaining sustainability goals.

As the demand for innovative protein sources continues to grow, developments such as EntoPro™ illustrate how research partnerships and biotechnology are shaping the future of next-generation pet nutrition.

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