As the global human population grows and consumption patterns shift, the demand for animal-derived protein is expected to soar. At the same time, the companion animal population is on the rise, with pet owners becoming increasingly conscious of the role diet plays in their pets’ health, welfare, and disease prevention. High-protein diets have emerged as a key factor influencing consumer choices in pet food. This shift mirrors trends seen in human nutrition, where sustainability and health are top priorities. In response, the pet food industry is rapidly exploring alternative, more sustainable protein sources - such as insect protein, plant-based protein, microbe-based solutions, and cultured meat - that not only reduce environmental impact but also promise to enhance the nutritional quality of pet diets. These cutting-edge proteins, if scaled effectively, have the potential to revolutionize pet food, offering a more sustainable and health-conscious future for companion animals.

This Research Topic investigates the role of novel and underutilized protein sources in pet nutrition, emphasizing their impact on companion animal health and welfare. Key areas of focus include analyzing the nutritional profiles of these alternative proteins - such as amino acid composition, digestibility, and bioavailability - and evaluating their potential to manage diseases and support overall health through targeted dietary interventions. Additional areas of interest encompass examining how different protein sources influence immune function, metabolomics, gut microbiota, and behavior, providing insights for more effective nutritional strategies. Practical considerations, including scalability, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact, are also critical aspects. Furthermore, exploring consumer acceptance and emerging market trends will contribute to the development of sustainable, innovative pet food solutions, advancing a circular economy approach aligned with the One Health framework.

The scope of this Research Topic embraces studies on novel or underexploited protein sources for pet food giving insights on the relation between dietary protein and animal health and welfare. Contributions on several themes are welcome, including but not limited to:

• The nutritional profile of alternative protein sources compared to traditional proteins in terms of amino acid composition, digestibility, and bioavailability;

• Role of protein source and concentration for the nutritional management of diseases;

• Mechanisms beyond effects of protein sources;

• Assessing the scalability and cost-effectiveness of alternative proteins in pet food production;

• The role of alternative protein sources in supporting a circular economy and enhancing pet food sustainability;

• Comparative studies on the environmental footprint of different protein sources for pet food production;

• Consumer acceptance and market trends regarding novel protein sources in pet food.

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

Innovative Sustainable Proteins: Transforming Pet Nutrition for Better Health and Welfare