1) Dry food good for the planet

There are only good reasons to choose Bazoef kibble: firstly, they are much more nutritious than most kibbles available on the market. Often, these are made up of residues from slaughter animal carcasses (internal organs, joints, etc.). These poor quality proteins do not provide your pet with everything he needs to grow and stay healthy. At Bazoef, we use the best part of the insects (thus the larva) in order to produce excellent quality proteins.

In addition, the production of our kibbles is much more respectful of the environment than that of conventional kibbles. In fact, insect larvae grow in their natural habitat. Raising insects is intensive farming, but unlike chickens and cows, this is how insect larvae are found in the wild. Better still, some researchers have noticed that insects grow better when they are raised in large numbers in a small space!

Finally, insects do not have an odour, the question of palatability does not arise in relation to insects in particular.

Due to the type of protein used, Bazoef’s ecological footprint is 46 times less than that of beef and almost 7 times less than that of chicken, concerning the agricultural area used. Greenhouse gas emissions are respectively 25 and 10 times lower than for oxen and chickens. As for water consumption, it is 20 and 6 times less …

In addition, the packaging of kibble also contributes to taking care of the planet, by offering reusable and recyclable bags, as well as bulk.

By promoting local production and local ingredients and neighboring countries, Bazoef also acts for the planet.

For a more scientific reading, we invite you to read this article.

In the comparisons that we present on our packaging and on our website, we compare the agricultural area (in m2), greenhouse gas emissions (in kg of CO2 eq) and water use (in l) from the production of mealworms to that of beef and chicken.

The comparison shows the resources necessary for the production of one kilo of edible protein from these different animal sources (Ooninckx and de Boer studies 2010 & 2012).

“Classic” dog foods can be made either from meat or from animal co-products. Finally, some poor quality kibble is made from animal carcass residues which are not necessarily always suitable for consumption and which do not provide the dog with all the essential nutrients.

Most “classic” croquettes are made from animal co-products. These are the parts of a cow or a hen which, although suitable for human consumption, are not usually consumed by humans; these are mainly internal organs (heart, liver, etc.).

In our comparisons, these animal by-products are included in the share of edible protein.

Some people argue that since animals were bred for human consumption, co-products have no ecological impact and that the entire ecological impact of meat consumption can be attributed to the fraction consumed. by human beings.

The co-products are available de facto, they are considered to have no ecological footprint. The entire footprint is then attributed to the animal’s human consumption.

We see it differently. Indeed, these by-products are suitable for human consumption, but are not consumed, mainly for cultural reasons. The choice to attribute the entire ecological footprint to the part of the animal intended for human consumption is arbitrary.

In addition, humans also have to reduce their meat consumption, especially because of the damage to the environment. By reducing human consumption of meat, the amounts available for consumption by our pets will also decrease.

2) A unique recipe

A question often comes up to us: are mealworms suitable as food for pets? Is it good for their health?

Meat and animal products, usually found in classic pet food, account for the bulk of the protein intake in this type of food. Sufficient, quality protein is essential for good health. But what is quality protein?

During digestion, proteins, made up of chains of amino acids, divide. The body uses these to build new chains, which become the proteins it needs. These serve among other things for the proper development of muscles, bones, hair, etc.

However, not all amino acids are created equal. Only some of them, called essential, are necessary to be able to form the useful proteins. A source of protein is said to be of quality when it provides, in the right proportions, the essential amino acids necessary for the good growth of your pet!

The scientific study * on which we are relying to make our claims correctly compared the essential amino acid composition of mealworm proteins to those of various insects and also of chicken, fish and soybeans. The result is that the amino acid composition of mealworm proteins meets all the requirements necessary for the growth and good health of dogs.

Of course, we continue to closely monitor developments in scientific knowledge and will be sure to keep you informed via the blog on our website.

* Protein quality of insects as potential ingredients for dog and cat foods, 2014, Guido Bosch, Sheng Zhang, Dennis G. A. B. Oonincx and Wouter H. Hendriks

COMPOSITION Dried insect protein (23%), naked oats (14%), white rice, peas (14%), rapeseed oil, dried pumpkin (7%), dried chicory (natural source of FOS and inulin) , minerals, dried brewer’s yeast, yeast extract, MOS (mannan – oligosaccharides), dried carrots, dried apples (0.5%), cranberries (0.01%).

ANALYTICAL CONSTITUENTS Crude protein: 25% Crude fat: 15% Omega-3 fatty acids: 0.7% Omega-6 fatty acids: 2.4% ADDITIVES (per kg) VITAMINS Vitamin A (3a672a) (IU / KG): 20,000 IU Vitamin D3 (3a671) (IU / KG): 2,000 IU Vitamin E (all-rac-alfa-tocoferylacetaat): 400.0 mg Vitamin C: 200.0 mg

AMINO ACIDS Taurine: 1,500.0 mg TRACE ELEMENTS Iron (iron (II) sulfate (monohydrate) – iron (II) chelate of amino acids): 90 mg, Copper (copper (II) sulfate (pentahydrate) – chelate copper (II) amino acid): 13 mg, Zinc (zinc (II) sulfate (monohydrate) – zinc (II) chelate of amino acids): 100 mg, Manganese (manganese (II) sulfate ( monohydrate) – manganese (II) amino acid chelate): 30 mg, Iodine (calcium iodate): 1.5 mg, Selenium (sodium selenite): 0.2 mg

ANTIOXIDANTS Tocopherol extracts from vegetable oil.

The metabolic energy of the food is 3.625 kcal / k

The kibbles are produced in an extruder where they are cooked briefly at 120 °, for several reasons: on the one hand it makes the starch digestible, on the other hand it destroys unwanted microorganisms; finally, it keeps excellent nutritional properties.

Unlike some other brands of insect-based kibbles, Bazoef kibbles do not contain any trace of animal fat. The source of lipids is therefore vegetable; Rapeseed oil was chosen because it is an essential source of omega 3. It is also rich in vitamins and in monounsaturated (omega 9) and polyunsaturated (omega 3 and 6) fatty acids as well as in vitamins E. There is no palm oil. The total fat value is 15% in the dog kibble and 12% in the cat kibble.

These mainly come from insects, up to 25% in the dog kibble. About 2% protein is also found in other ingredients.
In the cat kibble, the protein makes up 34% of the total and 32% is insect protein.

Carbohydrates are components of plant origin that serve primarily as a source of energy. Simple sugars (always in very small amounts) are distinguished from starch.

The starch content in our product can be calculated as follows:
Starch (%) = 100 – (moisture + protein + fat + mineral matter + total fiber) Starch is the main precursor of glucose, but not the only one. Carnivores regularly resort to gluconeogenesis (the synthesis of glucose from proteins.)

Total fiber is not usually mentioned in the nutritional information of feed, but it can be conservatively estimated from the crude fiber level by applying a factor of 3 to this level.

The starch content of our dog food can therefore be estimated at: Starch (%) = 100 – (9 + 25 + 15 + 7.5 + 13.5) = 30%. This starch content is very reasonable and is within the usual standards for a dry food intended for healthy adult dogs.

In addition, since the dog is not a wolf, it can effectively use the starch present in reasonable quantities, except in a situation of digestive fragility.

A starch level of 30% in a food should not present a digestive risk for the vast majority of healthy adult dogs once this starch has appropriate undergone treatment, which is the case in the kibbles of Bazoef Petfood.

The starch content of our cat food can be estimated as: Starch (%) = 100 – (6 + 34 + 12 + 6.5 + 10.5) = 31%. This starch content is very reasonable and within the usual standards for a dry food for healthy adult cats.

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Cereals in and of themselves are not a bad ingredient for a pet’s balanced diet. However, there are lower quality cereals.

We chose oats and rice for a variety of reasons; first as part of an omnivorous diet, where they find their place. Also due to the fact that, for an adult dog, it is not necessary to exceed 25% protein. These grains are also a diverse source of carbohydrates.

We have also chosen cereals without traces of wheat gluten; for dogs with allergies or intolerance to wheat gluten, Bazoef kibbles can therefore be consumed without risk.

Preservatives are not necessary; the cooking temperature allows the kibbles to be stored and consumed within 18 months of their production.

The receipe was developed in collaboration with a nutritionist specializing in pet food.

In addition, more and more veterinarians are distributing Bazoef kibble.

More and more scientists have studied the nutritional quality and ecological impact of insects. We offer a list below:

And how !!! The recipe and the ingredients chosen were for their nutritional quality, but also for them to be delicious for your pet. You should also know that, since the pet has a strong sense of smell, he will first analyze the kibble with his nose. Since the insects are odorless, there is therefore nothing to worry about. On the other hand, your pet may not be naturally curious, and as a result, you will have to offer him the kibble several times before he is won over.

Currently, there is no organic certification for food, for animals or humans, using insects. However, we are following this issue closely in order to stay as close as possible to the possible needs of our customers.

Our kibbles are however more ecological than organic kibbles; in fact, they use less water and less agricultural land. Their production generates less greenhouse gases. They do not contribute to overfishing.

Insect-based kibbles do not presently present any known allergies. They can therefore be consumed by dogs with allergies to meat or fish-based kibbles.

In addition, Bazoef kibbles do not contain traces of wheat gluten and can therefore be consumed by pets usually sensitive to gluten.

3) Bazoef's values

It is important that the label can be understood by everyone. Currently, many times this is not the case. With the clean label, we are therefore aiming for an understandable label, and therefore components that are also understandable … For this reason, you will find in our kibbles only what is necessary and good for the health of your pet.

Having the most local kibble possible is one of our goals. And we are happy to achieve it in many ways. Indeed, our ingredients come from Belgium and neighboring countries, while the kibbles are produced in a Belgian factory.

Mealworms, larvae of the mealworm, like other livestock, must live in good conditions. Given the vast differences between humans and insects, it is very difficult to know if they are feeling anything. There is no consensus among scientists on this subject.

When in doubt, it is better to apply the most favorable treatment. Our mealworm supplier is careful to raise them in conditions that avoid pain, stress, hunger, discomfort, while allowing them to express their natural instincts. In the wild, mealworms are often found in large numbers in a confined space, where their eggs were laid, close to a food source. Growing in large numbers in a small, dark, confined space, such as on insect farms, seems relatively close to their natural living conditions. Unlike vertebrates, insects lack a maternal instinct, and even in nature, young live apart from their mothers as soon as they hatch. The issue of separation, as well as that of intensive rearing of mealworms, therefore does not arise in the same terms as for chickens or ruminants.

Mealworms are harvested as larvae and killed with steam and boiling water. Their death is almost instantaneous. This saves them long suffering.

4) Delivery and return

Bazoef Petfood delivers to these countries:

  • Belgium
  • Netherlands
  • France
  • Luxemburg

We use BPOST delivery, Belgium’s leading parcel delivery service.

Packages are usually delivered within 2 working days.

Unfortunately we aren’t able to change the address your order is being sent to. Don’t worry – if you’re not in when a delivery is attempted, our carrier will leave a card advising how to arrange a redelivery or where you can pick up your parcel.

Your order will be shipped from our warehouse in Belgium.

1. Track your order

Once your order is processed and ready to send, you’ll receive a shipment confirmation email from us. In this email, you’ll be able to trace your order via the link provided.

2. Check the estimated arrival date

Want to know how long it should take to deliver your goods?

3. I’m still waiting for my order

Waited until your estimated delivery date? Please allow an extra few days for your order to be delivered (especially during busy times) – our carriers are always doing their best to get your order to you. Make sure you keep an eye on your tracking link for the latest updates.

If you experience any issues with the tracking or delivery of your order, please contact our helpdesk via info@bazoef-petfood.be. We’ll be happy to help you out!

We’ve invested a huge amount of time and resources into making sure the current packaging and filling of your order is as sustainable and environmentally friendly as it can be.

All bags are made of mono-material polyethylene bags which makes them easier to recycle.

How to proceed?

  1. If you want to return your order, you can request a pre-paid return label to our support team (info@bazoef-petfood.be) within 14 days (beginning on the day after the day you receive the goods).
  2. Send your order back to us in a BPOST parcelshop within 7 days after receiving the return label in its original, unopened state.
  3. Please allow 14 days for returns to be inspected and to show on your statement.

The return shipping fee will automatically be deducted from your refund.