In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the focus on sustainability and its impact on our planet. As consumers become more mindful of the choices they make, it is crucial to consider how even seemingly minor decisions, such as selecting pet food, can have a substantial impact on the environment. A recent study estimated the global pawprint of pet food, primarily focusing on dry diets in the United States. This study revealed that pet food could potentially be responsible for up to 2.9% of carbon dioxide emissions and up to 1.2% of agricultural land use.*
Nevertheless, PetCubes, a major player in Singapore’s pet nutrition sector, is set to change this narrative with the announcement of the inaugural Green Pet Fair (GPF), slated for 14th and15thOctober 2023, at Life Sprouts @ Punggol Container Park. GPF represents a collaborative effort between PetCubes and City Sprouts, with support from environmentally conscious partners such as Ugly Foods, SoyNergy (NUS), and Ento Industries (DBS). This initiative underscores PetCubes’ dedication to sustainability and the promotion of eco-friendly practices tailored to pets and their owners.
The central mission of GPF is to raise awareness about the environmental impact of conventional pet care practices and inspire pet owners to adopt more sustainable approaches. The festival will revolve around holistic wellness, eco-conscious tips, social responsibility, and support for local initiatives, all aimed at improving the well-being of pets and families. The event will feature a wide range of activities, including market stalls for both humans and pets, scheduled programs, workshops, hands-on activities, and even a sunset picnic.
At the core of GPF lies PetCubes’ latest innovation, the Sustainable Formula for dog food, which uses Black Soldier Fly Larvae from the local startup Ento Industries as its primary protein source. Scientific studies have demonstrated the viability of insect protein for various animals, including dogs and cats. Insects offer three times more protein than beef and double the protein content of spinach. They also contain 10% more Vitamin B12 than salmon and fermentable fiber that supports gut health. The formula also incorporates Okara, a by-product of tofu production that is rich in fiber. SoyNergy has successfully fermented this fiber, transforming it into a high-quality protein infused with probiotics to enhance gut health.
Dr. Francis Cabana of PetCubes formulated this groundbreaking sustainable formula, poised to revolutionize the petfood industry by prioritizing environmental considerations. The collaboration between PetCubes and local partners demonstrates the potential to nourish pets while preserving the Earth’s ecosystem. Notably, this formula is built on three pillars that epitomize sustainable excellence while meeting international AAFCO nutrient standards for adult dogs. By incorporating insect-based protein, this formula not only breaks new ground but also introduces a natural and fresh food format, marking a pioneering step in the industry.
Supporting Local Sourcing:
PetCubes’ commitment to locally sourced ingredients extendsthroughout their formula, ensuring sustainability, freshness, and longevity in the diet,includingkale, spinach, and barramundi oil.
Combating Food Waste:
In partnership with Ugly Foods, PetCubes actively addresses foodwaste by repurposing surplus and imperfect produce into pet food, aligning with eco-friendlyprinciples. This effort salvages ingredients like rice bran, duck liver, pumpkin, broccoli, and otherrescued components, effectively reducing contributions to landfills.
Innovative Protein Sources:
PetCubes embraces alternative protein sources like bacilli-fermented Okara, lentils, and ground black soldier fly larvae, with significantly lower carbon footprints compared to conventional beef, pork, and chicken protein. The innovative use of these larvae showcases their ability to convert organic waste into valuable protein, with reduced resource demand compared to traditional livestock-based protein production. Insects also provide essential amino acids and minerals for dogs.
Through these three pillars, PetCubes can produce a sustainable dog food that generates approximately 6.4 times fewer greenhouse gases than beef-based dog food, 2.1 times fewer than chicken-based dog food, and uses 12 times less land compared to beef-based dog food.
As part of GPF, DBS will introduce an integration with the Action for Singapore Dogs (ASD) dog shelter, integrated into their Live Better platform. This partnership underscores DBS’s commitment to enhancing animal welfare in Singapore. Furthermore, the Live Better platform allows users of the DBS banking app to directly support the shelter by purchasing discounted dog food.
The event will showcase socially responsible products and companies, eco-friendly products, locally made items, and sustainability projects such as upcycling used paper. Attendees can also look forward to unique activities like dog yoga, hands-on workshops on composting and terrariums, and evening picnics in the park.
Through GPF, PetCubes envisions a future where pet care, nutrition, and environmental stewardship harmoniously coexist. The festival embodies this vision by uniting progressive partners, forward-thinking technologies, and passionate pet owners in a collective mission toward a greener future. Don’t miss the opportunity to be a part of the first Green Pet Fair and contribute to amore sustainable world for our beloved pets and the planet
For more information about PetCubes sustainable formula, please visit
*Alexander, P., Berri, A., Moran, D., Reay, D. & Rounsevell, M. D. A. The global environmental paw print of petfood. Glob. Environ. Chang. 65, 102153 (2020).
This content was provided and edited by WUSG.
