African game meat emerges as a sustainable protein for pet food

As pet food manufacturers seek sustainable protein alternatives, African game meat from South Africa — with its rich nutrient profile and eco-friendly production practices — is emerging as a promising solution for enhancing pet nutrition while supporting sustainable development initiatives.

South Africa, the continent’s leading game meat producer, contributes significantly to this evolving protein landscape with its abundance of large game meat species, known for their favorable protein-to-fat ratios and rich nutrient profiles. South Africa’s Game Meat Strategy supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by aiming to create over 200,000 jobs by 2030 through sustainable game farming and ecotourism, possibly offering a model for the development of more sustainable protein sources in other parts of the world.

At Petfood Forum 2025, Angelique Myburgh, nutrition and development specialist, Montego Pet Nutrition, will offer insights into Africa’s role in providing this novel pet food protein source during her education session on Tuesday, April 29. Montego offers premium pet food for dogs and cats including dry food, treats and supplements made with novel, sustainable protein as its main ingredient.

“Typically, African game meat has a fat content of less than 3% with protein levels ranging from 21.4% in springbok to 23.8% in impala, aligning protein and fat composition to deer meat commonly known in the U.S.,” said Myburgh. “Additional health benefits include its low saturated fatty acid content and high levels of heme iron, vitamins and minerals.”

As a novel protein, African game meat offers hypoallergenic properties, making it ideal for pets with dietary sensitivities to traditional meat proteins. “Because these animals roam freely and feed on natural vegetation, the meat is organic and free from artificial additives,” added Myburgh.

Ethically managed game meat benefits sustainability, women empowerment

In South Africa, the expansion of ethical wildlife ranching, particularly on privately-owned land, has significantly contributed to the recovery and conservation of wildlife populations, ecosystem restoration, job creation and socio-economic growth. Myburgh noted the use of ethically managed game meat in pet food aligns with several United National Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 15, 8, 5 and 12.

SDG 15 – Life on Land – seeks to reduce habitat degradation and halt biodiversity loss, aligning with sustainable rewilding efforts for game animal populations by fostering an effective value chain. “In our case, we source springbok locally and strive to contribute to the regeneration of the springbok population in the Karoo region,” said Myburgh.

The use of game meat in the pet food industry also supports SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth – by enhancing rural livelihoods through job creation, in line with the Game Meat Strategy of South Africa, which aims to generate of 200,000 jobs in this sector by 2030.

Recent research also indicates that wildlife ranching creates more opportunities for women compared to traditional agriculture, advancing SDG 5 – Gender Equality – and promoting female empowerment in rural areas.

The growing use of ethically sourced game meat aligns with the South African game meat industry’s goals to increase production from 66,140 to over 110,232 U.S. tons annually, create localized value chains, and integrate 2.47 million acres of community-owned land.

“An overlooked opportunity in the strategy is the incorporation of game meat into the pet food industry, creating alternative revenue streams through the utilization of secondary products such as meat trimmings and high-value offal,” said Myburgh.

She noted that this supports SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production – by promoting better resource management and reducing food waste.

Benefits extend beyond South Africa

South Africa’s game meat strategy can serve as a model for sustainable protein development in other regions of the world. Myburgh said the strategy is particularly relevant in areas where byproducts or secondary products are generated, such as in the meat industry where high-valued prime cuts coexist with secondary products like the meat trimmings and offal.

“The objectives outlined in the strategy are comprehensive, covering policy frameworks, governance, innovation, biodiversity conservation, socio-economic development and sustainable management to ensure a thriving industry,” she said. “This approach can be modified and adapted to other sustainable protein sources with similar challenges.”

The key lesson from this approach is the significant value of sustainability, not only in terms of the environment but also in supporting local economics and ecosystems, said Myburgh.

“By prioritizing ethically sourced proteins, like game meat, Montego’s approach can inspire other pet food manufacturers and consumers to embrace protein options that contribute to economic growth while benefiting the environment,” she said. “The expansion of novel proteins in this way helps strengthen local economics and promotes a more sustainable and profitable future, especially in Africa.”

Exploring novel proteins in pet food critical to the planet’s future

Over the next five years, unconventional meat-producing species hold significant potential, especially with sustainable practices that support their conservation. At the same time, advancements in ferment animal protein and cultured meat are emerging, explained Myburgh.

“In South Africa, cultured meat from game species is being developed, but challenges like cost and consumer perception still exist,” she said. “Given that game meat is already available and support reviving and rewilding efforts, the need for cultured meat from these species raises questions. Meanwhile the pet food industry is likely to continue growing with the wider acceptance of alternative meat, insect, plant-based and microbial protein.”

Myburgh said one key takeaway from her education session at Petfood Forum is that Africa has the potential to play a significant role in the ever-evolving protein landscape by offering sustainable protein sources.

“Montego is paving the way by integrating underutilized ethically sourced meat protein in the pet food industry,” she said. “This supports rural livelihoods in African communities while promoting biodiversity and conservation efforts. It also enables responsible resource use, benefiting industry partners, pets, people and the planet.”

Exploring novel proteins is increasingly important due to the global protein shortage and the rising demand for alternative protein options.

“Pet owners are turning to novel or niche proteins, driven by the humanization trend and the need to address dietary sensitivities in pets, particularly those with intolerances to common proteins like beef and chicken,” Myburgh noted. “This shift not only meets nutritional needs but also supports sustainability in the pet food industry.”

Angelique Myburgh, nutrition and development specialist, Montego Pet Nutrition, will present her educational session, Exploring fresh African game meat in pet food for novel, sustainable approach to nutrition, on Tuesday, April 29, at 3:10 p.m. during Petfood Forum 2025. To stay informed on the latest event developments, go to PetfoodForumEvents.com.