Have You Considered if an Insect-Based Diet Could Solve Your Dog’s Food Allergies?
You want the best for your dog. That means healthy food that helps them live a long, happy life. You might be hearing more about dog food made from insects. It sounds strange to some, but it’s a choice many dog owners are making. Let’s talk about what insect dog food is and if it might be a good fit for your furry friend.
What is Insect Dog food?
Insect dog food uses protein from bugs like crickets, mealworms, and the larvae of the black soldier fly. These aren’t just any bugs from the backyard. They are farmed in clean, controlled places to be safe and healthy for your dog to eat.
In 2021, a big step was taken when the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) approved black soldier fly larvae for dog food. This opened the door for more insect ingredients. Now, mealworms and crickets are also used, and we’ll likely see more in the future.
The idea of feeding insects to pets is growing fast. Experts think that by 2030, the world will need over half a million tons of insect protein, and pet food could use up to 30% of that. One UK company that makes insect dog food saw its sales more than triple in just one year.
Why Are People Choosing Insect Dog Food?
There are a few big reasons why dog owners are getting interested in insect-based foods.
Good for the Planet
One of the biggest reasons is that it’s better for our earth. Raising traditional farm animals like cows and lambs uses a lot of land, water, and energy. It also creates a lot of greenhouse gases that are warming our planet.
Farming insects is much more eco-friendly :
- Less CO2: Making 1 kilogram of insect protein releases about half the carbon dioxide as making the same amount of lamb or soy protein. It releases 22 times less CO2 than beef.
- Less Waste: Some insect farms, like Grubbly Farms, feed their insects with leftover food waste. This means less food ends up in landfills. One bag of their chicken feed can recycle up to 35 pounds of food waste.
Healthy for Your Dog
Of course, you want food that is nutritious. Insect-based foods are packed with the good stuff your dog needs.
- High-Quality Protein: Insects are a “complete protein,” which means they have all the essential amino acids your dog needs to be strong and healthy. Some insects have twice as much protein per 100g as beef.
- Good for Allergies: Many dogs are allergic to common proteins like chicken or beef. This can cause itchy skin, upset stomachs, and other problems. Since most dogs have never eaten insects before, it’s a “novel protein.” This means it’s less likely to cause an allergic reaction. Many owners find that switching to an insect-based diet helps with their dog’s allergies.
- Gut Health: The exoskeleton of insects contains a type of fiber called chitin. This fiber acts as a prebiotic, which feeds the good bacteria in your dog’s gut and can lead to better digestion and firmer poop.
- Other Health Perks: Research suggests insect protein can also help with joint health, brain function in older dogs, weight management, and even bad breath.
The Growing Trend of Sustainable Pet Food
Choosing insect dog food is part of a bigger movement toward sustainable pet food. More and more pet owners care about how their pet’s food affects the planet. A worldwide survey last year showed that 93% of pet owners think sustainability is important when buying pet food. That’s up from 86% in 2022.
This concern is so strong that about half of pet owners have switched brands to find a more sustainable option. This has led to the rise of companies focused on being green.
- Lyka in Australia delivers dog food made with up to 95% locally sourced ingredients to reduce their carbon footprint. They have already delivered 65 million meals.
- Marley Bones in the UK makes fresh dog food and is serious about packaging. They use recyclable cardboard and are “plastic neutral,” meaning they offset the plastic they use.
- Grubbly Farms in the US makes sustainable feed for backyard chickens by turning food waste into insect-based feed.
What to Think About Before You Switch
While there are many good things about insect dog food, it’s still a new idea for many people.
- The “Ick” Factor: Let’s be honest, the thought of eating bugs can feel a little strange. But the food doesn’t look like insects. It looks just like regular kibble. Studies show that while people might not want to eat insects themselves, they are often willing to feed them to their pets.
- Cost: Right now, insect-based pet food can sometimes cost more than traditional foods. This is because insect farming is still a newer industry. As it grows, prices are expected to come down.
- Not All Insects Are the Same: Different insects have different nutrients. Companies must carefully formulate their recipes to make sure the food is complete and balanced for your dog’s needs.
The world of pet food is changing, and insect-based protein is a big part of that change. It offers a way to feed our pets well while also taking care of our planet. As more people learn about the benefits, we can expect to see even more options on the shelves. If you’re looking for a healthy, eco-friendly food for your dog, especially if they have allergies, insect-based food is definitely worth considering.