An eco-friendly choice: Dog owners try insect-based food

When it comes to pet food, many innovations have revolved around, giving dogs the most nutrition possible and helping them to maintain their health. But nowadays, you might hear about bugs getting into dog food … intentionally. That’s right! Insects are going into your dog’s food! Now, before you say, “Yuck! Bugs in my dog food? How is that possible?” consider the reasoning behind the “madness.”

Many dog food companies believe that insects can add that much-needed “complete and balanced” part to your furry friend’s diet. Plus, dogs and cats are born with that unique hunting instinct, which has them chasing – and even eating – bugs for pleasure or sport. So, while dogs and cats may eat a bug or two – on purpose or by accident – dog food companies’ intention to implement insect protein as an ingredient to Fido’s kibble is debatable. While some people are skeptical about the thought of feeding their dogs bugs, there’s another side of the coin that suggests that the move is backed by science.

To better understand the debate, let’s look at the science behind why dog food companies are exploring insect-based dog food.

Why insects?

Researchers suggest that insects are a good source of protein and fat, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. For example, crickets are already considered a dog food ingredient since they provide that insect protein, which gives Fido all ten essential amino acids that are three times the iron, five times more magnesium, and twice as much protein as that of ground beef. Other insects considered usable in pet food and treats include the black soldier fly, crickets, and mealworms.

So, what dog food companies are ACTUALLY considering bugs in their products?

Here are four companies that are considering insects as essential for their dog food. 

Jiminy

Jiminy understands the idea that dogs and humans have consumed bugs for many years. As a result, this company champions crickets as the special ingredient that ensures insect protein and great taste in their dog food and treats. Crickets are made into powdered protein that can easily integrate into the mix to make a delicious and healthy product for Fido.

Yora

Yora takes pride in providing more natural and sustainable pet food to dog lovers everywhere. Their pet food is customizable for all types of dog breeds – big and small. And, thanks to the protein from their insect ingredient (which is sustainable and beneficial for digestion), dogs will experience the health benefits right away when they chow down on Yora’s natural and hypoallergenic product.

Enviroflight

Another sustainable pet food option is Enviroflight. Enviroflight takes pride in using bugs as part of the recipe with good-quality ingredients that are nutritious and sustainable. Their bug of choice? The black soldier fly larvae. This particular bug is rich in novel protein, which can also be found in poultry, fish, and other meats. As a result, dogs will be treated to the health benefits that they can get from the high lauric acid content and rich amino acid that the fly larvae contain.

Purina

Finally, Purina – a long-time provider of dog food and treats – has recently announced its take on bug-based dog food. While they haven’t put their insect-based food into production yet, they’re still unveiling their visions on accepting insects as potential ingredients for future dog food products. Right now, they’re looking at the numerous ways of how insects can provide the sources of protein that dog needs to live a healthy life, while taking into account environmental goals, including combating climate change and protecting biodiversity.

Conclusion

So, as you can tell, dog food companies are – and will continue – experimenting with implementing insect grub into your furry friend’s food. And, while only the black soldier fly larvae and crickets have already been approved to be used as an ingredient for Fido’s kibble, there’s still, understandably, a debate over whether or not the whole “buggy” idea is reasonable.

In the meantime, insect farms are already in the process of raising bugs for pet food. Ultimately, this shows that insect-based pet food is growing more and more into a reality, as many such companies are considering the idea and looking at the science behind it. In fact, it won’t be surprising to see that more bug farms will sprout up in pet food plants as time goes on. Even as AAFCO regulations are still keeping the “bug craze” in check, consumers are growing more comfortable with insect-based dog food soon being 100% reality.

So, if you want your dog to get the best out of their dog food, then insect-based dog food might be a good thing. As insect protein grows more in popularity, dog lovers are sure to keep their pups happy and healthy.

Katherine Rundell is a writer at Best Essay Services and Boomessays review. She is also a proofreader at BestAustralianWriters. As a professional writer, she specializes in dogs, pet care, and pet adoptions.

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