• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Dog's Best Life

Dog's Best Life

The information you need to keep your dog happy, healthy, playful and loyal.

  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

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

Posted January 4, 2021

English cocker spaniel eats dog food from bowl. Many dog food companies are producing insect-based dog food and treat using a sustainable protein derived from crickets and other insects.
Many dog food companies are producing insect-based dog food and treat using a sustainable protein derived from crickets and other insects.

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 a 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.

Is it better to have two dogs?

 

Related Posts

  • Woman reads information on dog food bag. How to choose dog food: Start by considering your dog's breed, size, and activity level. Then read the ingredients and research the company.
    How to choose dog food for your furry friend: 3 essential steps

    How to choose dog food: Start by considering your dog's…

  • Irish Setter pictured with food ingredients. If you have time, make homemade dog food cooked in a clean environment, using high-quality, fresh ingredients.
    Do vets recommend homemade dog food?

    If you have time, make homemade dog food cooked in…

  • Dog wearing a cone eats from an elevated JoviBowl.
    JoviBowl elevated food bowl helps dogs eat with ease

    The JoviBowl is a high-tech solution to help your pet…

  • Happy Westie licks his lips waiting for meal made from healthy chicken dog food recipes.
    Easy chicken dog food recipes to make for man's best friend

    Use chicken dog food recipes to take your pup's food…

  • Can dogs eat grapes? 20 foods you need to know about

    Can dogs eat grapes? 20 safe human foods for dogs…

  • Sad border collie with food allergies lies near food bowl.
    Choose the best hypoallergenic dog food for your pup

    There are two main types of hypoallergenic dog food for…

  • Cute Havanese puppy with dog food dish. Enzymes in dog food improve digestion by improving the absorption of nutrients, removing excess fat, and breaking down plant materials.
    Feed your pup more sustainable and environmentally-friendly dog food

    Millennials treat their pets like their children and spend more…

  • man gives dog water on hot day. Climate change affects dog health by creating more extreme temperatures.
    How climate change can affect your dog’s health

    Climate change affects dog health by creating natural disasters, causing…

Share this post:

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Reddit

Filed Under: Dog Health Tagged With: Dog food

« Previous Post
Next Post »

Primary Sidebar

Follow Us

Categories

  • Adoption
  • Dog Breeds
  • Dog Facts
  • Dog Fun
  • Dog Grooming
  • Dog Health
  • Dog Inspirations
  • Dog Training
  • Dog Travel
  • Holidays
  • Home Page
  • Puppies
  • Top Stories

Featured Posts

  • puppy 101

    Puppy training 101: 7 tips to start your dog off right

  • Small brown and white dog wears a mask. Dogs and coronavirus: Canines unlikely to catch or transmit the virus to people or other animals, World Small Animal Veterinary Association says.

    Coronavirus and dogs: Can canines get COVID-19?

  • Dogs and other pets on a video conference call. Dog home alone again? If you're preparing to go back to work, get your dog ready. To prevent separation anxiety, use training, treats, and a safe space.

    Ready to go back to work? Prepare your dog to be home alone

Tags

Allergies Jack Russell terrier ferrets Hiking Working dogs Camping Poodle Major life changes Apartment living Adopt a dog after a breakup Crate training Dog health benefits Dog food dog quotes Chasing Halloween Moving Babies dog stress snap Boxer Corgi Dog hair pekingese Shedding Greyhound CBD-Marijuana-Hemp howling Two dogs German shepherd

Footer

Quick Links

  • Home
  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Recent Posts

  • Waterproof blanket helps dogs suffering from incontinence
    The Pawtect Blanket is made using the company's specially-made faux fur and proprietary Sherpup® multi-layer material. […]
  • 6 amazing vacation ideas for you and your dog in 2021
    Choose dog-friendly holiday spots perfect for those who like to spend their vacations without worrying about their beloved canine’s safety. […]
  • 8 pro tips that will make training your dog easier
    Make dog training easier by choosing a quiet spot and using the appropriate tools and treats. Be sure to socialize your dog. […]
  • Homemade dog treats: Create rewards with healthy ingredients
    By making homemade dog treats, you control the quality of the ingredients, and you can create treats you know your dog will love. […]

Get Our Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.

© Copyright 2021 Dog's Best Life online magazine · All Rights Reserved · Privacy
Get Our Free Monthly Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OkRead more