Why should my dog eat insect food?
As you will read below, insect food has been crafted with a sustainable planet in mind. It is much easier to farm insects on a large scale than it is cows, chickens or other animals, and it does less damage to the planet too.
But there are other benefits too. Hypersensitivity is a big issue when it comes to dog food. Dogs can suffer from allergies, which are reactions caused by animal protein. Once developed, the allergy is usually permanent. This can develop at any time, so a dog who previously ate only beef can still become allergic.
They can also suffer from intolerances, which causes issues with the immune system.
These sensitivities can cause rashes, itchiness and illness, and are often diagnosed with food elimination diets. So, if you have found that it is particular meat which your dog is allergic to, or you need to keep ingredients to a minimum, insect food is a great alternative yet they are still getting animal protein.
We have written a complete guide on insect food, below.
Why is sustainability important when it comes to pet food?
Pets are estimated to consume 20% of the world’s meat and fish. But insects can be developed for food on a smaller scale and without as much damage to the planet and environment. It is thought that insect-based foods use 2% of the land and 4% of the water per kg of protein.
Farmed insects are often raised on human waste, so this tackles this issue as well. Many also argue that with the growing demand for food, animals are best raised on insects while the meat is left for humans.
Are insects safe for dogs to eat?
Insect pet food is the only alternative to traditional meat and fish sources that are fully suited to your pet’s digestive system at the moment.
While it may not seem natural, especially if you’ve had to stop your dog being all inquisitive over a fly or insect in the garden, all of the above foods have actually been specially created and tested to ensure that they are safe to consume for pets.
Humans currently eat 2000 species of insects on a daily basis, and wild cats and dogs will often have insects as a food source, so it really isn’t that odd at all!
Do be aware that foods using black soldier fly larvae can be high unsaturated fats however, so may not be suitable for all dogs. Check with your vet first if you have any concerns.