Insect food as an alternative source of protein for your pet
Dog guides
Food intolerances in dogs and cats are a common problem that is growing in frequency. Often the cause is animal protein – in other words, your pet is reacting to the meat contained in its food.
We have the solution for these challenges! With our Hypoallergenic with insects and Sensitive with insects & rice we are helping sensitive dogs and dogs with food intolerances. And, thanks to our FairCat Safe with insect protein, cats can also look forward to an easily digestible meal. We are aware that many of us are initially somewhat sceptical or even disgusted at the thought of insects. Why is that?
Eating insects? Isn't that taboo?
For those of us living in the West, insects are regarded as "pests". Relatively few people realise that helpful insects greatly outnumber the harmful varieties. Bees supply us with delicious honey and wax, they pollinate our plants, and many insects have a role to play as organic pest control. But insects as a source of nutrition for humans, or as food for our loyal, four-legged friends? Most people initially feel rather revolted at the concept. What is it that prompts this sense of disgust in the first place? The feeling of disgust is an innate emotion. Our sense of disgust is influenced above all by our cultural background and the society we live in. Things that are regarded as "disgusting" in Western countries may be considered perfectly normal foods in other parts of the world. According to information from the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation, insects form part of the traditional diet for two billion people in the world. It is estimated that over 1,900 different species of insects are used as food by people. Lots of insect species are regarded as genuine delicacies.
Promoting alternative sources of protein for the future
In recent years, insects have gained attention as a promising protein source for pet nutrition in Europe. One commonly used species in pet food production is the larvae of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens). These larvae are valued for several beneficial qualities that make them suitable for future-oriented pet food ingredients.
About the larvae of black soldier fly
The larvae of the black soldier fly are known for their rapid growth and efficient nutrient conversion. They are rich in high-quality protein, essential amino acids, and beneficial fats, making them a nutritious component for pet diets. Additionally, the larvae contain important micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals.
Advantages of using larvae of black soldier fly
- Nutrient Dense: The larvae provide a complete and balanced nutritional profile that supports healthy pet development.
- They also provide valuable fatty acids and minerals.
- With a biological value of around 85%, they are very easy to digest and are rich in copper, iron, B vitamins, manganese, phosphorus, selenium and zinc.
- Efficient Nutrient Conversion: As cold-blooded organisms, the larvae convert feed into body mass effectively.
- Minimal Resource Usage: These larvae require relatively low inputs of water and feed to grow.
- Waste Reduction: The larvae can be reared on organic side streams, helping minimize food waste.
How insect farming works
Insect farming involves controlled rearing environments where the larvae of black soldier flies are bred and raised through their life cycle stages. Adult flies lay eggs on specially prepared substrates. Once hatched, the larvae feed on organic materials that meet safety standards. The farming setup maintains optimal temperature, humidity, and hygiene conditions to ensure healthy growth. After reaching the desired stage, larvae are harvested and processed into meal or oil, which are then incorporated into pet food products.
Overall, insect farming integrates modern agricultural practices designed to maximize production efficiency while maintaining animal welfare and biosecurity standards with a future-oriented approach.
Another insects facts
Dog and cat food with insect protein is just as good as food made with conventional meat. Our pets need essential amino acids, which they do not produce themselves but instead can only obtain via their food. Insects can be an excellent quality source of these substances. Where the amino acids come from is irrelevant to the pet's digestive system. The crucial thing is that they are available in sufficient quantities.
Insect food for dogs and cats is just like traditional food in terms of shape, colour, consistency, smell and flavour and is just as easily digested. Pets show excellent levels of acceptance for all our food varieties. And don't worry: you won't find any whole insects, feelers or insect shells in our Insect dog products or FairCat. The insects are processed, dried and ground to a powder before they pupate.
Use of insects as a solution for allergic dogs
Insects form the perfect basis for hypoallergenic food because they represent a rarely used protein source in dog food.
In a clinical study conducted by the Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich, it was established that the grain-free recipe in our Hypoallergenic with insects represents an ideal solution for dogs with intolerances. Dogs suffering from atopic dermatitis as a result of a diagnosed food allergy were given our InsectDog Hypoallergen for 14 days. 80% of the dogs showed improvement with regard to their skin lesions, more than half of them finally saw an end to their itching, and 40% even showed improved fur quality after two weeks. Hypoallergenic with insects was also a complete success in terms of acceptance and how well it was tolerated. See what Prof. Ralf Müller from LMU says about our InsectDog product:
LMU's verdict
Prof. Ralf S. Müller:
"As a complete feed, for many animals [InsectDog Hypoallergen] represents a potential alternative to traditional, commercially-available dietetic feeds and hydrolysed diets."
Suitable for sensitive dogs and cats: insect protein
Our Hypoallergenic with insects uses a grain-free recipe based on potatoes and peas and can be a solution for dogs with intolerances. But it's not only pets with verified allergies that find insects can be a real blessing. Any pets with food sensitivities are catered for beautifully with food that incorporates insect protein. Our Sensitive with insects & rice can help sooth your dog's digestive system thanks to the gentle processing methods used on the ingredients. Also featuring a gluten-free formula is our FairCat Safe with rice and insect protein, which will delight the pickiest of cats. It is good for their stomachs.
All the benefits of insects in dog and cat food at a glance
Insects have lots of nutritional benefits for our pets.
- Insects are a high-quality ingredient in dog and cat food
- First-rate protein, which is easily digestible
- Valuable fatty acids promote healthy skin and a glossy coat
- Rich in copper, iron, B vitamins, manganese, phosphorus, selenium and zinc
- Perfectly suited for sensitive pets or dogs with food intolerances
- Insect farming is done entirely without the use of antibiotics
- The insect farm works according to a holistic approach: the insects are kept in a hygienic environment and reproduce naturally.
