The idea of feeding your dog insects might sound unusual at first. Most dogs have traditionally been fed familiar sources of protein such as chicken, beef, lamb or fish. But insect protein is becoming increasingly popular in pet food, and ingredients such as Black Soldier Fly larvae are now being used in complete dog foods across the UK.
So why are insects finding their way into our dogs' bowls? Is insect protein nutritious? Can dogs digest it properly? And is it genuinely a worthwhile alternative to more conventional protein sources?
In this guide, we'll take a closer look at insect protein dog food and what dog owners should know before making the switch.
What Is Insect Protein Dog Food?
Insect protein dog food is made using insects that have been farmed and processed specifically for use as an animal-feed ingredient.
One of the insects commonly used is the Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens). In the UK, processed protein derived from certain farmed insect species is permitted for use in pet food under animal-by-product regulations.
The insects can be processed into ingredients such as dried insect meal and insect oil, which can then be incorporated into complete dog food recipes.
For example, YORA Grain-Free Insect Dog Food currently lists 40% insect ingredients, made up of insect meal, freshly prepared insect and insect oil. The finished food provides 23% crude protein and 13.5% crude fat.
Why Is Insect Protein Used in Dog Food?
1. It provides protein
Dogs need protein as part of a balanced diet, and the protein in insects contains amino acids that can contribute to a complete diet when the overall recipe is properly formulated.
Importantly, it is the finished food that needs to provide the right balance of nutrients — not simply the percentage of insect meal listed on the packet.
Research has investigated the digestibility of complete dog foods containing Black Soldier Fly larvae meal. One study found that a complete extruded diet containing Black Soldier Fly larvae meal could be digested by adult dogs, although individual formulations and feeding conditions matter.
2. It offers an alternative protein source
One of the interesting things about insect protein is that it gives owners another option when choosing a dog food.
Some dogs are fed diets containing the same familiar proteins for years, while others may benefit from having different protein sources available.
However, it's important not to assume that insect protein will automatically solve a dog's food allergy or sensitivity. If you suspect your dog has a food allergy, it is sensible to speak with your vet rather than changing diets repeatedly.
3. It has attracted interest for sustainability
Insects require considerably less land and resources to produce protein than many conventional livestock systems, which is one reason insect farming has attracted attention as an alternative protein source in the UK and beyond.
However, sustainability is complicated. The environmental impact depends on factors including what insects are fed, how they are farmed, energy requirements, processing and transportation.
So rather than saying that insect dog food is automatically "better for the planet", it is more accurate to say that insect protein has potential as a more resource-efficient alternative protein source.
What Is Black Soldier Fly Protein?
Black Soldier Fly larvae are small insect larvae that can be farmed and processed into protein-rich ingredients.
They may look rather different from the meat ingredients most dog owners are accustomed to seeing on a pet-food label, but once processed they can be incorporated into dry and wet pet foods.
YORA uses Hermetia illucens larvae in several of its dog-food recipes. Its YORA Grain-Free Insect Dog Food, for example, contains insect meal, freshly prepared insect and insect oil alongside ingredients such as sweet potato, potato and peas.
Is Insect Protein Suitable for Dogs?
For a healthy dog, a properly formulated complete insect-based dog food can be an option.
The important word here is complete.
Rather than choosing a food simply because it contains a high percentage of insects, look at the nutritional information and make sure the product is intended to provide a complete diet for your dog's particular life stage.
Puppies, adult dogs, senior dogs and dogs with different activity levels can have different nutritional requirements.
For example, YORA First Steps Insect Puppy Food currently provides 27% crude protein and 14% crude fat and is formulated specifically for puppies.
Is Insect Protein Good for Dogs with Sensitive Stomachs?
This is one of the questions we hear most often.
Every dog is different, and there is no single food that will suit every dog.
Insect protein is sometimes marketed as a novel protein, which can make it interesting for owners looking for an alternative to more familiar proteins. But "novel" does not mean "guaranteed to be hypoallergenic".
If your dog has recurring digestive problems, itching, ear problems or other symptoms that make you suspect an allergy or intolerance, speak to your vet before making significant dietary changes. A properly planned elimination diet may be recommended in some cases.
Is Insect Protein Hypoallergenic?
This needs a little care.
You will see insect-based dog foods marketed as hypoallergenic, but that doesn't mean every dog will tolerate insect protein. It's also worth noting that if your dog has previously eaten insect-based treats or foods, they may already have been exposed to insect protein.
A dog's response depends on the individual animal and its previous exposure to particular proteins.
For that reason, it is better to think of insect protein as a potentially useful alternative protein source, rather than assuming it is suitable for every dog with allergies.
Will My Dog Actually Eat Insect Protein Dog Food?
This is probably the biggest question for owners considering insect food for the first time.
Fortunately, dogs don't necessarily share our opinions about what looks appetising!
Insect-based foods can contain insect oils as well as insect meal, and manufacturers formulate recipes to make the finished food palatable. For example, YORA Small Dog Food includes Black Soldier Fly larvae oil as part of its formulation.
Of course, individual dogs have different preferences. Some may take to an insect-based food immediately, while others may need a gradual transition.
How Do I Switch My Dog to Insect Protein?
Changing food suddenly can cause digestive upset, even when the new food is perfectly suitable for the dog.
A gradual transition is generally the sensible approach. Begin by mixing a small amount of the new food with your dog's existing food and gradually increase the proportion over several days.
Keep an eye on:
- Stool consistency
- Appetite
- Energy levels
- Vomiting or digestive upset
- Any changes to skin or coat
If your dog develops significant or persistent symptoms, stop and seek veterinary advice.
Insect Protein vs Chicken and Beef: Which Is Better for Dogs?
There isn't a simple answer.
Chicken, beef, lamb, fish and insect protein can all be used in dog food. What matters is the overall nutritional quality of the finished diet, not simply which animal supplied the protein.
Instead of asking "Is insect protein better than chicken?", a better question is: "Is this particular dog food nutritionally appropriate for my dog?"
Look at the complete ingredient list, nutritional analysis, life-stage suitability and feeding guidelines.
What Should You Look for When Buying Insect Dog Food?
Is it a complete food?
Look for a food that is clearly labelled as complete and suitable for your dog's life stage.
What is the protein source?
Check which insects are being used and where they appear in the ingredients list.
What are the analytical constituents?
Look at protein, fat, fibre and ash rather than judging a food by its marketing claims alone.
Does it suit your dog?
A puppy, active adult, senior or overweight dog may have very different nutritional needs.
Does your dog enjoy it?
The best food in the world is no use if your dog refuses to eat it!
Why Is Insect Protein Becoming More Popular?
There is no single reason.
Some owners are interested in alternative protein sources. Others are attracted by the potential environmental advantages of insect farming in the UK. Some simply want to try something different for their dog.
At the same time, insect-based pet food is becoming more widely available, giving owners more choice than they had a few years ago. For pet owners, that's arguably the biggest benefit: another properly formulated option to consider.
Our View at Kimi's Pet Emporium
At Kimi's, we think insect protein is an interesting development in dog food — but it shouldn't be treated as a miracle ingredient.
A good dog food should start with good nutrition, appropriate formulation and ingredients that suit the individual dog.
Insect protein can provide an alternative source of protein, and products such as YORA demonstrate how it can be incorporated into complete dog foods. We particularly like the fact that there are different formulations available for different dogs, including:
If you're considering trying insect protein for your dog and aren't sure which product is appropriate, we're always happy to help you compare the options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is insect protein hypoallergenic?
It may be an alternative protein source, but it should not automatically be considered a solution for every dog with a food allergy. If your dog has previously been exposed to insect protein, it may not be truly novel. Veterinary advice is recommended when an allergy is suspected.
Can dogs eat insect protein?
Yes. Properly processed insect ingredients can be used in dog food, and processed protein from approved farmed insect species is permitted for use in pet food under UK regulations.
Is insect protein healthy for dogs?
Insect protein can form part of a healthy diet when it is included in a properly formulated complete dog food. The overall nutritional composition of the food is more important than the protein source alone.
What insects are used in dog food?
Black Soldier Fly larvae (Hermetia illucens) are one of the insect species used in pet food. UK guidance also lists other permitted farmed insect species for processed animal protein intended for pet food.
Does insect dog food contain enough protein?
A properly formulated complete food can provide the protein a dog needs. Check the analytical constituents and the manufacturer's nutritional information rather than judging the food solely by its insect percentage.
How do I introduce insect food?
Introduce any new food gradually rather than changing your dog's diet suddenly. Monitor your dog's digestion and appetite during the transition.
Final Thoughts
Insect protein might once have sounded like a novelty, but it is becoming a legitimate option in the pet-food market across the UK.
Black Soldier Fly protein offers an alternative source of animal protein, and research has investigated its digestibility in complete dog foods. It isn't necessarily the right choice for every dog — and it certainly isn't a magic solution to every dietary problem.
But if you're looking for an alternative protein source, interested in the potential environmental benefits of insect farming, or simply want to explore something different for your dog, insect protein dog food is certainly worth investigating.
Want to know if insect protein could be suitable for your dog? Browse our full range of YORA insect-based dog foods at Kimi's Pet Emporium, or get in touch and we'll help you choose an option that fits your dog's age, size and lifestyle.