Are insects suitable as food for dogs?
When we think of insects as a source of food, many people feel disgust: somehow the six-legged crawlers seem scary and are not at all suitable for meals. So it's understandable that most people are initially skeptical when they see an offer for insect dog food.
A taboo in western societies
The reason for this is actually not nutritional at all: practically every culture has certain taboos when it comes to food.
For example, beef is forbidden for Hindus, while Jewish and Muslim circles are not allowed to eat pork. In our imagination, insects play a role that is not religiously motivated, but otherwise very similar.
These reservations do not exist elsewhere: In Asia and many regions Latin America You can find the creepy crawlies in almost every food market. In total, it is estimated that around two billion people regularly eat insects.
Beacon of hope against famine and shortages
In view of the increasing world population, climate crisis and scarcity of resources Insects as food increasingly in focus:
The United Nations, for example, advocates a greater role for animals on menus. They could not only help against famine, but also help to systematically slow down malnutrition.
Contain practically all important amino acids
This applies not only to people, but also to dogs. Compared to conventional dog food meat sources, insect protein really doesn't have to hide. Analyzes show that it is not only high quality, but also the dog with practically all important amino acids – i.e. the 8 essential and 2 semi-essential.
- For example, a study published in 2014 by the Dutch University of Wageningen came to the conclusion that insects harm dogs just as much protein quality offer like meat.
- According to research published in 2019 by the Hannover University of Veterinary Medicine Foundation, insects are even much more digestible than usual dog food meat, which makes these varieties particularly interesting for allergy sufferers and animals with a sensitive gastrointestinal tract.
Both studies were carried out using practical experiments. A group of adult dogs received complete food containing various insect proteins as well as conventional food sources such as beef, fish or poultry.
Which sources are used for the feed?
Become ordinary insect larvae processed into dog food. This has both nutritional and practical reasons:
- On the one hand, larvae are much easier to keep and kill
- On the other hand, they have a very high protein content; some larvae consist of over 60 percent proteins.
The animals used are commonly referred to as “feeder insects” and are also used as fishing bait, aquarium and terrarium food, among other things. This is not about “tomboys”, but about bred specifically for this purpose Six-legged friend. The manufacturers have to meet high standards, so you don't have to worry about an insect being treated with toxic substances, for example.
There are many different types that are suitable for this purpose. The following animals are particularly well-known protein donors.
Locusts
Locusts are considered a delicacy in many cultures and are often eaten as snacks, for example. They have a very high protein content and adult animals are used for consumption. Wings and legs are removed before use in dog food.
Grilling
Grilling are very similar to grasshoppers in terms of their nutritional composition. They are also fed as adults and have an excellent protein content.
This is often used for dog food crickets, also as a house cricket or Acheta domesticus known, used. The amino acid composition here is excellent, and the proportion of unsaturated fatty acids is also impressive.
Flour beetle
It is feared in many kitchens Flour beetle: This representative of the black beetle actually inhabits rotting wood, but as a cultural follower it has unfortunately also chosen flour and grain as a source of food and habitat. Living in the house they are one of the pests, which should definitely be rendered harmless.
But when cultivated it looks different: the larvae of the beetle – also called Mealworm – are an excellent source of protein for complete feed. That's why it's one of the most common ingredients in insect-based varieties.
Black soldier fly
It is very popular for dog food Black soldier fly, scientific Hermetia illucens called. The larvae of this species have an extremely high protein and fat content, which is why even a small amount can be enough to provide dogs with a balanced and adequate diet.
The larvae live a comparatively long time and put on a lot of weight before they are processed into food. They have a soft, oily consistency, which is why they are used regularly Alternative to fish oil be touted.
Shiny black grain mold beetle
Also Grain mold beetle are among the pests that no household likes to harbor. However, the nutritional content of the larvae is excellent, which is why there are more and more special foods that rely on this protein source.
These larvae are often also called “Buffalo worms” – so don't be surprised if this term appears on a label. They have a slightly nutty taste and – similar to mealworms – contain almost 60 percent proteins, many unsaturated fatty acids and some vitamins and minerals.