Unleash the Power of Insects
Synne Hemsen Berg
As pet owners, we strive to provide the best nutrition for our beloved four-legged companions. Protein is one of the most important components in your dog’s diet and it is therefore essential that your dog eats from high-quality sources. In recent years we have seen more pet food companies use edible insects as a primary source of protein in their recipes. While this may seem unusual at first, edible insects are actually a highly nutritious and sustainable protein source for dogs.
Black Soldier Fly Larvae for Overall Health
Black soldier fly larvae are a nutritional powerhouse, offering a wide array of essential nutrients that are vital for your dog’s health. They are rich in high-quality protein, healthy fats, minerals (such as calcium, iron, and zinc), and fibre. In fact, these insects provide a complete amino acid profile, making them an excellent alternative to traditional meat sources, especially for dogs with food allergies and -sensitivities. The nutrient-dense composition contributes to a healthy diet, supporting growth, energy and gut health. They are farmed without using antibiotics and growth hormones, and they eat clean plant-based food.
Buzz-worthy Gut Health
Alongside high-quality protein, black soldier fly larvae contain chitin, a non-soluble fibre that has potential prebiotic effects and can enhance gut health. Fibre is an important factor for a healthy microbiome, supporting immune responses, and improving nutrient absorption. Hence, its inclusion in dog food brings added benefits beyond traditional protein sources.
While chitin has several health benefits, excess amounts should be avoided. Maintaining appropriate chitin levels in insect-based dog food is, therefore, important. Managing the chitin levels to ensure a beneficial content begins with harvesting the larvae at a specific growth stage, often before they develop a fully hardened exoskeleton rich in chitin. The processing method can also significantly influence chitin content; for instance, certain techniques of protein extraction or separation can help to reduce the chitin component if needed. Therefore, striking a balance is key. Regular product testing can ensure chitin levels remain within beneficial ranges, something the insect protein in Nala Health undergoes.
Allergy-Friendly Protein
Common proteins found in traditional pet foods are also the most common allergens (such as beef, chicken and soy). Unlike chicken and beef, black soldier fly larvae are considered hypoallergenic as it is a novel protein source. This makes insect-based dog food a great choice for dogs with food sensitivities or -allergies, promoting digestive health and reducing the risk of adverse reactions.
Planet-Friendly Insects
The protein derived from Black Soldier Fly larvae(BSFL) presents a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional livestock-based proteins. Statistics vary depending on which studies one looks at, but the overarching conclusion is that the production of BSFL uses considerably less resources compared to traditional livestock.
Black Soldier Fly Larvae need minimal land and water resources; some reports estimate they require up to 95% less land compared to beef production. Moreover, BSFL can be reared on organic waste, thereby reducing the demand for traditional feed crops and contributing to waste management. The protein in Nala Health diverts 5kg of clean waste from breweries to 1kg of protein.
BSFL farming produces drastically lower greenhouse gas emissions, compared to traditional livestock farming. Furthermore, their fast growth rate and high protein yield make BSFL an efficient source of protein. BSFL protein is ready within approximately 1 to 2 weeks, compared to cattle which takes 2 to 3 years.
This efficient protein production makes BSFL a promising solution for sustainable pet food manufacturing. By choosing insect-based dog food, you are actively contributing to reducing the carbon footprint and preserving natural resources, making it an eco-friendly choice for conscious dog parents.
In addition, you lessen the pressure on factory-farmed meat – and hopefully, we can move towards better animal welfare within the industry.
Transitioning to Insect-Based Dog Food
If you’re intrigued by the benefits of insect-based dog food and considering transitioning your dog, there are options like Nala Health on the market. Whenever you transition your dog to a new food, it is advised to do so gradually over 7 days. Start by introducing small amounts of insect-based food alongside your dog’s current diet. Gradually increase the proportion of insect-based food while decreasing the “old” food. This gradual transition allows your dog’s digestive system to adapt and ensures a smooth switch.
Unleashing the power of insects as a primary protein source in your dog’s diet offers a wide range of benefits, including gut health, environmental sustainability and nutrient-dense protein. As responsible dog parents, we can explore innovative and sustainable options to provide the best for our furry friends. By embracing insect-based dog food, you can unlock the secret to your dog’s vibrant health while positively impacting the planet. Join the insect revolution and nourish your dog with edible insects!