From a Vet’s Perspective: My Experience With Nala Health
Katrine Boen
As a veterinarian, it’s my passion to ensure our four-legged friends receive the best care and nutrition available. Over the years, I’ve seen many trends in dog food come and go, but it wasn’t until recently that I came across something that really caught my attention – insect-based dog food from Nala Health. After reading some research papers on black soldier fly larvae as an ingredient in dog food, I felt this was worth a try. In addition to being hypoallergenic, black soldier fly larvae contain all the amino acids dogs need to stay healthy, as well as minerals, good fatty acids and fibre.
Yes – black soldier fly larvae are a complete protein source for dogs.
Katrine Boen, Norwegian veterinarian
Veterinarian and Dog Mom
I came across Nala Health while doing research and the brand piqued my curiosity. Not only as an animal lover but also as a veterinarian who is passionate about dog sports and nutrition. My journey with Mali, my German Shepherd grappling with dermatitis, along with Java, my energetic Cocker Spaniel, has been a challenging one. I have personally experienced the frustration of finding the right allergy-friendly food that meets their needs while maintaining their health and vitality.
The pursuit for a long-term solution took me on numerous paths trying different medications and dietary regimes, yet none seemed to strike the delicate balance required, particularly in maintaining optimal weight for my active dogs. This is largely because many hypoallergenic diets are lower in fats and calories. However, the shift to an insect-protein-based diet marked a turning point, unveiling remarkable improvements in Mali’s condition.We started at Nala Health in August 2023, and so far my experience has been positive. Both Mali and Java have had remarkably better digestion after struggling with loose loose stools which can be a problem in very active dogs.
Dermatitis is a fairly common skin disease in dogs that causes inflammation of the skin. It can be triggered by ingredients in their food, flea bites, dust mites, airborne pollen, medications, household cleaners, skin infections or underlying health issues. Symptoms include persistently scratching, licking and/or chewing the affected areas, causing the skin to appear red and swollen. Dermatitis is painful and can develop into serious skin infections if left untreated. Itchy skin can also be a symptom of underlying health problems involving the liver, kidneys or thyroid, diabetes, an imbalance in the microflora or a deficit in nutrients like iron, zinc or omega 3.
Ingredients that can trigger allergic reactions are primarily beef, chicken, lamb, fish, pork, dairy products, wheat, soya and maize. None of these ingredients are used in Nala Health dog food. Another important aspect when it comes to allergies is maintaining a healthy microenvironment both inside the digestive tract and outside on the skin. Probiotics, butyrate and fibre help to maintain a well-functioning bacterial flora in the intestine, in addition to protecting the gut lining.
Prioritizing Animal Welfare and Sustainability
Nala Health’s dog food aligns with more than just the nutritional needs of dogs, but also the environmental and ethical responsibility we all have. I’ve come to hold sustainability and ethical practices in high regard, especially concerning meat production – an issue that’s central to the environmental challenges we’re facing. I’ve always supported local products and become increasingly mindful of where the ingredients in dog food come from. Nala Health’s offerings resonate with my commitment to animal welfare and environmental responsibility.
After thoroughly reviewing the information on their website and the diverse expertise of the Nala Health team, I believe that this was the food I’ve been looking for. Therefore, I took the initiative to propose a collaboration where I could act as an ambassador for their products, provided that my own dogs did well on the food.
About Nala Health and Sustainability
Nala Health is owned and run by Finn, Synne and Cecilie – a Norwegian family who moved to South Africa in 2004. With a deep love for the country and in-depth knowledge and experience of the challenges the country faces, they decided to develop and produce their dog food in South Africa. The country not only faces social challenges, but also experiences how climate change affects life, both for animals, humans and insects. They choose to collaborate with partners who are experts in their field, and who support social development by creating safe workplaces and contributing to development and education within their industry.
The protein in Nala Health comes primarily from Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) produced in a state-of-the-art facility in Cape Town. The larvae provide a sustainable, traceable and clean source of protein. The production of BSFL is less resource-intensive and has a considerably lower CO2 emission than traditional meat production. In addition, the larvae are produced in a vertical “system”, which reduces the area needed and the physical footprint. In addition, little water is required and no antibiotics or growth hormones are used.
The larvae eat Brewer’s spent grain (BSG) – a protein- and fibre rich byproduct of the brewing industry in Cape Town. This contributes to 5kg of grain residues that would otherwise have been thrown away being converted into 1kg of nutritious, clean protein of a high and predictable quality. The waste from the insect farm goes back to the farmers as organic fertiliser, contributing to a circular economy.
Positive Results: Better Gut and Skin Health
I’ve had a very positive experience with Nala Health’s food. Both my dogs, Mali and Java, have seen significant improvements in their digestive health, and Mali’s skin issues have completely disappeared. When they’re going through periods of high activity, like during competitions or on extensive hikes, I make sure to add some extra fats and proteins, such as salmon, to their diet to meet their increased energy demands.
Given the results I’ve seen, I’ve started recommending Nala Health’s insect-based dog food not just to fellow sport dog enthusiasts, but also to my patients struggling with allergies or gastrointestinal issues. It’s still early days in my journey with Nala Health, but I’m eager to see the continued benefits for my own dogs and anticipate the positive impact it will have on many others, thanks to its innovative and sustainable approach to pet nutrition.