Insects in the Dog Bowl? Expert Debunks Four Myths
Insect-based food is predicted to be a major trend in the future, not only for humans but also for pets. However, not everyone readily accepts the idea of insect-based food. Veterinarian Henna Söderholm comments on some common misconceptions.
From Alvar Pet's dry food selection, you'll find the insect-based, hypoallergenic dry food Derma/Insect, which has been specially formulated for dogs with skin sensitivities.
In their efforts to understand dog owners' attitudes toward insect-based food, the company was pleasantly surprised by the positive response. 88% of dog owners were willing to try food with insect protein as part or all of the protein content.
At the same time, the company encountered several "myths" that Henna Söderholm, a veterinarian specializing in dog nutrition and Head of product development for the company, addresses.
"Dogs Need Real Meat"
"Dogs don’t need specific raw materials in their diet, but rather specific nutrients. A balanced diet can be made from different types of protein, and no particular meat is required," explains Henna Söderholm.
The insect protein used in Alvar Pet's food comes from the larvae of the black soldier fly.
"It’s an excellent protein source because the black soldier fly larvae naturally contain all the amino acids that dogs need," says Söderholm.
Insect food may also be a solution for dogs with allergies. According to Söderholm, larval protein is such a new ingredient that hypersensitivities are rare compared to more traditional animal proteins.
"The Thought of Worms and Larvae in Food is Disgusting"
For those with a fear of insects, the idea of them in dog food bags can certainly be unsettling. However, the insects are added in powdered form.
"The insects are dried and ground into protein powder. This ensures a consistent raw material," explains Söderholm.
"Yuck, Don't They Feed Insects with Feces?"
Many insect species can utilize various sources of food, and the black soldier fly larvae used in Alvar Pet’s recipes have one of the most versatile diets. In the wild, they can eat almost anything, so the idea of them feeding on feces isn’t entirely far-fetched.
However, according to Söderholm, the larvae bred for pet food are not fed feces.
"Our raw material supplier breeds the insects by feeding them food industry fruit and vegetable waste. The larvae practice circular economy and help reduce food waste."
"My Dog Will Probably Refuse to Eat Insects"
A common concern in surveys about insect-based dry food is its palatability. Would a picky eater even try it? After all, dogs don’t nibble on ants in the street.
"The tastiness of dog food depends on many factors, and beyond the source of ingredients, the taste is also influenced by quality and processing," explains Henna Söderholm. "In taste tests, insect foods have received good results compared to other foods."
