The benefits of insect protein for dogs and cats are many, including supplying them with vitamins and minerals. What’s more, insect protein can be an excellent choice for animals with allergies and environmentally conscious pet parents.

People all over the world eat insects every day, and dogs and cats can also benefit from these protein-rich, nutrient-packed snacks. In fact, wild canines and felines eat insects all the time, and plenty of domesticated Fidos and Felixes will also eat the odd sky raisin. What’s more, insect-based dog and cat foods can be more sustainable than foods made with traditional proteins, and they’re hypoallergenic. Let’s look at the benefits of insect protein for dogs and cats.

Insects Are Rich in Nutrients

Insects like crickets and black soldier flies are packed with protein, so they make an excellent addition to dog and cat food recipes. More importantly, they’re a complete protein and contain all the essential amino acids. Beyond that, they’re also a valuable source of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, including:

• Iron
• Zinc
• Calcium
• Magnesium
• Riboflavin
• B vitamins
• Unsaturated fats
• Prebiotic fibers

For Animals with Allergies, the Benefits of Insect Protein Are Even Greater

For dogs and cats with allergies or sensitivities, one of the biggest benefits of insect protein is that it’s hypoallergenic. Common food allergy triggers for dogs and cats include eggs, chicken, fish, beef, and pork. Controlling food allergies is all about avoiding triggers, which can be tough when they’re so common in food recipes. Insect protein is novel for many dogs and cats, so there’s little chance your dog or cat will be allergic.

Insect Protein Is Sustainable

Raising livestock has a huge environmental impact. Animal agriculture requires vast amounts of water and land and produces greenhouse gases. Insect agriculture has a much smaller environmental impact because it requires significantly less land and water to raise insects. Similarly, insect farming has lower carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide emissions.

The main benefits of insect protein for dogs and cats include the vital nutrients insects can provide. This is especially true for companion animals with allergies because insect protein is hypoallergenic, and there’s a good chance allergic or sensitive animals will tolerate it. Finally, insect protein is easier on the planet, so it’s a good choice for pet parents who care about the environment.

 

 

AUTHOR PROFILE

Animal Wellness

Animal Wellness is North America\’s top natural health and lifestyle magazine for dogs and cats, with a readership of over one million every year. AW features articles by some of the most renowned experts in the pet industry, with topics ranging from diet and health related issues, to articles on training, fitness and emotional well being.