Our CEO, Anne Carlson, and a colleague, Jennifer L. Adolphe, PhD, wrote a peer reviewed article that has been published in the The Journal of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (aka AHVMA Journal). The article is titled Insect-Based Diets: Novel, Sustainable, and Nutritious Options for Dogs.
The Abstract:
Insects are an exciting novel protein source for humans, pets, and feed animals. The United Nations (UN) has identified insects as a promising solution to address global food insecurity and promote sustainable, nutritious food systems. Insects are an alternative to traditional protein sources for dogs as well as a complete and highly digestible protein. As a food source, insects may provide additional health benefits, including support for digestive health, immune function, mental acuity, joint health, and arthritis. In addition, insects may serve as a novel protein source for dogs with adverse food reactions. This review summarizes the environmental impact of utilizing insect protein, discusses the use of insect protein as an alternative protein source for dogs, and provides an overview of the additional benefits of insects as an ingredient for dog food.
The Complete Article:
The entire article can be found here.
FAQ - AHVMA Journal: Insect-Based Diets for Dogs
1. What is the AHVMA Journal article about?
The article “Insect-Based Diets: Novel, Sustainable, and Nutritious Options for Dogs” was published in the Journal of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association and reviews how insect protein functions as an alternative, complete, and highly digestible protein source for dogs. It also explores potential health and sustainability benefits beyond traditional proteins.
2. Who wrote the AHVMA Journal article?
The peer-reviewed article is authored by Anne Carlson, MBA, and Jennifer L. Adolphe, PhD, and was published in the winter 2025 issue of the journal.
3. Why consider insect protein for dogs?
Insects offer a complete protein source that’s highly digestible and can be used as a novel protein for dogs with food sensitivities. They may also deliver additional benefits such as support for digestive health, immune function, mental acuity, joint health, and arthritis.
4. Are insect-based diets suitable for dogs with food allergies?
Yes — because insect protein is novel for most dogs, it’s less likely to trigger adverse food reactions compared to common proteins like beef or chicken. This makes insects a promising option for dogs with sensitivities or allergies.
5. Do insect proteins supply complete nutrition for dogs?
According to the HTVMA review, insect proteins can be nutritionally complete and highly digestible for dogs when formulated properly, meeting standard requirements for essential amino acids and other nutrients.
6. How do insect-based diets impact sustainability?
Insect protein has a much lower environmental footprint than traditional livestock proteins, requiring less land and water and producing fewer greenhouse gases — which contributes to more sustainable food systems overall.
7. Will insect protein support a dog’s overall health?
Research suggests insect-based diets may support numerous aspects of canine health, including digestive efficiency, immune responses, and nutrient balance — although long-term, large-scale clinical studies are still emerging.
8. Are there any challenges with insect-based dog foods?
Some studies have noted variability in nutrient profiles or production challenges, indicating that quality control and formulation optimization are important to ensure consistent, balanced diets.
9. How do dogs tolerate insect-based formulas?
Independent research shows dogs generally tolerate insect protein well, with good digestibility and no negative effects on stool quality or digestive comfort in included diets — though ongoing research continues to evaluate broader outcomes.
10. Are insect-based diets widely accepted by pet owners?
Studies indicate many pet owners are open or receptive to feeding insect-based diets once they understand the sustainability and nutritional benefits, with acceptance tied to growing awareness of environmental issues.
11. Can insect diets help gut and immune health?
Emerging research suggests insect proteins contain components like medium-chain fatty acids and amino acids that may benefit gut health and immune function, though more focused clinical trials are needed to confirm long-term effects.
12. Where can I read the full AHVMA Journal article?
The complete peer-reviewed article “Insect-Based Diets: Novel, Sustainable, and Nutritious Options for Dogs” is available on the AHVMA Journal website, and the blog post includes a link to the full paper for detailed reading.
