Why a Science-Based Approach Matters

In the rapidly evolving field of pet nutrition, it's crucial to base decisions on scientific evidence rather than anecdotal experiences or marketing claims. As interest in insect protein for dogs grows, pet parents and professionals need access to reliable, peer-reviewed research to make informed decisions about these novel ingredients.

This research roundup serves as a comprehensive collection of scientific studies examining insect protein for dogs, from basic nutritional analysis to specific health benefits. Each entry includes a brief summary of key findings and a link to the original peer-reviewed research, allowing readers to explore the primary sources and draw their own conclusions.

As an emerging field, new research on insect protein is constantly being published. We are committed to maintaining this as a living document, updating it regularly as significant new studies are released. Our goal is to provide an objective, evidence-based resource that helps advance understanding of insect protein's role in canine nutrition.

Protein Content and Quality

Study: Bosch et al. (2014) analyzed the protein content of various insect species and compared them to traditional protein sources. They found black soldier fly larvae contained 56.1% protein, crickets 70.6%, and mealworms 52.0% - comparable to traditional sources like poultry meal (69.1%) and fish meal (71.0%). Read the study: Protein quality of insects as potential ingredients for dog and cat foods

Study: Do et al. (2019) evaluated the nutrient and amino acid digestibility of black soldier fly larvae using the precision-fed cecectomized rooster assay, confirming BSFL as a complete protein source containing all essential amino acids. Read the study: Nutrient and AA digestibility of black soldier fly larvae differing in age using the precision-fed cecectomized rooster assay

Digestibility

Study: Kilburn et al. (2020) investigated cricket meal digestibility in healthy adult dogs. The study found that cricket protein was highly digestible and did not negatively impact general health. Read the study: Cricket meal fed to healthy adult dogs does not affect general health and minimally impacts apparent total tract digestibility

Study: Freel et al. (2021) evaluated black soldier fly larvae digestibility in dogs. Results showed high protein digestibility comparable to traditional protein sources. Read the study: Digestibility and safety of dry black soldier fly larvae meal and black soldier fly larvae oil in dogs

Study: Areerat et al. (2021) compared house cricket and silkworm pupae meal as poultry meal replacements, demonstrating both insects as viable protein alternatives based on nutrient digestibility. Read the study: Possibility of Using House Cricket or Mulberry Silkworm Pupae Meal to Replace Poultry Meal in Canine Diets Based on Health and Nutrient Digestibility

Gut Health and Microbiome

Study: Jarett et al. (2019) examined how cricket-based diets affect dog gut microbiome diversity. The study found that diets with and without cricket supported similar levels of microbiome diversity. Read the study: Diets with and without edible cricket support a similar level of diversity in the gut microbiome of dogs

Study: Areerat et al. (2023) conducted a comparative study of insect-based diets' effects on canine gut microbiota, showing positive impacts on beneficial gut bacteria. Read the study: Insect-based diets: A comparison of their effects on canine gut microbiota

Prebiotic Effects and Fiber Content

Study: Kipkoech (2023) analyzed insects as a source of dietary fiber, focusing on chitin and chitosan content. The study found crickets contain 4.3-7.1% chitin and 2.4-5.8% chitosan by dry weight. Read the study: Beyond Proteins-Edible Insects as a Source of Dietary Fiber

Study: Stączek et al. (2023) investigated the role of antimicrobial peptides in insects, highlighting their potential benefits for gut health and immune function. Read the study: Unraveling the Role of Antimicrobial Peptides in Insects

Food Allergies and Skin Health

Study: Böhm et al. (2018) studied dogs with food-related atopic dermatitis fed cricket protein-based food. 60% of dogs showed significant improvement in their symptoms. Read the study: Effect of an insect protein-based diet on clinical signs of dogs with cutaneous adverse food reactions

Study: Lee et al. (2021) investigated mealworm-based diets in dogs with allergic dermatitis. Results showed reduced cutaneous lesions and improved skin barrier function. Read the study: Clinical application of insect-based diet in canine allergic dermatitis

Study: Silva Carvalho et al. (2023) examined how BSFL-based diets affect canine skin barrier function. Dogs fed BSFL showed reduced trans epidermal water loss in belly and pinna regions, suggesting improved skin barrier function. Read the study: Effect of feeding black soldier fly larvae meal based diet on canine skin barrier function, organic antioxidant defence and blood biochemistry

Cognitive Health and MCTs

Study: Pan et al. (2010) studied MCT supplementation in aged dogs. While this study used purified MCTs, it demonstrates the potential cognitive benefits of MCTs like those found in BSFL (which contains approximately 35% lauric acid). Dogs showed improved cognitive performance on various tests. Read the study: Dietary supplementation with medium-chain TAG has long-lasting cognition-enhancing effects in aged dogs

Joint Health and Arthritis

Study: Mouithys-Mickalad et al. (2021) analyzed BSFL protein derivatives, finding glucosamine content of 0.4-0.5%, comparable to chicken meal (0.4%). The study also highlighted antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that could benefit joint health. Read the study: Unlocking the Real Potential of Black Soldier Fly Hermetia illucens Larvae Protein Derivatives in Pet Diets

Immune Function

Study: Lei et al. (2019) evaluated black soldier fly larvae supplementation in beagle dogs. Results showed beneficial changes in immune and inflammatory responses, plus improved antioxidative capacity. Read the study: Evaluation of supplementation of defatted black soldier fly larvae meal in beagles dogs

Study: Koutsos et al. (2022) reviewed BSFL's immunomodulatory potential, highlighting how components like antimicrobial peptides and lauric acid could enhance immune function. Read the study: Immunomodulatory potential of black soldier fly larvae: Applications beyond nutrition in animal feeding programs

Oral Health

Study: Santos Neto et al. (2023) studied how black soldier fly larvae affect dog oral health. Dogs fed BSFL showed reduced levels of bacteria associated with periodontal disease and increased levels of beneficial oral bacteria. Read the study: Black soldier fly larvae meal based extruded diets: Potential to improve canine oral health

Study: Dong et al. (2021) investigated BSFL's antimicrobial properties, showing potential benefits for managing oral bacteria populations. Read the study: Clostridium perfringens suppressing activity in black soldier fly protein preparations

Safety and Quality Considerations

Study: Abd El-Wahab et al. (2021) investigated the safety of black soldier fly larvae meal in canine food. The study confirmed its safety and positive impact on nutrient digestibility. Read the study: Insect Larvae Meal as a Sustainable Protein Source of Canine Food and Its Impacts on Nutrient Digestibility and Fecal Quality

Study: Kepinska-Pacelik and Biel (2022) reviewed quality assurance considerations for insect-based pet foods, emphasizing the importance of proper breeding, processing, and testing protocols. Read the study: Insects in Pet Food Industry-Hope or Threat?

Study: Kourimská et al. (2023) analyzed taurine content in various insect species used as feed. Crickets showed the highest taurine levels (55.3±2.2 mg/100g), compared to BSFL (10.6±1.4 mg/100g) and mealworms (6.5±0.7 mg/100g). Read the study: Taurine content of insects used as feed

Antimicrobial Properties

Study: Matsue et al. (2019) measured the antimicrobial activity of lauric acid against various gut bacteria, demonstrating its potential benefits for digestive health. Read the study: Measuring the antimicrobial activity of lauric acid against various bacteria in human gut microbiota using a new method

Study: Vogel et al. (2018) investigated the expression of antimicrobial peptides in black soldier fly larvae, identifying over 50 genes encoding AMPs. Read the study: Nutritional immunology: Diversification and diet-dependent expression of antimicrobial peptides in the black soldier fly

Environmental Impact and Sustainability

Study: van Huis and Oonincx (2017) analyzed the environmental sustainability of insects as food and feed, demonstrating their efficiency in resource use compared to traditional protein sources. Read the study: The environmental sustainability of insects as food and feed. A review

Study: Li et al. (2023) evaluated insects as a sustainable nutritional resource, finding that crickets require 12 times less feed than cattle to produce the same amount of protein. Read the study: Edible Insects: A New Sustainable Nutritional Resource Worth Promoting

Animal Welfare and Production

Study: Voulgari-Kokota et al. (2023) examined insect welfare considerations in feed production, establishing guidelines for ethical insect rearing practices. Read the study: Insects as mini-livestock: Considering insect welfare in feed production

Historical Context

Study: Olivadese and Dindo (2023) provided historical perspective on entomophagy, including its relevance to canid evolution and natural feeding patterns. Read the study: Edible Insects: A Historical and Cultural Perspective on Entomophagy with a Focus on Western Societies

Nutritional Analysis and Feed Applications

Study: Zulkifli et al. (2022) analyzed the nutritional value of BSFL processed by different methods, providing insights into optimal processing for pet food applications. Read the study: Nutritional value of black soldier fly larvae processed by different methods

Study: Reilly et al. (2022) examined the chemical composition of various insect meals and their effects on digestibility and fecal metabolites. Read the study: Chemical composition of selected insect meals and their effect on apparent total tract digestibility, fecal metabolites, and microbiota