If you’re shopping for healthier, more sustainable dog food, you’ve probably seen insect protein popping up on ingredient lists — especially black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) and cricket protein. Meanwhile, chicken is still the most common animal protein used in pet food. But how do they really compare? Can insects go head-to-head with the “classic” dog food protein? And why are so many vets, researchers, and pet parents paying attention?
This guide breaks it all down with clear, science-based answers. We’ll cover digestibility, amino acids, nutrients, sustainability, animal welfare, allergy considerations, and the surprising bioactive benefits insects naturally provide.
We’ll also link to a few deeper dives for readers who want to nerd out even more, like the skin & coat benefits of insect protein, gut health, and sustainable pet nutrition.
Let’s dig in.
Protein overview — how chicken, BSFL, and cricket compare
Protein is more than a percentage printed on a label. What matters most is:
- Quality (essential amino acid profile)
- Digestibility (how well the body can absorb and use it)
-
Functionality (health benefits beyond basic nutrition)
Protein levels
|
Protein Source |
Typical Crude Protein % (in ingredient form, not finished kibble) |
Notes |
|
Chicken meal |
~60–70% |
Widely used, variable quality, may include by-products |
|
Cricket protein |
~60–70% |
Concentrated insect protein, consistently high quality |
|
BSFL protein |
~40–50% |
Highly nutritious, balanced, and rich in functional nutrients |
All three can provide complete protein when formulated correctly. What sets insects apart is that dogs appear to digest and utilize the amino acids extremely efficiently — comparable to or in some studies slightly better than chicken meal.
Protein completeness
Dogs need 10 essential amino acids. Both cricket and BSFL protein offer balanced amino acid profiles that support:
- Muscle maintenance
- Healthy skin & coat
- Immune function
- Joint and tissue repair
Crickets are especially notable for their high lysine and methionine, two amino acids that support growth, coat quality, and overall vitality.
Digestibility
Digestibility scores measure how much protein the body can actually use. Many pet parents assume chicken always wins here, but research shows something different: insect protein can meet or exceed chicken meal digestibility depending on processing method.
Why? Insects contain natural enzymes and fats that enhance absorption, and their amino acid profile aligns well with canine physiology. BSFL also contains short- and medium-chain fatty acids, which are known to be more readily metabolized.
Digestibility matters because highly digestible proteins reduce stool volume, improve nutrient absorption, and support healthier skin, coat, and immune function.
Nutrients insects offer that chicken doesn’t
Chicken provides high-quality protein, but it is primarily valued for macro nutrition — protein and fat. Insects, by contrast, deliver a nutrient package that functions more like “food as medicine” due to their natural bioactive compounds.
1. Medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs)
Found especially in BSFL, MCFAs such as lauric acid support:
- Skin barrier health
- Microbiome balance
- Immune strength
- Gut comfort
- Oral health
Lauric acid is the same fatty acid found in coconut oil, which is known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
2. Chitin (prebiotic fiber)
Insects contain chitin — a natural fiber that supports gut health by nourishing beneficial bacteria. Chitin may also help regulate stool formation naturally.
For a full gut health breakdown:
MORE ABOUT GUT HEALTH/MICROBIOME
3. Antimicrobial peptides
Crickets and BSFL naturally contain peptides that may help create a less inflammatory environment in the gut. This is one of the reasons insect-based diets are a smart choice for dogs with recurring digestive, yeast, or skin issues.
4. Antioxidants & micronutrients
Insects provide important micronutrients like:
- Calcium
- Phosphorus
- Iron
- B-vitamins
These nutrients help support strong bones, metabolic function, and cellular health — and they come from the ingredient itself, not just fortification.
Chicken simply doesn’t have this same natural bioactive diversity.
Allergy considerations — why insects are such a strong choice for sensitive dogs
Chicken is one of the most common food allergens in dogs, not because it is inherently “bad” but because it is over-represented in dog food.
Frequent exposure increases the chance of immune misfires. Dogs with chronic gut or skin symptoms often do better on proteins that are novel, clean, and easy to digest — insects check all three boxes.
Common reasons owners try insect-based diets:
- Chronic itching
- “Hot spots” or ear issues
- Constant licking or chewing
- Loose stools or inconsistent digestion
- History of trying multiple proteins without success
If owners want deeper support on this topic:
MORE ABOUT ALLERGIES
Sustainability — the numbers that matter
One of the biggest differences between insects and chicken comes from environmental impact. While nutrition is critical, many pet parents also worry about the future of the planet their dogs will live on.
Here’s how insects and chickens compare:
Feed conversion efficiency
|
Species |
Pounds of feed required to produce 1 lb of protein |
|
Beef |
8 - Very High |
|
Pork |
4 - High |
|
Chicken |
2.5 - Moderate |
|
BSFL |
2 - Low |
|
Cricket |
1.5 - Very low |
Insects convert feed into protein more efficiently than chickens because they are naturally cold-blooded, don’t waste energy regulating body temperature, and grow extremely quickly.
Land, water, and greenhouse gas (GHG) usage
Insects require:
- Significantly less land
- Far less water
- Minimal greenhouse gas emissions
- Nearly zero waste (BSFL can even upcycle food by-products)
Contrast this with chicken farming, which requires:
- Feed crops (corn & soy)
- Processing infrastructure
- Transportation
- Water & waste management
Insects simply scale smarter.
Humane considerations — life lived vs life taken
This topic matters deeply for many dog parents.
Chickens used for pet food are often raised in industrial conditions with limited mobility, short lifespans, and routine antibiotic use.
Insects are different. They:
- Live the way they do in nature (dark, warm, close-group environments)
- Experience no transport, handling, crowding stress, or confinement distress
- Reach maturity naturally, completing a large portion of their life cycle
- Are harvested in a way that aligns with their natural physiology
While no protein source is impact-free, insects align more closely with humane and ecological values shared by many modern pet parents.
Q&A — what pet parents ask most
Q: Is insect protein really safe for dogs?
Yes — peer-reviewed research supports insect protein as safe, digestible, nutritionally complete when formulated properly, and appropriate for long-term feeding.
Q: Will my dog like the taste?
Most dogs love it. Crickets have a naturally savory, nutty flavor, and BSFL provides a mild umami profile.
Q: What if my dog has chicken or beef allergies?
Insect protein is considered a novel protein for most dogs, making it a thoughtful option to try. Always consult your vet when transitioning if your dog has a complex medical history.
Q: Is insect protein just a trend?
The rise of insect protein is based on science, not hype: nutrition, sustainability, and digestive benefits are all research-driven.
Q: Can insect protein support active or senior dogs?
Yes — its amino acid balance, antioxidant content, and digestibility make it suitable for all life stages when formulated correctly.
Final thoughts
Chicken has been a reliable staple in pet food for decades, but new research and environmental realities are expanding what “good nutrition” looks like. Insect protein — especially BSFL and cricket — offers similar or better protein quality, plus functional health benefits, plus a dramatically more sustainable footprint, plus meaningful humane advantages.
For the dog who needs gentle digestion, stronger skin barrier support, or a more environmentally aligned diet, insect protein isn’t just an alternative — it’s an upgrade.
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