The Benefits of Insects in Pet Food: A Closer Look at How Insects Can Improve Your Pet’s Health

At the recent Petfood Forum 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri, Anne Carlson, founder of insect-based pet consumables company Jiminy’s, revealed a surprising fact to her audience – most people unknowingly consume insects daily. Whether it’s minced millipedes in peanut butter or ground grasshoppers in spinach, arthropods find their way into our meals more often than we realize.

While the idea of insects in our diets may make some squeamish, Carlson highlighted the benefits of insect-based ingredients for our furry friends. Research on feral dogs and cats showed that these animals actively hunt insects, recognizing the nutritional value they provide.

Insects offer essential nutrition for pets through their proteins and oils, benefiting their health in various ways. From improving gut microbiome and providing allergy relief to boosting immune response and aiding in weight management, insect protein has a lot to offer our four-legged companions.

Additionally, black soldier fly larvae, crickets, mealworms, and other insect species can contribute to joint health, oral hygiene, and even brain health in older dogs. With their rich sources of antimicrobial peptides and medium-chain fatty acids, insects can play a crucial role in enhancing the overall well-being of our pets.

So, next time you see your dog or cat enjoying their insect-based pet food, remember that they might be onto something – insects could be the key to a healthier and happier furry friend.