Scientists tested whether dog food made with black soldier fly larvae (a type of insect) could work as well as traditional chicken-based protein. Thirty healthy adult dogs ate different diets for 8 weeks—some with regular chicken meal, some with 15% insect meal, and some with 30% insect meal. The dogs on all diets stayed healthy, digested their food normally, and showed no signs of illness. While the highest amount of insect meal affected how dogs digested fiber, it didn’t harm their health. This research suggests that insect-based dog food could be a sustainable, eco-friendly alternative to traditional pet food ingredients.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether dog food made from black soldier fly larvae (insects) could safely replace chicken meal as a protein source
  • Who participated: 30 healthy adult Beagle dogs divided into three groups, each eating different amounts of insect-based protein for 8 weeks
  • Key finding: Dogs eating insect-based food digested it well and stayed healthy, though the highest amount (30%) affected fiber digestion slightly due to a natural fiber-like substance in insects called chitin
  • What it means for you: If your dog eats food with insect protein, it appears safe and nutritious. However, this is early research, and you should consult your veterinarian before making major diet changes, especially if your dog has digestive sensitivities

The Research Details

Researchers divided 30 healthy adult Beagle dogs into three equal groups. One group ate traditional dog food made with chicken meal (the control group). The second group ate food where 15% of the chicken meal was replaced with black soldier fly larvae meal. The third group ate food where 30% of the chicken meal was replaced with insect meal. All dogs started with a 2-week adjustment period eating the control diet, then switched to their assigned test diet for 8 weeks. Scientists carefully tracked how much the dogs ate, the quality of their stool, and measured various health markers in their blood.

The researchers chose this approach because it allowed them to see if gradually increasing amounts of insect protein would cause any problems. They measured how well dogs digested different nutrients, analyzed the bacteria in their stool, and checked for any signs of inflammation or stress in their bodies. This type of controlled feeding study is considered reliable for testing new pet food ingredients.

Testing new protein sources in controlled studies is important because dogs depend on us to provide safe, nutritious food. Before a new ingredient like insect protein becomes common in pet food, scientists need to confirm it doesn’t cause digestive problems, immune issues, or other health concerns. This research provides evidence that insect-based protein could be a sustainable alternative to traditional sources, which matters for the environment and future pet food availability.

This study was published in a respected scientific journal focused on animal nutrition. The researchers used a controlled design with a clear control group, which strengthens the reliability of findings. The study lasted 8 weeks, which is long enough to see most dietary effects. However, the sample size of 30 dogs is relatively small, and all dogs were the same breed (Beagles) and age group, so results may not apply equally to all dog breeds or ages. The study was well-designed for its purpose but represents early-stage research on this ingredient.

What the Results Show

Dogs in all three groups ate similar amounts of food and produced similar amounts of stool, suggesting the insect meal didn’t make food less appealing or cause digestive upset. Most nutrient digestion remained unchanged across all groups—dogs absorbed protein, fat, and dry matter equally well whether eating traditional or insect-based food.

The main difference appeared with the highest insect meal level (30%). These dogs showed slightly reduced digestion of organic matter (the digestible parts of food) and fiber compared to the control group. Scientists believe this happened because insects contain chitin, a natural fiber-like substance similar to what’s in shellfish shells. This isn’t necessarily harmful—it’s just a different digestive effect.

When researchers examined the bacteria living in dogs’ guts, they found that diet changed which types of bacteria were present, but the overall diversity (variety of bacteria) stayed healthy. The insect meal also reduced certain beneficial compounds called short-chain fatty acids that are normally produced by gut bacteria. Despite these changes, blood tests showed no signs of inflammation, immune problems, or oxidative stress (cellular damage) in any of the dogs.

Blood tests measuring immune function, inflammation markers, and antioxidant levels all remained normal across all diet groups, indicating no adverse health effects from the insect protein. Dogs maintained healthy body weight and condition throughout the study. The changes in gut bacteria composition, while notable, didn’t translate to any observable health problems or clinical signs of illness.

This is one of the first detailed studies examining insect meal in dog food at these specific inclusion levels. Previous research on insect proteins in other animals (like fish and poultry) has shown promise, but dog-specific research is limited. This study adds important evidence that insect protein can be digested and tolerated by dogs, supporting earlier theoretical predictions about its potential as a pet food ingredient.

The study only included 30 dogs, all of the same breed (Beagles) and similar age, so results may not apply equally to other dog breeds, sizes, or ages. The study lasted 8 weeks, which is relatively short for detecting long-term effects. The research didn’t test how dogs with existing digestive problems or food sensitivities would respond. Additionally, the study used defatted (fat-removed) insect meal, so results may differ with other processing methods. Finally, this was a controlled research setting—real-world factors like individual dog preferences or variations in commercial food production weren’t tested.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, insect-based dog food appears safe and nutritious for healthy adult dogs at inclusion levels up to 30%. However, confidence in this recommendation is moderate because the study is relatively small and limited to one breed. If you’re considering switching your dog to insect-based food, do so gradually (mixing increasing amounts with current food over 7-10 days) and monitor your dog’s digestion and energy levels. Consult your veterinarian, especially if your dog has existing digestive issues or food allergies.

This research is most relevant for dog owners interested in sustainable, environmentally-friendly pet food options and for pet food manufacturers developing new products. It’s particularly interesting for people concerned about the environmental impact of traditional pet food production. However, dogs with sensitive digestive systems, food allergies, or existing health conditions should only try insect-based food under veterinary guidance. Puppies and senior dogs weren’t tested in this study, so their suitability is unclear.

Based on this 8-week study, you should expect to see how your dog tolerates insect-based food within 2-4 weeks of consistent feeding. Most digestive adjustments happen within the first 1-2 weeks. However, long-term effects beyond 8 weeks aren’t known from this research, so ongoing observation is wise.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If switching to insect-based dog food, track daily stool quality (using a 1-5 scale: 1=very loose, 5=very firm), energy level (1-5 scale), and appetite for 4 weeks. Note any changes in itching, coat quality, or digestive symptoms.
  • Gradually transition to insect-based dog food over 7-10 days by mixing increasing percentages with your dog’s current food. Start with 25% new food mixed with 75% old food, increasing by 25% every 2-3 days until fully transitioned. Monitor your dog’s response throughout.
  • Continue tracking stool quality and energy levels weekly for the first month, then monthly thereafter. Take photos of your dog’s coat condition monthly. Schedule a veterinary check-up 4-6 weeks after switching to confirm your dog is thriving. Keep notes on any digestive changes, appetite variations, or behavioral shifts.

This research suggests insect-based dog food is safe for healthy adult dogs, but it represents early-stage scientific evidence. Individual dogs may respond differently based on age, breed, health status, and existing digestive conditions. Before making significant dietary changes for your dog, especially if your dog has food allergies, digestive issues, or other health conditions, consult with your veterinarian. This summary is for informational purposes and should not replace professional veterinary advice. Always introduce new foods gradually and monitor your dog’s response.