Insect-Based Pet Food: Is It Bad for My Pet?
Insect-based feed is safe, nutritionally complete, and especially valuable for animals with food allergies.
What exactly is insect protein?
Insect-based feeds use species such as Hermetia illucens (black soldier fly), house cricket, or mealworm as the main protein source. Insects are grown under controlled conditions, dehydrated, and processed into flour; the final result bears no visual resemblance to the original insect.
In Europe, the use of insects in animal feed is regulated by EFSA (European Food Safety Authority), which has already approved several species as safe for animal consumption.
💡 Did you know? Producing 1 kg of insect protein emits up to 100 times less CO₂ than 1 kg of beef protein and uses 95% less water.
What are the proven benefits?
- Hypoallergenic: Novel protein for the immune system. Ideal for animals with food allergies to chicken, beef, or fish.
- Highly digestible: Digestibility similar to or superior to traditional animal proteins, confirmed by scientific studies.
- Complete protein profile: Contains all essential amino acids necessary for adult dogs and cats.
- Sustainability: Much lower ecological footprint than traditional livestock farming, without compromising the animal's nutrition.
Are they safe for my pet?
Yes! Insect-based feeds are safe when produced by certified brands. There is no scientific evidence that they cause harm to healthy dogs or cats.
The transition should be made gradually over 7 to 10 days, mixing the new food with the old in increasing proportions, to avoid gastrointestinal problems.
For what type of animal is it most suitable?
Insect feed is especially indicated for animals with food allergies or intolerances, where traditional proteins have already been ruled out. It is also a good option for owners looking for a more sustainable alternative without compromising nutritional quality.
It is available in both veterinary food formats (supervised elimination diet) and maintenance foods and snacks.
Insect-based feeds available on our website
We have selected the insect protein products available in our catalog, with updated prices:
| Product | Description | Price/kg |
|---|---|---|
| Brit Vet. Diet Dog Ultra-Hypoallergenic Insect & Pea 12 kg | Hypoallergenic veterinary diet with 30% dehydrated insect. Gluten-free, grain-free. | €7.22/kg |
| Hill's Science Plan Cat Hypoallergenic Egg & Insect 1.5 kg | Dry food for adult cats with egg and insect protein. Grain-free. | €19.37/kg |
| Brit Care Dog Crunchy Cracker Insects + Rabbit 200 g | Dog biscuits with insects and rabbit, enriched with fennel. | €13.65/kg |
| Brit Care Dog Crunchy Cracker Insects + Turkey 200 g | Dog biscuits with insects, turkey, and apple. | €13.65/kg |
| Brit Care Dog Crunchy Cracker Insects + Salmon 200 g | Dog biscuits with insects, salmon, and thyme. | €13.65/kg |
| Brit Dog Protein Bar Chicken with Insect 80 g | Jerky-type protein snack for dogs with chicken and insects. | €32.75/kg |
Note: Prices may vary depending on packaging size and promotions.
