Mary Allen
Dogs are semi-carnivores. Therefore, to meet their natural nutritional needs and avoid digestive problems, their food should contain mostly animal fats and proteins.
However, there is another alternative, as the company Bellfor proves with part of its range. There, instead of meat such as chicken or lamb, insect protein from the larvae of the black soldier fly is used.
Are insects a fully-fledged meat substitute?
Apart from the fact that insects are anything but common as food, at least in Europe, many dog owners may be wondering whether this unusual source of protein is even suitable as a full-fledged meat substitute.
After all, dog food should not only fill the stomach of the four-legged friend but also provide it with all the necessary nutrients in the right amount.
In principle, however, worries in this context are unfounded. On the one hand, insect protein contains all the amino acids essential for dogs and, on the other hand, studies have shown that the digestibility of the feed can easily keep up with common varieties such as chicken.
Feeding dogs with insect-based dog food does not result in any disadvantages so curious owners can make the switch without hesitation.
Insect protein is hypoallergenic
Insect protein has a major advantage that pays off, especially in nutritionally sensitive dogs. Since insects have played practically no role in dog food up to now, the protein obtained from them is hypoallergenic.
Dog food with insect protein is therefore ideal for animals that suffer from a food allergy or generally have problems with the tolerance of their food.
Especially in comparison to hydrolyzed protein, which is often used for allergy food, insect protein has an advantage in terms of quality and is, therefore, a real alternative that dog owners should definitely consider.
Insects and the Environment
Modern factory farming has long had the reputation of having a massive impact on the environment and contributing to climate change. By switching to dog food with insect protein, this problem can be counteracted at least a little.
Compared to cattle or pigs, insects require significantly less space. In addition, they do not produce methane and have proven to be extremely frugal in terms of their diet.
If you value sustainability when buying dog food and at the same time don’t want to compromise on the nutrient supply of your four-legged friend, insect protein is the right choice.
Bellfor insect-based dog food
One manufacturer that has been using insects as a protein supplier for dog food for several years is the family business Bellfor.
What started in 2016 with two types of insect-based dry food has long since developed into an important part of the range. Today, the Bellfor range includes around 30 different products that contain insect protein or insect fat.
These include, among other things:
- Dry food and wet food;
- Natural dog snacks with insect protein;
- Fitness powder for sports dogs;
- Coat health supplements;
- Natural tick repellent with insect fat;
- Rich ointments for skin care in dogs.
If you want, you can use only insect-based products to care for your dog thanks to Bellfor, and in this way do something good for both your four-legged friend and the environment.
If you want to find out more about the subject and get an idea for yourself, you can find an overview of all products and other interesting information about dog food with insect protein from Bellfor on the manufacturer’s website.