Black Soldier Fly Larvae in Dog Food
Feeding insects to your dog might sound unusual at first and may even make you feel a bit squeamish - and we don’t blame you! But, once you learn about all the health and environmental benefits of feeding an insect based dog food, you will understand why it is quickly gaining popularity as a nutritious and sustainable protein source!
What is Black Soldier Fly Larvae
Black soldier fly larvae: Photo provided by Bardee
Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL)
Black soldier fly larvae are the immature stage of the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens), an insect that is gaining attention for its environmental and nutritional benefits. Sourced locally here in Australia, numerous studies have been done on dogs to ensure that this alternative protein source not only meets dogs nutritional needs, but in fact could potentially be better then the protein sources we currently feed!
Is a Black Soldier Fly similar to the common house fly?
No! A House fly and Black Soldier Fly are very different! As much as we know that dogs love those “sky raisins” house flies are very unsanitary, can pose health risks and spread disease. On the other hand, BSF plays a beneficial role in ecological decomposition. The flies themselves don’t spread disease and only live long enough to mate and lay eggs - which turn into larvae which is the product we use!
Black Soldier Fly Life Stage
The entire life cycle of a black soldier fly (BSF) is between 4 - 8 weeks, which is what makes it such a sustainable protein source!
- Egg: Eggs (500-1000) hatch within 2- 4 days after being laid.
- Larva (what is used in food): Larvae actively feed and grow for about 7-14 days, depending on temperature and food availability.
- Pupa: The pupal stage lasts around 7 to 14 days, during which metamorphosis occurs.
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Adult: Once emerged from the pupa, adult black soldier flies live for about 5 to 8 days. During this time, they mate and females lay eggs to start the next generation.
Black Soldier Fly in Pet Food
In 2016, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) approved the use of insects in animal feed under the European Commission Animal By-Product legislation. This allowed insect-derived proteins to be included in pet food. Since then, insect-based pet foods have been available and growing in popularity! It is also approved by AAFCO and is officially recognized as a pet food ingredient for adult dogs.
The Health Benefits of Black Soldier Fly Larvae
1. Novel Protein Source
Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) offer a novel, hypoallergenic protein source for pets, which may not trigger immune reactions commonly seen with common proteins. Studies showed, dogs on these diets had less itching, better skin, and stronger skin barriers than those on regular diets.
2. Digestibility
BSFL protein has been shown to be highly digestible (90.5% - 92.4% amino acid digestibility), which means dogs can absorb and use more of the nutrients compared to some other proteins.
3. Brain Health
Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) contain high levels of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) like Trilaurin or Lauric Acid, which are beneficial for brain health in older dogs. As dogs age, their cognitive function can decline due to reduced glucose metabolism in the brain. MCTs provide an alternative energy source for the brain through ketone metabolism, which remains effective even with age-related changes.
4. Antioxidant Benefits
BSFL lipids are recognized for their antioxidant properties that can protect cells from oxidative damage, contributing to overall health and immune function.
5. Non-GMO
BSFL are non-GMO (genetically modified organism), ensuring their natural integrity and suitability for sustainable agriculture practices.
Nutritional Benefits of BSFL
- Protein: BSFL are exceptionally rich in protein, containing all essential amino acids needed for healthy growth and development. The protein content can range from 40% - 60% of dry matter, making it comparable to or even higher than traditional protein sources like meat or fish.
- Healthy Fats: BSFL contain beneficial fats such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are essential for skin health, coat shine, and overall cellular function.
- Vitamins: Rich in vitamins, including B vitamins (such as B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12), vitamin A, vitamin D, and vitamin E, which play vital roles in energy metabolism, immune function, and vision.
- Minerals: BSFL are rich in minerals like calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and selenium, which are essential for bone health, muscle function, and enzyme activity.
- Fibre: Contains 5-7% fibre, aiding in digestion and promoting gastrointestinal health.
- Antioxidants: BSFL possess antioxidant properties, helping to neutralize harmful free radicals in the body and support overall health and immune function.
Is BSFL Considered Vegan?
Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) could be considered as vegan dog food. It falls into the category of “ethical veganism” due to their sustainable farming practices and minimal environmental impact.
Unlike conventional meat production, BSFL farming requires far less water, land, and resources, making it a more environmentally friendly option. Additionally, BSFL are rich in protein, essential nutrients, and are often raised on organic waste, promoting a circular economy by repurposing discarded materials.
This approach reduces animal suffering associated with intensive farming practices while providing a nutritious alternative to traditional meat sources in pet food. While BSFL are not strictly vegan as they are animal-derived, their cultivation and use align with ethical principles of sustainability and reduced ecological footprint, appealing to those seeking ethical alternatives for their pets' nutrition.
Eco Woofer - Nutritious and Delicious
If you are looking for an incredible, sustainable, eco-friendly novel protein, Petzyo’s Eco Woofer is packed with the amazing protein from black soldier fly (BSF) larvae! As a Single protein kibble, the BSFL also contains a mix of superfoods bursting with vitamins, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties to keep your pup’s immune system in top shape! Eco Woofer is the perfect option for dogs with sensitivities, allergies or seniors who want to improve brain health!
Read more about out Eco Woofer here!
