Insects as Pet Supplements? The Truth About Black Soldier Fly Larvae for Dogs

Move over, beef and chicken—there’s a new protein source crawling onto the pet food scene. Yes, you read that right. Bugs. More specifically, black soldier fly larvae (BSFL). If you just gagged a little, don’t worry—you’re not alone. But before you write off the idea of feeding your dog a bug-based snack, let’s dig into why these little wriggly wonders might be the next big thing in pet nutrition.

Wait… You Want Me to Feed My Dog What?

 

I know what you’re thinking: “I love my dog, but I’m not about to turn his dinner into a Fear Factor challenge.” Fair. But hear me out—BSFL are nutritional powerhouses. These little larvae are packed with:

✔️ High-quality protein (even more than beef!)

✔️ Healthy fats for a shiny coat

✔️ Calcium & phosphorus for strong bones

✔️ Antimicrobial peptides (fancy science talk for natural immune boosters)

Essentially, BSFL are the insect equivalent of a superfood smoothie—just with more legs.

“But My Dog Isn’t a Bird…”

I get it. Dogs are not exactly out here catching flies for dinner (unless you have a particularly ambitious pup). But here’s the thing: dogs are natural scavengers. Their ancestors ate whatever they could find—berries, meat, and yes, the occasional insect. So, while your dog might not be an entomologist, he’d probably be more open to bug-based snacks than you think.

And if you’ve ever seen your dog happily chew on a dead worm (or worse), BSFL should be the least of your worries.

Eco-Friendly and Dog-Approved

 

Let’s talk about the environmental impact. Producing BSFL protein uses:

🌱 Less water than beef

🌍 Fewer greenhouse gases (because flies don’t fart… that we know of)

♻️ Minimal land use—they thrive in small spaces

So, while your dog enjoys a crunchy, nutritious treat, you can pat yourself on the back for making an eco-friendly choice. Good dog parent award? Unlocked.

 

But Will My Dog Actually Eat It?

Short answer? Probably. Dogs eat socks, drywall, and unidentifiable street snacks, so a tasty insect treat isn’t exactly a stretch. Plus, BSFL have a nutty, umami-like flavor, which is apparently dog-approved. Some pet owners even report their picky eaters loving BSFL-based food!

 

If you’re still unsure, start small—try a BSFL-based dog treat and see how your pup reacts. Worst case? He sniffs it and walks away (which, let’s be honest, is more than we can say for the last time he found a questionable snack in the yard).

 

Final Verdict: Should You Give BSFL a Try?

If you’re looking for a nutrient-dense, sustainable, and surprisingly tasty protein source for your pup, BSFL are worth a shot. They’re great for dogs with allergies (since they’re novel proteins), they’re packed with essential nutrients, and they’re good for the planet.

So, next time someone gives you a weird look for feeding your dog bugs, just tell them: it’s not weird—it’s science.

Would you try BSFL for your dog, or does the thought of insect protein still give you the ick? Let me know in the comments!