Insect protein has gained traction as a pet food ingredient for its potential to offer a sustainable and nutritious alternative to four- or two-legged animal-based ingredients. A study published in the American Journal of Veterinary Research analyzed the nutrient content of 18 commercially available insect-based dog foods on the South Korean market. The study authors then compared their results to the nutritional labeling on the products.
“As interest in sustainable pet food options grows, there is a need for more detailed insights into the nutritional profiles of insect-based dog foods,” the study authors, based at Seoul National University, wrote. “While previous research has examined certain aspects of insect protein, there is still a lack of in-depth data on the overall nutritional content of commercial insect-based diets.
“Insect-based dog foods show promise as sustainable protein sources, but discrepancies in mineral content and fatty acid ratios highlight the need for both stricter regulation and better enforcement of existing guidelines to ensure nutritional adequacy for dog health and accurate labeling.”
Results of insect-based pet food analysis
While all the products met the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) guidelines for crude protein and crude fat, discrepancies appeared between labeled and actual nutrient content in seven products. For example, one product labeled as containing 13% crude fat was found to have only 10.17%.
What’s more, several fell short of AAFCO’s recommended levels for calcium, phosphorus, zinc, iron and copper. These deficiencies were more common in dog foods manufactured in South Korea. Two products failed to meet the minimum calcium-to-phosphorus ratio of 1:1, while four exceeded the maximum recommended 2:1 ratio, with one reaching 2.95:1. Though not immediately hazardous, the researchers noted these imbalances could contribute to skeletal disorders and other health issues over long-term use, particularly in growing dogs.
Amino acid profiling found that all products met adult maintenance requirements. However, three all-life-stage dog foods fell short of the threonine levels required for growth and reproduction. Threonine deficiencies may affect metabolism and nitrogen balance in young dogs.
Fatty acid profiles showed insect-based diets to be rich in unsaturated fatty acids, especially oleic and linoleic acids. Products based on black soldier fly larvae contained significantly higher levels of lauric and myristic acids compared to those based on mealworms. While lauric acid has demonstrated antimicrobial properties in non-dietary contexts, its specific health impacts through pet food consumption remain unconfirmed, they said.
Three products had EPA and DHA levels below the 0.05% dry matter minimum for growth and reproduction. Two exceeded the maximum 30:1 ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids, potentially contributing to inflammatory conditions in dogs if fed long term.
Although the study supports the viability of insect protein as a sustainable and nutritious component of dog food, it highlighted gaps in regulatory compliance and the need for enhanced oversight, particularly among South Korean pet food makers. The findings suggest that stricter enforcement of nutrient labeling and composition standards may be necessary to ensure pet food safety and efficacy in the Korean market.
“Further research, including a broader nutrient analysis and feeding trials, is needed to fully evaluate the nutritional adequacy and long-term health effects of insect-based diets,” the study authors wrote.