Grub’s up: the best insect dog food for healthy dogs and a greener planet

Martha Terry's avatar
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Published In Buying Guides
Chihuahua Dog looking at an insect
Might your dog benefit from eating insects in a more palatable format?
(Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

Times are a-changing, and as many of us adapt to eating less meat, we are questioning how we can cut down our dogs’ meaty diets without compromising their protein intake. It’s estimated that 20% of the world’s fish and meat is consumed by pets, and insects require much less land and water than farmed meat, and produce vastly less CO2. So, many owners are now opting to hunt down the best insect dog food to help reduce their carbon pawprint while retaining all the healthy protein and nutrients an active dog needs. In fact, insects can provide up to two times more protein per 100g, compared to beef, according to leading insect-based dog food company Grub Club. To go the whole way, you can opt for the best natural dog treats, too.

Crickets, black soldier larvae and mealworm are currently used in the majority of insect foods, but this is very much a developing market. Insect-based dog food is often recommended for those that suffer from allergies to meat or grain, as it is naturally hypoallergenic, and rich in omegas and amino acids. Insect protein is recognised by the British Veterinary Association for its environmental and health benefits. It is nutritious, palatable and bio-available, and is seen as a sensible alternative for eco-conscious dog owners who want to feed their pet a livestock-free diet, rather than home-made vegan or vegetarian diets which might not provide adequate nutrition. It’s available as wet dog food or dry dog food.

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Martha Terry
Martha Terry
Features editor

Martha is an experienced journalist who is mad-keen on horses and dogs. Her reporting CV includes the Paris Olympics, European championships, Aachen World Equestrian Festival and World Cup finals. After growing up with assorted liver and white springer spaniels, she enjoyed 14 years with two rescue dogs. Now, her constant companion is Fidget, an extremely energetic and habitually muddy black and white springer. Martha has written on topics as diverse as a top horse’s clone to the best GPS trackers for dogs, as well as equestrian and rural matters for Country Life, The Field, The Times, The Spectator and The Telegraph alongside Horse & Hound.