Eco-Friendly Dog Foods: Insect Protein

Over the last week we have yet again had a stark reminder of the ongoing climate crisis with the release of the UN’s Climate Report. This alongside the adverse weather conditions we have been seeing across the world makes for some worrying reading and shows that the time to act is now. One of the biggest contributors to our carbon footprint is the farming of meats for use in human and pet foods and at The Pets Larder we are committed to doing everything we can to help you reduce your carbon paw-print whilst giving your pets the very best foods and treats we can. The best way of doing this is looking for alternatives to our usual intensively farmed protein sources and one innovative way people have been exploring is entomophagy, or the eating of insects. 

Insects in a Dogs Diet

Entomophagy has been lauded as a perfect solution to the problem of the protein production needed for expanding populations of people and their furry friends. Our current farming practices are already devastating for our planet, emitting more greenhouse gases than planes, trains and cars combined and we really don't want to be scaling up these ecologically negative methods. Experts in the field of entomophagy tell us that insects are packed with proteins as well as other essential nutrients such as iron and zinc, they also use a lot less space for manufacture and are much more efficient (crickets produce 12 times more protein than beef using the same amount of feed). Bugs can also be fed on waste products such as food scraps, garden waste and animal manure, making valuable protein whilst increasing our recycling abilities and reducing what goes to ecologically damaging landfill sites. 

Not only could these wonderful creepy crawlies help to reduce our carbon paw-prints by moderating the estimated 20% of meat that is produced for pet foods globally, they are also amazing for your dog's health too, in a recent interview with the BBC the British Veterinary Association have said that “some insect foods may be better for pets than prime steak”. Insects are not only high in protein and other valuable minerals, they are also low in fat and calories and are a good source of vitamins C and A. With all of these amazing benefits for the environment and a host of delightful doggy health aids, we at The Pets Larder we think it's time your dog had a taste of some of these incomparable insect proteins.

Find out More About Entomophagy With the BBC Here>

Green & Wild's Eco-Insect Bakes 

At Natural Cornish Pet we were super excited to see the first insect protein specific treats on our shelves, in the form of Green & Wild’s Eco-Insect Bakes. These brilliant bakes use mealworms and black soldier fly larvae to make a delicious and nutritious grain free snack for your dog that can be enjoyed anytime.

These insect protein treats provide a good source of high quality protein as well as vitamins A and C, iron and potassium, which can help to promote the health of your dog’s eyes, coat, skin, digestive system and aids the maintenance of muscles and nerves. These all natural treats contain absolutely no added flavours, colours or preservatives, are grain and gluten free and are naturally low in cholesterol. Finally, of course, these goodies are as good for the environment as a treat can be, contributing 99.96% less greenhouse gasses than traditional beef farming for pet foods, meaning less impact on the environment and a smaller carbon paw-print for your furry friends as well as a delicious treat. 

At The Pets Larder we love to support changes that help us to make a difference to the way we treat our natural world. We also love innovation from the brilliant brands that grace our shelves and ones that have bountiful benefits for your pets as well as our perfect planet. We think that the Green & Wild’s Eco-Insect Bakes are amazing and highly recommend these tremendous treats for anyone who cares for our environment as much as they care for their dogs.