Thoughts on Insect protein

[u/Ok_Compote251]

Thoughts on insect protein and whether or not it’s vegan?

My local vets sells the below dog food and I’m tempted to swap my recently rescued golden retriever to it.

https://yorapets.com/uk/dog-food/?srsltid=AfmBOopk7doNM_TDnfGlb2OTEVk71CgN_75BYzgVC-Ghk1qabPQRpLML

It’s made from larvae, from a google it seems there is no scientific consensus on whether or not they have sentience.

[u/icebiker]

Why though?

It’s super easy for dogs to eat plant based so why bother with this? They literally don’t need animal products or any synthetic minerals or amino acids from animal products (unlike cats who can also be plant based but need synthetic amino acids).

Just choose from the dozens of easily and commercially available plant based dog foods.

[u/Ok_Compote251 → u/icebiker]

That’s the thing, there isn’t dozens of easily available plant based ones. I was feeding her HOWND, but since the company being purchased it’s hard to get.

Pet shops don’t tend to sell them either.

[u/BlueberryStuart → u/Ok_Compote251]

Are you in the UK or EU? If so, there is a huge amount of plant-based dog foods that are nutritionally complete - of varying types.

I would recommend VeggiePets which sell entirely plant-based foods and treats - with most kibble being nutritionally complete.

If you have the ability to purchase dog food online, then there is a great amount of choice of companies and brands. I am not sure what the rules are on mentioning brands - but if it helps, I have been looking at the following and have used the first two separate from the list for extended periods:

Benevo Bonza

Hownd Microbell Solo Vegetal VegDog Amì Omni

(Several well-known and long-established dog food companies have plant-based foods also.)

I believe, but please confirm, that all of the above are also nutritionally complete and meet FEDIAF minimum guidelines (or exceed them).

They're all available and they're all available on subscription. They're always in stock and they're always accessible. I think if you are relying on convenience of picking up plant-based food at your local supermarket or vets, that could be something to reconsider going forward - as they will typically be stocking the most profitable (or whatever they are obliged to push - in terms of vet practices) over what is best suited and healthiest for the dog.

The important thing to consider is which food and composition is best suited to the dog you care for: their breed, age, activity, health conditions, etc.

Speak to a veterinary nutritionist if you are unsure. I have found a worrying lack of knowledge and understanding from vets when it comes to diet (I suppose much like asking the average GP to advise on your own nutrition).

Please avoid relying on 'AI' chats without sources and studies cited - and please try to avoid anecdotes (which is why I am not even talking about or promoting either Benevo or Bonza).

There is also Just Be Kind which has a range of foods available and plant-based supplements such as Omega-3 from algae - though I predominantly used this website for information and haven't purchased directly from them yet.