Long regarded as a sustainable alternative to other sources of protein, insects are more than just an environmentally friendly choice for use in pet food. They are a complete source of protein and superfood, says Anne Carlson, founder and CEO of to Jiminya producer of sustainable dog food and treats using insect protein.
“I always encourage people to think of insect protein as a novel protein,” Carlson said. “It can help dogs with protein allergies because the exoskeleton of the insect is a fiber. It feeds the good bacteria in the gut, so it’s prebiotic and a great digestion solution.”
The benefits of feeding insects to companion animals, however, go beyond protein, he said. He knows what he’s talking about. In addition to creating Jiminy’s, Carlson led the development of the dossier for crickets as a nutrient source in dog food, which included several peer-reviewed and published studies. In 2021, he was elected to the board of directors of the North American Coalition for Insect Agriculture.
“While much of the initial focus on insect protein was as a sustainable replacement for other animal protein sources such as beef and poultry, there is now a growing body of evidence that insects are a solution for other issues with dogs,” Carlson said. “The benefits of feeding insects to dogs go beyond protein, including support for a healthy gut microbiome, improved immunity, an alternative for dogs with food sensitivities, improved intelligence in mental health, joint health and alleviation of arthritis symptoms.”
Crickets are about more than reducing the carbon pawprint
to Jiminy uses powdered cricket protein along with a blend of plant-based ingredients in its lineup of dog food, treats and chews. Insects, the company says, are proven high-quality digestible proteins packed with essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals that dogs need. Carlson said the company started with crickets — roasted and ground with nothing else added — and recently added recipes with grubs.
“Dogs are also athletes, so they need a diet high in protein, and insect protein contains more pounds of protein than beef,” he says. “Grubs in particular offer immunity benefits, glucosamine for joint health, and lauric acid for mental acuity.”
Carlson will speak at Petfood Forum this spring on the latest research and benefits of insect protein for companion animals. He cites four benefits of using insect protein in dog food:
- Insect protein is really superfood, says Carlson. Insect protein offers three times the protein of beef, twice as much iron as spinach, all the essential amino acids, and 10% more vitamin B12 than salmon.
- Insect protein supports a diverse gut microbiome. Crickets also contain fibers, such as chitin, which are different from the dietary fiber found in foods such as fruits and vegetables. Fiber serves as a microbial food source and some types of fiber promote the growth of beneficial bacteria, also known as probiotics.
- Insect protein is great for dogs with sensitivities. Because insect protein is not a known allergen, dogs that exhibit allergies to beef or chicken or other environmental triggers may benefit from an insect-based diet.
- Eco-friendly, sustainable source of protein. Insect protein offers better land use and feed conversion, as well as uses less water and creates almost no greenhouse gases.
“As the pet food industry grows, we need better sustainable alternatives for our pets,” Carlson said. “According to a UCLA study, 25% to 30% of the environmental impact of meat consumption in the US can be attributed to our livestock. Insect protein is a superfood solution to this problem, delivering excellent nutrition along with a radically reduced carbon pawprint.”
Think differently about insect protein
Insect protein for pet food and treats seems to have a lot going for it. Are there any challenges? There’s the ick factor, of course, Carlson said.
“Honestly, we encountered that reaction earlier than we did today,” he said. “The last two tradeshows, I didn’t get that reaction once. That tells me two things: the message on insect protein is being heard and people are opening up to this idea as a viable food option. It’s no longer a surprise. for us to hear that we use insect protein. Now the question is why we use it.”
Education and getting consumers to try products has been a successful way to overcome the “ick factor.” In fact, Carlson said success for to Jiminy starting with a retailer and their staff.
“If they are familiar with the unique features and can communicate them, there are a ton of buyers who see us as a good fit,” he said. “We know we’re humane, sustainable, healthy and climate-change resistant, but the trick is making sure the consumer knows.
“We offer training online and in person when possible,” he added. “Also, we found that the samples are a good start. For some, seeing and handling foods and food is a revelation. They expect to see antennae or legs. No, this is an ordinary looking treat with rare superfood. protein.”
Looking to the future: a dog eats a bug world
Carlson said he started to Jiminy to build a better future for her daughter and the younger generation. “By thinking differently about the protein source in our pet’s food, we’ve created a better dog food that delivers tremendous benefits,” he said.
In to Jiminy, he said, they create delicious, sustainable, insect-based dog food and treats that nourish pets and promote sustainable stewardship of the earth. “We have made a commitment to be a positive force for change by making sustainable and humane choices while keeping the bigger picture in mind,” he added.
Carlson believes the insect protein market will continue to expand as sustainability numbers demand it.
“We have a world population of eight billion people that will jump to 10 billion by 2050,” he explained. “We’re already destroying rainforests for cattle grazing. That’s only going to continue for so long. In a world where water is precious, the demand for products that maximize every drop will only increase. Millennials and Gen Z get it and that’s the future of the market.”
Insect protein, Carlson says, is a perfect solution that’s here, right now.
“The good news is that experience with insect protein is building, so there is already a good knowledge base,” he said. “I think insect protein is going to be a key ingredient in this new environment. Think — you could save over 100,000 gallons of water by switching a dog from a chicken-based diet to an insect protein diet . Sign me up!”
Anne Carlson, founder and CEO of to Jiminywill speak to Petfood Forum on Tuesday, April 30, in Kansas City. His session, Latest research: Insect protein for companion animals, will focus on the benefits beyond sustainability that insects can offer our pets. For more information, visit petfoodforumevents.com.
