A recent feeding study examined the acceptance of wet dog food formulations containing insect-derived ingredients marketed under the brands PureeX and ProteinX. The results indicate that both fully insect-based and hybrid insect-chicken diets were readily consumed by participating dogs, with owners also reporting favorable sensory impressions.
The trial was designed to assess canine acceptance of wet food containing a substantial inclusion of PureeX, described by manufacturer Protix as a minimally processed ingredient derived from black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens), along with ProteinX insect meal. In addition to measuring consumption, the study gathered pet owner feedback on product appearance, aroma and texture.
The study included 170 privately owned small and medium-sized dogs. According to the study summary, these size categories were selected because they are often considered more selective eaters. Two diets were evaluated. The first consisted solely of ingredients derived from black soldier fly larvae, combining PureeX and ProteinX. The second was a hybrid formulation that combined the same insect-based ingredients with fresh chicken.
Dog owners fed one of the diets to their pets for two consecutive days before switching to the other diet for an additional two days. Participants were not informed of the ingredient composition of each formulation during the trial period.
At the end of each feeding period, owners were asked to rate their dogs’ consumption of the diets. Both the fully insect-based formula and the hybrid formula were reported as highly accepted and readily consumed. The study summary stated that no significant difference in consumption was detected between the two diets.
Owner evaluations of insect-based dog foods
Owners also evaluated their dogs’ behavior before, during and after meals. Reported behaviors associated with positive feeding responses included tail-wagging before feeding, finishing the entire portion and lip-licking after consumption. These observations were recorded for both diets.
In addition to assessing canine response, the study asked owners to rate the sensory characteristics of the products. Participants assigned both diets an average score of seven out of 10 for attributes including texture, aroma and appearance.
When asked whether they would recommend the diets, 82% of participants indicated they would recommend the fully insect-based formula, while 81% said they would recommend the hybrid insect and chicken formula.
PureeX is positioned by Protix as an ingredient suitable for wet applications as well as inclusion in extruded dry pet food. It is available in fresh and frozen formats. ProteinX is marketed as an insect-based meal ingredient.
Insect-based ingredients may offer functional benefits, and insect proteins have been explored in pet food formulations as alternative protein sources.
Further technical details of the study design and results are available in a white paper issued by the manufacturer.
