A new scientific study has found that ProteinX — Protix’s black soldier fly protein — can enhance skin barrier function and improve antioxidant defenses in dogs. Conducted by the Federal University of Paraíba in Brazil and published in Archives of Animal Nutrition, the research highlights potential applications of insect-based proteins in pet food products targeting skin health and immune support.
Skin barrier improvements
The study reported improved skin hydration and reduced water loss in dogs fed the ProteinX-inclusive diet. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) decreased at both the pinna and belly, while stratum corneum hydration (SCH) at the belly significantly increased—indicators of a strengthened skin barrier. These effects may be linked to the presence of lauric and linoleic acids in ProteinX.
Antioxidant support
Biomarkers of oxidative stress also improved. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels—a marker of lipid peroxidation — trended downward, while vitamin E levels trended upward after 50 days on the ProteinX diet. Together, these findings suggest enhanced antioxidant protection.
Study design
The crossover study involved eight healthy beagles fed a ProteinX-based diet for 50 days, followed by a 50-day period on a control diet containing poultry by-product meal (PBP) with a similar nutritional profile. Skin health was assessed at days 0, 15, 30, and 45 during each period using TEWL and SCH measurements at the pinna and belly.
Blood samples were collected at the beginning and end of each dietary phase to analyze oxidative stress biomarkers through hematology and biochemistry. The dogs maintained overall health throughout the study, showed no adverse effects, and consistently accepted the insect-based diet without refusals.
The company said the findings confirm ProteinX’s role in supporting canine skin and antioxidant health. According to Protix, the results offer validation for using insect protein as a functional ingredient across wet foods, kibble and treats tailored for dogs with sensitive skin or elevated oxidative stress.
Adapted from a press release.
