Insect Based Kibble Reviews : Are They Good for Our Dogs ?

Lately, a new trend has emerged in the world of dog nutrition : insects. More and more brands are offering kibble made with insect protein. But what’s the real story ?

At a time when we’re all trying to consume more responsibly even for our pets are insects truly a good alternative ? Is this just a passing trend, or a real revolution in pet food ?

Contents

I. What Type of Insects Are We Talking About ?

II. The Benefits of Insect Based Kibble

III. Hear It From Our Customers

IV. Conclusion

 

I. What Type of Insects Are We Talking About?

a) The Nature of Insect Proteins and the Origins of Their Growing Popularity

Insect proteins mainly come from larvae (such as the black soldier fly Hermetia illucens or Tenebrio molitor), mealworms, or crickets.

These insects are raised in specialized farms and then processed into a protein-rich flour. Learn more about insect farming here. They are then used to make kibble or treats.
While their use in pet food may seem new, interest in insects has grown significantly over the past ten years, for several reasons:

• The search for sustainable alternatives in response to meat overconsumption

• A desire to reduce our carbon footprint

• A shift in consumer perception — once seen as unappealing, insects are now recognized by scientists and nutrition professionals as a high-potential protein source, including for our four-legged companions

b) Insect-Based Kibble: A Nutritional Perspective

Insect protein is an animal protein just like any other, though less common in Western diets. Yet insects are already consumed by hundreds of millions of people in over 100 countries! So what about including them in our dogs' kibble?

High-Quality Protein:

• Insects respect the carnivorous diet of our dogs.

• They are protein-rich. For instance, PONGO insect-based kibble contains black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens) with a protein content of 50%.

• It's a high-quality alternative to traditional meat. Behind those glossy images of chicken breasts on kibble bags often lies a hidden reality: slaughterhouse by-products such as feathers, cartilage, and tendons.

• Insects contain all the essential amino acids required for a dog’s optimal health.

According to the 2024 FEDIAF Nutritional Guidelines, here’s a comparison between their recommended nutrient levels for complete dog food and the actual values found in PONGO’s insect-based kibble :

Adult Dog (FEDIAF Recommended)	PONGO Insect Kibble
Protein : 18–21g/100g	25g/100g
Arginine : 0.52–0.60g/100g	0.97g/100g
Histidine : 0.23–0.27g/100g	0.44g/100g
Isoleucine : 0.46–0.53g/100g	0.78g/100g
Leucine : 0.82–0.95g/100g	1.31g/100g
Lysine : 0.42–0.46g/100g	0.82g/100g
Methionine : 0.40–0.46g/100g	0.73g/100g
Methionine + Cystine : 0.76–0.88g/100g	0.91g/100g
Phenylalanine : 0.54–0.63g/100g	0.81g/100g
Phenylalanine + Tyrosine : 0.89–1.03g/100g	1.58g/100g
Threonine : 0.52–0.60g/100g	0.71g/100g
Tryptophan : 0.17–0.20g/100g	0.21g/100g
Valine : 0.59–0.68g/100g	0.97g/100g

 

Highly Digestible Protein :
Insects like Hermetia illucens and Tenebrio molitor have a digestibility rate of nearly 90%.

They also contain healthy fats, fiber, and micronutrients such as iron and zinc, which contribute to your dog’s overall well-being.

From a nutritional standpoint, insects offer everything needed to support your dog’s health.

II. The Benefits of Insect-Based Kibble: A Comparison With Traditional Proteins

a) The Health Benefits of Insect-Based Kibble

Insect-based kibble stands out from conventional dog food. It offers health benefits that traditional meat-based options often don’t. Here are the key points to remember :

• Hypoallergenic : Insects are a novel protein source, which minimizes the risk of food allergies. Does your dog scratch frequently? Suffer from red patches? Lick their paws excessively? Insect protein is a natural solution to help relieve these symptoms.

• Promotes Healthy Digestion : Thanks to its high absorption rate, insect protein is easy to digest and is ideal for dogs with digestive disorders or chronic diarrhea.

• A Protein Just as Rich, If Not Better Balanced : Contrary to popular belief, insect proteins are of very high nutritional quality. They are naturally rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which promote healthy skin and a shiny coat.

b) A More Sustainable Industry

Insects also offer a response to today’s major environmental challenges :

• A More Ethical Protein Source : Buying insect-based kibble for your dog means choosing not to support the traditional meat industry.

• A More Eco-Friendly Option : Insects have a significantly lower environmental footprint compared to conventional livestock. Their production requires very little water, minimal space, and produces far fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
  For example, producing 1 kg of insect protein can use up to 50 times less water than beef production — all while efficiently recycling organic waste.

So as you can see, beyond being a high quality protein, insects are a natural solution for dogs with food sensitivities or digestive issues. By choosing insect-based kibble, you're choosing a food that is premium, planet-friendly, and gentle on sensitive stomachs.

Want to learn more about the differences between insects and traditional meat? Check out our article : Insects VS Traditional Meat.

III. Hear It From Our Customers

After sharing the benefits of insect proteins, it's time for some real-life feedback!
There’s nothing more telling than the experience of pet parents who’ve already made the switch. Here are a few of their testimonials:

Tiffany:
"My dog couldn’t tolerate most kibble due to stool issues. Thanks to Pongo, we’ve finally found the right food. Plus, it helps reduce allergic reactions! I totally recommend it!!"

Astrid:
"Pongo kibble changed my Frenchie’s life! No more tummy rumbles, no more ear infections, and no more stinky farts 😄. She devours every meal! I recommend it 1000%!"

Beatrice:
"My dog had severe skin allergies, constantly scratched herself to the point of bleeding. She needed an expensive injection every three months, and I was also buying salmon hydrosolate kibble...Yes, her coat looked okay, and it slightly helped... but then came PONGO! The ingredients are simple, clean, and these insect proteins have truly changed Tessy's life and ours! She no longer scratches, her skin is allergy-free. It’s just incredible. I’m so happy!"

Corinne:
"Since I started feeding Pongo to my dogs, they absolutely love it and finish every last bite unlike their old kibble. It’s amazing!"

You can find all our customer testimonials on our website !

IV. Conclusion: A New Era for Canine Nutrition?

Insect protein isn’t just a promising alternative it represents a true revolution in pet nutrition.
Choosing insect-based kibble means providing your dog with high-quality food while supporting a more sustainable supply chain. At PONGO, we believe in healthy, hypoallergenic, and eco-friendly nutrition and we’re standing firm on all four paws!

Want your dog to try our insect-protein kibble? Click here. 🐶