Our planet is facing an unprecedented climate crisis and every aspect of human society needs to adapt to reduce our environmental impact. One often-overlooked area is the pet food industry, which relies heavily on traditional protein sources like beef, chicken and fish that have a considerable carbon footprint. However, a new, sustainable alternative is gaining popularity: insect-based pet food.
What is Insect-Based Pet Food?
Insect-based pet food is a type of pet food that uses insects as the primary protein source instead of conventional meats. Some of the most commonly used insects in pet food are black soldier fly larvae, crickets and mealworms. These insects are rich in protein, healthy fats and essential minerals, making them an excellent source of nutrition for pets.
Environmental Benefits of Insect-Based Food for Pets
Insect-based pet food offers numerous environmental benefits compared to traditional meat-based pet foods. It is considered one of the best ingredients in dog food due to its nutritional density. Some of the benefits of insect-based pet food include:
Reduced greenhouse gas emissions
The production of insects for pet food generates significantly fewer greenhouse gases than livestock farming. According to recent research, crickets produce 80 percent less methane than cattle.
Lower land and water usage
Insect farming requires less land and water than traditional livestock farming. For example, it requires about five times as much water to produce 1 gram of edible beef protein compared with 1 gram of mealworm protein.
Less feed required
Insects are highly efficient at converting feed into protein. It takes only 2 kg of feed to produce 1 kg of cricket protein, compared to 10 kg of feed for 1 kg of beef protein.
Reduced waste
Insects can be reared on organic waste streams, like food waste or agricultural byproducts, such as pig manure slurry and silage grass, reducing the need for additional land and resources to grow their feed.
Biodiversity preservation
Insect farming has a lower impact on biodiversity than livestock farming, as it does not require deforestation or large-scale land use changes.
Kind Earth Insect-Based Pet Food From Open Farm
Open Farm is committed to sustainability and ethical sourcing. We offer Kind Earth Insect-Based Pet Food as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional pet foods. This plant-based dog food combines the benefits of insect protein with nutrient-rich plant-based ingredients, resulting in a highly sustainable and nutritious kibble for your pet.
Our insect-based plant-based food is made from black soldier fly larvae, raised on pre-consumer food waste, further reducing its environmental footprint. The kibble is then combined with plant-based ingredients like chickpeas, sweet potatoes and flaxseed, providing a complete and balanced diet for pets while minimizing the reliance on animal-based protein sources.
By offering plant-based kibble with insect protein, Open Farm’s Kind Earth Insect-Based Pet Food ensures your dog receives all the essential nutrients needed while minimizing your environmental impact.
For those of you wondering how much should I feed my dog, feeding guidelines for insect-based kibble range from ⅓ cups for dogs under 10 lbs. to 5⅓ cups for active dogs over 80 lbs.
Give Your Pet the Plant-Based Nutrients They Need
Kind Earth Insect-Based Pet Food provides a sustainable source of protein for your pet and includes essential plant-based nutrients that are vital for their health. Some of these nutrients include:
Omega-3 fatty acids
Flaxseed is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, essential for maintaining your pet’s healthy skin and coat and supporting their immune system and cognitive function.
Fiber
Ingredients like chickpeas and sweet potatoes provide dietary fiber, which is crucial for your pet's digestive health.
Antioxidants
Fruits and vegetables, such as blueberries and kale, are rich in antioxidants that help protect your pet's cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Vitamins and minerals
The plant-based ingredients in Kind Earth Insect-Based Pet Food are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C and potassium, which are crucial for maintaining your pet’s overall health and well-being.
Support Your Pet and the Planet With Open Farm
Insect-based pet food is a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional meat-based pet foods. By choosing to feed your pet Kind Earth Insect-Based Pet Food from Open Farm, you are providing them with a complete and balanced diet and contributing to a kinder impact on the planet, making it an ideal choice for environmentally conscious pet owners.
*This article is meant only as an example meal with fully balanced nutrition, please reach out to our customer experience team if you have any questions about your pet's own unique circumstances! To ensure these products are a good fit for your pup, we also recommend consulting your pup's vet about any new supplement or diet changes, especially if there is a medical concern. They should be able to help as you and your vet know your pup's medical history best!” *
