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FAQ

 

What insects do you use in Nala Health dog food?

We use the larvae from The Black Soldier fly (Hermetia Illucens) – a good source of important amino acids (the building blocks of protein) that the body needs for growth and maintenance. In addition, they contain essential fatty acids (especially lauric acid, which you also find in coconut oil) and minerals.

 

What do the larvae eat?

Our insects eat clean, traceable plant waste from microbreweries in Cape Town. 1 kg Nala Health insect protein diverts 5 kg of food from the landfill by using the spent grains from the breweries. 

 

Why should I choose insect-based dog food?

Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL), is a complete protein that is kinder on the planet’s resources. BSFL also contains:

  • More zinc and iron than lean meat
  • More calcium than milk
  • Good fatty acids
  • Fibre which is important for gut health

The equivalent of twice the size of the UK is used to farm meat for cat and dog food every year. In addition to emitting less CO2, BSFL needs less land, water and other resources than traditional meat production making them more sustainable.

 

Using insects as food - will it have a negative impact on the wild insect population in the world?

Edible insects are farmed – and will not put any strain on wild insects. The Black soldier fly is also not a pollinator.

 

Why do you use plastic bags as opposed to compostable bags?

We have done extensive research to make sure we use the most sustainable packaging available at the moment. Our bags are made of 100% recyclable PET plastic, which is the most sustainable choice for packaging heavy goods such as dog food at the moment. This is because other non-plastic bags are currently not strong enough to store dog food without breaking. There is lots of research happening in this space and we hope for durable plastic-free options in the future!

*Note that most dog food bags from other brands are NOT recyclable as they often contain multiple types of materials.

 

Where is your food produced?

Our food is produced in an EU-approved facility in South Africa.

 

Is the food tasty?

We have taste-tested our food on over 60 dogs who all agree that it is scrumptious.

 

My dog has special dietary requirements. Can they eat Nala Health?

We offer 4 products:

  • Puppy food, which is also suitable for pregnant dogs
  • Adult small breed
  • Adult medium to large breed
  • Senior and Lite all breed

Our senior and lite food is perfect for dogs who are overweight or need a diet with a lower protein and fat content. All of our food ranges are suitable for dogs with allergies as they contain novel protein, no gluten and no dairy. Always consult with your vet if you consider changing your dog’s food. If you are unsure about which product best suits your dog, please contact us at support@nalahealth.dog for guidance.

 

Why does my dog's poop change when I swap to Nala Health dog food?

Healthy poops are brown, log-shaped, slightly firm and sized proportionately to the amount of food your dog ate. It should be easy to pick up without much residue on the ground. Most dogs need less food on Nala Health dog food as it is more nutritionally dense compared to food containing soy, wheat, maize and other fillers.

Their poop may also be bulked up by the good fibre in Nala Health, which we add for digestive health. Healthy fibre feeds the good bacteria in the gut. 

Remember to transition your dog to any new food over a period of 7 days to avoid stomach upset. If your dog is experiencing diarrhoea then the transition may have been too quick.

 

How do I transition my dog to Nala Health?

When ever you change your dog’s food it can cause a stomach upset as their digestive system is adapted to the diet they’re used to eating. We, therefore, recommend transitioning over to new food slowly over 7 days.

Dog food product info

If you know your dog has a very sensitive stomach then you can increase the transitioning time to 10 days.

 

Where do you currently ship to?

We currently deliver to all of South Africa. As our stock is currently in Cape Town, deliveries to areas in Cape Town take 2-3 days and outside of Cape Town take 3-5 days. Read more about our shipping and returns here.