Puppy
For growing puppies of all breeds
Insect protein
Insect-based dog food: why insect protein is good for dogs
Insect protein is a complete, digestible protein that most dogs have never eaten before. Here is what it is, what it offers your dog and why we built our recipes on it.
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The basics
What is insect-based dog food?
It is dog food in which the main protein comes from insects instead of meat or fish. In Nala Health that insect is the black soldier fly, whose larvae are made into a protein-rich meal.
The meal is combined with gluten-free ancient grains, peas, lentils, vegetables, oils and added nutrients, then made into kibble. It looks, smells and is fed like any other dry dog food, and each recipe is complete and balanced.
People have eaten insects around the world for thousands of years. Using them in dog food is newer, but the idea is simple: a nutritious protein that takes far fewer resources to produce.
Nutrition
Is insect protein nutritious enough for dogs?
Yes. What matters in a protein is its amino acids and how well a dog can digest them, not which animal it comes from.
A complete protein
Black soldier fly larvae contain all the essential amino acids, which dogs need for muscles, organs, hormones and enzymes.
Easy to digest
Insect meal is a digestible protein, which is part of why it works well in food for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
More than protein
The larvae also contribute fats, minerals and fibre to the recipe.
Insect protein is one ingredient in a complete food. Each Nala Health recipe is balanced with grains, vegetables, oils, vitamins and minerals, plus DHA from marine algae, taurine and L-carnitine. The protein, fat and energy figures for every recipe are on the recipe comparison and the product pages.
Novel protein
Why insect protein suits many sensitive dogs
Food reactions in dogs are most often linked to proteins they have eaten many times, such as chicken, beef or dairy. A novel protein is simply one a dog has not been exposed to before.
Black soldier fly larvae are novel to most dogs. Our recipes are also made without chicken, beef, egg, dairy, soy, wheat and maize, so many dogs with food sensitivities do well on them.
Novel does not mean non-allergenic. Any dog can react to any ingredient, and no food suits every dog.
Sustainability
Is insect protein better for the environment?
Insects are an efficient way to produce protein. Compared with cattle, pigs or chickens, they need less land, less water and less feed to produce the same amount.
Less land
Insects are farmed in compact, controlled spaces and not on grazing land.
Less water
Insect farming uses less water than raising livestock.
Efficient feeders
Insects convert feed into protein efficiently and can be raised on suitable plant-based by-products.
Taste
Do dogs like the taste?
In our experience, yes. Dogs are not put off by the idea of insects the way people sometimes are, and most take to the food straight away.
Dogs have their own preferences, though, so we offer a Trial Bag. It is a small bag that lets you check your dog enjoys the food before you buy a larger one.
When you do switch, do it gradually over about seven days, or 10 to 14 days for a sensitive dog. Our guide to switching food explains how.
Real dogs, real stories
What dog parents tell us
Every dog is different. These are the experiences of individual customers, in their own words.
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Our Portuguese Water Dog, Tami, developed problems with itching from an early age, constantly chewing at her paws. At times, it was quite severe, leaving them red and sore underneath. Our vet diagnosed a fungal infection as a result of allergies. It was a long journey, and we tried several different types of sensitive dog food without much success. She also frequently suffered from an upset stomach.
Then we heard about Nala, and decided to give it a try. It didn’t take long before we started seeing results. First, her stomach settled, and slowly but surely, she stopped chewing her paws. And best of all: she loves the food!
Tami is now a happy and content 7-year-old. Now we feel that we have the problem under control, which gives us great peace of mind.
We also know that her food provides her with everything she needs, and we love that it’s a sustainable choice in every way!Tami Hilde, pet parent -
After a serious knee injury and weight gain, Chyna struggled with pain and mobility. With hydrotherapy and Nala Health Senior Weight Management food, she reached a healthier weight and was finally able to have the surgery she needed. Today, she’s thriving and enjoys hikes, swimming, and life without pain medication.
Chyna Reece, pet parent -
Nala has already made a difference to Tara Porsche’s health and wellbeing. As a Cavalier, maintaining the right weight is so important for her long-term heart health, and since switching to Nala for weight management, she has gently and slimmed . The added taurine for heart support gives me real peace of mind knowing her nutrition is actively caring for her heart.
Tara Porsche Linda, pet parent -
I absolutely love Nala Health! They combine everything I care about: genuine sustainability, thoughtful design, amazing people behind the brand, and most importantly – happy and healthy dogs.
Dina Ragna, pet parent -
I trusted Nala Health with my two senior huskies, and it gave them the best quality of life right to the end. Now with Molly, my new husky pup, there was no question—I’m sticking with the food I believe in. Her energy, coat, and digestion are all thriving. Nala Health can follow Molly through every stage of life
Molly Darren, pet parent -
Lulu is very happy with Nala Health and can live a happy life now. He is an allergic dog but this food suits him so well. Also thank you for the good services and quick delivery.
Lulu Killy, pet parent -
Our 15-month-old Australian Shepherd, Togo, has thrived since switching to Nala Health! Suffering from IBD, he struggled with vomiting, bloody stools, and lack of focus. After just a few weeks on Nala Health, his condition stabilized, allowing us to taper his medication. Now, he’s happier, eats well, enjoys walks, and is fully engaged in training. Nala Health truly saved him!
Togo Lisbeth, pet parent -
I’m really happy with this food. My dog used to have frequent loose stools with a strong odor and wasn’t eating well. Now, his appetite is great, and his stools are firm and odor-free. I’m a very satisfied customer.
Eddie Monica, pet parent
The recipes
Insect protein food for every life stage
Four complete recipes, all built on insect protein. Choose by age and size.
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Adult Small Breed
For adult dogs under 10 kg
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Adult Medium to Large Breed
For adult dogs over 10 kg
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Senior and Weight Management
For dogs over 7, or adults watching their weight
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Trial Bag
A 400 g taster of any recipe
Questions about insect-based dog food
Is insect-based dog food safe for dogs?
Yes. Black soldier fly larvae are farmed under controlled conditions for use in food, and Nala Health recipes are complete and balanced, so they provide everything a dog needs. As with any new food, introduce it gradually.
Will my dog get enough protein from insects?
Yes. Insect protein contains all the essential amino acids, and each recipe is formulated to provide the right amount of protein for its life stage. You will find the protein figure for every recipe on its product page.
Is insect dog food hypoallergenic?
It is often described that way, and it helps to know what the word means here: the protein is novel, so most dogs have never eaten it, and the recipes leave out common triggers such as chicken, beef, egg, dairy, soy, wheat and maize. It does not mean allergy-proof. Any dog can react to any ingredient.
Which insect is used in Nala Health?
The larvae of the black soldier fly. They are a complete protein and also contribute fats, minerals and fibre.
Does the food contain any meat or fish?
No. The protein comes from insects, pulses and canola, and the DHA omega-3 comes from marine algae and not from fish. The recipes are made without chicken and beef.
Is insect protein suitable for puppies and older dogs?
Yes. There is a Puppy recipe for growing dogs and a Senior and Weight Management recipe for older dogs, as well as two adult recipes.
How do I switch my dog to insect-based food?
The same way as any other change of food: mix a little into the current food and increase the share over about seven days. Take 10 to 14 days for a sensitive dog. Some change in stools during a switch is normal.
See what your dog makes of it
Choose a recipe for your dog’s age and size, or start with a Trial Bag.