Insects
meat · base score 1 · also listed as insects, dehydrated insect, fresh insect, freshly prepared insect
What is it?
Insects is a meat ingredient. Graded good: a real, recognisable ingredient that adds nutritional value, so it lifts a product’s score.
At a glance
- Category
- meat
- Grade
- good
- Base score
- 1 (from −1 to 1; higher is better)
- Found in
- 42 products
- Also listed as
- insects, dehydrated insect, fresh insect, freshly prepared insect
Common questions about insects
Is Insects good for dogs?
Yes, we grade it as a good ingredient: recognisable and nutritionally useful, so it lifts a product’s score. Bear in mind that no single ingredient decides quality; the whole recipe and its balance matter more.
How many UK dog foods contain insects?
42 UK products list insects as an ingredient in our database. The full list is shown below, sorted by rating.
What else is insects called on labels?
Manufacturers list it under several names: insects, dehydrated insect, fresh insect, freshly prepared insect. We match all of these to the same glossary entry when we read a label.
How does Open Dog Food grade insects?
We grade it good, our highest grade, reserved for recognisable ingredients that add real nutritional value. Every ingredient is converted to its dry-matter share and scored from our glossary before a recipe gets its 1-100 rating; the full method is on our methodology page.
Is insect protein safe for dogs?
Insect ingredients used in UK pet foods are regulated and considered safe when included in complete foods. They provide a novel, digestible protein source for many dogs.
Why do some dog foods use insects?
Insects can offer a sustainable source of protein and fat. They are often used as an alternative to conventional meat or fish in recipes designed for dogs with sensitivities.
