Research shows that protein made from black soldier fly larvae is well-digested by dogs and may support heart health. A 2026 study of 12 Beagle dogs found that those eating insect protein diets digested their food better than those eating shrimp protein, with improved absorption of organic matter and crude protein. Dogs eating insect protein also showed a smaller heart wall thickness and some dogs had lower blood pressure, though all heart measurements remained normal and healthy.
Researchers tested whether protein made from black soldier fly larvae could be good for dogs’ hearts and overall health. They fed 12 adult Beagle dogs three different diets over 12 weeks—one with shrimp protein and two with insect protein processed in different ways. According to Gram Research analysis, the dogs eating insect protein digested their food better and showed some positive changes in heart measurements, though all dogs remained healthy. The findings suggest insect protein could be a new, sustainable ingredient for pet food, but scientists say more research is needed to confirm the heart benefits.
Key Statistics
A 2026 research article of 12 adult Beagle dogs found that diets containing black soldier fly larvae protein hydrolysates increased organic matter digestibility and crude protein digestibility compared to shrimp protein control diets.
Dogs fed black soldier fly larvae protein hydrolysates showed a significantly lower interventricular septum diameter in diastole (P = 0.030) compared to control diet, according to a 2026 study published in the Journal of Animal Science.
A 2026 feeding trial with 12 Beagle dogs found that black soldier fly larvae protein hydrolysate processed with Corolase enzyme tended to lower blood pressure (P = 0.102) and serum angiotensin converting enzyme levels (P = 0.092) compared to ALCALASE-processed insect protein.
In a 2026 study of 12 dogs, dry matter digestibility was significantly greater (P = 0.048) for black soldier fly larvae protein hydrolysate processed with ALCALASE 2.5L compared to Corolase PP processing.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether protein made from black soldier fly larvae (a type of insect) could improve dogs’ digestion, heart health, and overall nutrition compared to traditional shrimp protein
- Who participated: Twelve adult Beagle dogs that were fed three different diets over a 12-week period in a controlled feeding study
- Key finding: Dogs eating the insect protein diets digested their food better and showed some improvements in heart measurements, including a smaller heart wall thickness, though all measurements stayed in the normal, healthy range
- What it means for you: Insect protein appears to be a safe and digestible option for dog food that may support heart health, though pet owners should wait for larger studies before making diet changes. Talk to your veterinarian before switching your dog’s food.
The Research Details
Scientists designed this study like a rotation experiment where the same 12 dogs ate each of the three different diets for 28 days at a time. This approach, called a Latin square design, helps researchers see the true effects of each diet by using the same dogs as their own comparison group. The three diets were nearly identical except for the protein source: one used shrimp protein (the control), while the other two used insect protein processed with two different enzymes (ALCALASE and Corolase). Before the study started, all dogs had their hearts checked with an ultrasound to establish a baseline.
During each 28-day feeding period, researchers measured how well the dogs digested their food, checked their stool quality, and looked at various blood markers related to heart health. At the end of each period, the dogs had their hearts examined again with ultrasound to see if anything had changed. The researchers also tested whether the dogs liked the different foods equally well by offering them choices between diets.
This type of study design is strong because it controls for individual differences between dogs—since each dog ate all three diets, researchers could compare how the same dog responded to different foods. However, the small number of dogs (12) means the results need confirmation in larger studies.
Understanding how different protein sources affect dogs’ digestion and heart health is important because the pet food industry is looking for sustainable alternatives to traditional proteins like fish and poultry. Insects like black soldier fly larvae can be raised with fewer resources and less environmental impact. However, before switching pet food ingredients on a large scale, scientists need to confirm that these new proteins are safe and actually beneficial for dogs’ health, not just acceptable.
This study has several strengths: it used a controlled design where dogs ate all three diets, it measured multiple health markers including heart function, and it was published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal. However, the study only included 12 dogs of one breed (Beagles), all of which were healthy adults. The results may not apply to other dog breeds, sizes, ages, or dogs with existing health problems. The study lasted only 12 weeks, so we don’t know about long-term effects. Additionally, some of the heart changes showed only trends (not statistically significant differences), meaning they could have happened by chance.
What the Results Show
The dogs accepted all three diets equally well—they ate the same amount and showed the same enthusiasm for each food, suggesting that insect protein tastes acceptable to dogs. The dogs eating insect protein diets digested their food better than those eating shrimp protein. Specifically, they absorbed more organic matter (the usable parts of food) and crude protein (total protein content) from their meals. One type of insect protein (processed with ALCALASE enzyme) also improved how well dogs digested dry matter compared to the other insect protein type.
For heart health, the most notable finding was that dogs eating insect protein diets had a thinner interventricular septum (the wall between the two lower chambers of the heart) compared to dogs eating shrimp protein. This measurement was smaller in the relaxed state of the heartbeat. Additionally, dogs eating one type of insect protein (Corolase-processed) showed a tendency toward lower blood pressure and lower levels of angiotensin converting enzyme, a protein involved in blood pressure regulation.
Importantly, all heart measurements remained within normal, healthy ranges for dogs. The researchers did not find significant differences in major heart damage markers like troponin I or NT-proBNP between the diets. This suggests the insect protein didn’t harm the dogs’ hearts—and may have even supported normal heart function.
Dogs eating the Corolase-processed insect protein had a smaller pulmonary vein (the blood vessel bringing blood to the heart) compared to dogs eating the ALCALASE-processed version. Dogs eating ALCALASE-processed insect protein showed a tendency toward lower insulin-like growth factor 1 levels compared to the Corolase version, though this difference was not statistically significant. These findings suggest that the method used to process the insect protein affects how it influences the body, not just its digestibility.
This is one of the first studies testing insect protein hydrolysates in living dogs. Previous research in test tubes and animal models suggested that insect proteins have antioxidant (protective against cell damage) and blood-pressure-lowering properties, but this study is among the first to confirm some of these benefits in actual dogs. The improved digestibility aligns with what researchers expected based on how the protein was processed. The heart changes are subtle but align with the theoretical benefits of insect protein, though they’re smaller than what some laboratory studies predicted.
The study included only 12 healthy adult Beagle dogs, so results may not apply to other breeds, sizes, ages, or dogs with heart disease. The 12-week duration is relatively short for evaluating long-term heart health effects. Some findings were only statistical trends (close to significant but not quite), meaning they could have occurred by chance. The study didn’t measure other important factors like inflammation markers or oxidative stress in the blood, which were theoretical reasons to expect benefits. Finally, the study didn’t compare insect protein to other sustainable protein sources, only to shrimp protein.
The Bottom Line
Based on this research, insect protein appears to be a safe and digestible ingredient for healthy adult dogs. However, the evidence for specific heart health benefits is preliminary and modest. Pet owners should not make diet changes based solely on this study. If interested in insect-based pet foods, consult your veterinarian first, especially if your dog has existing health conditions. The research suggests insect protein is worth further investigation, but larger, longer studies are needed before making strong health claims. Confidence level: Moderate for safety and digestibility; Low for specific heart benefits.
This research is most relevant to pet food manufacturers looking for sustainable protein sources and to dog owners interested in environmentally friendly pet nutrition. Owners of healthy adult dogs may find this information useful for future food choices. However, owners of dogs with heart disease, senior dogs, puppies, or dogs with digestive issues should wait for more research and consult their veterinarian before trying insect-based foods. The study doesn’t provide enough evidence to recommend insect protein specifically for treating heart problems.
The digestibility improvements appeared within the first 28-day period, suggesting dogs’ bodies adapted quickly to the new protein source. The heart changes were subtle and would likely take longer to develop or become more pronounced. If a dog owner were to switch to insect protein food, they might notice improved digestion within 2-4 weeks, but meaningful heart health effects (if they occur) would take months to years to develop and would require veterinary monitoring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is insect protein safe for dogs to eat?
Yes, according to a 2026 study of 12 Beagle dogs, black soldier fly larvae protein was well-accepted and digested by dogs with no harmful effects. All heart health markers remained normal. However, research is still limited to healthy adult dogs, so consult your veterinarian before switching your dog’s food.
Can insect protein improve my dog’s heart health?
A 2026 study found that dogs eating insect protein showed some positive heart changes, including a thinner heart wall and lower blood pressure trends. However, all measurements stayed normal and healthy. More research is needed to confirm heart benefits, especially in dogs with existing heart disease.
Does insect protein help dogs digest food better?
Yes, a 2026 research article found that dogs eating black soldier fly larvae protein digested their food significantly better than those eating shrimp protein, absorbing more nutrients. This improvement appeared within the first 28-day feeding period.
What type of insect protein is best for dogs?
A 2026 study compared two processing methods for insect protein. ALCALASE-processed protein improved overall digestibility, while Corolase-processed protein showed more blood pressure benefits. The best choice depends on your dog’s individual needs—discuss with your veterinarian.
How long does it take to see benefits from insect protein in dog food?
Digestive improvements appeared within 28 days in a 2026 study. Heart-related changes were subtle and would likely take longer to develop. Any diet change should be monitored by your veterinarian over several months.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track your dog’s stool quality daily using a simple 1-5 scale (1=very loose, 5=very firm). Record the score weekly to monitor digestive changes. Dogs on insect protein showed improved digestion, so you might notice firmer, more consistent stools within 2-4 weeks.
- If your app supports pet food logging, record the specific protein source in each meal. Create a reminder to assess your dog’s energy level, coat quality, and appetite weekly. This helps you notice any changes after switching to insect-based protein foods and provides information to share with your veterinarian.
- Establish a baseline of your dog’s current digestion, energy, and coat quality before any diet change. If you switch to insect protein food, monitor these same factors weekly for 8-12 weeks. Schedule a veterinary check-up 4-6 weeks after any diet change to ensure your dog is thriving. Use the app to track any digestive improvements, which appeared most consistently in this research.
This article summarizes research findings and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Before making any changes to your dog’s diet, especially if your dog has existing health conditions, heart disease, or is taking medications, consult with your veterinarian. The study included only 12 healthy adult Beagle dogs over 12 weeks, so results may not apply to all dogs. While the research suggests insect protein is safe and digestible, the evidence for specific health benefits is preliminary. Always introduce new foods gradually and monitor your dog for any adverse reactions. This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease in dogs.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.