Canadian Company Turns Pests into Protein for First Dog Diet

A Canadian dog treat company with an eye for sustainable alternatives has graduated to dog food with the release of its newest product, an insect protein-based, hypoallergenic kibble diet, on August 6.

Most of the diet's protein comes from the inclusion of black soldier fly powder and oil, which is supplied from Canadian insect-rearing facilities. Other ingredients in the formula include millet, peas, buckwheat, chickpeas, coconut, lentils, flaxseeds and sweet potatoes.

The dog diet is supplemented with added vitamins and minerals, as well as other ingredients to help with digestive health, such as yeast extract and cellulose fiber. The kibble's nutritional value includes at least 25% protein and 15% fat, and no more than 6% fiber and 10% moisture.

According to Wilder Harrier, using insect protein for pet foods and treats is a sustainable alternative to using traditional animal proteins because 'insects require 2,000 times less water than beef… to produce the same output of protein,' along with other reasons stated on the company's website.

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The dog food is produced in Montreal by a co-manufacturing partner that uses a small-batch, low-temperature extrusion method, and the facility in which it's produced is compliant with Canadian Federal Inspection Agency (CFIA) guidelines and undergoes third-party audits, according to Wilder Harrier.

Wilder Harrier's Farmed Insects Recipe dog food also meets standards set by the American Association of Feed Control Officials' (AAFCO). Currently, the company ships direct-to-consumer through its website and is also sold in local Canadian pet retail stores across the country. Wilder Harrier products are not available in US pet retail locations.

Wilder Harrier was founded in January 2015, initially holding the brand name BugBites. The name was changed in November 2016 after sowing some confusion among consumers about whether the treats soothed dogs' bug bites.

The company sells a line of cricket-based dog treats as well as vegan seaweed biscuits, and a line of dental sticks. None of the company's products incorporate traditional sources of animal proteins.

by Jordan Tyler