Incorporating defatted black soldier fly meal (BSFLM) as a functional alternative ingredient in dog food

The utilization of insect protein, specifically black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM), offers a viable alternative, sustainable, and nutrient-rich ingredient for pet foods. However, limited information is available on optimal inclusion levels and its functional properties. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of incremental levels of BSFLM as a partial or full substitute for chicken by-product meal (CM) in extruded diets. Thirty healthy adult Beagles were assigned to one of three dietary treatments: a control diet with CM, a diet containing 15% BSFLM, and a diet with 30% BSFLM, where CM was partially or fully replaced. Following a 14-d adaptation period on the control diet, the dogs were fed the test diets for 56 d. No significant differences were observed in food intake, fecal output, or apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter, crude protein, and fat across the treatment groups (P > 0.05). However, dogs fed the 30% BSFLM diet showed a reduction in ATTD of organic matter (81.2%) and total dietary fiber (18.9%) compared to the control group (83.2% and 30.3%, respectively; P < 0.05), likely due to the chitin content acting as insoluble fiber. Fecal microbiota analysis showed no changes in alpha diversity; however, unweighted UniFrac analysis revealed significant shifts in beta diversity associated with diet and time. The inclusion of BSFLM-modulated fecal metabolites resulted in lower concentrations of short-chain fatty acids and phenols in the 30% BSFLM group (P < 0.05). Serum biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation, including a range of cytokines and antioxidant enzymes, were unaffected by the dietary treatments, indicating no adverse health effects. These findings support the use of BSFLM as a viable and environmentally friendly protein ingredient in canine nutrition, offering a promising alternative to traditional protein sources while contributing to the sustainability of pet food production.