# Evaluation of the Nutritional Value of Insect-Based Complete Pet Foods
###### Abstract
The following insect species have been approved for use in animal feed: the Black solder fly (_Hermetia illucens_), the Common housefly (_Musca domestica_), the Mealworm (_Tenebrio molitor_), the Lesser meal-worm (_Alphitobius diaperus_), the House cricket (_Acheta domesticus_), the Banded cricket (_Gryllodes sigillatus_), and the Jamaican field cricket (_Gryllus assimilis_). There is a growing interest in insects as a source of protein for both humans and animals. This interest is accompanied by a growing body of scientific evidence supporting the use of insects in human and animal food while also providing information on potential risks (Figure 2). One of the principal factors contributing to this phenomenon is the increasing perception that insects are a valuable source of nutrients and a less environmentally damaging alternative to traditional livestock protein sources. This is due to the unique nature of insect farming [17; 18; 19; 20]. High protein content, with levels ranging from 30-75 g/100 g DM [11; 21; 22; 23; 24; 25] depending on the species and stage of development, can be an additional or main protein component in pet foods. This protein may confer benefits to canines with food sensitivities or allergies to the most commonly utilized protein sources in the feed industry, including beef, chicken, and cereals [26]. The distinctive protein profile  
Figure 1: Changes to legislation made since 2015 regarding the use of insects in food based on legal acts [13; 14; 15; 16]. of edible insects is compatible with the dietary requirements of canines, while potentially reducing the likelihood of triggering allergic reactions [27]. Furthermore, they constitute a source of unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals [17; 19; 20; 25; 28; 29]. Medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), including capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, and palmitic acid, are distinctive of certain edible insects. The use of these compounds is indicated during the treatment of pancreatic insufficiency or in individuals with insulin resistance and complex enteropathies, as they do not require the activation of pancreatic enzymes for digestion [30; 31; 32]. The content of bioactive compounds in edible insects, including AMPs and quercetin, may contribute to the support of the immune system and overall health [33]. Chitin, a structural component present in insects, fungi, plants, and crustaceans [34; 35], may increase the content of indigestible carbohydrates. As pet owners gain a deeper understanding of their dogs' nutritional requirements, the pet food industry is facing the challenge of innovating while adhering to established guidelines [36; 37; 38]. It is of great importance to ensure the nutritional adequacy of the product in order to maintain the health of the animal, particularly when one considers that pets are fed a single type of food over an extended period of time. Insufficiently balanced formulations may result in the later detection of abnormalities in nutritional products. The research hypothesis is that complete pet foods containing edible insects are formulated in such a way as to guarantee coverage of the minimum recommended levels for macronutrients and minerals in the pet food for which the product is intended, in accordance with the FEDIAF nutritional guidelines [36]. The use of insects as the primary protein source may have adverse effects due to the presence of chitin, which may result in higher levels of indigestible carbohydrates than in food containing protein from slaughtered animals.