# Chemical Composition and Palatability of Nutraceuticaltical Dog Snacks
## 4 Discussion
### Proximate Composition and Mineral Content
Insets are characterized by a rich nutritional value. They contain higher amounts of protein and fat compared to chicken meat [40]. Their protein is a rich source of essential amino acids and substances, which are necessary in the processes of amino acid synthesis, energy transformations and gluconeogenesis. Moreover, insects are a source of antimicrobial peptides (AMP), lauric acid and chitin, which may be factors improving the immune response (a favorable impact on immunity-tumor necrosis factor-a [TNF-a]), antioxidative status (glutathione peroxidase) and positively influencing the composition of the gastrointestinal microbiome [2; 41; 42; 43]. The use of insects in pet food is allowed in accordance with Commission Regulation No 893 [44]. In our study, we used sub-imago banded crickets to minimize the amount of chitin affecting the crude fiber content of the product. Banded cricket contains more protein but less fat (Table 1) compared to the popular mealworm, which is more commonly used in the pet food industry [45]. The inclusion of cricket meal in a dog's diet may serve as an acceptable protein source compared to the control diet with chicken meal as a protein source. As demonstrated by [PERSON] et al. [46], the maintenance of acceptable stool characteristics and blood parameters throughout the study period indicates that no adverse health effects occurred when animals were fed a diet containing crickets. Differences in apparent digestibility, possibly due to an increase in total dietary fiber content, may determine the optimal level of incorporation of cricket meal fed to adult dogs. More research is needed to investigate the potential functionality of the chitin component in cricket meal. Moreover, [PERSON] et al. [47] also investigated the possibility of replacing poultry meal with the pupae of domestic crickets (_Acbeta domesticus_, AD) or mulberry silkworms (_Bombyx mori_, BM). The results of this study suggested that both insect species could replace poultry meal without negative side effects. Therefore, an AD of 20% or a BM of 14% can be used in products intended for feeding dogs. [PERSON] et al. [48] indicated that people were most willing to feed their dog treats made with cricket flour, followed by black soldier fly larvae, followed by both mealworms and ants. Moreover, [PERSON] et al. [48] indicated that people were most willing to feed their dog a bowl of dried crickets or black soldier fly larvae than either mealworms or ants. Some components of the diets, covering the basic nutritional needs of the body, support it in the fight against many diseases or are an element of prevention. It is noticed in the diet of people but also pet food producers have noticed this trend by enriching their products with numerous natural supplements with pro-health (and nutraceutical) effects. Spirulina is more and more often used by producers of food and dietary supplements for companion animals. It is also called commonly \"green meat\" due to its high protein content (Table 1) of high quality, resulting from good amino acid composition with high digestibility [49]. It is also a good source of high-quality fat. Spirulina biomass is an excellent source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (including EPA and DHA) [50]. It is used in food recipes not only because of the protein level, but also because its addition to the food can significantly delay the lipid oxidation process and reduce the number of harmful microorganisms. Supplementing the diet with spirulina results in a significantly increased stability of the intestinal microflora in dogs, which translates into an improvement in the immune response [51]. The inclusion of microalgae (including spirulina) in dry food increases the apparent protein digestibility and palatability of the dog food [52]. Hemp has a fairly wide range of uses, ranging from cosmetology to the food and pet food industry.