FAQs
Why choose ALT-PRO?
When you choose to feed ALT-PRO to your dogs, you are choosing to feed a nutrient-rich, hypoallergenic and sustainable diet created in Canada by a women-led team of scientists on a mission to use science and kindness to make radically better, meat-free, sustainable pet food so that all living things can live in harmony with the needs of our planet.
As the human population grows, the companion animal population grows as well. This means a very large demand for agricultural production. Feeding your pets ALT-PRO can reduce your pet’s environmental impact. Traditional pet foods rely on meat ingredients, which create a ton of greenhouse gasses, and demand a massive amount of land and water. If we do not start thinking about sustainability, our pet food will not only begin to compete with human food supply chains, but we will continue to see devastating biodiversity loss.
Where are ALT-PRO's ingredients sourced?
We try to source our ingredients as locally as possible. Check out our product pages to learn more about where each ingredient is sourced.
Are there different flavours or lines for different life stages?
Our treats are for any life stage. Our food is only for adult maintenance. Check back soon for further innovations to our core adult maintenance line.
Do dogs like insects?
There is abundant scientific evidence that dogs find insects palatable and will choose a diet rich in insects as frequently as a diet containing turkey and chicken. It is also known that insects are part of wild Canidae diets like foxes and wolves.
At ALT-PRO, we have conducted tests at every step of the process to make sure dogs love the flavour of our products. After all, a food is only great if our furry friends are eager to eat it up! We have provided samples to hundreds of dogs – from picky to garbage disposal – and selected the recipe that got the most “paws up.”
What are the insects fed?
Over 30% of food is wasted, mostly sent to landfills creating toxic greenhouse gasses that are harmful to our environment. Black soldier fly larvae provide a valuable solution to this global problem, as they naturally upcycle nutrients from organic matter. Insects are fed traceable, recycled fruits, vegetables and grains. This environmentally responsible approach reduces the volume in landfills while delivering high quality nutrients for animal feed and pet food. Nothing wasted, everything gained.
Does the AAFCO approve the inclusion of insects in dog food?
The AAFCO approves the use of black soldier fly larvae protein and oil (T33.29 and T60.117) in adult dog foods. In Europe, the use of black soldier fly larvae has been approved since 2015.
Recent research displays the use of insects in pet food, animal feed and even in human food. Research has shown its effectiveness as a digestible, palatable and nutrient rich alternative protein source.
Is insect protein for dogs backed by peer-reviewed scientific research?
There is a ton of research, and the list is growing. Here’s a list of some of our favourite reads:
Penazzi et al. 2021. In vivo and in vitro Digestibility of an Extruded Complete Dog Food Containing Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae Meal as Protein Source. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 8.
Abd El-Wahab A et al. Insect Larvae Meal (Hermetia illucens) as a Sustainable Protein Source of Canine Food and Its Impacts on Nutrient Digestibility and Fecal Quality. Animals (Basel). 2021 Aug 27;11(9):2525. doi: 10.3390/ani11092525.
Freel et al. (2021). Digestibility and safety of dry black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) meal and BSFL oil in dogs. Journal of Animal Science,
Do et al. (2020). Nutrient and AA digestibility of black soldier fly larvae differing in age using the precision-fed cecectomized rooster assay. Journal of Animal Science, 98, 1-10.
How do I transition my dog to ALT-PRO’s food?
The easiest way to transition your dog to any new food is to introduce the food slowly over a period of at least three days, but can be longer if you choose. This way the new ingredients or new formulation of the food won’t upset your dog’s digestive system and cause diarrhea. Be sure to mix the new food and old food together in the same bowl and offer it to your dog. Check out the chart below for an easy transition schedule.
Short transition schedule:
- Day 1: 75% Old + 25% ALT-PRO
- Day 2: 50% Old + 50% ALT-PRO
- Day 3: 25% Old + 75% ALT-PRO
- Day 4: 0% Old + 100% ALT-PRO
Will ALT-PRO work for my dog with allergies?
ALT-PRO is formulated without the top allergens in dogs which are commonly used proteins in pet foods. This includes chicken, beef, lamb, chicken eggs, dairy products and soy.
ALT-PRO utilizes novel protein from black soldier fly larvae to create a healthy and hypoallergenic diet for adult dogs. Novel proteins are just new proteins your pet has not been exposed to yet and are commonly recommended when your pet has a suspected food allergy.
Can dogs be allergic to insects?
As insects are a novel protein used in pet food, it is unlikely your dog will be allergic to insects, compared to more commonly used protein sources like chicken. It is always possible to develop food allergies to any food, so it is best to keep up to date with your dogs skin and coat condition as well as their bowel movements.