Australian Dog Owners’ Acceptance of Insect-Based Pet Food

Abstract

Insects are considered to be a nutritious and sustainable alternative to traditional protein sources. However, in Western societies, there are still significant cultural barriers hindering the use of insects as food. For many, an underlying sense of disgust discourages insect consumption. In this study, we evaluated whether Australian dog owners would be willing to feed their dogs insect-based pet food, as well as the factors underpinning their attitudes—from their prior experience of eating insects and the closeness of their relationship with their dog to the type of insect and product price, quality, and health or environmental benefits. Participants were generally more accepting of insect-based pet food than plant-based pet food and were more willing to feed insect-based pet food to their dogs than to eat insects themselves. When purchasing dog food, participants placed the greatest importance on health/nutrition, palatability, and product quality. Pet food manufacturers should, therefore, consider these factors when making and marketing insect-based pet foods.