Frequently Asked Questions about our insect-based products

We've gathered the most common inquiries about our insect-based food and other products in this article.

Click on the headings below to jump directly to the sections you're curious about:

Our products for dogs and cats contain the larvae of the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens). This specific insect is chosen for its high protein content, rich essential amino acids, and easily digestible nutrients. Alongside protein, the insect species contains healthy fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6, plus essential minerals like magnesium and iron. The black soldier fly is EU-approved as pet food. Check our website for more on our insects.

The insect farm we, Petgood, collaborate with is Europe's leading insect farm, which is located in the Netherlands. The insect farm is called Protix, and they, like us, specialise in the black soldier fly, exclusively working with this insect species. Feel free to visit Protix's website to learn more about their fantastic work.

Our insects feed on high-quality plant-based byproducts—a mix of grain, fruit, and vegetable remnants from local producers. For instance, potato skins from a french fry manufacturer. This approach utilizes existing resources, reducing food waste!

All our food is complete, containing all the necessary nutrients for dogs and cats as per FEDIAF guidelines. FEDIAF compiles nutritional recommendations for pets based on the latest scientific research, updating regularly. As such, there is no need for additional supplements, if your dog or cat don't have any special needs according to their health status.

Chitin is a fiber found in insect and crustacean shells, like shrimp and crabs, and in common foods like mushrooms and yeast. Our larval-based food has low chitin content as the larvae have no shells.

There's no evidence that chitin in food is harmful or toxic to pets or humans. Food authorities haven't advised limiting chitin-containing foods. The black soldier fly larvae is EU-approved for consumption by both humans and pets after EFSA deems it safe.

Numerous mammals consume insects - bears, wolves, foxes, and wildcats, among others. Wildcats, ancestors of domestic cats, include insects in their diet. Studies confirm high digestibility (85-90%) of Petgoods' insect protein, considered high digestibility (over 80%). Each batch undergoes rigorous protein and nutritional checks. Visit Petgoods' site for more on protein quality and digestibility research.

No. Parasites or disease outbreaks have never occurred during black soldier fly larval farming. Our food or insects contain no parasites.

The black soldier fly isn't considered invasive or a disease carrier. It's resilient to diseases without requiring antibiotics, unlike traditional protein sources. Our insect farm, Protix, certified with GMP+ (Good Manufacturing Practice), ensures strict manufacturing principles, testing feed for pathogens. Insects live in a controlled environment, and all incoming materials (like feed) undergo contamination tests (heavy metals, toxins, biological agents) before contact. Each batch of insect meal and food undergoes nutritional and food hygiene tests before use.

Insects are more sustainable than traditional animal proteins. They're more resource-efficient, using less land, water, and feed and causing lower greenhouse gas emissions. Our insects consume plant-based byproducts and waste, reducing food waste and transforming it into protein. Explore more on the advantages of insects for our planet on our website.

Petgoods' recipes are developed by our in-house veterinary team. All our products are crafted in collaboration with strong partners and small animal nutritionists. This ensures a balanced, nutritious diet meeting both the pet's needs and the nutritional requirements set by FEDIAF (the European pet food standardization organization).

Our food products for dogs and cats food are made in the EU. By centralizing all production in the EU, we ensure maximum transparency and control over production quality.

The insects used in all our products are sourced from the Netherlands, while 99.9% of other raw materials come from Europe. The majority of ingredients originate from the Netherlands, the Nordic countries, Belgium, and France. The only exception is yucca root, sourced from California.

Our insect production facilities and food manufacturing operations are certified with GMP+ and FSC 22000, respectively. These certifications ensure compliance with standards guaranteeing safe feed handling practices.

You can find the ingredient list for all Petgoods products on our website, on each product page. All our dog foods are complete diets, containing all the nutrients your dog needs.

We recommend transitioning to Petgoods' adult food when your dog is about one year old. Small breeds might transition slightly earlier, while larger breeds might transition a bit later. Check out our in-depth article on when to switch to adult food on our website.

Yes, and for spayed/neutered dogs, we recommend our light food.

Yes, for older dogs we recommend our senior food. It is specially adapted to the nutritional needs of the aging dog.

We receive many questions about whether our food suits allergic dogs. We always recommend owners of allergic dogs to consult their treating veterinarian before switching food. The choice of food depends on the specific dog's needs and medical history. Check out our article on insect protein in case of food allergies on our website.

Many owners believe their dogs have sensitive stomachs, which can have various causes and therefore different recommendations might apply. Petgoods' food (both dog and cat food) is single-protein, containing only the larvae of the black soldier fly. If sensitivity to other protein sources is suspected, our insect-based pet food might be advantageous.

Furthermore, our pet food promotes good gut health through the ingredient inulin (a source of FOS, fructooligosaccharides - a prebiotic supporting the growth of beneficial gastrointestinal bacteria) and beetroot, contributing insoluble dietary fibers and promoting colon health.

We always recommend consulting a veterinarian for health concerns like a sensitive stomach.

No, we do not recommend our pet food for dogs with pancreatitis or EPI. In case you have a dog with pancreatitis or EPI we recommend you to consult your veterinarian for advice on food choice.

If you're unsure about the amount of food your adult dog or puppy needs per day (in grams) or per month (in kilograms), please have a look at our feeding recommendations that can be found on the product packaging or our website under each specific product.

Yes, the pet food can be soaked before serving.

The dog food has a shelf life of 18 months from the production date. The exact date is indicated on the bag. An open bag should be consumed within 2-3 months to maintain high-quality fats.

Store the pet food in a cool, dry place. The quality is best preserved when the food is well sealed in its bag.

If your dog doesn't eat the food, there are a few things to try to see if their interest or appetite increases. You can try moistening the food, warming it slightly, or topping it with something your dog enjoys. Some dogs may be wary of new food, so blending it with their previous food in the beginning might help.

In this article, you can learn more about tips and tricks for picky eaters.

All our food, including our wet food for dogs, is based on insects as animal ingredient. A complete list of ingredients is available on the product page.

The wet food for dogs can be used in several ways:

No, our wet food is a complete and balanced meal for adult dogs, meaning your dog gets all the necessary nutrients. In other words, you can feed your adult dog solely on wet food, or you can use it as a complement to dry food.

Petgoods' wet food can be used for puppies as a topping, in toys, or as an additional supplement. However, it's not a complete meal designed for a puppy's needs, unlike for adult dogs. Therefore, it should not be the primary part of a puppy's diet. If you're looking for a complete meal for your puppy, we recommend our puppy food.

An unopened pack of Petgoods' wet food has a shelf life of 24 months. Once opened, it should be stored in the fridge and consumed within 2-3 days.

The wet food is designed to be vacuum-packed and consumed fresh within 2-3 days. We cannot guarantee that the nutrients will maintain the same high quality after freezing and thawing.

All our dog treats and dental sticks are based on insects as the only animal ingredient. This means that insect protein is the only animal protein source. A complete list of ingredients is available on the product page for each item.

We offer various types of treats for dogs, and some of these are suitable for puppies. On the product page for each treat, you'll find the recommended age under the "Ingredients and Nutritional Information" section.

We also offer a puppy treat specifically tailored for puppies. This is particularly suitable for several reasons. Firstly, our protein source, the larvae of the black soldier fly, has high digestibility, making it easy for your puppy's stomach to digest and absorb valuable nutrients and protein. Additionally, cranberries provide natural antioxidants to support your puppy's immune system. Our puppy treats are also extra palatable to motivate them during training and learning. The pieces are small and soft, perfect even for the smallest mouths.

Feel free to visit our website to learn more about the different types of treats we offer.

All dog treat varieties have a maximum dosage in terms of the number of pieces per day, which can be found on the packaging.

The dental sticks (Petgoods chew bones) are adapted for dogs from 4 months of age.

We recommend one dental stick per day, adjusted according to the dog's size. For smaller breeds, the chew can be divided and served at two intervals.

Yes, we offer a digestive supplement for dogs. Later on, we will also launch a joint health supplement.

Our digestive supplement contains several functional ingredients: pre- and probiotics to support gut flora, dietary fibers to promote healthy bowel movements and improve stool quality, as well as nutrients that nourish the intestinal lining. More information is available on the product page.

Yes, cats can eat insects - they're meat, just not the type of meat we're used to. Insects have very high protein values and essential amino and fatty acids that cats need in their diet. Studies show that wild cats and feral domestic cats eat insects as a natural part of their diet. You might have even seen your own cat catch an insect at some point. The wild ancestor of the domestic cat, the African wildcat, eats insects, spiders, and scorpions in its natural habitat in Africa and West Asia.

Yes, Petgoods cat food contains sufficient protein. The protein levels adhere to FEDIAF's recommendations for total protein for cats. The recommended minimum level is 25%, and Petgoods food for adult cats stands at 31%. Our cat food also includes all eleven essential amino acids for cats above the minimum level, including taurine.

Yes, our cat food contains taurine well above the minimum level. The recommended minimum level for taurine in cat food is 1300 mg, and our food contains 2000 mg. Taurine comes from both insects and is supplemented in the food, as is the case with all dry food.

On our website, on each product page, you can find the ingredient declaration for all Petgoods products. Visit our website to learn more about the ingredients in our different products.

Yes, neutered cats can eat Petgoods cat food. Our cat food has a moderate energy level and contains ingredients that help prevent urinary tract diseases, which are more common in neutered cats. Keep in mind that the feeding recommendation (found on the food bag and on each product page) is only a guideline, and you may need to reduce the amount to prevent your cat from gaining weight since needs vary individually.

We recommend transitioning to Petgoods adult food when the cat is about a year old.

If you have questions about how much food your adult cat needs per day (in grams) or per month (in kg), please have a look at our feeding recommendations, which can be found on the product packaging or on our website under each product.

We receive many questions about whether our cat food is suitable for allergic cats. We always recommend owners of allergic cats consult their treating veterinarian before considering a food switch, as the choice of food depends on the specific needs and medical history of the cat. On our website, we've written an in-depth article about insect protein in cases of food allergy. If you have a cat with a food allergy, we recommend you read the article.

Yes, Petgoods complete diets for adult cats are naturally gluten-free.

No, Petgoods cat food for adult cats contain oats and are therefore not grain-free. Oats have a healthy balance of both soluble and insoluble fiber. Oats are naturally gluten-free and contain good levels of fat and protein.

Our cat food has been developed by our own team of veterinarians and small animal nutritionists. All our recipes and their nutritional content are formulated according to FEDIAF's guidelines. FEDIAF is an organization that compiles nutritional recommendations for dogs and cats based on the latest scientific knowledge and annually issues new guidelines.

Yes, we offer a wet food for cats, our insect paté. It is a complete and balanced wet diet for adult cats.

If your cat doesn't eat the food, there are a few things you can try to see if their interest or appetite improves. Some cats may be suspicious of new things, so it might help to gradually mix it with their previous food at first. They might also need a little time to adjust, so offering the food for a few weeks can help see if they become more interested. You can also try moistening the food, warming it slightly, or topping it with something your cat finds tasty.

Our cat treats are based on insects as the sole animal ingredient. This means that insect protein is the only animal protein source. You can find a complete ingredient list on the product page.

Our insect cat treats are enriched with taurine to support heart and nervous system health. Additionally, brewer's yeast naturally contributes high levels of B vitamins. B vitamins are essential for many important bodily functions, including skin and coat health. It also includes catnip to enhance joy and playfulness.

Our cat treats have a maximum recommended amount in number of pieces per day, which is indicated on the bag.

Yes, our insect-based cat treats are suitable as a supplement for both adult cats and kittens.

Our poop bags are made from corn starch. All the ingredients are plant-based and 100% renewable.

If you have access to your own compost, you're permitted to compost Petgood's poop bags at home. However, there might be risks associated with the spread of parasites or bacteria in dog waste. Therefore, it's not recommended to compost the poop bags and then use the compost as fertilizer for food intended for human consumption. Otherwise, the poop bags should be disposed of with combustible waste. Under no circumstances should the poop bags be thrown or left in nature, even though they are biodegradable.

The term compostable means that the material can be composted. The European standard EN-13432 defines the properties that the finished product must have to be recycled organically. Being compostable means that the material is biodegradable under composting conditions, completely breaks down in a single composting cycle, does not have any toxic effects or emit heavy metals above a given value in the compost, and does not have any negative impact on the composting process. Our bags are certified for both industrial composting and home composting.

The certification EN-17033:2018 Biodegradable in soil includes three steps:

Yes, our poop bags have handles.

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