- Livestock
Functional components from Hermetia Illucens in dog and cat nutrition
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Zuzanna Mikołajczak - 5 min. czytania
Dog and cat nutrition
In the nutrition of dogs and cats, components that not only provide basic nutrients and energy but also actively support animal health are gaining importance. Changing expectations of pet owners and growing knowledge of companion animals’ health needs are driving interest in so-called functional ingredients.
A good example of such a raw material are components sourced from Hermetia illucens larvae. They provide not only an excellent source of high-quality protein and fat, but also a complex of bioactive compounds that naturally support animal health. Importantly, they are the only pet food ingredient that simultaneously contains three valuable substances with documented health benefits: lauric acid, chitin and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs).
It is also worth noting that insects are not a “novelty” in the diet of canids and felids. They are a natural food source for wild animals. Today, thanks to controlled production and technology, these ingredients can also be safely used in feeding household pets.
Functional components from HiProMine
Components based on Hermetia illucens larvae supplied to pet food manufacturers by HiProMine are a source of naturally occurring substances with health-promoting effects.
- Lauric acid – a medium-chain fatty acid with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and hepatoregulatory properties
- Chitin – crude fibre (similar to dietary fibre), a functional ingredient that supports the microbiota and the immune system. It also regulates intestinal function
- AMPs (antimicrobial peptides), which modulate immunity by limiting the growth of harmful pathogens.
HiProMine products – such as HiProMeal, HiProOil and HiProMeat – are produced using low-temperature processing, which protects protein structure and preserves the biological activity of ingredients. They provide a valuable source of protein and fat with high bioavailability resulting from their natural origin. Moreover, thanks to full control of the entire production chain, these products are microbiologically safe and have hypoallergenic properties
Health and immunity
Contemporary research indicates that animal health and immunity are not only a matter of vaccines or medicines, but above all of dietary prevention. A key role is played by supplying nutrients and macro- and microelements that provide structural and energy functions while supporting the gut microbiota and immune activity.
The functional ingredients contained in our components have a positive effect on animal health. How?
AMPs (antimicrobial peptides) have immunomodulatory effects: they support natural immunity without overburdening the immune system, as they directly limit pathogen growth. Chitin supports the activation of immune cells and stimulates cytokine production, while lauric acid limits the growth of pathogens (including Gram-positive bacteria) and supports gut microbiota balance, which translates into fewer secondary infections.
For this reason, adding our functional components works well as part of dogs’ health prevention.
Example: in older dogs, which often suffer from decreased immunity and more frequent infections (e.g. skin or gastrointestinal), including whole-fat Hermetia larvae in the diet for 4–6 weeks resulted in fewer disease incidents.
Fat metabolism and body weight
Obesity and metabolic problems are among the most common health challenges in dog and cat populations. Lauric acid, present in our components, plays a dual role here:
- it is rapidly absorbed and provides a direct source of energy, and therefore is not stored in adipose tissue
- it lowers triglyceride and LDL cholesterol levels in the liver and blood
Chitin, in turn, acts like fibre: it reduces lipid absorption and improves intestinal motility
Tip
it is worth introducing whole-fat HiProMine’s components into the diet of animals prone to weight gain, while controlling the energy balance.
Gut microbiota and digestion
The gut microbiota plays a key role in fibre breakdown and the production of short-chain fatty acids, as well as in strengthening immunity. The functional components we offer support it on several levels:
Prebiotic action: chitin is an energy source for beneficial microorganisms that produce not only fatty acids but also certain vitamins.
Limiting the development of intestinal pathogens and improving the microbiological balance are the effects of lauric acid and AMPs.
This translates into better nutrient absorption, fewer diarrhoeal episodes and more stable digestion.
Tip
due to their properties, these components are an excellent fit for elimination diets and feeding dogs with sensitive digestive systems.
Skin and coat health
Dermatological problems are a common reason for veterinary consultations – particularly in breeds predisposed to allergy and atopy. Components from Hermetia illucens can nutritionally support prevention thanks to:
- anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects – both systemically and via their influence on the skin microbiome,
- proteins with a much lower allergenic potential,
- the supply of highly bioavailable fats that support skin structure and coat quality.
Tip
HiProMine components can be a valuable part of the diet for dogs with allergies – not as a medicine, but as part of supportive therapy.
Summary of benefits
Products from Hermetia illucens are more than an alternative protein – they are comprehensive, functional nutritional components that:
- support immunity, the microbiota and skin health
- have a positive effect on fat metabolism
- are easily digestible and highly bioavailable
- supply natural functional compounds: AMPs, chitin and lauric acid
are safe, stable and well tolerated, even at higher inclusions in the diet. With regular use they can become the foundation of a healthy animal diet.
Sources and references
- HiProMine – dane techniczne i materiały produktowe (HiProMeal, HiProOil, Umami Boost, 2024–2025).
- van Huis, A. et al. (2013). Edible insects: Future prospects for food and feed security. FAO Forestry Paper.
- Gasco L. et al. (2018). “Insect and fish by-products as sustainable alternatives to conventional animal proteins in pet foods.” Journal of Insects as Food and Feed, 4(2), 89–100.
- Koh T. et al. (2020). “Black soldier fly larvae protein protects gut microbiota and improves intestinal health in weanling piglets.” Scientific Reports, 10, 16370.
- Jeong, J. et al. (2022). “Antimicrobial and immunomodulatory effects of insect-derived peptides in companion animal nutrition.” Animals, 12(1), 102.
