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Fly Larva

0 foods contain this ingredient

Protein Exotic Proteins allergen group

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About Fly Larva

Fly larva, often black soldier fly larvae, is a farmed insect ingredient used as an alternative protein and fat source in pet food.

Fly larva is used in pet foods as a novel, sustainable protein and fat source—especially from species like black soldier fly—providing complete amino acids, beneficial fats, and trace nutrients such as iron and B vitamins. It can be a hypoallergenic alternative for some pets and has a lower environmental footprint, but formulations must be processed to food-grade standards to remove pathogens and contaminants, may contain chitin (a form of insect fiber that can affect digestibility and stool quality), and should not be relied on alone for nutrients like taurine in cats without proper formulation.

Related ingredients

Insect Protein Soldier Fly Larva
Derived from
dried black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens)
Primary role
alternative protein and fat source

Why it's used

AAFCO has adopted an official ingredient definition for dried black soldier fly larvae, currently approved for use in adult dog and cat food, making it the only insect ingredient AAFCO recognizes for pet food so far. A 28-day feeding trial in dogs found dry matter digestibility in the high 80s to low 90s percent range and fat digestibility above 94 percent, comparable to more conventional protein meals.

Common concerns

  • Chitin content The larval exoskeleton contains chitin, which can slightly lower measured digestibility and modestly overestimate protein content compared with poultry meal, though a 28-day dog trial found normal, well-formed stool consistency across tested inclusion levels.
  • Taurine in cat diets Black soldier fly larvae are naturally low in taurine, so cat foods using this ingredient rely on supplemental taurine rather than the insect meal alone.
  • Palatability with oil inclusion One study found that replacing poultry fat with black soldier fly larvae oil, rather than the protein meal, reduced palatability and digestibility in dogs, though without observed adverse health effects.

Also relevant

Because it is a protein source dogs and cats have rarely encountered before, fly larva meal has been explored in a preliminary case series as a substitute protein for elimination trials in dogs with suspected food-related skin reactions.

4 sources cited

Common Questions

What category is Fly Larva?

Fly Larva is categorized as a protein ingredient in the KibbleLab database.

Is Fly Larva part of an allergen group?

Yes. Fly Larva is grouped under the Exotic Proteins allergen group in the KibbleLab database.

Which foods contain Fly Larva?

0 foods in the KibbleLab database contain Fly Larva.

Foods with Fly Larva

Alphabetical by brand. Scores run 0 to 10, higher is better, on published veterinary science.

No foods in the KibbleLab database contain Fly Larva right now.

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