The Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) is a species originally from South America. Today it is found worldwide and occurs in temperate climates in America, Europe, Africa, and Asia.
It gets its name from the color of its life cycle, which is black with metallic reflections.
Compared to other insects, such as the mealworm, the Black Soldier Fly has some unique characteristics that make it a promising resource. In this article, we will take a closer look at what makes the Black Soldier Fly special and why it can be preferred as an alternative among insect species.
Table of Contents
Life Cycle of the Black Soldier Fly
The Black Soldier Fly has a short lifespan of about 5 to 8 weeks. Its extraordinary life cycle and remarkable ability to produce larvae make it a unique insect species.
For protein utilization, the larvae of the soldier fly are used because they can be 100% utilized. The larvae are characterized by a yellowish color and a size of up to 2 cm. The fly lives only a few days, but the larvae of the Black Soldier Fly are the real powerhouse: they are robust, grow quickly, and can develop into protein-rich biomass within a few days at the right temperature.
Thanks to so-called defensins, the larvae possess a type of natural antibiotic, which enables the larva to utilize all residues without health problems. These defensins give our fresh larvae an antimicrobial effect when fed.
Sustainable Breeding and Feeding of Hermetia
Compared to conventional livestock farming (cattle, chicken, pig), the breeding of the Black Soldier Fly is extremely resource-efficient: The rearing of cattle, pigs, and poultry generates large amounts of greenhouse gases, consumes enormous amounts of water, and contributes to deforestation. In contrast, insects consume fewer resources and produce fewer greenhouse gases during the fattening phase. They can be bred in large quantities and in small spaces by being bred vertically. For this purpose, individual rearing boxes are stacked on top of each other, saving production space.
In insect farming, rearing boxes are stacked on top of each other – this saves space and emissions. In addition, organic waste from the food industry can be utilized directly.
There are different insect species used for insect feed, such as mealworms, crickets, or silkworms. Among the various species, the larva of the soldier fly has even more advantages in terms of sustainability, as it can be 100% utilized and fed with any plant residues and organic waste, such as leftovers from the food industry. This not only enables efficient waste disposal but also produces high-quality insect protein as a by-product.
Insects love to live in large numbers, so factory farming plays no role. In contrast to conventional factory farming, insect farming is free of antibiotics and growth hormones. The advantages at a glance:
- No use of antibiotics or growth hormones
- Little space required due to vertical farming
- Utilization of plant residues instead of soy or grain
Nutrient-rich Insect Protein for Dogs
The larvae of Hermetia are an excellent protein source. They have a high protein content, which is very close to conventional meat, and also contain essential amino acids in optimal ratios. This makes them a first-class choice for insect-based dog food and human nutrition. Here is an overview of the essential nutritional values of the larva:
| Nutritional Value | Larva (fresh) | Larval Meal (dried) |
|---|---|---|
| Crude Protein | 15.8% | 56.3% |
| Crude Fat | 8.4% | 12.9% |
| Crude Ash | 1.8% | 7.2% |
| Crude Fiber | 2.3% | 9.1% |
| Calcium | 0.2% | 0.8% |
| Phosphorus | 0.3% | 1.0% |
This makes insect food for dogs particularly interesting for dogs with allergies or sensitive digestive systems.
Environmentally Friendly Utilization by Hermetia illucens
The Black Soldier Fly can convert large quantities of organic waste into high-quality biomass – faster and more effectively than, for example, mealworms.
The Black Soldier Fly contributes to the reduction of organic waste by converting it into high-quality biomass. In comparison, mealworms cannot process organic waste as efficiently and in large quantities. The larvae of the soldier fly convert organic waste into high-quality compost and valuable insect fat, which can be used as a sustainable alternative to palm or coconut oil.
coatther Application Areas of the Black Soldier Fly
The Black Soldier Fly not only offers a sustainable protein source but also other interesting products. Its insect fat, extracted by pressing dried larvae, offers a regional alternative to coconut or palm oil due to a similar fatty acid profile.
The larvae also possess the unique ability to convert residues such as old fruits and vegetables into environmentally friendly products like natural fertilizer. The frass and excrement of the larvae are separated, and this innovative natural fertilizer ensures a balanced and sustainable fertilizing effect. This promotes:
- Humus formation
- Water retention in the soil
- An active soil life
Conclusion: Why we rely on Hermetia
For us, the Black Soldier Fly is more than a trend – it's a real game-changer in the field of insect food for dogs.
With its sustainable breeding, efficient utilization, and high protein content, it is the ideal choice for our dog food with insects.
