Devon firm Mr Bug has launched a range of locally-produced, wheat-free dog treats made from mealworms.
The mealworms are reared on locally-grown fruit and vegetables before being hand-baked in small batches. They are described by the company as being more palatable than the more common black soldier fly-based insect proteins while still fulfilling demand for sustainable proteins that use less land and water during production.
Mr Bug Bug Bites are available in four flavours – The Nutty One with Peanut Butter & Turmeric; The Fruity One with Honey, Cranberries & Apple; The Veggie One with Sweet Potato, Carrot & Parsnips; and The Cheesy One with Vegetarian Cheese & Beetroot. Each 80g pack has an RRP of £3.50.
Mr Bug founder Conal Cunningham said: “Although grub consumption has historically been tarred with a yuck factor in Western Europe and North America, it feels like we’ve now reached a moment when sustainability, planet-responsible practices and a more personalised approach to our dog’s wellbeing have reached a crescendo.
“Thoughtful pet parents increasingly crave tasty snacking solutions made with ‘real food’ and no added salt or sugar, back-of the-barn meats or over-processed synthetic nasties. The growing influence of pet humanisation meanwhile ensures that pet owner’s inevitable self-inspection has spilled over into wanting a better grasp of the family dog’s nutritional intake and wellbeing.”
