Our Story
Our Story
Our Story
BuggyBix is Australia's leading insect-based pet food company, offering a range of functional dog treats, dental bars, & complete pet foods. Our treat formulations were developed in collaboration with Western Sydney University (WSU) & nutritional experts, are patented, HACCP-certified & 100% Australian-owned.
Suitable for dogs of all breeds & sizes, BuggyBix products are grain-free, gluten-free, & free from common allergens like chicken, beef, & lamb, making them ideal for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies.
Our Vision
Our vision is no mean feat: to reimagine how we nourish our pets.
Our Buggy journey started in 2018 with a conversation at a local cafe beside the dog park. Founder Shaun Eislers & his wife were discussing their pets, a growing population, and the pressures on food security. Realising the increasing importance of insects in our food future, they asked: why not incorporate them as a protein source in pet food? This was the lightbulb moment. Source locally grown insects, develop a pet food, & do it in a way to assist pet owners whose pets have allergies or food sensitivities. So BuggyBix was born.
Whilst we may have humble beginnings, our purpose remains: to reduce the pressure on our food system by incorporating edible insects to develop high quality pet food products which are both great for pets & great for the planet.
Our Values
Nutrition
A science-driven approach to achieve excellent nutritional & functional outcomes for dogs. BuggyBix treat formulations were developed with Western Sydney University (WSU) & undergo periodic nutritional & shelf-life testing with DTS Laboratories & Massey University (New Zealand).
Innovation
Developing new & different ways to improve pet health & wellbeing through the functional properties of insect protein.
Sustainability
Responsibly sourcing & using resources without compromising our future. Black soldier fly larvae used in BuggyBix treats & sourced directly from Australian farmers & require significantly less land, water, & energy to produce than conventional livestock protein.
Our Founder
Shaun Eislers, owner & founder of BuggyBix, is an avid animal lover who has owned pets his whole life. Professionally, he has a background in corporate innovation & start-up founding, having previously founded an online pet products and services marketplace.
During the development of BuggyBix, Shaun became deeply interested in the role insects will play in the future of food. Inspired by the potential, he joined the board of the Insect Protein Association of Australia (IPAA) in June 2018 & served as Treasurer until 2023.
Our Credentials
- Insect protein research informed by Western Sydney University (WSU) & AgriFutures Australia
- Nutritional and shelf-life testing by DTS Laboratories and Massey University (New Zealand)
- HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) certified
- GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) certified
- Patented formulation, filed in Australia
- 100% Australian-owned
- Black soldier fly larvae sourced from Australian farmers
Why Insect Protein?
Why are insects good for my pet?
There are a number of reasons why insects are a great addition to your pet's diet.
Hypoallergenic: Insect protein is a novel protein, meaning most dogs have never been exposed to it. This means their immune system is unlikely to react to it, making BuggyBix treats naturally hypoallergenic and ideal for dogs with allergies to beef, lamb, or chicken.
Bioavailability: Digestion & absorption of black soldier fly larvae can be higher than traditional protein sources. Research has demonstrated that copper, zinc, manganese, magnesium, & calcium sourced from edible insects are more readily available for absorption than the same nutrients in beef.
Nutritional profile: Black soldier fly larvae have a complete nutritional profile, including all essential amino acids, essential fatty acids, & key minerals including zinc, copper, and magnesium.
Palatability: Dogs readily consume black soldier fly larvae. BuggyBix products are formulated to ensure maximum palatability.
