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FAQS

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about our products

About BuggyBix

BuggyBix is Australia's leading insect-based pet food company, making dog treats, dental chews, & complete pet foods from sustainably farmed black soldier fly larvae (BSFL). Founded in 2018 & headquartered in Australia, BuggyBix formulations were developed in partnership with Western Sydney University (WSU) & are patented, HACCP-certified, & 100% Australian-owned.

BuggyBix was founded by Shaun Eislers, an animal lover & serial entrepreneur with a background in corporate innovation & start-up founding. The idea behind BuggyBix was born in 2018 from a conversation about food security and the role insects could play in the future of pet nutrition. Shaun joined the board of the Insect Protein Association of Australia (IPAA) in June 2018 & served as Treasurer until 2023.

BuggyBix products are 100% Australian-developed & owned. The black soldier fly larvae used in our treat products are sourced directly from Australian farmers. We also work with international partners to develop & produce products for sale into south-east Asian markets.

Absolutely. The black soldier fly larvae research underpinning BuggyBix products was completed in collaboration with Western Sydney University (WSU) & input from nutritional experts. All products are subject to HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) & GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) standards. All products undergo periodic nutritional & shelf-life lab testing with DTS Laboratories & Massey University (New Zealand).

Ingredients & Nutrition

BuggyBix treats are made primarily from black soldier fly larvae (BSFL), a highly nutritious & sustainably farmed insect protein. Other ingredients include potato, sweet potato, vegetable glycerine, yeast extract, vegetable oil, vitamins & minerals, & natural antioxidant. All formulations are grain-free, meat-free, & gluten-free.

Yes. Black soldier fly larvae provide a complete nutritional profile for dogs, including all essential amino acids, essential fatty acids, & key minerals such as zinc, copper, and magnesium. Typical nutritional values per 100g: Crude Protein 9.8% (min), Crude Fat 3.2% (min), Crude Fibre 4.2% (max), Energy 280 kcal.

BuggyBix offers a range of functional treats targeting specific health needs:

  • Everyday Training Treats: daily nutrition & training reward
  • Joint Care Treats: formulated with curcumin, glucosamine, chondroitin, & omega-3 (EPA & DHA) to assist with healthy bones & joints.
  • Skin & Coat Treats: targeted fatty acid support to help maintain itch-free skin & a shiny coat.
  • Calming Treats: incorporate L-Tryptophan & chamomile to assist calm & relax anxious pets.
  • Immunity Boost Treats: a preventative care option designed to give the immune system an extra lift.
  • Digestive Balance Treats: to assist balance the gut & promote digestive health.
  • Dental Bars: designed for dental health & hygiene
  • Mini Packs: great for trying out the range.

Yes. All BuggyBix treats & dental bars are grain-free, gluten-free, & meat-free.

Yes. Insect protein is easier for dogs to digest compared to traditional meat proteins. The chitin found naturally in insect exoskeletons also acts as a prebiotic fibre, which assists to support gut health.

Allergies & Sensitivities

Yes. BuggyBix is specifically well-suited to dogs with food allergies, sensitivities or intolerances. Because black soldier fly larvae are a novel protein, one most dogs have never encountered, they do not trigger the same immune response as common allergens like chicken, beef, dairy or wheat. BuggyBix treats are also grain-free, gluten-free, & meat-free.

Yes. BuggyBix treats contain no chicken, beef, lamb, or other traditional meat proteins. The primary protein source is black soldier fly larvae, making them an excellent alternative for dogs with meat protein allergies.

Yes. Insect protein is highly digestible & less likely to cause gastrointestinal upset than conventional meat proteins. Many dog owners report improved digestion after switching to BuggyBix.

Yes. Insect protein is classified as a novel protein, meaning most dogs' immune systems have not previously been exposed to it. This means BuggyBix treats are naturally hypoallergenic & ideal for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies to common proteins like chicken, beef, or lamb.

Sustainability & Ethics

Insect farming has a significantly lower environmental footprint than conventional livestock farming. Per kilogram of protein, black soldier fly larvae require approximately 4m² of land (vs ~51m² for poultry), produce around 6kg of CO2 (vs ~33kg for poultry), & use approximately 5m³ of water (vs ~34m³ for poultry). Insects are also highly efficient at converting feed into protein, within 15 days, 1g of black soldier fly eggs produces approximately 2.4kg of larvae.

All black soldier fly larvae used in BuggyBix treats are sourced from Australian farmers, supporting local agriculture & minimising transport emissions. For our international customers we source our insects from growers local to their regions.

Yes. Black soldier fly larvae are farmed in controlled, humane conditions. They are not pestiferous insects & their farming does not require pesticides or antibiotics.

Feeding & Usage

BuggyBix treats are suitable as a daily reward, training treat, or dietary supplement. They are appropriate for dogs of all breeds & sizes.

The suitable number of treats will depend on the age & weight of your dog. As a general rule of thumb, the caloric intake from treats should not exceed 10% of the total daily food intake for your pet.

Below is a general guide to assist based on average caloric needs and size of your dog:

• Small Dog (up to 10kg): 2 - 4 treats per day
• Medium Dog (10 - 26kg): 4 - 11 treats per day
• Large Dog (26kg+): 11+ treats per day

As with all treats, we recommend feeding in moderation & adjusting your dog’s main meals accordingly.

Always ensure fresh water is available, & introduce any new food gradually over 5–7 days if your dog has a sensitive stomach.

Transition gradually over 7 – 10 days by mixing increasing amounts of BuggyBix with your dog's current food. Start with 25% BuggyBix / 75% current food, then increase every 2–3 days until fully transitioned.

BuggyBix treats & foods are suitable for adult dogs. Our specifically formulated puppy dental bars are suitable for puppies.

If you are unsure, consult your veterinarian before introducing any new food, as puppy nutritional requirements differ from adult dogs.

BuggyBix products are formulated primarily for dogs. While insect protein is safe for cats, our specific formulations are not designed to meet feline nutritional requirements.

Should you have any questions, please contact us at hello@buggybix.com for further information.

Ordering & Shipping

Yes. BuggyBix offers free shipping on orders over $99 AUD Australia-wide.

BuggyBix products are available online at buggybix.com.au & through select Australian & international stockists.

Yes. BuggyBix welcomes wholesale & distribution enquiries. Contact the team at hello@buggybix.com or call +61 412 052 915.

Contact & Support

Email:hello@buggybix.com
Phone:+61 412 052 915
Response time: within 24 hours.