Do you remember that viral photo of a dog with its mouth full of ladybugs? OK, well, Asian beetles — the ones that look similar to ladybugs but with a slightly different color. It may have looked horrifying but in reality, it was just fine. The beetles weren’t a danger to the pup, just a nuisance to get rid of.
That’s probably a relief to those of you like me with dogs who like to bite at critters flying through the air. My Pit Bull, Otter, loved to eat bees, and would run in from the yard with a muzzle full of bee stings. While all dogs will react differently to something like a bee sting, it was never much of a problem for Otter (besides being a painful inconvenience).
But what about other flying, crawling, hopping, biting, and stinging insects? Are all bugs OK — are some worse than others?
I spoke to an expert who gave me the lowdown on why your dog eats bugs and what happens as a result.
Why Do Dogs Eat Bugs?
Let’s be real, dogs can be pretty easily amused. And according to Dr. Tracey Peterson, an internal medicine veterinarian from Wexford, Pennsylvania, that’s most often the reason they indulge in a spot of crawly cuisine.
“Dogs often eat bugs simply for the excitement,” says Peterson. “They see something crawling on the ground and it is stimulatory.”
Aside from just amusement, dogs also eat bugs because they’re curious about the thing moving around on the ground, they have a natural hunting instinct, or they just enjoy the taste and texture. (We’ll pass, sorry Fido.)
So, when you see your pup munching on a bug, it’s usually just your dog being a dog.
However, not every dog will eat bugs. Some just aren’t swayed by the taste of a crunchy ant or spider. They may like “playing” with them, though. Others, though, won’t pay any attention to bugs at all.
Is Eating Bugs Normal?
It is completely normal for dogs to eat bugs. It gives them both stimulation and exercise, “unfortunately, at the expense of the bug,” Peterson says.
Generally, puppies and younger dogs are more likely to dine on bugs because they’re so curious about the world, but it does vary from dog to dog.
In very rare circumstances, Peterson says, there is a chance eating bugs could be a sign of a dietary deficiency—but again, very rare.
Do Dogs Eat Bugs Accidentally or Intentionally?
Just as humans unknowingly eat up to two pounds of bugs every year (sorry, It’s true!), the same is also true for our sweet pups, especially when they’re outside.
A dog’s accidental insect diet can include ants, gnats, spiders, beetles, and other bugs that can be found as dogs dig, sniff, and play in the grass. Dogs who have coprophagia (a condition that makes them eat feces) and dogs who eat grass ingest bugs more often than other dogs.
What Are the Most Common Insects That Dogs Eat?
Dogs love to eat things they can chase, so don’t be alarmed to see them running around the yard biting at flies, grasshoppers, and bees. Fido may also be crunching on some June bugs, because they tend to love the texture. And “stink bugs are popular, for reasons only a dog can understand,” Peterson says.
Can Eating Bugs Hurt Your Dog?
The short answer? It depends.
Some bugs are worse than others
“Some insects can be toxic or carry diseases, potentially harming your dog,” Peterson says.
If your pup eats a parasitic tick, for example, or is experiencing a severe reaction after eating a mouthful of bees, this could definitely hurt your dog. Caterpillars and some spiders, such as the brown recluse, are dangerous and should be avoided. Your dog can also get tapeworms from eating fleas, which is the top reason to keep your dog treated with preventative flea medication.
Finally, the dreaded mosquito transmits heartworm, a condition more common in warmer climates, but still a very good reason to have your dog treated with preventative heartworm medication and to keep them away from mosquito-infested areas.
What about insect eggs and larvae?
Dogs can get worms from eating the larvae and eggs of roundworms or hookworms, which can be found on insects or around them, such as soil that contains eggs or larvae.
Quantity of bugs, and chemical exposure, are other concerns
Other issues with dogs eating bugs is if there’s a pesticide or insecticide concern, or if your dog is eating a lot of any type of bug in general.
“Any bug, especially if consumed in a large enough quantity, can cause gastrointestinal signs, including nausea, vomiting, drooling, and diarrhea,” Peterson says.
And remember those ladybugs? They’re not toxic but can also cause gastrointestinal issues. Plus, if they bite your dog’s face or mouth, it could cause swelling.
Are Some Insects Toxic to Dogs That Aren’t Toxic to Cats?
Generally, insects your pets are eating aren’t toxic. But some parasites and other bugs may affect the two species differently — hookworms, for example, don’t affect cats as severely as dogs, where they are a common intestinal parasite.
What About Pet Food Made From Bugs?
Dogs love to eat bugs, but what about pet food made from bugs? Peterson says this is safe, too.
You can read more about alternative protein dog food, often made from crickets, in our article, “Cricket Protein for Dogs Could Be the Future of Pet Food. Here’s Why.“