My Dog Is Eating Bugs – What You Need to Know 

Have you ever seen a dog chewing on a bug while enjoying the outdoors? Trust us; it’s not uncommon! You may be wondering if it is safe for your dog to eat bugs. We conducted our research and wanted to share some answers with you.

For the most part, it is safe for dogs to eat most bugs. We may think this is nasty behavior, but from a dog’s point of view, it’s all about the hunt and reward of the catch! We must understand that not all dogs are created equally. Think about it. Some bugs come with protective gear such as spines, stingers, or an irritating taste.

There are specific bugs that your dog should avoid, which include:

• Earthworms, snails, and slugs
• Ladybugs
• Stink bugs
• Cockroaches and fleas
• Spiders
• Bees and wasps

Be aware of parasites! Even if the bugs aren’t too bad to eat in general, there is still the hidden danger of parasites. Your dog can become infected with parasites from eating bugs. Long story short, most bugs are not terrible for our pets to eat. Should you promote the activity of bug eating? We do not recommend it. However, bugs will not usually cause any significant issues. Always pay attention to what your dog is snacking on when outside. Contact the veterinarian immediately if your dog begins to act sick after ingesting a bug.