Chippin Review – Are Alternative Proteins Safe for Dogs to Eat?

Within these past few years, we have come to understand the environmental effects of our eating habits. We know how the need for land to house livestock causes deforestation. And that methane emissions and various other greenhouse gases released into the air and the 15,500 liters of precious freshwater used to produce a single kg of beef are harming the planet we call home.

On top of this, because there are more than 7 billion people, we have to use our limited resources carefully. It would be far more efficient environmentally and economically–and better for global food security–if the grain, soy and corn fed to livestock were directly consumed by people. Considering all these factors, has it ever occurred to you that the same might also be true for your pets?

Your pets require meat protein to grow healthy and strong. As you move towards a more environmentally conscious diet with reduced red meat consumption, it’s easy to forget there’s still that one furry member of your family who can’t go full vegetarian (pets consume roughly 15% of the meat produced for humans!) 

Thus, having a pet naturally adds to our carbon footprint, but you might be thinking…big whoop. How big of polluters are they in the grand scheme of things? Well, as it turns out, when considered as their own country, the 180M pets in the US would rank 5th in global meat consumption!  Since growing and processing protein is a resource, innovative brands have launched new healthy protein alternatives that  are better for the planet and your pet. In this article, we review Chippin, one of the most promising startups offering eco-friendly dog food.

Greener Alternative Proteins: Inspects and Fish

We haven’t had many alternatives to meat protein because of the lack of innovation in the pet food industry. For the record, meat is not the end-all-be-all of pet gastronomy. What your furry family member requires is protein, and crucially, red meat or status quo proteins like chicken are not their only source.

Most dog foods today bring you doggo protein mainly via minced-up, hard pieces of meat and meat by-products, all of which aren’t exactly great for the environment. But a new brand called Chippin is on a mission to change this norm. They are a fast-growing dog food startup that offers a refreshingly sustainable alternative to most dog brands: healthy food packed with proteins from less carbon-heavy sources such as crickets and silver carp. Healthier for the planet, sure, but are insects and fish okay to feed your dog? Let’s dive deeper into these alternative ingredients.

Chippin Dog Food Ingredients: What’s on the Menu?

Source: Chippin

Chippin offers a variety of dog food and treats for your four-legged family members. Their ingredients may not be conventional, but they’re better for our planet, and made for dog parents who care about the health of their dogs as their family members.  Chippin’s latest dog food includes:

• Silver Carp! This nutritious and highly digestible fish is sourced directly from the USA fisherman. It is then combined with a curated selection of all-natural ingredients for omega-3 support and tasty oven-baked food (including ingredients such as pumpkin, flaxseed, oats, spinach and cranberries). This is a sustainable and overpopulated fish that we need to fish for to help preserve biodiversity and protect the Great Lakes.

And in addition to their new daily dog food, Chippin originally grew popular for its treats made from equally sustainable ingredients:

• The Antioxidant pack contains banana and blueberry natural dog treats made with human-grade cricket protein. It offers immune system support and anti-inflammatory power. This pack is planet-friendly and is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

• Smokehouse BBQ contains all-natural pumpkin and cricket dog treats; made with human-grade cricket protein for an omega 3-rich training treat, meal topper or tasty snack. It supports gut health and vision power.

• Superfood contains yummy peanut butter and pumpkin natural dog treats made with human-grade cricket protein. It supports gut health and is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

• Spirulina Dailies contains all-natural kale, flaxseed and carrot dog treats with spirulina protein, powered by vegan ingredients for a veggie-packed training treat, meal topper or tasty snack.

• The Variety Pack contains all treats with a low carbon paw print in one delicious bundle for your dog – all-natural, omega-3 rich, and planet-friendly.

What sets Chippin apart? Carbon pawprint reduction.

 

Chippin provides you with hypoallergenic, earth-friendly, tasty dog treats. It sources only nutritious, delicious and sustainable ingredients because our dogs and our planet deserve the best. The business is women-owned and on a mission to nourish our dogs with high-quality foods that help “chip in” to reduce the carbon pawprint. Our dogs play a key role in the food system: the production of traditional pet food is resource-intensive and produces 64M tons of greenhouse gases per year. Chippin’s sustainable sourcing saves an estimated 40 gallons of water per bag! Which really adds up fast…

Chippin is made with a curated selection of all-natural ingredients and cricket, spirulina, and silver carp proteins. They are science-backed sources of digestible protein that use fewer resources. All the ingredients are locally sourced from small to medium-sized farms; this allows them to be lab-tested, so these ingredients are digestible by your four-legged family members and help support the healthy gut microbiome.

There are ways to learn more about what your pet needs or can thrive on, discoverable through pet DNA tests.

Chippin’s Ingredients: A closer look at their alternative proteins

If you’re wondering how all-natural ingredients like crickets and silver carp are for your pup, know that Chippin keeps your dog’s tummy in mind.

Crickets

Crickets are a great source of proteins as they contain all 10 essential amino acids. Other than that, they are also rich in Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids along with important vitamins and minerals. Vitamin B12 is present in crickets which improves brain function and boosts the nervous system. Aside from that, crickets are rich in iron, and as studies show, richer in iron than beef is. All of these contribute to good digestion and the healthy growth of your dog. Most importantly, crickets are easily digestible, help support a healthy gut microbiome, and work for adding protein variety to the diet. 

Silver carp 

The silver carp is a special protein-rich freshwater fish. Studies show that it contains high-quality proteins, which are essential for your pet. This fish also contains essential amino acids and essential fatty acids, EPA and DHA in particular. All of these properties render the silver carp extremely beneficial for canine health. It prevents heart diseases, improves gastrointestinal function, has anti-inflammatory effects, improves the immune system, and provides relief from chronic illnesses. Aside from that, this protein-rich fish also serves as a great diet to strengthen bones and optimize hormone levels.  Plus, it’s a clean fish that does not have any heavy metal contamination like mercury.

Oats 

A super nutritious food, oats are full of fibers, vitamins, and minerals. Oats are also a great source of antioxidants. There is something exclusive found in oats which is an antioxidant called avenanthramide. It comes with great benefits: It is anti-inflammatory, has anti-itching effects on your dog, and lowers blood pressure levels. Furthermore, oats contain healthy fats and help with digestion.

Bananas

Bananas, as delicious as they are, they are also an amazingly beneficial food with several health benefits. When included in a moderate diet, they serve as a great low-calorie food. Bananas are rich in potassium, fiber, copper, biotin, and vitamins. They also contain low levels of cholesterol and sodium, providing appropriate energy levels.

Flaxseed

Flaxseed contains alpha-linolenic acid, which works wonderfully for anti-inflammatory purposes. Flaxseed has many positive uses and health benefits for dogs. For starters, it boosts their immune system. Flaxseed also helps with constipation problems, improve kidney function, lower blood pressure, and support healthy joints. Moreover, it gives your dog shiny, healthy skin. Overall, flaxseed is a great ingredient in your dog’s diet to promote optimal health. 

Blueberries 

The best thing about blueberries as a dog food ingredient is that they are low in calories. They contain antioxidants that prevent damages in the body at a cellular level. Blueberries are also rich in fibers, Vitamin C and K. Hence, they strengthen the immune system and give a good health boost. 

Chopped peanuts

Peanuts are an amazing source of proteins and vitamins, specifically Vitamin B-6 and Vitamin E. Other than that, peanuts are loaded with niacin and healthy fats. As they are high in fat, peanuts are added in moderation in Chippin. Generally, peanuts are beneficial for canine health in the same way they are for humans. 

Sunflower oil

Sunflower oil is chock-full of essential fatty acids – omega 6 fatty acids, in particular. These fatty acids help prevent heart diseases and reduce inflammation. Sunflower oil also provides your dog with an extra shiny and beautiful coat. 

Honey

Honey is a safe and healthy food for dogs, and it comes with various benefits. It is a well-known fact that honey has antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties. It reduces inflammation and works wonderfully for stomach ulcers. Honey is also used to cure allergies, especially seasonal allergies. Honey also increases the healing process in case your dog gets a cut, scrape, or wound, etc.

Turmeric

Turmeric is a great antioxidant. Most of all, however, turmeric is known to ease joint pain and other problems similar to arthritis. Turmeric also serves as a relief from irritable bowel syndrome as it helps with digestion.

Pumpkins

Pumpkins are popularly used to introduce Vitamin E, potassium, and beta-carotene in your dog’s diet. Pumpkins are a great help with stomach problems like diarrhea and constipation as they regulate your dog’s digestive system. 

Tomatoes 

Tomatoes are rich in potassium, Vitamin A and vitamin K1, which are great for your canine. Tomatoes aid in digestion and also improve your dog’s vision. Apart from these benefits, tomatoes also work to promote healthier skin in dogs.

Carrots 

Carrots are full of Vitamin A, fibers, and beta-carotene. And like other foods with these essentials, carrots are a great low-calorie food. They lead to overall health maintenance.

Molasses

Molasses are rich in iron and manganese, and these nutrients keep anemia at bay. Anemia is a deficiency of red blood cells. Molasses are also great for healthy and strong bones.

Cinnamon

Though it is a seemingly negligible ingredient, cinnamon has multiple health benefits for your canine. It slows bacterial growth and has anti-inflammatory effects. In mature dogs, cinnamon can help improve insulin resistance. Other benefits of cinnamon include prevention of degenerative diseases, boosting of the immune system, and relief from the symptoms of arthritis.

Kale

Kale promotes strong bones and a healthy heart, as it is brimming with calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium. Kale also detoxifies the liver and improves colon health.

Spinach

The famous green food spinach is rich in vitamins, including Vitamin A, B, C, and K. It also contains iron and beta-carotene, which helps regulate digestion. Spinach also helps in maintaining healthy bone marrow. 

How much does Chippin dog food cost?

Don’t worry! Chippin’ is not only sustainable but affordable. Chippin dog food costs merely $1.25 a day to feed your dog and help the planet. Chippin dog treats cost only $8.49 per bag, helping you be environmentally conscious with very little cost. The exact price to feed your dog will of course depend on their weight and dietary habits. Below we’ll compare Chippin to a few sustainability-focused competitors to see how these general prices stack up.

Chippin vs Jiminy’s vs Canidae: What’s the best sustainably sourced dog food?