Case report: long-term clinical remission of food-responsive enteropathy in a dog fed a yellow mealworm-based diet

Food-responsive enteropathy (FRE) is the most common form of canine chronic inflammatory enteropathy. Novel protein diets constitute first-line therapy, and many dogs have already been exposed to “novel” meat alternatives. Edible insects are a novel, highly digestible, and sustainable protein source. In the present study, a five-year-old male York-shire Terrier with chronic FRE and gallbladder sludge was transitioned to a diet with a 35% inclusion level of Tenebrio molitor larvae meal. Clinical indices improved from “severe” (CIBDAI = 9 and CCECAI = 11) to “clinically insignificant” (CIBDAI = 0 and CCECAI = 2) within 3 weeks and remained stable for 24 months. Body weight normalized (from 5.4 to 4.0 kg), coat quality improved, and the ultrasound examination revealed that gallbladder sludge was eliminated. A brief interruption of the insect-based diet coincided with the recurrence of sludge and gastrointestinal signs, both of which resolved after the reintroduction of T. molitor larvae meal. Hematological and serum biochemical parameters remained within the reference ranges. The mealworm-based diet led to long-term remission of FRE and elimination of gallbladder sludge without adverse effects. Insect protein is a viable hypoallergenic option for canine elimination diets and may convey additional gut and hepatobiliary benefits.