Remember that picture that went viral of a dog with ladybugs in its mouth? Well, those are Asian beetles, which look a bit like ladybugs but are a 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 good news for people like me who have dogs that like to bite at things that are flying around. Oh, my Pit Bull, Otter, loved to eat bees. He would come in from the yard with a face full of sting marks. Some dogs will react badly to something like a bee sting, but Otter never had a big problem with it (other than being painful and annoying).
But what about bugs that jump, crawl, bite, sting, and fly? Are all bugs bad, or are some worse than others?
I talked to an expert who told me why your dog eats bugs and what happens when it does.
As a dog owner, you’ve likely caught your curious canine sniffing, licking, or full-on snacking on ants in the yard or around their food bowl. While your first reaction may be alarm, rest assured that dogs eating ants is generally harmless. These tiny insects can actually provide protein and nutrients. However, certain ant species may pose dangers for dogs.
In this article, we’ll cover:
- The nutritional value of ants for dogs
- Possible risks and dangers of dogs eating ants
- Signs of ant bites or allergic reaction
- Preventing ants in your dog’s food and yard
- When to call the vet after ant ingestion
So should you panic or shrug it off next time your pooch snacks on ants? Here’s what you need to know about the implications of dogs eating ants
Nutritional Value of Ants for Dogs
Ants contain levels of protein and fat comparable to red meat, making them a viable food source for many species For dogs, the nutritional value of eating ants is relatively minimal given their tiny size. Just a few stray ants in your dog’s dinner or water bowl won’t make any real difference
However, ants do offer some benefits:
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Protein: Ants provide amino acids that support muscle growth and maintenance. The protein content ranges 10-25% depending on species.
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Healthy Fats: Ants contain substantial linoleic acid, an Omega 6 fatty acid with anti-inflammatory effects.
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Vitamin C Some ants have high levels of ascorbic acid for immune support
So while chomping on ants in the grass likely won’t provide measurable protein or vitamin gains for dogs, at least they pack healthy nutrients versus being “empty calories.”
Dangers of Dogs Eating Certain Ant Species
While ant ingestion is usually harmless, some particular species can pose risks for dogs:
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Fire ants: With painful stings and venom, fire ants can attack en masse and bite your dog’s tongue, mouth, or throat, leading to dangerous swelling or anaphylactic reaction.
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Carpenter ants: These large ants have mandibles that can inflict painful bites as they defend their nests. Dogs disturbing indoor carpenter ant infestations are at risk.
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Harvester ants: Found in desert climates, these ants have double the venom potency of honey bees and can inflict multiple stings at once.
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Tropid ants: Tropical ants native to Central and South America have toxic venom and can irritate skin. They may cause vomiting or diarrhea in dogs if ingested.
If your dog ever experiences any concerning symptoms after eating ants, contact your veterinarian right away, as delayed treatment of ant stings or bites can have serious consequences.
Signs of Allergic Reaction to Ants
Some dogs may be allergic to ant stings or venom and exhibit reactions including:
- Hives, rashes, or swelling around ant bites
- Vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite
- Difficulty breathing
- Drooling, panting excessively
- Rapid heart rate
- Collapsing or trouble standing
- Muscle tremors, seizures
Any combination of these signs warrants an urgent trip to the emergency vet clinic for treatment to prevent life-threatening anaphylaxis.
Preventing Ants Around Your Dog’s Food
To limit ant access to your dog’s meals:
- Feed dogs indoors rather than leaving food outside
- Pick up uneaten wet food within 30 minutes
- Separate food and water dishes
- Wash bowls thoroughly after each meal
- Store dry food in sealed containers
- Keep pet areas clean and quickly clean up any spills
- Use ant traps or natural repellents around pet food areas
Avoid using toxic ant bait near dogs. Monitor your yard for signs of fire ants, harvester ants, or other dangerous species and treat accordingly.
When to Call the Vet After Your Dog Eats Ants
In most cases, dogs eating a few common ants will exhibit zero side effects so you can relax. No need to rush to the emergency vet if you simply spot some stray ants crawling on your pup’s dinner.
However, you should contact your vet promptly if:
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Your dog ate a pile of ants or raided an entire ant hill.
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You believe the ants were fire ants, carpenter ants, harvester ants or another venomous species.
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Your dog seems lethargic, nauseous, or unwell after ant ingestion.
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Any signs of allergic reaction or anaphylaxis appear.
With prompt treatment, veterinarians can manage ant venom reactions and your dog will likely make a full recovery. Stay vigilant for any delayed symptoms in the 24-48 hours following ant ingestion as well.
The Verdict on Dogs Eating Ants
When ants happen to crawl on your dog’s food or get lapped up as they explore the yard, there’s no cause for concern. In fact, eating a few ants may provide traces of nutrients. Only certain more venomous species pose any real risk for dogs.
Keep an eye out for signs of allergic reaction or invasive stinging ants around your home. By controlling ants in your yard, monitoring your dog outside, and practicing good hygiene around their living space, you can let ant ingestion remain the harmless occurrence it usually is.
If your dog intentionally seeks out and consumes ants with regularity, that appetite for invertebrates may suggest some nutritional deficiencies or other issues to discuss with your vet. Otherwise, ants every so often amount to a pretty harmless supplement in your dog’s varied diet.
Your dog eating ants now and then is no cause for panic or alarm. With prudence, you can protect your pet from harmful species while letting ant snacks remain a peculiar habit of curious canines. Unless signs of illness appear after ingestion, Fido’s ant eating adventures are one obsession you can typically just shake your head at with a smile.
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.
Because they are so interested in the world, puppies and younger dogs are more likely to eat bugs, but it does depend on the dog.
Very rarely, Peterson says, eating bugs could be a sign of a lack of a certain nutrient. But again, this only happens very rarely.
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.
Ants, gnats, spiders, beetles, and other bugs that dogs find while they dig, sniff, and play in the grass can end up in their food. Some dogs, like those with coprophagia (a condition that makes them eat poop) and those that eat grass, eat bugs more often than other dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Ants? How Safe Is It?
FAQ
What do you do if your dog eats ants?
Can ants make a dog sick?
Can ants carry diseases to dogs?
Can black ants hurt dogs?
Why do dogs eat ants?
Simply put, dogs eat ants because they are in, or in the way of, their food! If a dog finds ants in his food bowl, he’s more than likely to eat his meal even if he does notice them. In most cases, ants are harmless and actually provide extra protein and Vitamin C for your dog’s benefit. Is it normal for a dog to eat ants?
How can one know if they are allergic to fire ant bites?
There are a few ways to know if you are allergic to fire ant bites. 1. Your medical history: If you have a history of allergies, such as allergies to bees or wasps, you are more likely to be allergic to fire ants. 2. The severity of your reaction: If you have a severe reaction to a fire ant bite, such as hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing, you are more likely to be allergic to fire ants. 3. A skin test: A skin test can be done to determine if you are allergic to fire ant venom. This test involves injecting a small amount of fire ant venom into your skin. If you have an allergic reaction, you will develop a red, swollen, itchy bump at the injection site. 4. A blood test: A blood test can also be done to determine if you are allergic to fire ant venom. This test looks for antibodies to fire ant venom in your blood.
Can dogs eat ants?
Ants are harmless in most cases and are great little “vitamins” for dogs due to their protein, vitamin, and mineral content! It’s not uncommon for dogs to have ants in their food. As in, ground-up ants can be added to dog kibble as extra protein. Think about it for a moment. Even humans are known for eating all kinds of insects, including ants.
Can ants hurt a dog?
While one tiny ant’s sting is not enough to cause great harm to a dog, ants move in colonies. Your dog could get bitten by many ants at once. Numerous ant bites can cause swellings, red spots, and breathing difficulties. Get your dog to the vet immediately if you notice these signs. Can black ants harm dogs?