Determinants of Dog Owners’ Willingness to Feed Their Dogs on Black Soldier Fly Larvae Meal in Kenya

As the demand for sustainable pet food increases, Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) have emerged as a promising alternative protein source. However, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the acceptance and viability of these advancements. This study investigated the willingness of dog owners in Nairobi and Kisumu, Kenya, to feed their dogs with BSFL-based diets. A cross-sectional survey involving 384 dog owners was conducted using snowball sampling. Face-to-face interviews using semi-structured questionnaires were conducted, and data were analysed through binary logistic regression. Results showed that 72% of respondents expressed willingness to adopt BSFL-based feed, although 58.6% had no prior awareness of it. Key motivators included perceived nutritional benefits (70.83%), improved dog appearance (63.03%), and cost-effectiveness (65.11%). Significant predictors of willingness to feed included county of residence (OR = 6.909, p < 0.001), age (OR = 0.935, p < 0.001), employment status (OR = 0.269, p = 0.012), occupation (OR = 0.431, p = 0.009), perceived benefits (OR = 3.474, p = 0.001), and perceived risks (OR = 0.415, p = 0.018). Education level (p = 0.075) and household size (p = 0.062) were marginally significant. These findings emphasise the role of socio-economic and perceptual factors in shaping consumer acceptance. Public education campaigns, veterinary engagement, and strategic marketing are critical to enhancing uptake of BSFL-based dog food and advancing sustainable pet nutrition in Kenya.