3 replies to this topic

[smares]

Maybe an odd question but has anyone had any luck feeding high quality dog food? I know it isn't specifcly formulated to ants but I've read a few ingrediance labels and it seems nutritious.

[nurbs]

Depends. But in general, if it is dried, most likely not. Young colonies generally like moist soft bodied insects such as wingless fruit flies as a source of protein and liquid sweets for sugars. If you have a dog, give it a try? Report back

 

If it is a mature colony with thousands of workers, sure, they may take to it?

 

Try bloodworm soup!

[DaveJay]

I feed my lizards the gourmet stuff, the stuff that comes in a tiny tin or sachet that holds about 2 spoonfuls, so I have tried it with the ants. The loaf type only gets a small reaction, a bit of licking but the chunks in gravy type gets a better reaction because there is more liquid.
The gourmet types don't look too bad nutritionally but unless the ants are eating the whole thing they'll miss out on some nutrients. Seeing that the dog food would be offered as part of a varied diet anything lacking should be provided via another food source.
Protein is relatively low, between 7 and 9% usually, this is because of the amount of liquids and fillers involved.
The thing you need to know regarding proteins in pet foods is that they can be meat based proteins or plant derived proteins. Dogs can utilise plant based proteins so that's the main source of protein in most of the cheaper dog foods, the gourmet types are more likely to include a larger percentage of meat based protein. Of course ants that eat seeds and nuts can utilise the plant proteins so it won't be much of an issue for them.
Cats, particularly kittens, cannot utilise plant based proteins very well so cat food in general, and kitten food in particular should contain the highest percentage of meat based proteins.

[GeorgeK]

I fed my very young ( nanitics ) tetra colonies with dog food and turtle food, since wild colonies would always raid dog bowl with food. Either way, they will eat it but that's about it from my knowledge.