Tiny bugs in dog food are usually pantry pests such as Indian meal moths, grain weevils or flour beetles. They are not usually dangerous in small numbers, but you should throw the food out and clean your storage area. Infested food can also be stale or contaminated, so when in doubt, don’t feed it.
General information, not veterinary advice. If your dog seems sick after eating infested food, call your vet.
What kinds of bugs show up in dog food?
- Indian meal moth larvae: small, cream-colored worms that spin silky webbing on kibble and bag seams. Adult moths flutter around the pantry.
- Grain weevils and sawtoothed grain beetles: tiny brown beetles that crawl in the food and chew small holes in grains.
- Flour beetles: reddish-brown beetles that infest flour, cereals and pet food.
- Storage mites: microscopic pests that leave a brownish dust on old food and can trigger itching in sensitive dogs.
How do bugs get in?
Pantry pests are common in warehouses, trucks and stores. Eggs can already be in the bag when you buy it. They then hatch at home, especially in warm, humid conditions. Bags with tiny holes or tears, large bags kept for months, and food stored in garages are more likely to be infested.
Is infested dog food safe to feed?
Insects themselves are not generally poisonous to dogs, but infested food is not worth the risk. Larvae and droppings can carry mold and bacteria, spoil the fats, and cause stomach upset. Dogs with food allergies can also react to storage mites. Throw out the whole bag if you see live bugs, webbing, clumps or a musty smell. Do not try to sift the bugs out.
What to do right now
- Seal and discard the infested food in a bag, and take it out to the outside trash.
- Check other food. Look at flour, cereal, rice, birdseed, treats and other dog or cat food nearby.
- Clean the area. Vacuum shelves and corners, then wipe with hot, soapy water or a white vinegar solution. Wash the food bin.
- Keep the receipt and bag. Contact the retailer or manufacturer about a refund, and report the lot number.
- Watch your dog. Call your vet for vomiting, diarrhea, itching or lethargy.
How to prevent pantry pests
- Buy smaller bags you can finish in about 4 to 6 weeks.
- Store food in a clean, airtight container made of hard plastic, metal or glass. Keep the original bag inside it for lot numbers and expiration dates.
- Keep food in a cool, dry place, not a hot garage.
- Don’t top off an old bag with new food. Empty and wash the container between bags.
- Freeze new bags for several days if you have the space. It kills eggs.
- Inspect the bag for holes or webbing in the store before buying.
Keep in mind that bugs are one reason to check for recalls and bad batches. See our article on feeding a sick puppy if your pup has stomach trouble, and what to do if your baby eats dog food for another storage-and-safety reason to keep food sealed up.
Bottom Line
If you spot bugs in dog food, toss the bag, clean the storage area and switch to airtight containers and smaller bags. Call your vet if your dog shows signs of illness.
