Jaikla is a pet snack brand that transforms food waste into tasty insect-based treats for dogs, supporting sustainability while keeping tails wagging.

Food waste is one of the biggest challenges of our time. Every day tonnes of perfectly good ingredients are discarded, from leftover fruits and vegetables to unsold bakery items. But what if that waste could be transformed into something meaningful? Turning it into feed for insects, which are then made into nutritious dog treats.

Jaikla, a brand creating treats made from insect protein, was born from a passion for reducing food waste and minimising environmental impact. We sat down with the owners, Ittikorn “Dhong” Thepmani and Patcharaphol “Petch” Achariyasilp, along with one of their ambassadors, Goji, the corgi. Left with laughter and good energy, we discovered their stories and their mission to transform surplus food into nutritious snacks. 

The Love Letter to the Earth and Dogs 

“Let’s be real. The business started because we wanted to make money,”

Dhong jokes, breaking the ice with a laugh. 

Sure it began as a business venture with hopes of success, but along the way both he and Petch discovered something bigger. What started as a hustle turned into a genuine passion, creating snacks that delight dogs and also do good for the world.

“The brand really began with us digging into the food crisis and the potential of insect-based protein,”

Petch explains.

With populations rising, food supplies shrinking, and yet mountains of food waste piling up in cities, the two couldn’t ignore what was happening around them. Markets, restaurants, stalls, you name it, they all toss out more food than anyone cares to admit. They noticed how industries for humans including fashion, food, lifestyle, were already riding the wave of eco-conscious innovation. But pets? That world was still untouched. As lifelong dog lovers, they saw an opportunity. Plus, with so many pups struggling with digestion issues, the answer was clear: snacks that are better for dogs and better for the planet.

“Jaikla” in Thai means courage, a fitting name for a brand bold enough to dive into insect protein for dogs, long before anyone else dared. True to its name, Jaikla embodies bravery, transforming an unconventional idea into a pioneering step for pets and the planet. 

“We’ve watched the pet industry boom with collars, leashes, and snacks,”

Petch says.

“But we wanted to bring something different, something better. The idea of creating a more responsible treat lit a fire in us, and that’s how this journey began.”

Since neither graduated in entomology it took time and plenty of research, but they knew it was worth the try. They started by collecting food waste directly from local market vendors to feed the insects. 

“My perspective while strolling through the market completely changed,”

Dhong explains.

“Normally, you’d look at what’s on the stalls, but I started noticing the bags of unused garnished vegetables sitting on the ground. They hadn’t been eaten yet, so I asked the vendors about them to feed the insects. At first, we collected surplus food from restaurants as a test, but for a bigger impact, we shifted our focus to factories with larger quantities of surplus food.”

“Dhong even caught the insects himself,” Petch says. These moments reveal the challenges of building a business with a big heart. 

“I still remember my parents watching me raise insects in the backyard of their house.” Dhong recalls with a grin. 

Why Black Soldier Fly Larvae?

“Thailand has the perfect advantage,” Dhong says. “Our tropical, humid climate makes it perfect for raising insects. In contrast, countries in Europe or the US face cold winters, which drives up the cost of insect farming and makes it harder for them to compete with Thailand.”

And there’s no shortage of options like silkworms, crickets, mealworms, but one species stood out: the black soldier fly larvae. Unlike other insects that require specific diets such as mulberry leaves for silkworms or cassava for mealworms, these little larvae can eat almost anything, making them champions at consuming food waste. The black soldier fly larvae are also packed with protein and natural prebiotics, making them a powerhouse ingredient for healthy, happy pups.

“This species has always been here, discovered by locals in Thailand,” Petch adds.

Today Jaikla even runs its own black soldier fly farm in Lat Krabang. The farm operates as a closed-loop system, turning food waste into value while connecting with the wisdom of local communities who’ve long understood the potential of these insects.

Raising insects has another clear advantage: it requires very little space, so there’s no need to clear forests for farmland. They’re fed on surplus vegetables, collected directly from suppliers, so nothing goes to waste. The process also uses remarkably little water, and even the insect waste itself can be turned into fertiliser, completing the cycle of circular economy.

Jaikla’s Circular Approach: From Food Waste to Happy Tummies

Petch:

“The circular economy might sound like a big concept reserved for corporations, but in reality, it can start within small communities. At Jaikla, we want people to see how our work shows that even a small business can create a much bigger impact.” 

After five years of building their brand, they see the value in every small step. These days, when they head out to collect surplus food from factories to feed the black soldier flyer larvae, the owners often come down smiling. It’s a little moment that reminds Dhong and Petch their efforts are making a real difference, giving food waste a second life. And that happy energy fuels their dream to grow Jaikla beyond dogs, creating treats for cats and other domestic pets in the future. 

Dhong:

“To me, a circular economy is all about the future, my kid’s future. Saving the planet and supporting the economy is really about giving them, and everyone else a better world to live in.”

Jaikla’s products are now available at Allkind shop in The Commons Thonglor, select pet stores, and online through their website.