Ants produce formic acid, which gives them a sour and somewhat peppery taste. In certain cultures, ants are even powdered and used as a spice.

However, it’s important to note that formic acid can be harmful in large quantities. In fact, consuming excessive amounts of formic acid, such as in the case of wood alcohol (methanol) poisoning, can lead to blindness. When methanol is metabolized, it converts to formaldehyde and then to formic acid, which can damage the optic nerve.

In the past, when dried ant eggs (actually ant pupae) were sold as turtle food, many baby turtles suffered from blindness. The exact quantity of ants or formic acid that could harm a dog is unclear.

It’s worth mentioning that bees and wasps, apart from being venomous, also possess toxins that can be harmful.