"My dog Uli turns 10 this month. She’s what you call a silver poodle: When she was born, her fur was pitch black, but at around six months, it turned silvery gray, so she’s always kind of looked like she’s equal parts puppy and old lady. Now that she’s gotten old enough to have earned those grays, I have started paying closer attention to the food and treats that I feed her. My hope is that better nutrition will help her live a longer, happier life. For me, this means opting for raw or minimally processed dog food made with simple, high-quality ingredients. It also means focusing on what she loves to eat, because the more I think about losing her one day, the more I want to spoil her. Surprisingly, what she loves eating most right now are treats made of crickets."
Read more in this The Strategist from NY Magazine:
https://nymag.com/strategist/article/jiminys-cricket-treats-review.html
Frequently Asked Questions About Cricket Protein Dog Treats
1. What are cricket protein dog treats?
Cricket protein dog treats are dog snacks made using ground crickets as the main protein source instead of traditional proteins like beef or chicken. Crickets provide high-quality, nutrient-rich protein along with omegas, vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
2. Are cricket protein treats healthy for dogs?
Yes. Crickets are nutrient-dense, offering a complete protein with essential amino acids dogs need. They also deliver micronutrients like iron, B-vitamins, calcium, and beneficial fats, making them a wholesome treat when offered in moderation.
3. Why do some dogs love cricket protein treats so much?
Dogs are naturally drawn to the savory flavor and high protein content of insect-based treats. Cricket protein is also highly digestible and closer to what wild canines might eat, which can make these treats especially appealing to many dogs.
4. Are cricket protein dog treats easy to digest?
Yes. Scientific literature shows that insect proteins — including crickets — have high digestibility, meaning dogs can efficiently absorb and use the nutrients. This helps support strong muscles and overall health.
5. Can cricket protein treats help dogs with food sensitivities?
Because crickets are considered a novel protein, they’re less likely to trigger common food sensitivities associated with chicken, beef, or dairy. Many pet owners choose cricket protein treats for dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies.
6. Do cricket protein treats offer any environmental benefits?
Yes. Compared to traditional livestock protein sources, cricket protein has a much lower environmental impact — using less water and land and producing fewer greenhouse gases — which helps reduce the carbon pawprint of your dog’s diet.
7. How should cricket protein treats be fed to my dog?
Cricket protein treats should be given in moderation as treats rather than meals. They’re ideal for training rewards, enrichment, or occasional snacking, and should make up no more than a small portion of your dog’s daily caloric intake.
8. Are cricket protein treats safe for all dogs?
In general, cricket protein treats are safe for most dogs, especially when made from quality ingredients and formulated under pet food safety standards. However, if your dog has a known allergy to arthropods or specific dietary needs, consult your veterinarian before introducing new treat types.
9. What makes cricket protein different from other dog treat proteins?
Cricket protein combines high protein content, digestibility, and a novel allergen-friendly profile with environmental sustainability. Unlike some animal proteins, crickets are nutrient-dense while requiring far fewer natural resources to produce.
10. Can cricket protein treats improve my dog’s gut health?
Yes — insect proteins naturally contain chitin, a type of dietary fiber that can act as a prebiotic, feeding beneficial gut bacteria and supporting digestive wellness.
