Savannah got off to a rough start- rescued from the euthanasia list by a Phoenix organization, the Border Collie/German Shepard mix was visibly scared and sheepish. She caught the eye of Lori who was volunteering one day, “she was literally trying to hide under the concrete.” Lori immediately decided to foster, knowing “that dog would never leave my side again.” Savannah joined a loving household that day and outside the usual canine agitators (mailmen, squirrels, hats) Savannah didn’t have much to complain about. That is, until Lori noticed Savannah was always scratching at herself.
Savannah enjoying the shade
About 8 years ago, Savannah developed seasonal allergies. Lori took her to the vet and was prescribed steroids. Though not thrilled at the idea of giving her dog steroids, she reasoned it was only for a few months of the year. Fast forward and these allergies became a year round nuisance. Savannah was constantly itching and in visible discomfort. Lori, not wanting to see her dog suffer, knew it was time for another vet trip. This time around, Savannah was prescribed Apoquel, which worked great- less itching and scratching. Lori’s main qualm was that it treated the symptoms not the cause, “It’s not getting to the root of the problem. We’re not fixing, we’re just putting a bandaid on it.” On top of that, Aqoquel comes with a price tag. Just one pill costs $3- which, when you have a larger dog, it really adds up.
When Lori heard about Jiminy’s dog food being hypoallergenic and beneficial for dogs with food allergies she didn’t think twice. She switched both of her pups to Jiminy’s Good Grub.
Within a couple weeks Lori noticed that Savannah was itching much less, “To the point that I hardly ever give Apoquel to her anymore because she just doesn't need it.” Lori estimates that Savannah has cut back on her Apoquel usage over 75%. Since Savannah is an aging dog, cutting back on medication rather than upping it is a rare and welcomed phenomenon.
Austin, Savannah's brother being silly on the couch
But the story doesn't stop there! Savannah’s brother Austin, another rescued pup, has seen some positive changes in his health. Austin struggled with opaque stomach issues his whole life. Since he was a puppy Austin has had bad gas and diarrhea. Lori tried changing his food many times, but to no avail. Finally, after introducing Jiminy’s, Lori has noticed Austin’s bowel movements are more regular and solid- noting that this is true for Savannah as well. This better digestive function has been a relief to Lori, who notes (less dramatically) she’s noticed an improvement in both dog’s breath as well.
It's nap time
As dog owners might know-switching foods isn’t always the easiest. Lori, however, claims a swift and painless change with her dogs. Admitting that she only eased them in (mixing Jiminy’s with their old food) for two days before they were fully converted. Jiminy’s has made a major difference in both Savannah and Austin’s well being. Lori now recommends Jiminy’s to all her friends who have pets that struggle with food allergies, “Jiminy’s will probably solve your problem,” she raves. The Jiminy's team certainly hopes so! 💚
Thank you Lori!
Watch Lori and Savannah's full story HERE.
FAQ - How Savannah Overcame Her Food Allergies With Jiminy’s
1. Who is Savannah and what was her food allergy challenge?
Savannah is a dog featured in a Jiminy’s blog story who struggled with food allergies and sensitivities that caused discomfort and digestive issues before owners switched her diet to one based on insect protein.
2. What kind of dog food did Savannah switch to?
Savannah was switched to Jiminy’s dog food, which uses insect protein (such as black soldier fly larvae) as a novel, highly digestible protein source that avoids many common allergens found in traditional dog foods.
3. Why can insect protein help dogs with food allergies?
Insect protein is a novel protein that most dogs haven’t been exposed to before, reducing the likelihood of immune reactions that occur with common proteins like chicken, beef, or soy. It’s also highly digestible and nutrient-dense, making it gentle on sensitive stomachs.
4. What improvements did Savannah experience after switching?
After switching to Jiminy’s insect-protein formula, Savannah experienced a notable reduction in allergy symptoms — such as less itching, digestive discomfort, and overall stress related to food sensitivities — demonstrating how diet adjustment can improve canine quality of life.
5. How long does it typically take to see allergy improvements?
While every dog is different, owners often begin to see digestive and skin symptom improvements within a few weeks of consistently feeding a novel protein diet like Jiminy’s. Always transition foods gradually and monitor changes.
6. Are Jiminy’s food formulas suitable for all dogs with allergies?
Jiminy’s formulas — especially those with insect protein — are generally a strong option for many dogs with sensitivities, but individual responses vary, so it’s a good idea to work with a veterinarian when managing chronic allergies.
7. Do vets support insect protein for allergic dogs?
Many veterinary nutritionists and allergy guides recognize novel proteins like insect meals as helpful for dogs with food allergies, because they minimize exposure to proteins that dogs have previously been sensitized to.
8. Can switching dog food completely resolve allergies?
Switching to a novel, easily digested protein like insects can substantially reduce or resolve food allergy symptoms for many dogs, but food reactions can also have environmental or multiple ingredient triggers — so comprehensive management may include vet care and lifestyle adjustments.
9. What else should owners do if their dog has food allergies?
Beyond diet, owners should:
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Work with a vet to diagnose true food allergies vs. intolerances.
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Keep a food diary to track ingredients and reactions.
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Ensure slow diet transitions to avoid GI upset.
Using a thoughtfully formulated novel protein food like Jiminy’s can be a central part of an overall allergy management plan.
10. How do I transition my dog to a new diet like Jiminy’s?
Start by mixing a small amount of the new food with the current diet, gradually increasing the Jiminy’s portion over 7–10 days until you’re feeding 100% of the new formula. This helps reduce the chance of digestive upset while your dog adjusts.
