If you’ve followed Jiminy’s for a while, you’ve probably seen Tuco — my loyal sidekick and the original inspiration behind our Dental Chews. Tuco is about to turn eleven, and yet just last week, someone asked if he was a puppy.
That moment made me smile because it says everything about what we’re trying to do here at Jiminy’s: help dogs live longer, healthier, happier lives — naturally.
How Tuco Sparked the Dental Chew Innovation
The idea for Jiminy’s Dental Chews began with Tuco himself.
One day, I leaned in for a kiss and realized — his breath was fresh, and his teeth were gleaming white. I’d never brushed them, never booked a cleaning, and he’d never used any kind of minty green dental chew.
That moment stopped me in my tracks. How could an older dog — who’d never had a dental regimen — have such healthy teeth?
Tuco had been eating Jiminy’s Good Grub dog food for years, so we started to wonder if his diet was doing more than just supporting his digestion and energy. Could what’s happening in the gut also be benefiting the mouth?
When we dug into the research, we found something fascinating: the insect protein we use (Black Soldier Fly Larvae, or BSFL) is naturally rich in medium-chain fatty acids with antimicrobial properties. It’s also a natural source of calcium and antimicrobial peptides, which support strong teeth, healthy gums, and a balanced oral microbiome.
That discovery sparked the idea for a new kind of dental chew — one that worked with a dog’s biology instead of just scraping plaque away.
(Read more: The full story of Tuco and the inspiration for Jiminy’s Dental Chews)
The Science Behind Jiminy’s Dental Chews
Not all dental chews are created equal. Most rely on synthetic ingredients or gimmicky flavors to freshen breath. We wanted to take a smarter, more natural approach — one rooted in science and proven results.
Here’s what makes Jiminy’s Dental Chews so effective:
1. They target bacteria where it starts
BSFL protein contains lauric acid and other medium-chain fatty acids that naturally reduce harmful bacteria in the mouth — the same ones that cause plaque, tartar, and bad breath. These fatty acids also support the “good” bacteria that maintain a healthy oral microbiome.
2. They have a texture that actually works
Our chews are soft and flexible, not brittle. That means they last longer, giving your dog’s teeth more contact time with the chew — which helps mechanically clean away buildup. The nubby surface adds gentle friction for a natural scrubbing effect.
3. They’re safe for sensitive dogs
Because our chews use novel insect protein instead of common allergens like beef or chicken, they’re ideal for dogs with food sensitivities or digestive issues. Every ingredient is selected for both efficacy and digestibility.
4. They fight bad breath naturally
Cinnamon and parsley add natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits — and dogs actually like the flavor (a win for everyone).
(Learn more about the science behind our Dental Chews)
Why Tuco Still Shines (Literally)
One of the things people always notice about Tuco is his coat — glossy, soft, and youthful, even as he approaches 11.
That’s not luck. It’s nutrition.
BSFL is packed with beneficial fatty acids that do wonders for the skin barrier and coat health. In studies, dogs fed insect protein showed:
- Improved skin hydration and barrier strength (less dryness or flakiness)
- Reduced trans-epidermal water loss, meaning their skin held in more moisture
- Enhanced coat shine, thanks to better lipid balance and omega content
Tuco’s glow is a daily reminder that real nutrition starts from the inside out — and that a healthy gut and healthy skin are deeply connected.
(Explore the science behind diet and skin health here)
Healthy, Happy, and Sustainable — No Compromises
Seeing Tuco thrive is my daily reminder of why I started Jiminy’s in the first place.
Healthy dogs and a healthy planet shouldn’t be mutually exclusive — and Tuco proves they don’t have to be.
Our products are science-backed, vet-approved, and planet-friendly. And if an almost-eleven-year-old dog can still be mistaken for a puppy, I’d say we’re doing something right.
Here’s to More Years of Wagging Tails
As Tuco heads into another year of adventures, I’m grateful for every day with him — and for the chance to share his story with all of you.
If you’re looking for a way to support your dog’s health from teeth to tail, try the same combo Tuco gets:
- Jiminy’s Good Grub Dog Food for balanced, allergy-friendly nutrition
- Jiminy’s Treats for training and joy
- Jiminy’s Dental Chews for clean teeth, fresh breath, and a happy smile
Because every dog deserves to feel like a puppy again — at any age.
