When we talk about dog nutrition, one word comes up again and again: digestibility. It’s one of the most important measures of food quality, yet it’s often misunderstood.
Many pet parents assume that traditional animal proteins like chicken or beef must be the easiest for dogs to digest. But emerging research tells a more interesting story. Some novel proteins — especially insect proteins like crickets and black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) — are proving to be not only sustainable but also highly digestible and nutritionally complete for dogs.
That matters a lot for dogs with sensitive stomachs, allergies, or chronic digestive issues. A protein source that is easy for the body to break down and absorb can mean better stool quality, improved nutrient absorption, and fewer tummy troubles.
Let’s take a closer look at what digestibility actually means — and why insect protein is getting so much attention in veterinary nutrition research.
What digestibility actually means in dog nutrition
Digestibility refers to how much of the nutrients in a food your dog’s body can actually absorb and use.
Every food contains nutrients, but not all of those nutrients become available to the body. Some pass through the digestive system unused.
Scientists measure digestibility by comparing:
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the amount of nutrients a dog consumes, and
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the amount that is excreted
The difference represents the nutrients that were absorbed and used by the body.
In pet nutrition, a protein source is typically considered highly digestible if its digestibility is 80% or greater. That means at least 80% of the protein eaten is available to the dog after digestion and absorption.
Highly digestible proteins support:
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better nutrient absorption
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improved energy levels
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healthier stools
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less strain on the digestive system
This is particularly important for dogs with sensitive guts or inflammatory digestive issues, because poorly digestible proteins can ferment in the gut and lead to gas, loose stool, or discomfort.
Insects as a protein source for dogs
Protein is made up of building blocks called amino acids. Dogs require ten specific amino acids in their diet because their bodies cannot produce them on their own. These are called indispensable amino acids.
The indispensable amino acids for dogs include:
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arginine
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histidine
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isoleucine
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leucine
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lysine
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methionine
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phenylalanine
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threonine
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tryptophan
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valine
To qualify as a complete protein, a food source must contain all of these amino acids in sufficient amounts.
Research has shown that insects such as crickets and black soldier fly larvae meet this requirement, meaning they are a complete protein source for dogs.
In fact, the protein levels of insect meals are comparable to many traditional ingredients used in pet food.
Published research has reported approximate protein levels of:
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cricket meal: ~70.6% protein
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black soldier fly larvae meal: ~56.1% protein
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mealworms: ~52.0% protein
For comparison:
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poultry meal: ~69.1% protein
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fish meal: ~71.0% protein
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soybean meal: ~51.6% protein
In other words, insect proteins are nutritionally competitive with conventional protein sources already widely used in pet foods.
But protein quantity is only part of the story. The bigger question is:
How well can dogs actually digest it?
The digestibility of insect protein
Multiple feeding trials have evaluated the digestibility of insect proteins in dogs.
The results are encouraging.
Studies measuring apparent total tract digestibility have found that insect proteins fall well within the “highly digestible” category.
For example:
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Cricket protein shows digestibility values of roughly 86.5–87.3%
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Black soldier fly larvae protein ranges around 88.4–91%
These values exceed the 80% threshold typically used to classify highly digestible proteins.
The research also found that dogs fed insect-based diets maintained healthy stool quality, with stool scores around 3.2–3.47 on a 5-point scale, indicating firm, well-formed stools.
For pet parents, that matters more than you might think.
Stool quality is one of the clearest indicators of digestive health. Consistent, well-formed stools usually mean nutrients are being properly absorbed and the digestive system is functioning efficiently.
Loose stool or chronic digestive upset often signals that something in the diet is difficult to digest.
Read the study: Digestibility and safety of dry black soldier fly larvae meal and black soldier fly larvae oil in dogs
How digestibility is measured in pet food science
To understand protein quality, scientists rely on several different digestibility measurements.
Apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD)
The most common method used in pet food studies is apparent total tract digestibility.
Researchers measure the total amount of protein eaten and compare it to the protein excreted in feces.
While useful, ATTD is not perfect.
Some nutrients may be altered by fermentation from gut microbes in the colon, which can make the measurements slightly less precise.
Ileal digestibility and amino acid availability
To get a clearer picture of protein quality, scientists sometimes use ileal digestibility methods.
These studies measure digestion earlier in the digestive tract, before microbial fermentation changes the nutrients.
Another tool used is a measurement similar to the digestible indispensable amino acid score (DIAAS), which evaluates how well a protein delivers each essential amino acid.
This matters because a protein isn’t just about total protein percentage. It must provide the right amino acids in the right proportions.
Research shows that crickets and black soldier fly larvae provide a balanced amino acid profile that meets dogs’ nutritional requirements.
Why digestibility matters for dogs with sensitive stomachs
Digestibility becomes especially important for dogs with:
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food sensitivities
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chronic diarrhea
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inflammatory bowel disease
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pancreatitis
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aging digestive systems
When a protein source is difficult to digest, undigested nutrients can reach the large intestine. There, gut bacteria ferment them, which may produce:
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gas
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bloating
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loose stools
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inflammation
Highly digestible proteins reduce this problem because more nutrients are absorbed earlier in digestion.
This can help support:
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stable stools
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balanced gut microbiota
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better nutrient utilization
That’s one reason veterinarians increasingly explore novel proteins when managing food sensitivities.
For dogs that react poorly to common proteins like chicken or beef, switching to a novel protein can help break the cycle of inflammation.
If your dog struggles with digestive issues, you may also want to read:
Helping Dogs with Chronic Diarrhea
Why insect protein can be easier on sensitive dogs
Several characteristics make insect protein particularly promising for dogs with digestive sensitivities.
1. Novel protein source
Most dogs have been exposed to traditional proteins like chicken, beef, or lamb throughout their lives.
Repeated exposure can increase the likelihood of developing food sensitivities.
Insect proteins are considered novel proteins, meaning most dogs have not encountered them before.
That makes them a helpful option in elimination diets or allergy management.
2. Highly digestible protein structure
The protein structure in insects appears to be readily broken down by digestive enzymes, allowing efficient nutrient absorption.
This contributes to the high digestibility scores seen in feeding trials.
3. Natural fiber content
Insects naturally contain small amounts of chitin, a fiber found in exoskeletons.
Chitin behaves somewhat like a prebiotic fiber, which may help support beneficial gut bacteria.
Balanced gut microbes can improve digestion and stool quality.
4. Nutrient density
Insects also provide a variety of nutrients beyond protein, including:
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B-vitamins
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iron
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zinc
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healthy fats
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antimicrobial peptides
These nutrients can support immune health and metabolic function.
Digestibility and stool quality: what pet parents notice
Scientific measurements are helpful, but pet parents usually notice digestibility in simpler ways.
Signs of good digestibility include:
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firm, easy-to-pick-up stools
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consistent digestion
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fewer gas issues
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improved energy
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healthier skin and coat
Because nutrients are absorbed more efficiently, dogs may also need smaller portions to meet their nutritional needs.
This can make high-digestibility foods both nutritionally effective and efficient.
Digestibility and sustainability
Digestibility also plays an important role in environmental sustainability.
When a protein source is highly digestible, more of the nutrients are used by the animal, and less is wasted.
Insect farming already has major environmental advantages:
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dramatically lower land use
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far less water consumption
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reduced greenhouse gas emissions
If you’re interested in the environmental side of insect protein, you might enjoy: Insect Protein Sustainability
When you combine sustainability with excellent digestibility, insect protein becomes a compelling option for the future of pet nutrition.
Insect protein in practice: Jiminy’s Good Grub and Cravin’ Cricket
At Jiminy’s, insect protein isn’t just a concept from scientific research — it’s the foundation of our dog food recipes.
Our two primary formulas use the insect proteins most studied in canine nutrition: black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) and crickets. Both have been shown in feeding trials to be highly digestible, nutritionally complete proteins for dogs.
Jiminy’s Good Grub: powered by black soldier fly protein
Jiminy’s Good Grub recipe uses protein from black soldier fly larvae (BSFL).
BSFL has been studied extensively in pet nutrition research and is known for its:
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high digestibility
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balanced amino acid profile
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natural source of healthy fats
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rich levels of essential minerals
Research shows BSFL protein digestibility values can reach 88–91%, placing it well above the threshold for highly digestible proteins.
That high digestibility means your dog can absorb more of the nutrients from every meal — which helps support:
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healthy digestion
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consistent stool quality
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steady energy levels
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skin and coat health
Because BSFL is also considered a novel protein, Good Grub can be a great option for dogs with food sensitivities or environmental allergies.
If your dog struggles with itching or skin irritation, you may also want to read:
Dog Allergies: Symptoms, Cause and Remedies
Jiminy’s Cravin’ Cricket: gentle protein for sensitive stomachs
Jiminy’s Cravin’ Cricket recipe features cricket protein, one of the most nutrient-dense insect proteins available.
Cricket protein contains:
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approximately 70% protein by weight
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all essential amino acids required by dogs
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naturally occurring B-vitamins
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iron and other trace minerals
Digestibility studies show cricket protein can reach 86–87% digestibility, meaning dogs are able to efficiently break down and absorb the nutrients.
For dogs with sensitive stomachs, this high digestibility can make a noticeable difference.
Pet parents often report improvements such as:
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firmer stools
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less gas
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calmer digestion
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better overall energy
Because cricket protein is both novel and easy to digest, Cravin’ Cricket is often chosen by pet parents whose dogs struggle with traditional proteins like chicken or beef.
If your dog experiences digestive issues, you may also find helpful insights here: Dog Digestive Issues: How to Cure Diarrhea, Gas and Stomach Problems Naturally
Sustainable protein that’s better for dogs — and the planet
Beyond digestibility and nutrition, insect protein offers a major environmental advantage.
Producing insect protein requires significantly fewer resources compared to traditional livestock production.
Insect farming typically uses:
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dramatically less land
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far less water
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lower greenhouse gas emissions
That means foods like Good Grub and Cravin’ Cricket support both canine health and environmental sustainability.
For pet parents who care about reducing their environmental footprint while feeding their dogs well, insect protein offers a compelling solution.
If you’d like to learn more about the environmental benefits of insect protein, read: Insect Protein vs Chicken: What's Best for your Dog's Nutrition, Health and the Planet?
Frequently Asked Questions about insect protein digestibility
Is insect protein safe for dogs?
Yes. Insect protein has been studied extensively and is considered safe and nutritious for dogs. It provides complete protein with all essential amino acids required for canine health.
Is insect protein easier to digest than chicken?
Digestibility varies depending on processing and formulation, but studies show insect proteins like cricket and BSFL have digestibility values comparable to or exceeding many traditional proteins.
Can insect protein help dogs with allergies?
Because insect protein is a novel protein, many dogs with food sensitivities tolerate it well. It may help reduce allergic reactions compared with more common proteins.
Does insect protein cause digestive upset?
Research and feeding trials show that insect proteins are highly digestible and support normal stool quality in dogs.
As with any diet change, transitions should happen gradually.
Do dogs actually like insect protein?
Most dogs readily accept insect-based foods. Once incorporated into recipes, the flavor profile is similar to other protein-rich foods dogs already enjoy.
Is insect protein approved for dog food?
Yes. Ingredients derived from insects such as black soldier fly larvae are recognized as safe ingredients for dog food and are included in approved ingredient definitions used by regulators.
The future of protein for dogs
For decades, pet food protein sources remained relatively unchanged.
But today, veterinary nutrition science is expanding our understanding of how different proteins affect digestion, allergies, and long-term health.
Insect proteins — particularly crickets and black soldier fly larvae — are showing strong potential because they combine:
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excellent digestibility
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complete amino acid profiles
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novel protein benefits for sensitive dogs
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dramatically lower environmental impact
For dogs with sensitive stomachs, digestive issues, or food allergies, this emerging protein source may offer a gentle and effective alternative.
And for pet parents who care about sustainability, insect protein represents a meaningful step toward a more responsible food system.
If you’re exploring new options for dogs with digestive sensitivities, you might also find these helpful:
