Recorded Webinar (Free) Human Grade Meaningful Distinction or Marketing Gimmick? Register for 6-months of full-access to this on-demand webinar Learn about labeling claims of "Human Grade" and what this term actually means (and does not mean) with regard to food quality and selection. Learn about the latest research addressing human grade pet foods. Presented by… Continue reading Free Webinar and Course Preview
Category: Pet Food Label
Protein – Are We Feeding Too Much?
Protein levels in some commercial dog foods have increased dramatically over the last 15 years. While there are many factors that drive dog food trends, this particular change occurred, at least in part, in response to pervasive (mis)perceptions that dogs are obligate carnivores [they are not] and beliefs that their diets must contain very high… Continue reading Protein – Are We Feeding Too Much?
Considering Copper
Why Care about Copper? The mineral copper is an essential dietary nutrient for dogs. It is needed for the formation and activity of red blood cells, acts as a cofactor in numerous enzymatic reactions, and is necessary for normal skin and hair pigmentation. Copper deficiency can lead to impaired skeletal growth and anemia, but is… Continue reading Considering Copper
How the Sausage is Made
Ugh. The Box is coming out early today. UP ON MY SOAP BOX I just read yet another article extolling the virtues of animal by-products and why these common pet food ingredients are (supposedly undeservingly) getting a bad rap. These articles are common in the pet food industry domain and typically include some form of… Continue reading How the Sausage is Made
Nutrition for Dog People
Core Course 1: Basics of Canine Nutrition Core Course 2: Puppies to Seniors: Feeding Dogs through the Life Cycle Core Course 3: Dog Food Smarts Take ALL THREE Core Courses to Earn YourMaster's Class Certificate in Canine Nutrition https://courses.thesciencedog.com/bundles/masters-class-bundle Yes, please send me information about Science Dog Courses!
New Scoop (and Poop) on Human-Grade Dog Food
Today, we take another look at a growing category of commercial dog foods - those carrying a human-grade label claim. Remember that the inclusion of this claim on a dog food label requires that the entire food not only contain human-grade (i.e. edible) ingredients, but also that it has been produced under the same regulations… Continue reading New Scoop (and Poop) on Human-Grade Dog Food
Its Maillard, not Mallard
We are not talking about this today. THIS IS A DUCK; A MALLARD DUCK. Rather, we are discussing this. (And its relevance to your dog's food and health). What is a Maillard Reaction? In this first essay of our series, "The Maillard Papers", let's begin by defining exactly what the Maillard Reaction is (and why… Continue reading Its Maillard, not Mallard
Krill – The Other Fish Oil
There is currently quite a craze in the dog world regarding omega-3 fatty acids. I reviewed this important family of fatty acids and their role in canine health in a recent blog (see Facts about Flax). In short: As a recap, it is probably beneficial to increase the proportion of omega-3 fatty acids in our… Continue reading Krill – The Other Fish Oil
Dog Food Smarts
New Science Dog Course! About "Dog Food Smarts" The Making, Marketing, and Safety of Today's Foods for Dogs This is the third core course of the The Science Dog Core Courses (Basics of Canine Nutrition, Puppies to Seniors, and Dog Food Smarts). Take all three to earn your Masters Class Certificate in Canine Nutrition!EIght chapters… Continue reading Dog Food Smarts
Is Freeze-Dried Raw Safer to Feed?
I have written previously about the potential risks associated with feeding raw food diets. To date, the science that is available reports that: The prevalence of potentially serious microbial pathogens is substantially higher in raw pet foods than in heat-treated foods (see The Raw Deal).The belief that freezing raw food kills food pathogens or reduces… Continue reading Is Freeze-Dried Raw Safer to Feed?
What Price Is Right?
Homemade diets for dogs are increasingly popular. In a recent survey, 60 percent of pet owners reported that they fed their dog or cat homemade food for either part or all of his/her daily ration. While there are a number of arguments both for and against feeding homemade diets, a commonly held belief is that… Continue reading What Price Is Right?
Does this Seem (not…) Fishy to You?
Today, let's talk about fish and fish oil, and the types of fat that these pet food ingredients can contribute to your dog's food. Some Background: Dietary fat, more specifically, fatty acids, are classified into families. Two of the most important are the omega-6 fatty acids and the omega-3 fatty acids. Both types are important… Continue reading Does this Seem (not…) Fishy to You?
Frozen – Let it Go.
No, this is not about a Disney Movie. But it IS about freezing. The freezing of dog food, actually. Raw dog food. The number of brands and forms of commercial raw dog foods available to owners has increased dramatically in recent years. A common type of raw diet is in the form of frozen rolls… Continue reading Frozen – Let it Go.
Human-Grade Dog Foods: Some Science
In the world of commercial dog foods, the term "human-grade" is an odd duck. The oddness occurs because the term "human-grade," while in use on labels and in marketing materials, actually has no legal definition. Rather, the regulated terms that are used to delineate between foods that are processed, marketed and sold for human consumption… Continue reading Human-Grade Dog Foods: Some Science
Hearing Crickets?
Perhaps one who is wearing a top hat and carrying an umbrella? For Disney fans, Jiminy was the ever-present, somewhat annoying, arthropod who acts as Pinocchio's conscience. For our purposes, he is just another (edible) cricket. Insect Protein - All the Rage: Insect protein as an alternate and renewable protein source for dog foods is… Continue reading Hearing Crickets?
