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
Treat Tips for Trainers
I have written previously about research examining the value that training treats have for our dogs and the importance of considering "high level vs. low level" treats when we train (see "Treat Please" and "Speaking of Treats"). A second, and equally important consideration for reward-based trainers is the quality of the treats that we select… Continue reading Treat Tips for Trainers
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
Still Be There……Once it is Safe
The Question: Are dogs less stressed when their owners are present during routine veterinary examinations or do they fare better when examined in the owners' absence? I have written about this issue before (see "Be There"). The study reviewed in that piece reported that having a dog's owner speak softly to and pet their dog… Continue reading Still Be There……Once it is Safe
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
New Facts about Flax
The omega-3 family of fatty acids receives quite a bit of attention these days, and with good reason. We have known for some time that increasing omega-3 fatty acids and improving the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fats in our dogs' diets is associated with certain health benefits. Although the effects of adding these fats… Continue reading New Facts about Flax
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
It’s Not Rocket Science….But, it IS Science
This blog is about science. Not to put too fine a point on this, but the name is, after all "The Science Dog", not "The Anecdotes Dog." Early in this blog's history, I wrote a series of essays that examined the principal underlying constructs of science (see The Steve Series). In a nutshell, the scientific… Continue reading It’s Not Rocket Science….But, it IS Science
