The Science of Canine Nutrition

Courses, Webinars, & Quizzes with The Science Dog Courses Revised for 2024 - Basics of Canine Nutrition. Updated video lectures, readings, and inclusive webinars! Our Most Popular Multiple Course Program Let's Not Forget Our Other Best Friend - A Certificate Nutrition Course about Cats Tell Us What You Know About Nutrition! (Take a Look at … Continue reading The Science of Canine Nutrition

Getting the Facts Straight

About Chocolate and Dogs In recent weeks, there has been a popular meme circulating on social media that states: "Chocolate is toxic to dogs. It doesn't just poison them once but is repeatedly reabsorbed into their body and poisons them many times. This is why it is so dangerous" A Science Dog reader brought the … Continue reading Getting the Facts Straight

How Do Dogs Prefer to be Fed?

(It Depends on Who You Ask) Feeding dogs using food-delivery devices has become increasingly popular. Some owners use these gadgets as a supplement or occasional treat for their dogs, while others use them to provide all of their dogs' meals. The general intent of providing food in this way, as opposed to a bowl, is … Continue reading How Do Dogs Prefer to be Fed?

Understanding Canine Play

And Then the Dog Said...LOL! New Webinar presented by Dr. Shelly Volsche Can you hear that? Are you listening? The Science Dog's newest webinar examines the basics of animal bioacoustics, with a focus on the domestic dog. Dr. Volsche, who teaches canine behavior and training at the University of WI at River Falls, reviews past … Continue reading Understanding Canine Play

Raw Evidence

I have been writing about research studies of the nutritional value, safety, preservation and possible benefits of feeding a raw diet for more than 5 years. This research, conducted by multiple academic groups, has led to improved understanding of raw foods, to the development of safer and more nutritious products, and has increased our appreciation … Continue reading Raw Evidence

Are You Feeding Smart?

Description: In The Science Dog’s latest myth-busting book, Linda Case takes on canine nutrition and feeding practices. It seems that almost everyone has an opinion about how our dogs should be fed and what diet is healthiest for them. In this timely book, Linda Case takes a look at the evidence and what answers science … Continue reading Are You Feeding Smart?

What Do You Know…..

About Cat Nutrition? TAKE THE NEW SCIENCE DOG QUIZ! NEW!! Cat-Centered Offerings from The Science Dog Courses! Feeding Felines: An Evidence-Based Feline Nutrition Course A Science Dog CORE course that focuses on our other best friend, the domestic cat. Learn why cats cannot be treated or fed as if they are "small dogs'! Students who … Continue reading What Do You Know…..

What is an Omega-3 Index?

And, Should You Measure it in Your Dog? About Those Omegas First, a bit of background. The term "omega" refers to a way in which dietary fatty acids are classified. Two important classes are the omega-6 fatty acids and the omega-3 fatty acids. Both types are important in a dog’s diet, but dog foods (like … Continue reading What is an Omega-3 Index?

Asking Our Dogs

What Treat is Your Favorite? Most of us pay close attention to the types and flavors of treats that our dogs enjoy. This is of interest because many trainers and owners use food treats as a primary positive reinforcer and often rank treats from those that appear to be relished (high value) to those that … Continue reading Asking Our Dogs

Can We Feed Dogs a Healthful Vegan Diet?

Dog owners who choose to feed a vegetarian or vegan diet may do so for a variety of reasons. These include animal welfare concerns, a desire to reduce the environmental impact of the foods that they select, or beliefs about what constitutes a healthful diet. Some may also prefer foods that are less highly processed … Continue reading Can We Feed Dogs a Healthful Vegan Diet?

What IS the Canine Gut Microbiome, Anyway?

A New Science Dog Courses Webinar Presented by Dr. Stephanie Clark An on-demand webinar for veterinary health professionals, trainers, nutritionists, pet industry professionals and dog owners. Enjoy the opportunity to chat with the presenter and ask questions. Learn about the importance of the gut microbiome for long-term health and how diet may influence gut health.  … Continue reading What IS the Canine Gut Microbiome, Anyway?

Can We Make Raw Dog Foods Safe?

Minimally-Processed Dog Foods Minimally-processed pet foods are increasing in popularity among dog owners. One sub-category of these foods is raw meat-based diets (aka RMBDs). I have reviewed the current science regarding the safety of these products in previous Science Dog essays (see The Raw Deal and Freeze-dried). In a nutshell, evidence from multiple studies supports … Continue reading Can We Make Raw Dog Foods Safe?

Fresh-Cooked Dog Foods

Commercial Hype or Superior Nutrition? By now, I would venture that almost every dog person on the planet has seen the 2023 Superbowl commercial "Forever", produced by The Farmer's Dog pet food company. (For the three people who have not yet seen it, here you go. Tip: Have a tissue box handy). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjlnjOMBCok This commercial … Continue reading Fresh-Cooked Dog Foods

What Do You Know……

About Canine Communication Signals? Do Dogs Enjoy Hugs? The question of whether or not dogs enjoy being hugged by humans tends to spark a great deal of discussion and controversy. While there are some who state that dogs do not naturally enjoy the intense physical closeness of a hug (and may even perceive hugs as … Continue reading What Do You Know……

Do Human-Grade Dog Foods Improve Dogs’ Skin Health?

Human-grade pet foods are becoming increasingly popular. I have written about this category of foods on several occasions and have reviewed recent studies of how these food tend to perform when fed to dogs. MILDLY- COOKED, HUMAN-GRADE DOG FOOD What do we currently know? To date, we know a few things about human-grade dog foods: … Continue reading Do Human-Grade Dog Foods Improve Dogs’ Skin Health?