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
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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
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?
Do These Genes Make Me Look Fat?
The Labs have a problem. Actually, some Labs have a problem. It's in their genes: In 2016, a group of researchers at the University of Cambridge discovered a genetic anomaly in a small group of overweight Labrador Retrievers (1). Specifically, the modification is a short deletion sequence in a gene called POMC. The presence of … Continue reading Do These Genes Make Me Look Fat?
The Raw Deal
I have avoided writing this essay. The reason is that, contrary to how it may on occasion appear, I generally do not seek out conflict. Considered debate about scientific evidence and civilized discussions? Yep, enjoy those. However, the acrimony and polarization that frequently accompanies internet discussions about how best to feed dogs? Avoid those like … Continue reading The Raw Deal
Tastes Like Chicken
In recent years, dog owners have started to demand more transparency from pet food manufacturers (a needed change, in my opinion). Many are interested in selecting new types of foods for their dogs and prefer products that are less highly processed. In direct response to these trends, nutrition researchers have been studying the ingredients that … Continue reading Tastes Like Chicken
Mind Your Peas and Potatoes
The source and quality of a food's protein sources are important features to consider when selecting a dog food. Dog folks who care about these things often agonize over how to differentiate among foods in terms of both protein level and quality. These concerns are justified because the protein ingredients found in pet foods vary dramatically. … Continue reading Mind Your Peas and Potatoes
The Heart of the Matter
The Article: "The Heart of the Matter" plus a webinar entitled "Diet and Dilated Cardiomyopathy" are now available as a Science Dog Nutrition Topics Course. Visit The Science Dog Courses to Learn More! Read "The Heart of the Matter" below (as published in WDJ) The Heart of The Matter by Linda P Case New Science Dog Book! … Continue reading The Heart of the Matter
A Taste for Meat?
The issue of how to classify the dog and how to best feed dogs continues to be a highly controversial topic among dog people. If you doubt this, just try posting this statement in a dog feeding chat group: "Dogs are omnivores and can thrive on a wide range of diet types." Good luck surviving the night. I discuss the current science regarding the … Continue reading A Taste for Meat?
How Reactive is Your…….Lysine?
I imagine that the word "reactive" caused most readers to think of this: However, what we will actually be talking about is this: Yeah, not quite so dramatic, I admit. However, the reality is that the amount of reactive lysine present in your dog's food is much more likely to have an impact on his health … Continue reading How Reactive is Your…….Lysine?
Dog Food Marketing – Science Weighs In
Marketing researchers know a lot about advertising strategies that successfully increase sales. This is no less true for pet foods than it is for any other consumer goods. Some of the more obvious approaches to attracting dog owners to a particular brand are advertisements that appeal to our emotional attachment to dogs, capitalize on our desire for expert … Continue reading Dog Food Marketing – Science Weighs In
Air, It’s What’s for Dinner
Every once in a while, I read a paper that makes me scratch my head. Last week was just such a moment. The paper really needs no introduction. The title says it all: "Increasing volume of food by incorporating air reduces energy intake" [in dogs]. Let's talk about obesity (again): If you read "Do you think I look … Continue reading Air, It’s What’s for Dinner
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