Diet-Related DCM Current Research & Remaining Questions Presented by Dr. Stephanie Clark Board Certified Companion Animal Nutritionist Join us for an eye-opening webinar that delves into canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and its possible connection to diet. In the wake of the FDA's alert in 2018, this talk cuts through the hype and hysteria and offers … Continue reading New Science Dog Webinars!
pet food industry
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
Complete and Balanced
(The Fallout) Free Science Dog Webinar Learn how the term "Complete and Balanced Nutrition" first found its way onto pet food labels, what it (actually) signifies, and what it does not....... (and how to avoid confusion between the two). Join us for this complimentary offering! Learn More! Take a Look at this Popular Science Dog … Continue reading Complete and Balanced
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?
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
The (Dis)connection between Grain-Free Foods and DCM
Almost 4 years ago, in July of 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration released a public alert stating that they had reports of an apparent increase in the national incidence of Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs. At the time, it was speculated (without evidence) that the perceived increase in cases was related to the consumption … Continue reading The (Dis)connection between Grain-Free Foods and DCM
Farting French Bulldogs
Yeah. Apparently it's a thing. FLATULENT FREDDIE It is even enough of a thing that a group of scientists from Sao Paulo State University in Brazil decided to study it. More precisely, they studied a few dietary components that might contribute to unpleasant smells produced by members of this adorable (but sometimes stinky) breed. Is … Continue reading Farting French Bulldogs
More Human-Grade Research… and a Rant
Dog foods that are produced with human-grade ingredients have increased in number and popularity in recent years. In addition to containing food ingredients that are classified and handled differently than typical pet food ingredients, these products are usually less highly processed when compared with extruded kibble (see "Human Grade Dog Foods: Some Science" for details). … Continue reading More Human-Grade Research… and a Rant
Elderly Starches
Okay, technically I guess the term is "ancient grains". They are showing up everywhere these days. Even Cheerios has jumped on board. What are Ancient Grains? This term is used to describe grain species that have not been subjected to the modern breeding and selection practices that we have used for the last 200 years … Continue reading Elderly Starches
Taste Tests with Your Dog’s Food Toys
The taste preferences of dogs are a big deal to pet food manufacturers. After all, a food may contain quality ingredients and be highly nutritious, but it cannot benefit dogs if they refuse to eat it. Traditional Palatability Tests All pet food companies are concerned with their food's tastiness (aka palatability) and they all measure … Continue reading Taste Tests with Your Dog’s Food Toys
Free Webinar and Course Preview
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
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
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
The Science Dog 