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
pet food industry
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?
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?
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
A Few Raw Facts
Raw feeding has increased in popularity in recent years. While still a small portion of the pet food market, raw foods are definitely here to stay. Perhaps more so than any other type of feeding regimen, dog owners who feed raw are highly dedicated to this form of feeding. To test this premise, try separating … Continue reading A Few Raw Facts
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
Dogs and Carbs – It’s Complicated
The Article: "Dogs and Carbs - It's Complicated" is now available as part of the Science Dog Nutrition Topics Course, Carbohydrates and Your Dog. Visit The Science Dog Courses to Learn More!
The Science Dog 