Pet Digest

Companies Excelling in Feeding Trials  In the pet food industry, ensuring the nutritional adequacy and safety of products is paramount. While formulation-based methods meet basic nutrient requirements, feeding trials provide real-world data on the food's performance and safety when consumed over time. This post examines how leading pet food brands conduct comprehensive feeding trials to guarantee the health and well-being of pets. Zignature: Beyond Standard AAFCO Trials Zignature conducts 6-month (26-week) feeding trials with 8 healthy dogs, adhering to AAFCO protocols. However, they go beyond the standard requirements by incorporating over 40 measurable parameters, including: Echocardiograms evaluated by board-certified cardiologists Cardiac biomarker testing (e.g., troponin I) at three timepoints Amino acid and taurine levels in whole blood and plasma Plasma carnitine analysis to assess nutrient absorption Weekly health checks by licensed veterinarians Stool...

Pulse Diets in Dogs: Champion Petfoods and the Latest Research Updated: August 2025 Few topics in pet nutrition have stirred as much debate as pulse-rich diets and their potential link to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs. Peas, lentils, chickpeas, and beans—collectively known as pulses—have been used in many grain-free diets as primary sources of carbohydrates and plant proteins. But do they play a role in heart disease? A recent study brings more clarity, and one key detail has raised questions: it was funded by Champion Petfoods , makers of Orijen and ACANA. What Are Pulse Diets? Pulses are the seeds of legumes and include peas, lentils, chickpeas, and beans. In dog food, they are often added because they: Provide plant-based protein Offer dietary fiber Act as a low-glycemic carbohydrate source However, since 2018, pulses have been under scrutiny due to reports of dogs developing DCM while eating grain-free diets high in these ingredients. The FDA investi...