Pet Digest

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...

Do All Grain-Free Dog Foods Have a Legume Base? Short answer: No. Many grain-free kibbles lean on legumes like peas, lentils, and chickpeas, but not all of them. The real question is balance — not simply “grains vs. legumes.” This post breaks down why legumes show up so often, when they’re a problem, and how to read the label like a pro. What “Grain-Free” Actually Means “Grain-free” simply means the recipe doesn’t include wheat, corn, rice, barley, or oats. Pet food still needs carbohydrate and starch to bind kibble and supply energy, so manufacturers replace grains with other starches and fibers. Common grain substitutes: Legumes: peas, lentils, chickpeas, beans Tubers: potatoes, sweet potatoes Roots & starches: tapioca, cassava, pumpkin If you want a refresher on reading panels, see our guide to decoding dog food labels . Why Legumes Became Popular in Grain-Free Diets Legumes are widely used because they’re cost-effective, supply plant protein and fib...

🐾 Taurine Supplements for Dogs: What You Need to Know No FDA Approval? No Problem—Here’s What Pet Parents Should Understand Taurine is one of the most talked-about nutrients in the dog world today—especially for owners concerned about Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM). Many pet parents want to supplement taurine, but quickly discover that in the United States, there are no FDA-approved taurine supplements specifically for dogs. So what gives? And what are your safe, holistic alternatives? Let’s break it down. --- ⚖️ Why No FDA-Approved Taurine Supplement for Dogs? The FDA (U.S. Food & Drug Administration) does not currently approve taurine as a veterinary drug. Here’s why: Taurine is considered a dietary supplement, not a prescription drug. Most dogs synthesize taurine on their own, so it hasn’t traditionally been viewed as “essential” in canine diets. Approval requires clinical trials, which are expensive and often only pursued for drugs treating widespread, urgent diseases. 🐕‍🦺 Tha...

How to Read Dog Food Labels: What Matters & What’s Just Marketing How to Read Dog Food Labels: What Matters & What’s Just Marketing Whether you're feeding kibble, raw, gently cooked, or a home-prepared diet, knowing how to read a dog food label is essential. With pet food companies using a mix of science, marketing, and mystery, understanding what goes into your dog’s bowl can help you make better, more informed choices for their health. Why Label Literacy Matters Labels are legally required—but that doesn’t mean they’re always clear. Learning to decode ingredient panels and marketing buzzwords can help you: Identify high-quality vs. low-quality ingredients Avoid fillers or excessive sugars Understand if a food is truly balanced and complete Spot misleading advertising tactics 1. Ingredients List: First Ingredients Matter Most Ingredients are listed in order of weight before cooking . That means moisture-he...

What the Research Really Says: Taurine, Diet, and DCM in Dogs Diet-associated dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) has become a growing concern, particularly in relation to grain-free diets and taurine deficiency. While not all cases of DCM are related to taurine or diet, the following studies have shown a clear link in specific breeds and dietary patterns.  This post will be mostly links to the key studies on Taurine, DCM, and Breed specifics. The goal with this post is to showcase the limitations of the research provided by our top scientists world-wide. I believe I have discussed on multiple occasions throughout this blog my views on DCM and the effects it has on our pets and their diets. However, I truly want to showcase the facts here and, how the evidence is limited. I also want to note how the studies are slowly loosing their progression since the conversation restarted in 2018.  📚 Key Studies on Taurine and DCM Pion et al. (1987) : The landmark study that identified ...