Pet Digest

🌐 Part 5: Other Avenues for Participation – Expanding Pet Food Research Beyond Traditional Trials et food research has evolved well beyond traditional laboratory feeding trials. Today, veterinarians, breed-specific organizations, online platforms, and academic institutions play a vital role in gathering real-world data, recruiting participants, and testing new diets and functional ingredients. Participation in these studies is essential for advancing nutritional science, functional food innovation, and evidence-based dietary recommendations . This post explores alternative avenues for participation, their methodologies, and how pet owners can contribute to the science of pet nutrition. For context on feeding trials and industry standards, see: Part 1: Companies Excelling in Feeding Trials Part 2: Summit Ridge Farms Part 3: Food Research Lab Part 4: BioPharma Services 1. Veterinary Networks Veterinarians are a critical link between researchers and real-world pet p...

  💰 Part 4: BioPharma Services – Understanding Paid Clinical Trials in the Pet Food Industry In the evolving world of pet food, clinical trials are critical for ensuring nutritional adequacy, safety, and functional benefits . One company offering specialized services is BioPharma Services , which provides paid clinical trials for pet food products. Paid trials are common in both human and veterinary nutrition research, but they carry unique considerations regarding bias, data interpretation, and consumer trust . This post examines BioPharma Services’ methodology, the scientific reasoning behind paid studies, potential limitations, and why understanding these factors is crucial for both manufacturers and pet owners. For context on feeding trials and industry standards, refer to: Part 1: Companies Excelling in Feeding Trials Part 2: Summit Ridge Farms Part 3: Food Research Lab What Are Paid Clinical Trials? Paid clinical trials involve compensation to participants...

  📊 Part 3: Food Research Lab – Gathering Real-World Data for Pet Food Evaluation The modern pet food industry has evolved dramatically. Beyond traditional nutrient formulation, real-world data and feeding trials are becoming increasingly essential to ensure pets receive safe, balanced, and effective diets. Food Research Lab (FRL) is at the forefront of this shift, combining traditional AAFCO feeding trials with real-world observational data to evaluate pet food performance. This post explores their methodologies, how they leverage time in their research, and why their approach matters to both pet owners and manufacturers. For background on companies conducting rigorous feeding trials, see Part 1: Companies Excelling in Feeding Trials , and for insight into Summit Ridge Farms’ contributions, check Part 2: Summit Ridge Farms . The Role of Food Research Lab in Pet Food Evaluation Food Research Lab (FRL) provides services to the pet food industry that go beyond AAFCO compl...

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...