Pet Digest

The Mouth: Where Digestion Begins When you think about your dog’s digestive system, you probably imagine the stomach or intestines—but digestion actually starts much earlier, right in the mouth. The mouth is the first step in your dog’s digestive journey and plays a crucial role in preparing food for the rest of the system. Why the Mouth Matters in Digestion The mouth does more than just hold food. Several components work together to initiate mechanical and chemical digestion: Teeth: For tearing, cutting, and grinding food. Saliva: Moistens food and begins chemical digestion. Tongue: Moves food around, helps taste, and pushes it to the throat. Oral lining: Protects tissues and aids taste sensation. Dogs tend to chew less than humans, which means the stomach does more work later. Still, chewing is vital not just for digestion but also for maintaining dental health. Your Dog’s Teeth: Built for the Job Adult dogs have 42 teeth designed mostly for tearin...

Carbohydrates in Dog Nutrition: Energy, Fiber & Myths Explained Carbohydrates have become one of the most debated components of a dog’s diet. From grain-free marketing to raw food philosophies, many pet parents are left wondering: do dogs really need carbs? And if so, what kind? In this article, we’ll explore the science behind carbohydrates in canine nutrition—what they do, where they come from, how they affect health, and how a holistic feeding plan can balance them wisely. What Are Carbohydrates? Carbohydrates are organic compounds made up of sugars, starches, and fiber. They are classified into three main types: Simple sugars (glucose, fructose) Complex starches (potatoes, rice, oats) Dietary fiber (from vegetables, legumes, whole grains) In a balanced canine diet, carbs can provide energy, promote digestive health, and even support gut flora through fermentable fibers like inulin or beet pulp. Do Dogs Need Carbohydrates? Tech...

The Effects of Dry Kibble on Your Dog’s Stomach: What You Should Know Dry kibble is one of the most common feeding choices for dogs today. It’s affordable, convenient, easy to store, and widely available. But just because something is common doesn’t mean it’s ideal—especially when it comes to your dog’s digestive system. Let’s take a deeper look at how kibble affects your dog’s stomach and overall gut health. 1. Dehydration Begins in the Bowl Dry kibble typically contains only 6–10% moisture, which means your dog is getting very little water through their food. This forces the digestive system to draw water from the body to help break down the food. Over time, this constant state of “internal dehydration” can put stress on the kidneys and digestive tract, especially in dogs that don’t drink enough water to compensate. 🔹 Tip: Adding warm water, bone broth, or raw goat’s milk to kibble can help ease digestion and support hydration. 2. Digestive Bloat and Gastric Distress Kibble expands ...

Why Most Dogs Prefer One Meal a Day If you’ve ever noticed your dog skipping breakfast or only getting truly excited about dinner, you’re not alone—and it’s not unusual. In fact, many dogs naturally lean toward eating just one meal a day. While feeding schedules can be a hot topic in the pet world, the “one meal a day” routine often aligns more closely with how dogs are biologically wired. A Look Back: What Did Their Ancestors Do? Dogs are descendants of wolves, and wolves are opportunistic hunters. In the wild, they may go for days without a successful hunt, and when they do eat, it’s often a large, single meal. Dogs inherited this feast-or-famine survival trait. While we’ve domesticated them and changed their environment, their basic digestive biology hasn’t evolved much. Digestive Efficiency A dog’s digestive system is designed to handle larger, more concentrated meals. Their stomach acid is much more acidic than ours, helping them break down big meals—and even bones—efficiently. Wh...