Pet Digest

  What Is Hypoallergenic Dog Food? Walk down any pet food aisle and you’ll see the word “hypoallergenic” on many labels. But what does it really mean? If your dog has itchy skin, ear infections, or digestive issues, your vet may recommend trying a hypoallergenic diet. However, the term can be a little misleading — especially when you notice that some so-called hypoallergenic foods are chicken-based, even though chicken is one of the most common food allergens in dogs. What Does “Hypoallergenic” Mean? Hypoallergenic doesn’t mean allergy-free. It simply means the food is formulated to reduce the risk of allergic reactions . In veterinary medicine, this usually falls into two categories: Novel protein diets – Using less common proteins such as venison, duck, rabbit, or kangaroo, which your dog’s immune system is less likely to react to. Hydrolyzed protein diets – Proteins (often chicken, soy, or fish) that are chemically broken down into tiny fragments (peptides) so the imm...

Faim Miseau: Understanding Your Dog’s Hunger Cues from a Holistic Perspective Have you ever heard the term "faim miseau" ? While not commonly used in veterinary medicine, it's a phrase that appears in canine wellness communities, often to describe what seems like "false hunger" or a complex mixture of emotional and physical hunger signals in dogs. What Does "Faim Miseau" Mean? Derived loosely from French, "faim" means hunger. "Miseau" is less clear—it may be a misspelling, a regionalism, or a coined term. In holistic pet circles, the phrase is used to refer to non-nutritional hunger , where dogs appear to want food but may actually be experiencing: Digestive imbalance Boredom or anxiety Blood sugar crashes Lack of satiety from low-quality kibble How Dogs Experience Hunger Unlike humans, dogs rely more on routine and behavioral cues to anticipate meals. According to a 2022 study in Front...