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...

Understanding Fibre: Part 3 of Canine Nutrition Essentials Understanding Fibre: Part 3 of Canine Nutrition Essentials Welcome to Part 3 of our deep dive into the 7 Essential Nutrients in Canine Nutrition . Today, we focus on fibre — a key yet often misunderstood component of your dog’s diet. From digestion and gut health to weight management and immune support, fibre plays multiple vital roles in holistic canine wellbeing. What Is Fibre? Dietary fibre consists of the indigestible parts of plant foods that pass through the digestive system largely intact. Unlike proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, fibre is not broken down for energy but serves other important functions, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract. In dogs, fibre can be classified into two main types: Soluble fibre — dissolves in water to form a gel-like substance. It slows digestion and helps regulate blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Insoluble fibre — does not dissolve in water and adds b...

The Benefits of Wet Food and Adding Water to Kibble: Hydration, Digestion, and Whole-Body Wellness When it comes to feeding our dogs, most pet parents are familiar with the convenience of dry kibble. But what if that convenience comes at a cost? As we learn more about canine physiology, hydration, and digestion, the benefits of wet food—and even simply adding water to kibble—are becoming clear. This article explores how moist diets support your dog’s holistic health, and how small changes can lead to big improvements. Why Moisture Matters in Your Dog’s Diet Water is not just for drinking—it's essential in your dog's food too. Unlike wild canines that get moisture from prey, domestic dogs fed a dry-only diet may operate in a state of chronic, low-level dehydration. Kibble contains only about 6-10% moisture, while wet or raw diets typically range from 70-80%. Chronic dehydration can lead to long-term issues such as: Urinary tract infections Kidney ...

Why Is My Dog Inhaling Their Food? Understanding Fast Eating in Dogs Does your dog gobble down their food like it’s their last meal on Earth? Do they sometimes throw it up shortly after? This behavior, often called “scarf and barf,” is more common than you might think—and it’s not just quirky, it can be risky. Let’s dive into why dogs eat so fast, which breeds are most prone to it, and how stress or anxiety may be driving the behavior. --- 🐾 What Is “Scarf and Barf”? “Scarf and barf” describes dogs who eat their meals at lightning speed—only to regurgitate or vomit it soon after. It’s messy, alarming, and over time, it can cause real health concerns. Fast eaters are at higher risk for: Choking or gagging Gastrointestinal discomfort Gas and bloating Potentially life-threatening bloat (GDV), especially in large breeds --- 🧬 Breeds More Prone to Scarfing Some dogs are simply wired to eat fast. These breeds tend to be more food-driven or genetically incline...

Why Quality Matters: Would You Rather Have a Homemade Burger or Fast Food? Let’s talk about quality. We hear it all the time when it comes to pet food—“high quality,” “premium ingredients,” “whole food based”—but what does that actually mean for your dog’s health? To explain it, let me use my favorite analogy (and trust me, once you hear it, you’ll never look at kibble the same way again). 🍔 McDonald's vs. Homemade BBQ: The Analogy That Sums It Up If I took you to McDonald’s, how many burgers do you think you could eat? Two? Maybe three or four if you're really hungry? That ultra-processed fast food goes down easy. It's light, fluffy, full of fillers and flavor enhancers—and honestly, it barely feels like food at all. But how do you feel afterward? Bloated, maybe sluggish, and if you're like many people... you might even have some “tummy troubles.” Now imagine I invite you to my backyard and grill up some burgers made with real, whole foods . Good-quality gro...