Pet Digest

  Why Puppy Food Can Be a Smart Choice for Growing Dogs When it comes to feeding a growing dog, owners are often confronted with a bewildering array of kibble, canned food, and homemade options. One category consistently recommended by veterinarians and canine nutritionists is puppy food. While it’s designed for puppies, there are clear reasons it may be the best choice during early life stages — and even in certain special cases beyond puppyhood. Understanding why puppy food works, what it provides, and how it differs from adult dog food helps pet parents make informed decisions that promote lifelong health. --- Nutrient Density Matters Puppy food is formulated to be nutrient-dense, meaning it provides more protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals per cup than typical adult dog food. Puppies grow quickly — they’re building bones, muscles, skin, and organs — and require more calories and nutrients than adult dogs. Think of it like infant formula for humans. Babies require p...

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...