Pet Digest

Bugs on the Menu: A Friendly Guide to Insect-Based Dog Foods Insect-based dog food may sound futuristic, but it’s quickly becoming a mainstream, sustainable alternative to traditional animal proteins. Once seen as an experiment, it’s now a practical and safe option for pet parents seeking eco-friendly, allergy-conscious, or novel-protein diets for their dogs. 🐛 Which Insects Are Used in Dog Food? The pet food industry relies on a few key insect species that are easy to farm, nutrient-dense, and approved by regulatory bodies: Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) – Hermetia illucens ; rich in protein, calcium, and lauric acid, making it the top choice for insect-based diets. Mealworms – Tenebrio molitor ; prized for high-quality protein and unsaturated fats, often used in dry kibble and treats. Crickets – Acheta domesticus ; a good source of amino acids and fiber, appearing in several emerging brands worldwide. Other species – such as silkworm ...

Dog Food Brands Founded by Vets: Should You Trust Them? Last updated: August 2025 Pet parents are bombarded with marketing that says a dog food is “vet-formulated” or “recommended by veterinarians.” But what does that really mean? Does having a vet on staff guarantee a balanced, safe, or effective diet? Or is it often just marketing hype? Some brands go a step further: they are actually founded by veterinarians . Today we take a critical look at some of the most notable vet-founded brands: Dr. Marty, Raised Right, Dr. Harvey’s, and Nine and Line . We’ll examine their credibility, formulation philosophy, scientific backing, and potential pitfalls so you can make informed choices for your dog’s health. Vet-Founded vs. Vet-Advised: Understanding the Difference Before we dive into brands, it’s crucial to understand the difference: Vet-Founded: A veterinarian actually started the company, often influencing ingredient selection and diet formulation. Example: Dr. Marty , cre...

When shopping for your pup’s food, it might seem like you're choosing from a wide variety of brands. But in reality, many of the most popular dog food brands are owned by just a handful of major corporations—and one of the biggest players is Mars Inc. Yes, that Mars—the same company behind M&M’s and Snickers—is also a global powerhouse in the pet food industry. 🏢 Who Is Mars Petcare? Mars Petcare is a division of Mars Inc. and one of the largest pet food companies in the world. Beyond candy and snacks, they’ve built a massive portfolio of pet brands, veterinary clinics, and even DNA testing services for pets. Their mission? “A Better World for Pets.” But pet parents should be informed about what that really means when it comes to the food in your dog’s bowl. 🐾 Dog Food Brands Owned by Mars Here are some of the most well-known dog food brands under the Mars Petcare umbrella: 1. Royal Canin Known for its breed-specific and prescription diets, Royal Canin is marketed heavily thr...