Pet Digest

Supplements Go Functional: Everyday Wellness Trends in 2025 Supplements aren’t just for senior dogs anymore. In 2025, functional supplements became one of the fastest-growing categories in pet care. Instead of pills and powders, brands are rolling out tasty chews designed to be part of a dog’s daily routine — much like a multivitamin for people. This shift marks a major evolution in how pet parents view wellness: not just about solving problems, but about proactive, preventive care for dogs of all ages. From Medicine Cabinet to Daily Routine Traditionally, supplements for dogs were used in very specific cases — glucosamine for arthritis, probiotics for diarrhea, fish oil for skin conditions. They were usually powders sprinkled on food or pills hidden in peanut butter, often reserved for older pets or those with health issues. But just as human wellness has embraced probiotics, collagen, adaptogens, and daily multivitamins, pet care is now catching up. According to industry surv...

Supporting a Calm Eater: How to Manage Anxiety & Feeding Behavior in Dogs If your dog eats like their life depends on it, there may be more going on than just hunger. Many “scarf and barf” dogs eat quickly because they’re anxious, overstimulated, or not confident around food. The good news? You can help. This post explores long-term ways to create a calm, safe feeding environment for your dog—and support their emotional health at the same time. --- 😟 How Anxiety Affects Mealtime Dogs with anxiety may: Obsess over food Gobble before they can relax Guard their food bowl Get fixated or overstimulated at mealtime These behaviors can stem from past trauma, high-energy environments, or just a naturally nervous temperament. --- 🌿 Creating a Calm Feeding Routine Calmness starts before the food hits the bowl. 🧘‍♂️ Pre-Meal Calm Take a short walk Do 5–10 minutes of scent work or training Use a quiet, distraction-free feeding area 🐕‍🦺 Training Tools Ask for a “sit” and “wait” before givi...

🧄 Dogs and Garlic: Superfood or Safety Risk? Garlic has long been praised in the human world for its immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory, and even anti-parasitic properties. But when it comes to dogs, garlic has sparked debate and confusion—some calling it toxic, others calling it a natural remedy. So, what’s the truth? Let’s break it down. --- 🧠 Why Garlic Gets a Bad Rap Garlic belongs to the Allium family, which also includes onions, leeks, and chives. These foods contain compounds called thiosulfates, which can damage red blood cells and lead to a condition called hemolytic anemia if consumed in high enough quantities. Most toxicity warnings come from studies using garlic extracts or powders in high, isolated doses—not small, fresh amounts integrated into a whole-food diet. --- ⚖️ Toxic or Therapeutic? It’s About the Dose According to holistic veterinarians like Dr. Richard Pitcairn, garlic can be safely used in moderation. The key is correct dosing and sourcing. 💡 Safe Garlic Dos...

Ashwagandha for Dogs: Calming Support from Nature What Is Ashwagandha? Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an ancient herb used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. It's considered an adaptogen—meaning it helps the body adapt to stress. In recent years, ashwagandha has made its way into the pet supplement world, gaining popularity for its calming and anti-inflammatory benefits in dogs. --- Why Give Ashwagandha to Dogs? Just like people, dogs experience stress, anxiety, and inflammation. Whether it’s loud noises, separation anxiety, aging, or chronic conditions—ashwagandha might offer a natural way to help: ✅ Stress and Anxiety Support Ashwagandha can help calm nervous system responses, reduce cortisol levels (the stress hormone), and promote a sense of calm. It’s often used in calming chews and anxiety-relief blends for dogs. ✅ Immune System Support Ashwagandha contains antioxidants that may help strengthen the immune system, which is especially helpful for senior dogs or ...

Top Supplements for Senior Dogs: Boosting Health in Their Golden Years Aging doesn’t mean slowing down—at least not without a fight. As dogs enter their senior years, they can benefit greatly from targeted nutritional support. In this post, I’m sharing some of the supplements I personally recommend and have seen make a difference—both in dogs and even humans in one case! 🐾 Triacta: Joint Support That Works Triacta is my top pick for senior dogs with mobility issues. It supports hips and joints with glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, and hyaluronic acid. I’ve seen firsthand improvements in senior dogs regaining mobility—and even people have seen benefits from trying this supplement themselves! 🥛 Goat’s Milk: Digestive and Immune Support Fermented goat’s milk is packed with probiotics and enzymes that support digestion and gut health. It’s a gentle option, especially for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Bonus: It also helps support immune function and hydration. 🥚 Quail Eggs: O...

Best Heart Health Supplements for Dogs Best Heart Health Supplements for Dogs Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and does not substitute veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian before starting any supplement. Heart disease in dogs, including conditions like Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM), can be influenced by both genetics and diet. While a balanced, meat-rich diet is the foundation of good cardiovascular health, supplements can offer added support—especially for breeds at risk or dogs on commercial kibble diets. This guide covers the most effective, science-backed supplements that support your dog's heart, plus tips for choosing quality products. 1. Taurine What it does: Taurine supports heart muscle strength, regulates heartbeat, and aids in calcium transport. Who benefits: Breeds with genetic predisposition to DCM (Golden Retrievers, Dobermans, Boxers), dogs on low-protein or grain-heavy diets, or dogs sh...

Legumes in Dog Food: Healthy Addition or DCM Risk? Legumes in Dog Food – Healthy Addition or DCM Risk? Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian about dietary decisions for your pet. Legumes—such as peas, lentils, chickpeas, and beans—have long been praised for their fiber, protein, and nutrient content. In recent years, they’ve become prominent in many grain-free dog foods as alternative carbohydrate sources. But with their rise in popularity has come scrutiny. Following the FDA’s investigation into cases of Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs eating grain-free foods, legumes have been placed under the microscope. Why Are Legumes in Dog Food? Legumes are used in dog food for several reasons: Cost-effective protein: Legumes offer plant-based protein at a lower cost than meat. High in fiber: They support digestive heal...

Shiny Coats & Happy Guts: Omegas and Coconut Oil for Dogs Shiny Coats & Happy Guts: The Power of Omegas and Coconut Oil for Dogs Part 1 of our Natural Wellness Series for Dogs Disclaimer: This post is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult with your veterinarian before starting any new supplements or dietary changes for your pet. Other posts in the Natural Wellness Series: Part 2: Mushrooms & Cordyceps – Immunity & Energy Boosters Part 3: Understanding Dog Anxiety – Signs, Causes & Calming Solutions Part 4: How Local Pet Stores Can Help Avoid Prescription Diets Why Fats Matter in Your Dog’s Diet Fats are not just a source of calories—they’re vital for skin and coat health, joint support, cognitive function, and inflammation regulation. Omega-3 fatty acids and medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) from coconut oil are two of the most beneficial fats you can offer your dog. Omega-3s: What Are T...