Pet Digest

🥕 Ways to Help Your Dog Lose Weight (Safely and Naturally) Let’s be honest — some of our pups are more marshmallow than muscle . Whether it's a few extra pounds from too many treats or a long-term weight gain issue, helping your dog slim down can improve their quality of life and even extend it. But where do you start? Here are vet-approved , natural , and dog-friendly ways to help your dog lose weight — without sacrificing love, treats, or tail wags. 🐾 1. Talk to Your Vet First Before making any changes, get a proper weight assessment and rule out medical conditions like hypothyroidism, Cushing’s disease, or joint pain that may be contributing to weight gain. Your vet can also help you determine a healthy goal weight. 🥦 2. Feed for the Weight They Should Be Most commercial food labels base feeding guidelines on ideal body weight, not your dog’s current size. If your dog is overweight, feeding according to their actual weight can perpetuate the problem. Adjust calori...

L-Carnitine & Post-Meal Movement: A Smarter Approach to Your Dog’s Weight Loss Helping your dog lose weight isn’t just about feeding less — it’s about feeding smart and supporting that diet with the right kind of movement. One powerful (and often overlooked) nutrient in the fight against fat is L-carnitine , and when paired with light post-meal activity, it can help your dog burn fat more efficiently. Let’s break down why it matters. What is L-Carnitine? L-carnitine is an amino acid-like compound that plays a major role in fat metabolism . It helps transport fatty acids into the mitochondria (the energy powerhouses in cells), where they’re burned for energy. Without enough L-carnitine, your dog’s body can’t efficiently turn fat into fuel. In dog food, L-carnitine is often added to weight-control formulas to help promote lean muscle and reduce fat stores. 🐶 Did You Know? A 2006 study published in The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry showed that L-carnitine supplemen...

Not All Kibble Is Created Equal – Here's the Science Behind It When it comes to feeding our dogs, it may seem like all kibble is the same — small, dry pellets conveniently bagged and marketed with shiny labels. But if you've ever wondered why your dog might be thriving on one brand and struggling with another, you're not alone. The truth is: not all kibble is created equal. Let's break down the different types and what science has to say about them. --- Types of Kibble: A Quick Overview There are three common categories of kibble you may encounter: 1. Veterinary Prescription Diets 2. Cold-Pressed or Minimally Processed Kibble 3. Standard Extruded Kibble Each one varies drastically in its ingredients, processing method, and how it interacts with your dog’s digestion and overall health. --- 1. Veterinary Prescription Diets Veterinary prescription diets are typically designed to address specific medical needs, such as kidney disease, diabetes, or gastrointestinal issues. T...