Pet Digest

Do All Grain-Free Dog Foods Have a Legume Base? Short answer: No. Many grain-free kibbles lean on legumes like peas, lentils, and chickpeas, but not all of them. The real question is balance — not simply “grains vs. legumes.” This post breaks down why legumes show up so often, when they’re a problem, and how to read the label like a pro. What “Grain-Free” Actually Means “Grain-free” simply means the recipe doesn’t include wheat, corn, rice, barley, or oats. Pet food still needs carbohydrate and starch to bind kibble and supply energy, so manufacturers replace grains with other starches and fibers. Common grain substitutes: Legumes: peas, lentils, chickpeas, beans Tubers: potatoes, sweet potatoes Roots & starches: tapioca, cassava, pumpkin If you want a refresher on reading panels, see our guide to decoding dog food labels . Why Legumes Became Popular in Grain-Free Diets Legumes are widely used because they’re cost-effective, supply plant protein and fib...

What the Research Really Says: Taurine, Diet, and DCM in Dogs Diet-associated dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) has become a growing concern, particularly in relation to grain-free diets and taurine deficiency. While not all cases of DCM are related to taurine or diet, the following studies have shown a clear link in specific breeds and dietary patterns.  This post will be mostly links to the key studies on Taurine, DCM, and Breed specifics. The goal with this post is to showcase the limitations of the research provided by our top scientists world-wide. I believe I have discussed on multiple occasions throughout this blog my views on DCM and the effects it has on our pets and their diets. However, I truly want to showcase the facts here and, how the evidence is limited. I also want to note how the studies are slowly loosing their progression since the conversation restarted in 2018.  📚 Key Studies on Taurine and DCM Pion et al. (1987) : The landmark study that identified ...