Pet Digest

Pulse Diets in Dogs: Champion Petfoods and the Latest Research Updated: August 2025 Few topics in pet nutrition have stirred as much debate as pulse-rich diets and their potential link to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs. Peas, lentils, chickpeas, and beans—collectively known as pulses—have been used in many grain-free diets as primary sources of carbohydrates and plant proteins. But do they play a role in heart disease? A recent study brings more clarity, and one key detail has raised questions: it was funded by Champion Petfoods , makers of Orijen and ACANA. What Are Pulse Diets? Pulses are the seeds of legumes and include peas, lentils, chickpeas, and beans. In dog food, they are often added because they: Provide plant-based protein Offer dietary fiber Act as a low-glycemic carbohydrate source However, since 2018, pulses have been under scrutiny due to reports of dogs developing DCM while eating grain-free diets high in these ingredients. The FDA investi...

🐾 Carbs in Dog Food: What Pet Food Labels Aren’t Telling You When shopping for dog food, most pet parents focus on protein and fat content—but what about carbohydrates? Surprisingly, many pet food labels leave this information out entirely. Here’s why carbs matter, how to calculate them yourself, and what it means for your dog’s health. --- 🧐 Why Are Carbs Hidden? Unlike human food labels, pet food in North America isn’t required to list carbohydrate content. Instead, they focus on: Crude protein Crude fat Moisture Fiber Ash (sometimes) This means you’ll have to do the math yourself if you want to know how much of your dog’s food is made up of carbs. --- 📊 How to Calculate Carbs in Dog Food Use this simple equation: 100 - (Protein% + Fat% + Moisture% + Fiber% + Ash%) = Carbohydrates% > ⚠️ If ash isn’t listed (it often isn’t), assume 8% for kibble-based diets. Example: Let’s say a dog food lists: Protein: 25% Fat: 15% Moisture: 10% Fiber: 4% Ash (not listed): Assume 8% 100 - (25 +...

Why You Should Consider Going Grain-Free for Your Dog As pet parents, we all want the best for our dogs—from exercise to mental stimulation to the food in their bowl. One of the most talked-about trends in pet nutrition is the grain-free diet, and it’s not just a passing fad. For many dogs, cutting grains from their diet can lead to better digestion, shinier coats, fewer allergies, and overall improved health. If you’re wondering whether grain-free might be right for your pup, here are five reasons to consider making the switch—backed by veterinary insights and research. --- 1. Grains Aren’t a Natural Part of a Dog’s Ancestral Diet Dogs are descendants of wolves, who primarily ate meat, bones, and some plant matter—not corn, wheat, or rice. While dogs have adapted somewhat to modern diets, their digestive systems are still optimized for high-protein, low-carb foods. According to PetMD, a grain-free diet may better align with your dog’s natural nutritional needs, offering ingredients th...