Pet Digest

Vegan Diets for Dogs: A Trend with Hidden Dangers? Understanding the Link to DCM Last updated: August 2025 Over the last decade, veganism has grown beyond being just a human lifestyle choice. More pet owners are now choosing to feed their dogs plant-based diets, citing ethical, environmental, and health reasons. But with veganism for dogs trending, an important question arises: is this diet truly safe for our canine companions? One of the most alarming concerns linked to plant-based dog diets is the potential connection to canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) , a heart condition that has been reported more frequently in the past several years. In this post, we’ll explore what veganism for dogs looks like, why it’s trending, why even major brands are creating vegan dog foods, and how it may relate to the increased reports of DCM cases. Why Vegan Diets for Dogs Are Trending The push toward plant-based diets for dogs mirrors the rise of veganism among humans. Many dog parents w...

Understanding Vitamins: An In-Depth Guide to Canine Nutrition Vitamins are essential micronutrients that support countless physiological processes in your dog’s body. Unlike macronutrients such as proteins or fats, vitamins are required in small amounts but play vital roles in metabolism, immune function, skin and coat health, vision, and more. This comprehensive guide will explore the different types of vitamins your dog needs, their functions, natural sources, signs of deficiency or toxicity, and how to balance them in a holistic diet. What Are Vitamins? Vitamins are organic compounds that dogs require from their diet because they cannot produce enough internally. They are divided into two main categories: Fat-soluble vitamins: Vitamins A, D, E, and K. These dissolve in fat and are stored in body tissues, so excess intake can lead to toxicity. Water-soluble vitamins: B-complex vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12) and vitamin C. These dissolve in wate...

Vegan and Vegetarianism in Dogs: Can Dogs Thrive on Plant-Based Diets? With increasing awareness of environmental sustainability, animal welfare, and health concerns, more dog owners are exploring vegan and vegetarian diets for their canine companions. But can dogs truly thrive on plant-based diets? This article examines the science, benefits, risks, and holistic considerations involved in feeding dogs without meat. Plant-based dog food is growing in popularity but requires careful formulation. Are Dogs Naturally Carnivores? Dogs are considered facultative carnivores , meaning they primarily eat meat but can digest and utilize some plant materials. Unlike obligate carnivores (like cats), dogs have evolved digestive enzymes that break down starches and plant fibers. However, their nutritional requirements include some nutrients predominantly found in animal products. For example, essential amino acids like taurine and L-carnitine are critical for ...

The Role of Water: Part 7 of Canine Nutrition Essentials Welcome to Part 7 of our comprehensive series on the 7 Essential Nutrients in Canine Nutrition . Today, we focus on water , the most fundamental nutrient for your dog’s survival, health, and wellbeing. Why Is Water Essential for Dogs? Water makes up approximately 60-70% of a dog’s body weight and is involved in every bodily function, including: Cellular functions: Transporting nutrients and oxygen to cells and removing waste. Thermoregulation: Helping maintain body temperature through panting and evaporation. Digestion: Assisting in breaking down food and facilitating nutrient absorption. Joint lubrication: Keeping joints flexible and reducing wear and tear. Blood circulation: Constituting a major part of blood plasma for efficient circulation. How Much Water Does Your Dog Need? Water needs vary depending on factors such as size, age, diet, activity, and environmental conditions. A com...

Understanding Vitamins: Part 6 of Canine Nutrition Essentials Understanding Vitamins: Part 6 of Canine Nutrition Essentials Welcome to Part 6 of our comprehensive series on the 7 Essential Nutrients in Canine Nutrition . This post dives into vitamins — organic compounds vital for countless physiological processes that keep your dog healthy, energetic, and thriving. What Are Vitamins? Vitamins are micronutrients required in small amounts but crucial for metabolism, immune function, growth, and repair. Unlike minerals, vitamins are organic and can be divided into two categories: Fat-soluble vitamins: A, D, E, and K — stored in body fat and liver. Water-soluble vitamins: B-complex (including B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, folate) and vitamin C — not stored extensively, require regular dietary intake. Key Vitamins and Their Roles Vitamin A Supports vision, skin and coat health, immune function, and cell growth. Vitamin D Regulates calcium and phosphorus absorpti...

Understanding Protein: Part 5 of Canine Nutrition Essentials Understanding Protein: Part 5 of Canine Nutrition Essentials Welcome to Part 5 of our ongoing series on the 7 Essential Nutrients in Canine Nutrition . Today, we dive deep into protein — one of the most critical building blocks for your dog’s health, growth, and wellbeing. Protein supports muscle development, enzyme and hormone production, immune function, and much more. What Is Protein? Proteins are large, complex molecules made up of amino acids, which are the “building blocks” of life. Dogs require protein from their diet because they cannot produce all the amino acids they need internally. Amino acids are categorized as: Essential amino acids: Must be supplied through diet. Non-essential amino acids: Can be synthesized by the dog’s body. Why Is Protein Important for Dogs? Protein plays many key roles, including: Muscle maintenance and growth: Critical for puppies, active dogs, and ...

Carbohydrates in Dog Nutrition: Energy, Fiber & Myths Explained Carbohydrates have become one of the most debated components of a dog’s diet. From grain-free marketing to raw food philosophies, many pet parents are left wondering: do dogs really need carbs? And if so, what kind? In this article, we’ll explore the science behind carbohydrates in canine nutrition—what they do, where they come from, how they affect health, and how a holistic feeding plan can balance them wisely. What Are Carbohydrates? Carbohydrates are organic compounds made up of sugars, starches, and fiber. They are classified into three main types: Simple sugars (glucose, fructose) Complex starches (potatoes, rice, oats) Dietary fiber (from vegetables, legumes, whole grains) In a balanced canine diet, carbs can provide energy, promote digestive health, and even support gut flora through fermentable fibers like inulin or beet pulp. Do Dogs Need Carbohydrates? Tech...

Food allergies in dogs are becoming more common, and they often go unnoticed or misdiagnosed. If your dog has itchy skin, frequent ear infections, soft stools, or constant paw licking, they may be reacting to something in their food—often a protein they’ve eaten for years. This is where novel proteins come in. --- 🐾 What Is a Novel Protein? A novel protein is one your dog’s body hasn’t encountered before—meaning their immune system hasn’t built up a negative response to it. Common examples include: Duck Rabbit Venison Goat Kangaroo Bison Quail Ostrich Because these proteins are less commonly used in mass-market pet food, they’re ideal for elimination diets and dogs with food sensitivities. --- 🔄 How Novel Proteins Help with Allergies Food allergies happen when the immune system overreacts to specific proteins. The longer your dog eats the same protein—especially if it’s low-quality or overprocessed—the higher the risk of sensitization. Switching to a novel protein gives the immune sy...