Pet Digest

Why Dogs Shouldn’t Eat Raw Ground Beef or Human Meats 🐶 Why Dogs Shouldn’t Eat Raw Ground Beef or Human Meats: A Safety Warning for Pet Parents Feeding your dog a raw diet can be an excellent way to nourish their body with species-appropriate ingredients—when done responsibly. But tossing raw ground beef or grocery store chicken into their bowl is not the same as feeding a balanced raw pet food. In fact, it could be putting your pet at serious risk. In this article, we'll explore the key differences between raw human meats and raw pet food, the hidden dangers in supermarket meat, why nutritional balance matters, and how to safely feed your dog raw if you choose that path. Raw Meat Isn't Always Safe Raw Food Many pet parents assume raw is raw—but that’s a dangerous oversimplification. Commercial raw dog foods are prepared, handled, and packaged with raw consumption in mind. Human meats, however, are not. They're produced with the assumption that they will be cooked be...

The Role of Fats in Your Dog’s Health: Omegas, Energy & Skin Benefits Fats have long been misunderstood in both human and canine nutrition. While often associated with weight gain, healthy fats are essential to your dog’s health. In fact, fats provide more than twice the energy of proteins or carbohydrates, and they’re critical for everything from brain function to a glossy coat. Why Do Dogs Need Fat? Fats are more than just calories—they’re vital macronutrients that support: Absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) Cell structure and hormone production Healthy skin and coat Brain development and cognitive function Insulation and body temperature regulation Types of Fat in Dog Nutrition Saturated Fats: Found in animal sources like chicken fat and beef tallow. Provide dense energy and are less prone to oxidation. Monounsaturated Fats: Found in olive oil and some nuts. Less common in dog food, but still beneficial. Polyunsaturated Fats: In...

Beat the Summer Heat and Stay Hydrated: Natural Ways to Keep Your Dog Cool and Healthy Summer can be a challenging season for our canine companions. With rising temperatures and long, hot days, it’s more important than ever to ensure that your dog remains properly hydrated. This post explores holistic, science-backed methods to keep your dog cool and healthy, while integrating natural feeding strategies, practical tips, and research evidence to support our approach. The Importance of Hydration for Dogs Water is essential to every life form, and dogs are no exception. Adequate hydration helps maintain vital bodily functions including digestion, temperature regulation, circulation, and waste removal. In hotter months, a dog’s water requirements may increase due to factors like panting, exercise, and environmental heat. Studies have shown that dehydration is not only uncomfortable—it can lead to serious health issues like kidney damage, heatstroke, or even shock ( ScienceDir...

All Natural vs Organic – Is There a Difference? Pet parents are more label-conscious than ever. But in the ever-growing world of dog food marketing, two labels often create confusion: “Natural” and “Organic.” These words may seem interchangeable, but they’re not. Understanding the difference is crucial for making informed, healthy decisions for your dog’s diet. What Does “Natural” Mean in Dog Food? According to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), natural dog food must be: Derived from plant, animal, or mined sources Not produced by or subject to a chemically synthetic process Not containing any chemically synthetic additives or processing aids However, the term “natural” is not federally regulated in the U.S., and there is no consistent third-party verification. It’s also important to note that foods labeled “natural” can still contain things like: Preservatives (e.g., mixed tocopherols, used to keep fats from going rancid) Synthetic vitamins or minerals (like V...

Treats That Should Be Marketed for Both Dogs and Cats Because good ingredients don’t need a species label. We live in a world where dogs steal cat treats and cats nibble on dog jerky—and the truth is, many treats don’t need to be separated by species at all. Especially in multi-pet homes, the overlap in healthy, species-appropriate ingredients is huge. So why are treats marketed so differently? Why the Divide Exists Short answer: marketing and money. The pet industry thrives on duplication—more labels, more packaging, more sales. But if you read the back of a high-quality single-ingredient cat treat and compare it to a dog treat… they’re often identical. Dogs are scavenging carnivores, cats are obligate carnivores, and both benefit from meat-first, low-carb, additive-free snacks. Treats That Are Perfect for Both Dogs and Cats 🐟 Freeze-Dried Fish (Salmon, Minnow, Whitefish) Why it works: High in Omega-3s, supports joint and coat health, and irresistible to both speci...

Dental Kibble for Dogs: Why I Don’t Recommend It “But it’s dental kibble—it’s supposed to clean their teeth, right?” It’s one of the most common misconceptions I hear from well-meaning pet parents: that a special kibble marketed for dental health will keep their dog’s teeth clean and gums healthy. Unfortunately, dental kibble isn’t the magic solution it’s advertised to be—and in many cases, it can give pet parents a false sense of security while underlying issues continue to develop. Let’s unpack the truth about dental kibble, and what I do recommend instead. --- 🦷 But First—Dogs Don’t Chew Like We Do One of the biggest flaws in the logic behind dental kibble is assuming that dogs chew their food in the same way humans do. They don’t. Dogs lack flat molars meant for grinding food the way we do. Their jaws move up and down only—not side to side—so there’s very little grinding or shearing motion. Most dogs are gulpers, not chewers. Especially with kibble, which is small, dry, and easy t...

Why Rotational Feeding Is One of the Best Things You Can Do for Your Dog --- One Bowl, One Brand, Forever? Not Anymore. For years, pet owners were told to never switch their dog’s food—that it would cause stomach upset or make them picky. But just like us, dogs thrive on variety. That’s where rotational feeding comes in—and it might be one of the smartest choices you make for your dog’s long-term health. --- 🥩 What Is Rotational Feeding? Rotational feeding is the practice of switching your dog’s food on a regular basis. This could mean rotating: Proteins (like chicken, beef, turkey, duck, or fish) Carbohydrates (rice, oats, barley, lentils, sweet potato) Formats (kibble, raw, gently cooked, freeze-dried, etc.) Brands (especially when supporting independent or transparent companies) You can rotate weekly, monthly, or even every bag—as long as the diets are complete and balanced. --- ✅ Benefits of Rotational Feeding Here’s why more pet nutrition experts and holistic vets support it: ---...

What Is a Designer Diet for Dogs? The Trendy Foods Pet Parents Should Think Twice About Designer Diets: Trendy or Truly Beneficial? If you’ve ever walked into a pet store and seen dog food labeled as “ancestral,” “wild,” or “biologically appropriate,” you’ve probably come across a designer diet—but what does that actually mean? And more importantly, is it really good for your dog? Let’s break it down in a way that’s honest, practical, and backed by what we know today. --- 🐾 What Is a Designer Diet? The term “designer diet” usually refers to boutique, grain-free, or exotic-ingredient dog food. These formulas became popular as pet parents started demanding more from dog food—less mystery meat and more recognizable, premium ingredients. Designer diets often include: Exotic proteins like kangaroo, rabbit, or bison Uncommon carbs like lentils, chickpeas, or sweet potatoes Buzzwords like "ancestral," “wild-caught,” or “raw-inspired” Grain-free claims, often without a real reason S...

Mushrooms & Cordyceps for Dogs: Immunity and Energy Boosters Mushrooms & Cordyceps: Immunity and Energy Boosters for Dogs Part 2 of our Natural Wellness Series for Dogs Disclaimer: This content is intended for informational purposes only and does not substitute veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian before starting new supplements or changes in your dog’s routine. Catch Up on the Series: Part 1: Shiny Coats & Happy Guts – Omega Fatty Acids & Coconut Oil Part 3: Understanding Dog Anxiety – Signs, Causes & Calming Solutions Part 4: How Local Pet Stores Can Help Avoid Prescription Diets Why Medicinal Mushrooms Matter Mushrooms have long been revered in traditional medicine. Now, veterinary research is uncovering their powerful immune-boosting properties for dogs. Mushrooms like Reishi, Shiitake, Maitake, Turkey Tail , and Cordyceps contain beta-glucans—bioactive compounds that support immune regulation, inflammation control, and even cancer ...