Pet Digest

In today’s pet food world, “Limited Ingredient Diet” (LID) is everywhere—but not all brands that use the term are truly limited or allergy-friendly. For dogs with sensitivities, fillers and hidden ingredients can cause just as much trouble as known allergens. Here’s what to look for—and the holistic brands that actually deliver. --- ✅ What Counts as a Real Limited Ingredient Diet? A true LID should include: One protein source (no "chicken fat" in a lamb formula!) One primary carbohydrate No artificial preservatives, dyes, or unnamed ingredients No unnecessary thickeners or flavorings Transparency in sourcing and labeling This clean, simplified approach allows your dog’s system to focus on healing, rather than fighting. --- ⏳ Timeframe for an LID Trial 30 days – Look for improvement: fewer digestive issues, calmer skin, better coat condition 90 days – Expect more dramatic changes, like healed skin, normalized stools, and reduced inflammation > 🐶 If your dog still shows som...

Beef is one of the most common proteins in commercial dog food—but it's also one of the most common allergens. Many pet parents are surprised to learn their dog can’t tolerate beef, yet does perfectly well on lamb, bison, or goat. So what's the difference? After all, they’re all hoofed animals, right? Let’s dig into the key differences between these red meats—and why not all hoofed proteins affect your dog the same way. --- 🐄 Beef: The Most Common Red Meat (and Allergen) Beef is found in everything from kibble to canned food, treats, chews, bones, and broths. And while it’s rich in protein, zinc, and iron, it's also heavily processed and overused in pet food—especially in low-cost brands. Signs your dog may be allergic or sensitive to beef: Itchy or inflamed skin Ear infections Loose stool or vomiting Chronic paw licking or chewing Bad gas or bloating --- 🐑 Lamb, Goat, Bison & Venison: Unique Proteins from Hoofed Animals Although all these animals fall under the “hoof...