Pet Digest

  What Is Hypoallergenic Dog Food? Walk down any pet food aisle and you’ll see the word “hypoallergenic” on many labels. But what does it really mean? If your dog has itchy skin, ear infections, or digestive issues, your vet may recommend trying a hypoallergenic diet. However, the term can be a little misleading — especially when you notice that some so-called hypoallergenic foods are chicken-based, even though chicken is one of the most common food allergens in dogs. What Does “Hypoallergenic” Mean? Hypoallergenic doesn’t mean allergy-free. It simply means the food is formulated to reduce the risk of allergic reactions . In veterinary medicine, this usually falls into two categories: Novel protein diets – Using less common proteins such as venison, duck, rabbit, or kangaroo, which your dog’s immune system is less likely to react to. Hydrolyzed protein diets – Proteins (often chicken, soy, or fish) that are chemically broken down into tiny fragments (peptides) so the imm...

Are We Getting Enough Variety in Our Pets’ Diets? What Common Ingredients Mean for Their Health Last updated: August 2025 A recent 2025 report from NARA reveals that U.S. pet food production used over 600 different ingredients in 2024, including a substantial volume of upcycled rendered ingredients like organ meats, fats, and bones 0. As pet food formulators continue to depend on these staples, a key question emerges: are our pets getting enough dietary variety—and could popular ingredients be driving allergies? What the Data Tells Us About Ingredient Variety Here’s what the NARA report reveals about ingredient usage and sustainability: Manufacturers used over **600 safe, nutritious ingredients** in 2024, thanks to rendering and smart sourcing 1. Upcycling through rendering repurposed more than **4 million tons** of otherwise wasted materials—3 million for dogs, 1 million for cats—helping reduce landfill waste 2. Despite the sheer number of ingredients, many pet f...