Pet Digest

Understanding Ketogenic Diets: High Fat, Low Carb Nutrition Explained The ketogenic diet—often called “keto”—has gained popularity in recent years for both humans and pets. But what exactly does “ketogenic” mean, and why is it such a hot topic? At its core, a ketogenic diet shifts the body’s main fuel source away from carbohydrates and toward fat. This metabolic state, known as ketosis , can have profound effects on energy use, weight management, and even certain health conditions. What Is a Ketogenic Diet? A ketogenic diet is typically described as: High in fat : The majority of calories (often 70–80%) come from fats such as oils, animal fats, and fatty cuts of meat. Low to moderate in protein : Protein intake is controlled—too much protein can interfere with ketosis. Low to no carbohydrates : Carbohydrates are severely restricted, often less than 5–10% of daily calories. This composition encourages the body to produce ketones —molecules created from fat metabolism—which s...

  Rosemary Extract in Pet Food: Natural Preservative or Hidden Risk? In recent years, more pet food companies have shifted away from synthetic preservatives like BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin. Instead, many brands now highlight “natural preservatives” on their labels—most commonly rosemary extract. Rosemary extract is valued for its natural antioxidant properties, but some pet parents have concerns about whether it may be linked to seizures in dogs. Let’s break down what rosemary extract is, how it’s used, and what the science says about its safety. --- What Is Rosemary Extract? Rosemary extract is derived from the rosemary plant (Rosmarinus officinalis), a common culinary herb. In pet food, it isn’t used for flavor but for its antioxidant compounds, particularly carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid. These compounds help slow down the oxidation of fats and oils in kibble and treats, extending shelf life and preserving nutritional quality. Pet Food Institute – Preservatives --- Why Is Rosem...

Subscription Dog Foods: Expanded Brand Guide — Why Try Them, What to Watch For Part 2 — a follow-up to “Subscription Dog Foods: Trend or Something to Rely On?” . This picks up where that post left off and expands the brand-by-brand breakdown, pricing guidance, the difference between autoship and subscription, and a deeper look at why this isn't just a passing trend. Quick connecting paragraph If you read our overview post, you already know the basics: subscription services promise convenience, customization, and fresher-feeling options than traditional kibble. Below we dig deeper into five popular companies — what makes each appealing, the real caveats pet parents should consider, and how cost and logistics factor into long-term reliability. How to read the ratings Cost rating (quick guide): 💲 = Most affordable 💲💲 = Moderate 💲💲💲 = Premium 💲💲💲💲 = High-end 💲💲💲💲💲 = Luxury / very high ...

Science Diet’s Microbiome Launch — What Does It Really Change? Science Diet recently introduced its new “Microbiome” formulas, featuring prebiotics and specialty fiber blends (ActivBiome+). Many pet parents are wondering: does this update meaningfully improve the food — or is it mostly a marketing refresh? What Is Microbiome Nutrition? The gut microbiome is the community of trillions of microbes living in the digestive tract. These bacteria influence: Nutrient absorption Immune system regulation Skin and coat health Behavior via the gut–brain axis Hill’s ActivBiome+ adds prebiotics (fermentable fibers) intended to feed beneficial gut bacteria, which can help with stool quality and gas control when paired with an overall balanced diet. Why quality matters in dog food: would you rather feed better? The Ingredient Concern Despite the microbiome-forward marketing, many Science Diet formulas still list corn, wheat, or animal by-pro...

Can Dogs Eat Cat Food? (And Why Cats Should Never Eat Dog Food) --- Caught Your Dog Snacking from the Cat Bowl? You’re Not Alone. It’s a common scene: you turn around, and your dog’s muzzle is buried in the cat’s food bowl—tail wagging like they’ve discovered buried treasure. But is it safe? Can dogs eat cat food? And why is it such a big deal if your cat eats the dog’s food? Let’s break it down. --- 🐾 The Big Difference Between Cat Food and Dog Food Cats and dogs may both be carnivores, but they have very different nutritional needs. Cats are obligate carnivores – they must eat meat to survive. Dogs are opportunistic omnivores – they thrive on a balance of animal proteins, fats, and carbs. This means that cat food is much richer in animal protein and fat—designed to fuel your feline’s meat-powered metabolism. Dog food, on the other hand, is typically more balanced and lower in protein. --- 🍽️ Key Nutritional Differences Nutrient Cat Food Dog Food Protein Very high Moderate to high F...

When shopping for your pup’s food, it might seem like you're choosing from a wide variety of brands. But in reality, many of the most popular dog food brands are owned by just a handful of major corporations—and one of the biggest players is Mars Inc. Yes, that Mars—the same company behind M&M’s and Snickers—is also a global powerhouse in the pet food industry. 🏢 Who Is Mars Petcare? Mars Petcare is a division of Mars Inc. and one of the largest pet food companies in the world. Beyond candy and snacks, they’ve built a massive portfolio of pet brands, veterinary clinics, and even DNA testing services for pets. Their mission? “A Better World for Pets.” But pet parents should be informed about what that really means when it comes to the food in your dog’s bowl. 🐾 Dog Food Brands Owned by Mars Here are some of the most well-known dog food brands under the Mars Petcare umbrella: 1. Royal Canin Known for its breed-specific and prescription diets, Royal Canin is marketed heavily thr...