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...

Why Is My Dog a Picky Eater? Causes & Solutions That Work Does your dog ignore their bowl but beg for table scraps? You’re not alone. Picky eating is one of the most common frustrations among dog owners. While it might seem like your dog is just being stubborn, picky eating often stems from specific habits, feeding mistakes, or even deeper behavioral or health issues. Fortunately, there are holistic and practical ways to help your dog rediscover the joy of regular meals. Understanding the Causes Behind Picky Eating One of the most frequent contributors to picky eating is offering table scraps. While it may feel loving or harmless, feeding from your plate can condition your dog to expect tastier alternatives. Human meals are often more flavorful, oily, or rich—especially compared to plain kibble. Over time, this habit creates a cycle where your dog holds out for something \"better.\" Excessive treats are another culprit. Many dog treats are inc...

How to Make Raw Feeding More Affordable Without Cutting Corners Feeding your dog a raw diet can feel like the gold standard for canine health—fresh, species-appropriate, and full of bioavailable nutrients. But for many pet parents, the cost can feel like a roadblock. Let’s put some real numbers on the table before we talk savings. --- What Raw Feeding Really Costs Using the common formula (dog’s weight × 0.02 = lbs of food/day) and an average pre-made raw price of $25 for 4 lbs ($6.25/lb), here’s what feeding looks like: Small dog (20 lbs): 0.4 lbs/day → $2.50/day → $75/month Medium dog (40 lbs): 0.8 lbs/day → $5/day → $150/month Large dog (70 lbs): 1.4 lbs/day → $8.75/day → $262.50/month 👉 Not bad for a Chihuahua… but for a Lab? That’s over $250/month. --- How That Compares to Kibble Budget Kibble (Pedigree, ~$80 for 44 lbs) Small dog (20 lbs): $27–$55/month (typical ~$41) Medium dog (40 lbs): $55–$95/month (typical ~$75) Large dog (70 lbs): $95–$123/month (typical ~$109) Premium Kib...