Pet Digest

Do All Grain-Free Dog Foods Have a Legume Base? Short answer: No. Many grain-free kibbles lean on legumes like peas, lentils, and chickpeas, but not all of them. The real question is balance — not simply “grains vs. legumes.” This post breaks down why legumes show up so often, when they’re a problem, and how to read the label like a pro. What “Grain-Free” Actually Means “Grain-free” simply means the recipe doesn’t include wheat, corn, rice, barley, or oats. Pet food still needs carbohydrate and starch to bind kibble and supply energy, so manufacturers replace grains with other starches and fibers. Common grain substitutes: Legumes: peas, lentils, chickpeas, beans Tubers: potatoes, sweet potatoes Roots & starches: tapioca, cassava, pumpkin If you want a refresher on reading panels, see our guide to decoding dog food labels . Why Legumes Became Popular in Grain-Free Diets Legumes are widely used because they’re cost-effective, supply plant protein and fib...

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...

What is Rotational Feeding & Why We Do It If you ate the same meal every single day, you’d eventually get bored—and your body might start missing out on key nutrients. The same is true for dogs. That’s why more pet parents (and many vets and nutritionists) are turning to rotational feeding. Rotational feeding simply means switching up your dog’s diet on a regular basis. This can mean rotating proteins, food formats, or even brands. When done thoughtfully, it helps build stronger digestion, reduces the risk of allergies, and keeps mealtimes exciting. --- Why Consider Rotating Your Dog’s Diet? Feeding the same formula for years might feel safe, but it has some downsides. By rotating foods, you can: Support gut health – More ingredient variety = a more resilient microbiome. Reduce food sensitivities – Constant exposure to one protein increases the risk of allergies. Broaden nutrient exposure – Different foods contribute different vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Prevent picky eati...

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: ---...