Pet Digest

Pulse Diets in Dogs: Champion Petfoods and the Latest Research Updated: August 2025 Few topics in pet nutrition have stirred as much debate as pulse-rich diets and their potential link to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs. Peas, lentils, chickpeas, and beans—collectively known as pulses—have been used in many grain-free diets as primary sources of carbohydrates and plant proteins. But do they play a role in heart disease? A recent study brings more clarity, and one key detail has raised questions: it was funded by Champion Petfoods , makers of Orijen and ACANA. What Are Pulse Diets? Pulses are the seeds of legumes and include peas, lentils, chickpeas, and beans. In dog food, they are often added because they: Provide plant-based protein Offer dietary fiber Act as a low-glycemic carbohydrate source However, since 2018, pulses have been under scrutiny due to reports of dogs developing DCM while eating grain-free diets high in these ingredients. The FDA investi...

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...

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...