Pet Digest

The Honest Kitchen: Human-Grade Pet Food You Can Trust The Honest Kitchen: Human-Grade Pet Food You Can Trust Published: July 31 Human-Grade Pet Food That’s Changing the Industry The Honest Kitchen was one of the first companies to proudly carry the "human-grade" label—meaning their food is legally made to the same quality standards as food for people. Unlike conventional pet food, which is often made with feed-grade ingredients, The Honest Kitchen prioritizes clean, ethically sourced whole foods and transparent manufacturing practices. What Does “Human-Grade” Actually Mean? To qualify as human-grade, every ingredient and every part of the production process must meet FDA standards for human consumption. That includes: Approved human food facilities Traceable, non-GMO produce Real meat without byproducts or preservatives No rendered meals or feed-grade fillers Whole Food Nutrition, Dehydrated for Convenience The Honest Kitchen offers several...

Ziwi Peak: Gently Air-Dried Goodness from New Zealand Published: July 31 Why Ziwi Peak Is More Than Just Premium Dog Food In the world of dog nutrition, few names evoke the same level of trust and admiration as Ziwi Peak . Made in New Zealand using only ethically sourced meats and nutrient-rich ingredients, Ziwi Peak has created a category of its own: air-dried food that mimics the benefits of raw, without the hassle. With a focus on whole-prey nutrition, minimal processing, and traceability, it's no wonder pet parents globally are making the switch. Origins Rooted in Ethical Farming Ziwi was founded on a simple yet revolutionary belief: that dogs deserve food that mirrors their ancestral diet. Based in New Zealand, the brand takes full advantage of the country's strict biosecurity laws and high animal welfare standards. All meats are sourced from free-range farms or sustainable fisheries. Unlike most commercial brands, Ziwi Peak is independently owne...

The Role of Fats in Your Dog’s Health: Omegas, Energy & Skin Benefits Fats have long been misunderstood in both human and canine nutrition. While often associated with weight gain, healthy fats are essential to your dog’s health. In fact, fats provide more than twice the energy of proteins or carbohydrates, and they’re critical for everything from brain function to a glossy coat. Why Do Dogs Need Fat? Fats are more than just calories—they’re vital macronutrients that support: Absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) Cell structure and hormone production Healthy skin and coat Brain development and cognitive function Insulation and body temperature regulation Types of Fat in Dog Nutrition Saturated Fats: Found in animal sources like chicken fat and beef tallow. Provide dense energy and are less prone to oxidation. Monounsaturated Fats: Found in olive oil and some nuts. Less common in dog food, but still beneficial. Polyunsaturated Fats: In...

Supporting Your Dog’s Health with Prescription Diets from JustFoodForDogs When our dogs face health challenges, providing the right nutrition becomes more than just a choice—it’s a vital part of their overall care. Dogs with kidney disease, liver issues, metabolic conditions, joint problems, or skin sensitivities often require a prescription diet to support their recovery and maintain quality of life. JustFoodForDogs offers a range of veterinary-prescribed meals designed to meet these unique nutritional needs. Developed in collaboration with veterinarians, these meals ensure that every ingredient is carefully selected and balanced for optimal canine health. Understanding Prescription Diets for Dogs Prescription diets are specially formulated foods recommended by veterinarians to manage or prevent specific medical conditions in dogs. Unlike standard commercial dog foods, prescription diets contain precise levels of protein, fat, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, adjusted to support th...

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...

Who Really Owns Your Dog’s Food? A Side-by-Side Look at 4 Major Corporations Behind many familiar dog food brands are large corporations with complex portfolios, priorities beyond pet nutrition, and mixed records on transparency. Here's a comparative look at four key industry players: General Mills, Colgate-Palmolive, Diamond Pet Foods, and Spectrum Brands. 🥣 General Mills (Blue Buffalo) Parent Company: General Mills Flagship Brand: Blue Buffalo Focus: Heavy marketing as "natural," owned by a global processed food giant Transparency: Limited; ingredients largely outsourced; no open sourcing info Read more: Spotlight on General Mills 🦷 Colgate-Palmolive (Hill’s Science Diet) Parent Company: Colgate-Palmolive Flagship Brand: Hill’s Science Diet & Prescription Diet Focus: Veterinary market dominance, AAFCO compliance, research-based formulations Transparency: More robust than others; in-house facilities, published studies—but with ties to in...

Who Really Owns Your Dog’s Food? Spotlight on Spectrum Brands When you think of dog food, Spectrum Brands might not come to mind—but their ownership of pet food giant United Pet Group means they’re a major player. Known for producing brands like Nature’s Miracle, IAMS (Europe), and Eukanuba (Europe), Spectrum represents another example of a large conglomerate behind the scenes of pet care products. 🏢 Company Profile: Spectrum Brands Parent Company: Spectrum Brands Holdings Inc. Founded: Originally part of Rayovac, now diversified Headquarters: Middleton, Wisconsin, USA Pet Brands: Nature’s Miracle, Healthy-Hide, Pro-Sense, FURminator, Tetra, Marineland, and international rights to IAMS and Eukanuba (in Europe) 🧪 Focus on Consumables, Not Nutrition Unlike companies that specialize in animal nutrition, Spectrum’s primary business is consumer products, not pet health. Their pet division includes grooming tools, supplements, odor removers, and treats—many of whic...

How Your Local Pet Store Can Help You Avoid Prescription Diets How Your Local Pet Store Can Help You Avoid Prescription Diets Part 4 of the Natural Wellness Series When a veterinarian prescribes a special diet, most pet owners don't hesitate. But what if there's a better way? Local pet stores—especially independent, holistic ones—often carry nutritional alternatives that are more bioavailable, less processed, and potentially more effective than prescription diets. In this post, we’ll explore why these alternatives matter and how to navigate them. The Problem with Prescription Diets Veterinary prescription foods are formulated to target specific conditions like urinary crystals, kidney disease, or food sensitivities. But many of these formulas rely heavily on by-products, corn, soy, or hydrolyzed ingredients that are poorly digestible and nutrient-poor. Despite being marketed as specialized care, they’re often not made with the same quality control you might expect from their...

Who Owns Your Dog’s Food: Spotlight on General Mills When you think of General Mills, you might picture breakfast cereals like Cheerios and Lucky Charms. But did you know this corporate giant also owns one of the most recognizable names in pet food? 🍲 The Big Brand: Blue Buffalo Acquired by General Mills in 2018 for $8 billion, Blue Buffalo markets itself as a natural, holistic brand. Its slogan — “Love them like family. Feed them like family.” — sounds great on the bag. But how “natural” is this food, really? Despite the wholesome marketing, Blue Buffalo has had multiple recalls and has been involved in class action lawsuits over mislabeled ingredients. Like many large brands, its production is split across third-party manufacturers, and transparency is not its strong suit. Brands Owned by General Mills in Pet Food: Blue Buffalo Blue Wilderness Blue Basics Blue Natural Veterinary Diet ⚖️ Lawsuits and FDA Scrutiny Blue Buffalo faced class action lawsuits ...

The Benefits of Wet Food and Adding Water to Kibble: Hydration, Digestion, and Whole-Body Wellness When it comes to feeding our dogs, most pet parents are familiar with the convenience of dry kibble. But what if that convenience comes at a cost? As we learn more about canine physiology, hydration, and digestion, the benefits of wet food—and even simply adding water to kibble—are becoming clear. This article explores how moist diets support your dog’s holistic health, and how small changes can lead to big improvements. Why Moisture Matters in Your Dog’s Diet Water is not just for drinking—it's essential in your dog's food too. Unlike wild canines that get moisture from prey, domestic dogs fed a dry-only diet may operate in a state of chronic, low-level dehydration. Kibble contains only about 6-10% moisture, while wet or raw diets typically range from 70-80%. Chronic dehydration can lead to long-term issues such as: Urinary tract infections Kidney ...