Pet Digest

Open Farm: Ethical, Transparent, and Truly Farm-to-Bowl Feeding our dogs is more than just filling a bowl—it’s a commitment to their health, happiness, and well-being. But in today’s pet food market, how can we be sure the food we’re offering is not only nutritious but also ethically and sustainably sourced? Enter Open Farm , a company that is revolutionizing pet nutrition by placing transparency, ethics, and traceability at the heart of everything they do. With Open Farm, you’re not just buying pet food; you’re supporting a movement towards responsible, planet-friendly, and genuinely wholesome pet care. A New Standard in Pet Food Open Farm was founded with a clear and inspiring mission: to set a new standard for pet food that benefits pets, people, animals, and the environment. While many large pet food brands focus primarily on profits and marketing, Open Farm challenges the status quo by embracing total transparency and sustainable practices. Their commitment isn’t just lip se...

Vegan Diets for Dogs: A Trend with Hidden Dangers? Understanding the Link to DCM Last updated: August 2025 Over the last decade, veganism has grown beyond being just a human lifestyle choice. More pet owners are now choosing to feed their dogs plant-based diets, citing ethical, environmental, and health reasons. But with veganism for dogs trending, an important question arises: is this diet truly safe for our canine companions? One of the most alarming concerns linked to plant-based dog diets is the potential connection to canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) , a heart condition that has been reported more frequently in the past several years. In this post, we’ll explore what veganism for dogs looks like, why it’s trending, why even major brands are creating vegan dog foods, and how it may relate to the increased reports of DCM cases. Why Vegan Diets for Dogs Are Trending The push toward plant-based diets for dogs mirrors the rise of veganism among humans. Many dog parents w...

Hill’s Science Diet is marketed as a veterinary-recommended dog food brand—but it’s also owned by Colgate-Palmolive, a multinational corporation better known for toothpaste and cleaning supplies than pet nutrition. 🔍 Corporate Profile: Colgate-Palmolive Parent Company: Colgate-Palmolive Dog Food Brand: Hill’s Science Diet, Hill’s Prescription Diet Headquarters: New York, USA Founded: 1806 (Colgate), acquired Hill’s in 1976 Global Reach: Distributed in over 80 countries Colgate-Palmolive bought Hill’s Pet Nutrition to expand into the growing pet care market. Since then, Hill’s has become a dominant player in prescription diets, often sold exclusively through veterinarians. 💊 Prescription Diets: Innovation or Monopoly? Hill’s Prescription Diet line targets specific health conditions like kidney disease, obesity, and food allergies. While they are formulated by veterinarians and nutritionists, the proprietary nature of the recipes—and the required vet pres...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Subscription Dog Foods: Trend or Something to Rely On? In recent years, pet food subscription services have exploded in popularity. Companies like The Farmer’s Dog , Nom Nom , Ollie , Spot & Tango , and even holistic-friendly companies like Open Farm now offer autoship programs and curated meals delivered directly to your door. For many dog parents, these services feel like a dream: no more hauling bags of kibble, no worrying about running out, and the promise of “fresh, personalized” nutrition for your pup. But is this subscription trend just clever marketing, or is it truly a reliable way to feed your dog long-term? In this post, we’ll break down what subscription foods are, how they differ from traditional kibble and canned diets, what science has to say, and the pros and cons of some of the most popular companies offering them. What Exactly is Subscription Dog Food? At its core, subscription dog food is a delivery-based model . Pet parents sign up online, a...

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...

Next-Gen Pet Food: Cultivated Meat and Feeding Innovations in 2025 If 2025 proved anything, it’s that the future of pet food is already here. Beyond fresh meals and functional chews, the year brought bold innovations — including the world’s first retail launch of cultivated meat for pets. These breakthroughs aren’t just about novelty; they’re reshaping how we think about sustainability, animal welfare, and the way we feed our companions. Meatly: Cultivated Meat Arrives The star innovation of the year came from Meatly , the first company to bring cultivated meat into the pet food aisle. Teaming up with UK-based brand THE PACK and available at Pets at Home Brentford, Meatly introduced the world’s first retail-ready cultivated chicken ingredient in pet food. Cultivated meat, sometimes called “lab-grown meat,” is produced by taking a small sample of animal cells and growing them in a nutrient-rich environment. The result? Real animal protein without the need to raise and slaught...

Why AAFCO Isn’t Enough – Recalls, Safety, and What Really Protects Your Dog Last updated: August 2025 In Part 1 of this series, we explored how AAFCO sets nutrient guidelines but does not approve or regulate pet food. While understanding that is important, the real-world impact is most visible in food recalls. Even foods that meet AAFCO standards can pose serious health risks. Let’s dig into why. 2025 Recalls: AAFCO Compliance ≠ Safety This year, several pet food recalls reminded us that compliance with AAFCO nutrient profiles does not guarantee a product is safe. Some notable examples: Blue Ridge Beef Puppy Mix & Kitten Mix: Recalled due to Salmonella and Listeria contamination . These pathogens can be dangerous for pets and humans alike. Despite being formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles, the contamination led to recall ([FDA Recall Notice](https://www.fda.gov/)). Supercan Bulk Pig Ear Slivers: Pulled from stores after Salmonella detection . Pig ears ar...

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...

Who Really Owns Your Dog’s Food? Spotlight on Diamond Pet Foods Diamond Pet Foods is the manufacturer behind many familiar dog food brands like Taste of the Wild, Diamond Naturals, and Kirkland Signature (Costco). While these brands are often praised for their affordability and perceived quality, a deeper look into Diamond’s ownership, manufacturing practices, and recall history is revealing. 🏢 Company Profile: Diamond Pet Foods Parent Company: Schell & Kampeter Inc. Founded: 1970 Headquarters: Meta, Missouri, USA Brands Produced: Diamond Naturals, Taste of the Wild, Kirkland Signature, 4health, NutraGold, Premium Edge, and more Though privately owned and family-operated, Diamond operates several large-scale manufacturing facilities and produces food for numerous private label brands and retailers across North America. ⚠️ Recalls and Food Safety Issues Diamond has a long history of food safety problems, including: 2012: A massive salmonella outbrea...

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...

Obesity in Dogs: Prevention and Management Through Nutrition Obesity in Dogs: Prevention and Management Through Nutrition Canine obesity is one of the most preventable yet underestimated health problems in modern dogs. It silently undermines their quality of life, increasing the risk of diseases like diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, and even cancer. But the good news? It's largely influenced by one thing: nutrition . This post explores the science behind obesity in dogs, the role of ingredients and calories, and how you can use holistic, species-appropriate nutrition to help your dog thrive at a healthy weight. How Do Dogs Become Overweight? Obesity happens when energy intake exceeds energy expenditure. Simply put, dogs eat more calories than they burn. But there’s more nuance: Free-feeding or overfeeding portions High-carb, high-calorie commercial diets Lack of exercise or breed predisposition Frequent treats or human food scraps In some case...

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 ...

In today’s pet food world, “Limited Ingredient Diet” (LID) is everywhere—but not all brands that use the term are truly limited or allergy-friendly. For dogs with sensitivities, fillers and hidden ingredients can cause just as much trouble as known allergens. Here’s what to look for—and the holistic brands that actually deliver. --- ✅ What Counts as a Real Limited Ingredient Diet? A true LID should include: One protein source (no "chicken fat" in a lamb formula!) One primary carbohydrate No artificial preservatives, dyes, or unnamed ingredients No unnecessary thickeners or flavorings Transparency in sourcing and labeling This clean, simplified approach allows your dog’s system to focus on healing, rather than fighting. --- ⏳ Timeframe for an LID Trial 30 days – Look for improvement: fewer digestive issues, calmer skin, better coat condition 90 days – Expect more dramatic changes, like healed skin, normalized stools, and reduced inflammation > 🐶 If your dog still shows som...