Pet Digest

Supplements Go Functional: Everyday Wellness Trends in 2025 Supplements aren’t just for senior dogs anymore. In 2025, functional supplements became one of the fastest-growing categories in pet care. Instead of pills and powders, brands are rolling out tasty chews designed to be part of a dog’s daily routine — much like a multivitamin for people. This shift marks a major evolution in how pet parents view wellness: not just about solving problems, but about proactive, preventive care for dogs of all ages. From Medicine Cabinet to Daily Routine Traditionally, supplements for dogs were used in very specific cases — glucosamine for arthritis, probiotics for diarrhea, fish oil for skin conditions. They were usually powders sprinkled on food or pills hidden in peanut butter, often reserved for older pets or those with health issues. But just as human wellness has embraced probiotics, collagen, adaptogens, and daily multivitamins, pet care is now catching up. According to industry surv...

Understanding Dog Diarrhea: Nutritional Triggers and Gut Health Understanding Dog Diarrhea: Nutritional Triggers and Gut Health Diarrhea is a common digestive issue in dogs that can range from mild to serious. While many factors can cause diarrhea, diet and nutrition are often key contributors, as well as vital tools in treatment and prevention. Common Nutritional Causes of Diarrhea Sudden diet changes: Abrupt switching of foods can upset gut flora and digestion. Food intolerances or allergies: Proteins like beef, dairy, or grains may trigger reactions. High-fat or spicy foods: Can overwhelm the digestive system. Low fiber intake: Fiber helps regulate bowel movements and gut health (see Understanding Fiber ). Contaminated or spoiled food: Introduces pathogens causing gastrointestinal upset. Supporting Gut Health Through Nutrition Choose Easily Digestible Foods Foods with moderate protein, low fat, and gentle carbohydrates help soothe the gut and r...

12 Common Human Foods That Are Toxic to Dogs (and What to Do Instead) We all love treating our dogs like family—which sometimes means sharing food from our plates. But what’s tasty (or harmless) to us can actually be dangerous to our pups. Many everyday foods we eat are toxic to dogs, causing anything from stomach upset to life-threatening reactions. Here’s a list of the most common human foods that are toxic to dogs—plus safe alternatives and what to do in an emergency. --- 🧄 1. Garlic & Onions (Including Powdered) Toxic Part: All forms—raw, cooked, powdered, or dried. Why It's Harmful: These veggies destroy red blood cells and can cause anemia. Symptoms: Weakness, vomiting, pale gums, collapse (can take days to appear). 👉 Better Option: Stick to dog-safe herbs like parsley or turmeric for flavor. --- 🍫 2. Chocolate Toxic Part: Theobromine (especially in dark and baking chocolate). Why It's Harmful: Causes heart issues, seizures, and even death in high doses. Symptoms: ...

  Keeping Your Dog Safe During Halloween: Candy, Costumes, and Chaos Halloween is one of the most colorful and fun times of year — glowing pumpkins, costumes, and the excitement of trick-or-treaters filling the streets. For humans, it’s a holiday of candy and creativity, but for dogs, it can be overwhelming, stressful, and even dangerous. From chocolate and sugary treats to costumes and decorations, there are numerous hidden hazards that dog owners need to navigate to ensure a safe, happy holiday. With proper planning, understanding, and some preparation, you can keep your furry family members safe while still enjoying the fun of the season. This guide explores common Halloween dangers for dogs, practical strategies for avoiding accidents, and creative ways to include your dog in the festivities safely. --- Candy and Treat Hazards: What’s Toxic and Why Dogs are notorious for scavenging, sniffing out anything edible. Unfortunately, many traditional Halloween treats are t...

🐶 Allergies and Diet in Dogs: What You Need to Know Food plays a major role in your dog's overall health, and for some dogs, the wrong ingredients can lead to uncomfortable—and sometimes serious—allergic reactions. Understanding how diet affects allergies in dogs can help you make better food choices and keep your pup feeling their best. 🐾 What Are Dog Allergies? Allergies in dogs happen when their immune system overreacts to a substance (called an allergen), which could be something in the environment or something they eat. The three most common types of dog allergies are: Environmental (atopic) allergies – e.g., pollen, mold, dust mites. Flea allergy dermatitis – an allergic reaction to flea saliva. Food allergies – a reaction to proteins or ingredients in the dog’s food. 📖 Source: Merck Veterinary Manual – Canine Allergies 🍗 Food Allergies vs. Food Sensitivities Food allergies involve an immune response and typically cause skin issues like itching or chro...

Why Some Dogs Should Avoid Apples: Allergies, Seeds, and Safer Brands Why Some Dogs Should Avoid Apples: Allergies, Seeds, and Safer Brands Apples are often considered a healthy snack for dogs, full of fiber and vitamins. But surprisingly, some dogs should avoid them, and even for most dogs, caution is needed around certain parts of the fruit. Let’s break down the concerns. 🍎 Apples as a Lesser-Known Allergen While uncommon, apples can trigger allergic reactions in some dogs. Signs of a food allergy include: Itchy skin, rashes, or hives Excessive licking or chewing paws Vomiting or diarrhea Swelling of the face, ears, or paws Food allergies are less common than environmental allergies, but they can still be serious. If you notice any of these reactions after offering apple slices, discontinue use and consult your veterinarian. ⚠️ The Risks of Apple Seeds Apple seeds contain **amygdalin**, a compound that can release cyanide when digested. ...

Science Diet’s Microbiome Launch — What Does It Really Change? Science Diet recently introduced its new “Microbiome” formulas, featuring prebiotics and specialty fiber blends (ActivBiome+). Many pet parents are wondering: does this update meaningfully improve the food — or is it mostly a marketing refresh? What Is Microbiome Nutrition? The gut microbiome is the community of trillions of microbes living in the digestive tract. These bacteria influence: Nutrient absorption Immune system regulation Skin and coat health Behavior via the gut–brain axis Hill’s ActivBiome+ adds prebiotics (fermentable fibers) intended to feed beneficial gut bacteria, which can help with stool quality and gas control when paired with an overall balanced diet. Why quality matters in dog food: would you rather feed better? The Ingredient Concern Despite the microbiome-forward marketing, many Science Diet formulas still list corn, wheat, or animal by-pro...

Why Dogs Should Never Consume Alcohol Updated for 2025 It may seem like harmless fun to let your dog have a sip of beer or wine during a celebration, but even small amounts of alcohol can have serious — even fatal — effects on your dog. Unlike humans, dogs process alcohol inefficiently, making them extremely sensitive to its toxic effects. Understanding the science and dangers behind alcohol consumption in dogs is critical to ensuring your pet's health and safety. Why Alcohol is Toxic to Dogs Alcohol (ethanol) affects the nervous system, liver, kidneys, and brain. Dogs lack the metabolic enzymes to safely break down ethanol, even in small amounts. This can lead to ethanol poisoning within just 30 to 60 minutes of ingestion. Their smaller size means it takes far less alcohol to cause damage compared to a human. Common Sources of Alcohol Exposure Many dog owners don’t realize how many household items contain alcohol. These include: Beer, wine, ...

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...

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Day 2: Decor Safety 101 — Avoiding Hidden Hazards in Your Holiday Home Decking the halls is one of the best parts of the Christmas season, but it can also be one of the riskiest times for pets. From twinkling lights to shiny ornaments, every festive touch adds potential hazards for curious noses and wagging tails. Today we’re diving into how to decorate safely without losing your holiday sparkle. 🎄 The Tree: Centerpiece or Temptation? Most dogs find Christmas trees irresistible. The smells of pine, the dangling ornaments, and the new “indoor forest” all beg to be explored. Unfortunately, trees can topple, needles can irritate stomachs, and additives in tree water can be toxic. Secure your tree: Anchor it to a wall or ceiling hook using fishing line or wire. Skip the additives:...

10 Common Houseplants That Are Toxic to Dogs (with Photos) Indoor plants can brighten up your home, but not all greenery is safe for pets. Many popular houseplants are actually toxic to dogs and can cause serious health problems if ingested. Below is a list of common plants to watch out for — including photos to help you identify them. 1. Sago Palm The sago palm (Cycas revoluta) is extremely toxic to dogs. All parts of the plant are poisonous, especially the seeds. Ingesting even a small amount can lead to vomiting, seizures, liver failure, and even death. 2. Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane) This popular decorative plant contains calcium oxalate crystals that cause severe mouth pain, drooling, swelling, and difficulty swallowing. Dogs that chew on this plant often paw at their mouth and may vomit. 3. Snake Plant (Sansevieria) Snake plants are known for their resilience, but they contain saponins that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy in dogs. It’s best kept out of reach or...

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...

🐾 Common Health Conditions in Dogs: What Every Pet Parent Should Know As loving dog parents, it’s our job to stay informed about the health issues our furry friends might face throughout their lives. Just like humans, dogs can suffer from a variety of health conditions—some mild, others more serious. Knowing what to watch out for can help you act quickly and give your pup the best care possible. Here are some common conditions in dogs, what causes them, and how to recognize the signs. --- 1. Allergies Dogs can be allergic to environmental factors (like pollen), food ingredients, or even fleas. Symptoms often include itching, red skin, ear infections, and excessive licking. Common signs: Itchy skin, sneezing, vomiting, diarrhea. Treatment: Depends on the cause—may include antihistamines, dietary changes, or flea prevention. 📖 Read more from VCA Hospitals --- 2. Dental Disease Periodontal disease is one of the most common medical conditions in adult dogs. It can cause pain, bad breath,...

  Understanding Coprophagia in Dogs: Causes, Risks, and Solutions Coprophagia, the act of dogs eating feces, is a behavior that often perplexes pet owners. While it may seem repulsive, it's a relatively common issue that can stem from various causes, including medical conditions, nutritional deficiencies, and behavioral factors. Addressing this behavior requires a comprehensive understanding of its underlying causes and appropriate interventions. --- What Is Coprophagia? Coprophagia is the consumption of feces, and it's observed in both puppies and adult dogs. While it's a natural behavior in some contexts—such as mothers cleaning up after their puppies—it's generally considered undesirable when exhibited by adult dogs. --- Common Causes of Coprophagia 1. Medical Conditions Several medical issues can lead to coprophagia: Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI): A condition where the pancreas produces insufficient digestive enzymes, leading to malabsorption of nutrients ...

What is Cocomega in Dog Food? Updated: August 2025 If you’ve flipped over a bag of dog food and spotted the ingredient “Cocomega” , you might be wondering—what exactly is it? A superfood? A gimmick? Or something in between? Let’s unpack this branded fat supplement and see whether it deserves a place in your dog’s bowl. What is Cocomega? Cocomega™ is a trademarked ingredient that blends coconut oil and fish oil . Together, they combine two very different but complementary fat sources: Coconut oil → rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) , fats that are quickly absorbed and converted into energy. Fish oil → packed with omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) , which are known for their anti-inflammatory and brain-supporting properties. Think of Cocomega as a way to deliver both fast fuel and long-term health support in one package. Why is Cocomega Used in Dog Food? Pet food companies often include Cocomega because it offers benefits that...