Pet Digest

The Truth About AAFCO – What It Really Means for Your Dog’s Food Last updated: August 2025 If you’ve ever picked up a bag of dog food, chances are you’ve seen a line that says something like: “This food is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by AAFCO.” Pet parents often assume this means the food is AAFCO approved —but here’s the truth: AAFCO does not approve, certify, or regulate pet food at all. In this post, we’re going to break down what AAFCO actually is, how their guidelines shape the pet food industry, and what regulation really looks like in North America. Spoiler alert: an “AAFCO statement” on the bag doesn’t guarantee the food is high-quality or even completely safe. What Is AAFCO? AAFCO stands for the Association of American Feed Control Officials . Despite the official-sounding name, AAFCO is not a government agency. Instead, it’s a private organization of regulators, veterinarians, and animal nutrition experts who create nutritional guideline...

Smart Dog Food Storage: Keeping Every Bite Fresh, Safe, and Nutritious When it comes to your dog’s nutrition, it’s not just what you feed — it’s also how you store it. Even the highest-quality kibble, raw diet, or freeze-dried food can lose nutrients, flavor, and safety if not stored correctly. Proper storage keeps your dog’s food fresh, prevents bacteria and mold growth, and helps your pet enjoy every meal as it was meant to be. --- Why Dog Food Storage Matters Dog food contains fats, proteins, and vitamins that can spoil or degrade over time. When exposed to air, light, or moisture, kibble can go rancid, raw foods can harbor bacteria, and even canned food can lose quality after opening. Poor storage doesn’t just mean your dog’s food smells “off” — it can affect your dog’s digestion, energy, and overall health. --- Dry Food (Kibble) Storage Tips ✅ Keep it in its original bag. The original packaging is designed to block air and light while providing important information like lot numbe...

Pecan Shells in Dog Food?! What’s Going On, Hills? Pecan Shells in Dog Food?! What’s Going On, Hills? Yes, you read that right. Some Hill’s dog foods — including select formulas in their “Science Diet” and “Prescription Diet” lines — list pecan shell fiber as an ingredient. And for many dog parents, the reaction is: Wait, what? Why are there nutshells in my dog’s food? Let’s unpack why this ingredient shows up, what it actually does, and whether it’s something you should be concerned about. 🥥 1. What Are Pecan Shells Doing in Dog Food? Pecan shells are a by-product of the nut industry. When pecans are processed for human consumption, the leftover shells are sometimes ground down into a fine powder. Dog food companies then add that powder as a source of insoluble fiber — essentially roughage to help bulk up stool and promote bowel regularity. Hill’s isn’t the only one to use it; other pet food manufacturers have experimented with things like beet pulp, ric...

All Natural vs Organic – Is There a Difference? Pet parents are more label-conscious than ever. But in the ever-growing world of dog food marketing, two labels often create confusion: “Natural” and “Organic.” These words may seem interchangeable, but they’re not. Understanding the difference is crucial for making informed, healthy decisions for your dog’s diet. What Does “Natural” Mean in Dog Food? According to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), natural dog food must be: Derived from plant, animal, or mined sources Not produced by or subject to a chemically synthetic process Not containing any chemically synthetic additives or processing aids However, the term “natural” is not federally regulated in the U.S., and there is no consistent third-party verification. It’s also important to note that foods labeled “natural” can still contain things like: Preservatives (e.g., mixed tocopherols, used to keep fats from going rancid) Synthetic vitamins or minerals (like V...

How to Read Dog Food Labels: What Matters & What’s Just Marketing How to Read Dog Food Labels: What Matters & What’s Just Marketing Whether you're feeding kibble, raw, gently cooked, or a home-prepared diet, knowing how to read a dog food label is essential. With pet food companies using a mix of science, marketing, and mystery, understanding what goes into your dog’s bowl can help you make better, more informed choices for their health. Why Label Literacy Matters Labels are legally required—but that doesn’t mean they’re always clear. Learning to decode ingredient panels and marketing buzzwords can help you: Identify high-quality vs. low-quality ingredients Avoid fillers or excessive sugars Understand if a food is truly balanced and complete Spot misleading advertising tactics 1. Ingredients List: First Ingredients Matter Most Ingredients are listed in order of weight before cooking . That means moisture-he...

  Why Puppy Food Can Be a Smart Choice for Growing Dogs When it comes to feeding a growing dog, owners are often confronted with a bewildering array of kibble, canned food, and homemade options. One category consistently recommended by veterinarians and canine nutritionists is puppy food. While it’s designed for puppies, there are clear reasons it may be the best choice during early life stages — and even in certain special cases beyond puppyhood. Understanding why puppy food works, what it provides, and how it differs from adult dog food helps pet parents make informed decisions that promote lifelong health. --- Nutrient Density Matters Puppy food is formulated to be nutrient-dense, meaning it provides more protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals per cup than typical adult dog food. Puppies grow quickly — they’re building bones, muscles, skin, and organs — and require more calories and nutrients than adult dogs. Think of it like infant formula for humans. Babies require p...

Why I Don’t Like Royal Canin or Science Diet Dog Food And Why You Might Want to Rethink What’s in Your Dog’s Bowl As a dog lover and pet parent who truly cares about what goes into my pup’s body, I’ve spent a lot of time researching dog food ingredients, reading labels, and watching how my dog reacts to different foods. Two of the most recommended brands by vets—Royal Canin and Hill’s Science Diet—are often praised as premium dog food. But after doing a deeper dive, I’ve come to a firm conclusion: I don’t like Royal Canin or Science Diet, and I wouldn’t feed them to my dog. Here’s why. --- 🚫 1. They’re Loaded with Fillers One of the first things that made me question these brands was the ingredients list. Despite their premium price tag, the first few ingredients often include corn, wheat, soy, and brewers rice—none of which are high-quality fuel for a carnivorous animal. These ingredients are cheap fillers used to bulk up the food and keep costs low for the manufacturer—not to provid...

Why Do Low-Quality Dog Foods Suggest Such Large Serving Sizes? Why Do Low-Quality Dog Foods Suggest Such Large Serving Sizes? Have you ever looked at the feeding chart on a bag of budget kibble and been shocked to see recommendations like 7 or 8 cups a day for a medium or large dog? It’s not your imagination — low-quality dog foods often suggest much higher portions than premium brands. But why is that, and what happens to your dog’s body when they have to eat such huge amounts of food every day? --- 🦴 1. The Nutrient Density Problem The main reason low-quality dog foods require such large portions is that they contain fewer usable nutrients per cup . These foods are often packed with cheap fillers like corn, wheat, soy, or by-products that boost calorie counts but don’t provide much real nutrition. When a food is low in digestible protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals , your dog’s body has to consume more volume to meet their nutritional needs. The label may tech...

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...

How to Read the Ingredient Panel and Guaranteed Analysis on Dog Food When choosing the best food for your furry companion, flashy packaging and marketing buzzwords can be misleading. The real truth? It's in the ingredient panel and the guaranteed analysis (GA). These two sections tell you what’s really in the bag — and how much of it. If you’ve ever flipped a bag of dog food over and felt overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Let’s break it down so you can shop smarter. --- 🥩 Ingredient Panel: What’s Really in There? The ingredient list tells you what’s in the food, listed in descending order by weight before cooking. What to Look For: ✅ Named animal protein first. You want to see things like “chicken,” “turkey meal,” or “beef” listed first — not "corn," "wheat," or "by-products." ✅ Whole ingredients. Look for recognizable items like sweet potato, oats, peas, blueberries, salmon oil, etc. ✅ Meal vs. Meat: Chicken Meal is concentrated and has more protein tha...

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 ...

Dog Food Brands Founded by Vets: Should You Trust Them? Last updated: August 2025 Pet parents are bombarded with marketing that says a dog food is “vet-formulated” or “recommended by veterinarians.” But what does that really mean? Does having a vet on staff guarantee a balanced, safe, or effective diet? Or is it often just marketing hype? Some brands go a step further: they are actually founded by veterinarians . Today we take a critical look at some of the most notable vet-founded brands: Dr. Marty, Raised Right, Dr. Harvey’s, and Nine and Line . We’ll examine their credibility, formulation philosophy, scientific backing, and potential pitfalls so you can make informed choices for your dog’s health. Vet-Founded vs. Vet-Advised: Understanding the Difference Before we dive into brands, it’s crucial to understand the difference: Vet-Founded: A veterinarian actually started the company, often influencing ingredient selection and diet formulation. Example: Dr. Marty , cre...

Seed Oils in Dog Food: Why to Use Them—and Why Not Scan almost any kibble label and you’ll see seed oils —sunflower, flaxseed, canola, soybean, safflower, and more. Are they helpful, harmful, or somewhere in between? The short answer: dogs do need omega-6 (linoleic acid) from fats for skin/coat and cellular health, but problems arise when seed oils dominate the fat profile without enough omega-3s to balance them. Why Seed Oils Are Used in Dog Food Essential fatty acids: Oils like sunflower and safflower provide linoleic acid (omega-6), required for skin, coat, and barrier health. 1 Alternative fat source: For dogs who don’t tolerate certain animal fats, plant oils can be easier to digest. Shelf life: Some seed oils help kibble stay fresh longer compared to animal fats. Cost: Plant oils are often cheaper than fish oil or animal fats, making foods more affordable. Why Some Pet Parents Avoid Seed Oils Omega imbalance: Too much omega-6 and not enough omeg...

  Dog Treats I’ve Actually Tried (And Why I Suggest You Try Them Too) Working in a pet store, surrounded by all sorts of dog treats, it’s easy to get curious. Some treats are clearly made for dogs only, others? Well, let’s just say humans aren’t missing out. Over the years, I’ve tried several dog treats myself—and some even ended up as unintentional human snacks. Here’s a roundup of my favorites (and funny mishaps) that I genuinely recommend. Three Dog Bakery: Mini Cremes These were little gems—think Oreo, but healthier. Sadly, the mini versions have been discontinued, though the full-sized cookies are still available. Funny story: my son once took a bag of Mini Cremes to kindergarten and ate them at lunch. Cue a call from the school about my child eating dog treats. My response? “Check the ingredients and try one. If there’s still a problem, call me back.” Spoiler: they never did. When Three Dog Bakery launched their peanut butter-stuffed pretzel bites, my daughter devoured th...

Legumes in Dog Food: Healthy Addition or DCM Risk? Legumes in Dog Food – Healthy Addition or DCM Risk? Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian about dietary decisions for your pet. Legumes—such as peas, lentils, chickpeas, and beans—have long been praised for their fiber, protein, and nutrient content. In recent years, they’ve become prominent in many grain-free dog foods as alternative carbohydrate sources. But with their rise in popularity has come scrutiny. Following the FDA’s investigation into cases of Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs eating grain-free foods, legumes have been placed under the microscope. Why Are Legumes in Dog Food? Legumes are used in dog food for several reasons: Cost-effective protein: Legumes offer plant-based protein at a lower cost than meat. High in fiber: They support digestive heal...

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...