Pet Digest

Heart Disease and Nutrition: What Your Dog’s Heart Needs Heart disease is a common and serious condition in dogs that can affect their quality of life and longevity. While genetics and age are key factors, nutrition plays a vital role in both prevention and management of cardiac issues. Common Types of Heart Disease in Dogs Mitral Valve Disease (MVD): Degeneration of the mitral valve causing heart murmur and heart failure. Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM): Enlargement and weakening of the heart muscle, impairing function. Congenital Heart Defects: Present from birth and may include valve or septal defects. We previously discussed Diet and DCM Risks , highlighting the importance of taurine and balanced nutrients. Nutrition’s Role in Heart Health Key Nutrients to Support Cardiac Function Taurine and L-carnitine: Amino acids vital for heart muscle energy metabolism. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Reduce inflammation and improve blood flow. Antioxidants (Vitamins ...

Best Heart Health Supplements for Dogs Best Heart Health Supplements for Dogs Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and does not substitute veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian before starting any supplement. Heart disease in dogs, including conditions like Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM), can be influenced by both genetics and diet. While a balanced, meat-rich diet is the foundation of good cardiovascular health, supplements can offer added support—especially for breeds at risk or dogs on commercial kibble diets. This guide covers the most effective, science-backed supplements that support your dog's heart, plus tips for choosing quality products. 1. Taurine What it does: Taurine supports heart muscle strength, regulates heartbeat, and aids in calcium transport. Who benefits: Breeds with genetic predisposition to DCM (Golden Retrievers, Dobermans, Boxers), dogs on low-protein or grain-heavy diets, or dogs sh...

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...

Why You Should Consider Going Grain-Free for Your Dog As pet parents, we all want the best for our dogs—from exercise to mental stimulation to the food in their bowl. One of the most talked-about trends in pet nutrition is the grain-free diet, and it’s not just a passing fad. For many dogs, cutting grains from their diet can lead to better digestion, shinier coats, fewer allergies, and overall improved health. If you’re wondering whether grain-free might be right for your pup, here are five reasons to consider making the switch—backed by veterinary insights and research. --- 1. Grains Aren’t a Natural Part of a Dog’s Ancestral Diet Dogs are descendants of wolves, who primarily ate meat, bones, and some plant matter—not corn, wheat, or rice. While dogs have adapted somewhat to modern diets, their digestive systems are still optimized for high-protein, low-carb foods. According to PetMD, a grain-free diet may better align with your dog’s natural nutritional needs, offering ingredients th...

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,...

Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD), Dementia, and the Role of Diet: Can the Mediterranean Approach Help Dogs? Last updated: August 2025 Aging brings wisdom, but it also brings challenges—both for humans and our dogs. One of the most concerning conditions in senior dogs is canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) , often compared to Alzheimer’s or dementia in humans. As awareness grows, so does the question: can diet play a role in protecting our dogs’ brains? More specifically, could a Mediterranean-style diet, known to support human brain health, offer benefits for dogs too? What Is Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD)? Canine cognitive dysfunction is a neurodegenerative condition affecting older dogs. It shares striking similarities with human dementia, including: Confusion and disorientation – dogs may wander aimlessly, get “stuck” in corners, or seem lost in familiar places. Changes in sleep cycles – often restless at night, pacing or barking. House training issues – ...

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...

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...

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...

Canine Pancreatitis: Dietary Causes and Nutritional Recovery Pancreatitis is an inflammatory condition of the pancreas that can cause severe pain and disrupt digestion in dogs. Nutrition plays a crucial role both in the onset and management of this serious illness. The pancreas: key to digestion and metabolism. What Is Pancreatitis? The pancreas produces digestive enzymes and insulin. In pancreatitis, these enzymes activate prematurely, damaging pancreatic tissue and causing inflammation. This can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, abdominal pain, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Dietary Causes and Risk Factors High-fat meals: Sudden ingestion of fatty foods is the most common trigger. Obesity: Overweight dogs are at increased risk due to fat metabolism issues. Human food scraps: Rich, fatty foods often fed as treats can precipitate attacks. Underlying conditions: Diabetes, hypothyroidism, or previous episodes increase susceptibili...

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...

🌐 Part 5: Other Avenues for Participation – Expanding Pet Food Research Beyond Traditional Trials et food research has evolved well beyond traditional laboratory feeding trials. Today, veterinarians, breed-specific organizations, online platforms, and academic institutions play a vital role in gathering real-world data, recruiting participants, and testing new diets and functional ingredients. Participation in these studies is essential for advancing nutritional science, functional food innovation, and evidence-based dietary recommendations . This post explores alternative avenues for participation, their methodologies, and how pet owners can contribute to the science of pet nutrition. For context on feeding trials and industry standards, see: Part 1: Companies Excelling in Feeding Trials Part 2: Summit Ridge Farms Part 3: Food Research Lab Part 4: BioPharma Services 1. Veterinary Networks Veterinarians are a critical link between researchers and real-world pet p...

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...