Pet Digest

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...

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...

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...

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 ...

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...

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: ...

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 ...

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...

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...

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...