Pet Digest

Why Rotational Feeding Is One of the Best Things You Can Do for Your Dog --- One Bowl, One Brand, Forever? Not Anymore. For years, pet owners were told to never switch their dog’s food—that it would cause stomach upset or make them picky. But just like us, dogs thrive on variety. That’s where rotational feeding comes in—and it might be one of the smartest choices you make for your dog’s long-term health. --- 🥩 What Is Rotational Feeding? Rotational feeding is the practice of switching your dog’s food on a regular basis. This could mean rotating: Proteins (like chicken, beef, turkey, duck, or fish) Carbohydrates (rice, oats, barley, lentils, sweet potato) Formats (kibble, raw, gently cooked, freeze-dried, etc.) Brands (especially when supporting independent or transparent companies) You can rotate weekly, monthly, or even every bag—as long as the diets are complete and balanced. --- ✅ Benefits of Rotational Feeding Here’s why more pet nutrition experts and holistic vets support it: ---...

What is Rotational Feeding & Why We Do It If you ate the same meal every single day, you’d eventually get bored—and your body might start missing out on key nutrients. The same is true for dogs. That’s why more pet parents (and many vets and nutritionists) are turning to rotational feeding. Rotational feeding simply means switching up your dog’s diet on a regular basis. This can mean rotating proteins, food formats, or even brands. When done thoughtfully, it helps build stronger digestion, reduces the risk of allergies, and keeps mealtimes exciting. --- Why Consider Rotating Your Dog’s Diet? Feeding the same formula for years might feel safe, but it has some downsides. By rotating foods, you can: Support gut health – More ingredient variety = a more resilient microbiome. Reduce food sensitivities – Constant exposure to one protein increases the risk of allergies. Broaden nutrient exposure – Different foods contribute different vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Prevent picky eati...

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...

Why Is My Dog a Picky Eater? Causes & Solutions That Work Does your dog ignore their bowl but beg for table scraps? You’re not alone. Picky eating is one of the most common frustrations among dog owners. While it might seem like your dog is just being stubborn, picky eating often stems from specific habits, feeding mistakes, or even deeper behavioral or health issues. Fortunately, there are holistic and practical ways to help your dog rediscover the joy of regular meals. Understanding the Causes Behind Picky Eating One of the most frequent contributors to picky eating is offering table scraps. While it may feel loving or harmless, feeding from your plate can condition your dog to expect tastier alternatives. Human meals are often more flavorful, oily, or rich—especially compared to plain kibble. Over time, this habit creates a cycle where your dog holds out for something \"better.\" Excessive treats are another culprit. Many dog treats are inc...

Faim Miseau: Understanding Your Dog’s Hunger Cues from a Holistic Perspective Have you ever heard the term "faim miseau" ? While not commonly used in veterinary medicine, it's a phrase that appears in canine wellness communities, often to describe what seems like "false hunger" or a complex mixture of emotional and physical hunger signals in dogs. What Does "Faim Miseau" Mean? Derived loosely from French, "faim" means hunger. "Miseau" is less clear—it may be a misspelling, a regionalism, or a coined term. In holistic pet circles, the phrase is used to refer to non-nutritional hunger , where dogs appear to want food but may actually be experiencing: Digestive imbalance Boredom or anxiety Blood sugar crashes Lack of satiety from low-quality kibble How Dogs Experience Hunger Unlike humans, dogs rely more on routine and behavioral cues to anticipate meals. According to a 2022 study in Front...

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 ...

Carbohydrates in Dog Nutrition: Energy, Fiber & Myths Explained Carbohydrates have become one of the most debated components of a dog’s diet. From grain-free marketing to raw food philosophies, many pet parents are left wondering: do dogs really need carbs? And if so, what kind? In this article, we’ll explore the science behind carbohydrates in canine nutrition—what they do, where they come from, how they affect health, and how a holistic feeding plan can balance them wisely. What Are Carbohydrates? Carbohydrates are organic compounds made up of sugars, starches, and fiber. They are classified into three main types: Simple sugars (glucose, fructose) Complex starches (potatoes, rice, oats) Dietary fiber (from vegetables, legumes, whole grains) In a balanced canine diet, carbs can provide energy, promote digestive health, and even support gut flora through fermentable fibers like inulin or beet pulp. Do Dogs Need Carbohydrates? Tech...

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...

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...

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...

Beat the Summer Heat and Stay Hydrated: Natural Ways to Keep Your Dog Cool and Healthy Summer can be a challenging season for our canine companions. With rising temperatures and long, hot days, it’s more important than ever to ensure that your dog remains properly hydrated. This post explores holistic, science-backed methods to keep your dog cool and healthy, while integrating natural feeding strategies, practical tips, and research evidence to support our approach. The Importance of Hydration for Dogs Water is essential to every life form, and dogs are no exception. Adequate hydration helps maintain vital bodily functions including digestion, temperature regulation, circulation, and waste removal. In hotter months, a dog’s water requirements may increase due to factors like panting, exercise, and environmental heat. Studies have shown that dehydration is not only uncomfortable—it can lead to serious health issues like kidney damage, heatstroke, or even shock ( ScienceDir...

Vegan and Vegetarianism in Dogs: Can Dogs Thrive on Plant-Based Diets? With increasing awareness of environmental sustainability, animal welfare, and health concerns, more dog owners are exploring vegan and vegetarian diets for their canine companions. But can dogs truly thrive on plant-based diets? This article examines the science, benefits, risks, and holistic considerations involved in feeding dogs without meat. Plant-based dog food is growing in popularity but requires careful formulation. Are Dogs Naturally Carnivores? Dogs are considered facultative carnivores , meaning they primarily eat meat but can digest and utilize some plant materials. Unlike obligate carnivores (like cats), dogs have evolved digestive enzymes that break down starches and plant fibers. However, their nutritional requirements include some nutrients predominantly found in animal products. For example, essential amino acids like taurine and L-carnitine are critical for hea...

Chicken is one of the most common proteins in commercial dog food—and increasingly, one of the most common triggers for food sensitivities and allergies in dogs. But what’s interesting is that many dogs who react poorly to chicken can still tolerate other poultry like turkey, duck, or even quail. So what gives? Let’s dive into the differences between poultry proteins and why your dog might be allergic to one bird but not another. --- 🐔 Chicken: The Common Culprit Chicken is widely used in dog food because it’s inexpensive, high in protein, and easy to source. But it’s also one of the most overused animal proteins in the pet food industry. When dogs are exposed to the same protein source over and over again—especially low-quality or highly processed versions—they’re more likely to develop food sensitivities or allergies. Common signs of a chicken allergy in dogs: Itchy skin or paws Chronic ear infections Digestive issues (vomiting, gas, or diarrhea) Excessive licking or chewing --- 🦃 ...

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...

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 health and help regulate blood sugar. Hypoallergenic alternative:...