Diet & nutrition Articles

Balanced nutrition starts with macronutrients. Dogs are facultative carnivores; they thrive on high-quality animal protein but also benefit from digestible carbohydrates and fibre. We break down protein digestibility scores, explain why meat-meal isn’t automatically inferior, and show how to read guaranteed-analysis labels for true “as-fed” percentages.

Raw feeding gets an evidence-based audit: potential pathogen risks, bone safety, and nutrient-conversion challenges (calcium-to-phosphorus ratios, vitamin D requirements). If you prefer fresh-cooked or lightly processed options, our comparison charts outline shelf life, freezer space and cost per 100 calories.

Kibble still dominates for convenience, so we uncover sourcing transparency, extrusion temperatures, and the role of synthetic vitamins in meeting minimums. We link to independent feeding trials, discuss taurine levels in grain-free diets, and supply a calculator to convert calories per cup into grams for accurate weighing.

Weight management receives actionable tools: body-condition score visuals, resting-energy-requirement equations and a weekly progress log. Snack recommendations feature low-calorie fruits and veg—think zucchini or cucumber—cross-referencing our healthy dog snacks tag.

Functional nutrition rounds out the category. Omega-3 fatty acids from sardines or salmon oil support coat and joint health; pumpkin’s soluble fibre regulates digestion; turmeric offers curcumin’s anti-inflammatory punch. We cite bioavailability studies and list optimal pairing ingredients (black pepper extract, MCT oil) that enhance absorption.

Hydration and feeding behaviour get equal airtime: water-intake benchmarks, slow-feeder bowls to avoid bloat, and scatter-feeding for mental enrichment. Special-diets content covers renal support kibbles, hypoallergenic hydrolysed proteins, and low-fat menus for pancreatitis-prone dogs.

Interwoven are cautionary “can dogs eat?” articles dissecting popular human foods from mandarin to white chocolate, weighing nutritional upside against toxicity or obesity risk. Each piece ends with safe-portion guidelines and vet-approved alternatives. Combined, these resources let you make informed choices that keep your dog lean, energised and disease-resilient for years to come.