Feed Your Dog Facts

In this episode of Feed Your Dog Facts, Alexis and Daniel explore the emerging topic of GLP-1s and their potential role in pet health, with a closer look at a new study examining weight management in cats. They discuss nutrition-first approaches to supporting healthy weight and blood sugar regulation, highlighting the central role diet plays in metabolic health. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Sea...

In this episode of Feed Your Dog Facts, hosts Alexis Malone and Daniel Schulof dive into how you can confidently talk to your veterinarian about nutrition. We explore potential biases in veterinary advice, especially when it comes to popular pet food products, and share strategies for navigating these discussions. We also cover how to handle specific concerns like DCM (Dilated Cardiomyopathy). 16:...

It's FYFD Friday! Join us as we dive into the topic of synthetic vitamins and their impact on your dog's health. We'll explore what 'healthy' really means, examining both acute deficiency diseases and chronic conditions. We'll explore the bioavailability of synthetic versus natural vitamins, and wrap it up with a discussion on how perception influences decision-making. Time...

Happy Feed Your Dog Facts Friday! In this episode, you'll discover how dogs metabolize carbohydrates to draw energy and learn about the crucial role of carbohydrate metabolism in maintaining overall health and preventing disease. We’ll also delve into the role of insulin in regulating blood sugar levels and its impact on your dog's well-being. Timestamps: 01:25 Importance of Carbohydrate M...

Tune into what we think are the four most important things dog-owners should know and remember about nutritionally-mediated canine dilated cardiomyopathy as of the spring of 2024. As with any topic that is still being investigated by the scientific community, knowledge about the subject changes as time passes and new evidence comes to light. And we'll be sure to keep you updated with the lates...

On February 6, 2024, KetoNatural filed the largest lawsuit in the history of the U.S. pet food industry. The suit alleges that Hill's Pet Nutrition and a cluster of affiliates fabricated the high-profile controversy over dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).  View Full Complaint here:  https://fingfx.thomsonreuters.com/gfx/legaldocs/dwpkezdowpm/KETONATURAL%20PET%20FOODS%20v%20HILLS%20PET%20NUTRITION%2...

When domestic dogs are allowed to choose their diet, they instinctively seek out diets high in protein and fat. This mirrors their ancestral diet, as wolves tend to prefer diets consisting of 52% protein and 45% fat. In this episode, we delve into these specific studies where dogs were empowered to self-select their own macronutrients, among other topics. Mentioned Material: New Yorker Article: ht...

In this episode, we discuss the WSAVA (World Small Animal Veterinary Association) Guidelines and how these guidelines, funded entirely by industry interests, are fundamentally broken. Sources: WSAVA Industry Partners:  https://wsava.org/about/industry-partners/ WSAVA Nutritional Guidelines:  https://wsava.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/WSAVA-Nutrition-Assessment-Guidelines-2011-JSAP.pdf WSAVA Guid...

And we're back with another Label Review in our favorite mini-series! Our hosts tackle all claims made on a dog food brand's packaging and translate them into cold, hard pet nutrition facts.  This week, we're delving into Stella and Chewy's, a brand that prominently positions itself as a "raw or nothing" product line in its marketing language. But what narrative unfolds w...

In this episode, we tackle the subject of 'Ingredient Splitting,' exploring its impact on dog food labels and providing examples of what ingredient splitting looks like. Have a question or concern about Ingredient Splitting? Email us at hello@feedyourdogfacts.com .

We're excited to bring back our much-loved "Label Review" series! Our hosts tackle all claims made on Orijen’s packaging and translate them into cold, hard pet nutrition facts.  Ever wondered about the true meaning behind terms like "Fresh or Raw” ingredients? And what about claims such as "85% Premium Animal Ingredients" – are they misleading or spot-on? Let's bre...

Our popular "Label Review" series is back and tackles three big brands in the fresh dog food space - Ollie, Nom Nom, and The Farmer's Dog. Having food cooked fresh for your dog and delivered to your door sounds appealing but what does "fresh" really mean"? How does it compare to dry dog food? What are the big differences you should consider when looking at possibly switching to fresh dog food? Lis...

A new groundbreaking animal welfare organization has launched! Host Dan Schulof discusses his latest push to change the pet food industry, the Petfood Consumer Rights Council.  The PCRC founder's drive is officially live and welcomes the opportunity for any dog owner to be a voice of change. The organization was designed inside out to give equal voting power to all members by prohibiting dona...

DCM (Dilated Cardiomyopathy) took over mainstream headlines beginning in 2018 that suggested a link between DCM and grain-free dog food. How and why did this link happen? Hosts Dan and Jen break down the scientific cause of DCM, the nutritional side of this disease as well as the diagnosis criteria in dogs.  ========= Link to key visuals discussed in this episode  shorturl.at/enxN2 Have...

The Feed Your Dog Facts podcast is wrapping 2022 with just under a year as a podcast! We have learned so much over these past few months, so hosts Dan and Jen decided to reflect on what topics really resonated with our listeners and why.  Plus we will dive into our plans for 2023 so stay tuned for more exciting topics on the facts and science on what to feed your dog! ======== Have a suggesti...

Every February for more than a century representatives of each and every AKC-recognized breed have duked it out at Westminster for the coveted title of "Best in Show."  The Group and Best in Show rounds are broadcast nationwide and watched by millions of dog-lovers around the world. But are the canine competitors in this high-end show ring overweight? We use a tool called "Body Condition Scor...

Maybe you recently returned from the vet with your dog newly diagnosed with diabetes or are dedicated to preventing this chronic condition that afflicts 1 in every 100 dogs. Canine diabetes can be a scary ride - but you are not alone! Hosts Dan and Jen break down the facts around canine diabetes including the challenges of managing diabetes, essential definitions, early signs of diabetes, risk fac...

In this episode in our Label Review series we are reviewing Beneful Healthy Weight and weight loss foods for dogs overall.  How do they look? Are they effective in weight loss? What are the ingredients that surround the claims of weight loss for dogs?  Have a dog food brand you want our hosts to review? Email us at hello@feedyourdogfacts.com

Being moderately overweight is worse for your dog than a lifetime of smoking. Yes, really. It is worth the time, effort, and changes to help your dog lose weight and achieve a healthy body composition. But what changes actually make a difference in having your dog drop those stubborn extra pounds? Dan and Jen will review the top three methods to help canine weight loss: calorie restriction, carboh...

How do you know if your dog is too heavy, too skinny, or just right? The facts involve a little more than a number on the scale at your vet's office.  There are also some important health risks to understand if your is too obese. We'll also discuss how much different breeds weigh and how to tell if your dog is at a healthy weight. Link to Body Condition Score Chart: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/...

Is "keto" dog food good for your dog's health? What does "net carbs" mean on the packaging for Visionary Pet Foods kibble products? These questions and more are answered in this Label Review of Visionary Pet Foods! Have a dog food brand you want our hosts to review? Email us at hello@feedyourdogfacts.com

Our "Mythbusters" style episode breaks down common misconceptions around how dogs can have or even need carbs because they have evolved to eat them. That doesn't mean it is the best choice for their health so we break down the facts!  Hear real life misconceptions Dan has read over the years during his research for his book "Dogs, Dog Food, and Dogma" and while running his low-carb pet food c...

We are talking facts on dog diabetes and reviewing the packaging and science behind one of the top prescribed dog food for diabetic dogs - Hills Prescription W/D.  Have a dog food brand you want our hosts to review? Email us at hello@feedyourdogfacts.com ------ Links to mentioned visuals in this episode:  https://www.hillspet.com/dog-food/pd-wd-canine-dry https://drive.google.com/file/d/...

Obesity is the most common preventable disease in dogs in North America. The scientific evidence all points to one thing...when dogs are fed more carbs, they gain more weight.   Peer-reviewed studies have linked carbohydrate consumption to all manner of health problems in dogs, including inflammation, obesity, diabetes, elevated insulin and blood sugar level, cancers, and even overall mortali...

Veterinary colleges prep future veterinarians in a lot of areas - including how to recommend food products to pet owners. But courses and the pathway to pet nutrition is loaded with bias from "Big Kibble" brands and we will give you facts! This episode will dive into what exactly vet students learn about nutrition in college and how they are influenced the moment they step foot on campus.  NO...