Calcium During Pregnancy: What “Don’t Supplement” Really Means
Calcium needed to balance a pregnant dog’s diet is part of her basic nutrition. Extra supplementation provides calcium on top of a diet that already meets her needs. Calling both “supplementing” blurs this important distinction.[1,2] Calcium supports the puppies’ developing … Continue reading →
When an Elimination Diet Has to Do Two Jobs at Once
Elimination diets sound simple on paper: choose foods the dog has never eaten before, feed them exclusively for a period of time, and see what happens. In practice, some cases require much tighter control. I’m currently working with a senior … Continue reading →
Gallbladder Mucoceles in Dogs
Gallbladder mucoceles can be serious in dogs. In this condition, abnormal mucus and bile accumulate inside the gallbladder, eventually forming thick, immobile material that can interfere with bile flow. In more advanced cases, obstruction, gallbladder damage, or rupture can occur.[1,5] … Continue reading →
Who Is Big Canyon Pet Food? I Went Looking
Big Canyon Pet Food crossed my radar recently, and because it is a relatively new company making some fairly big claims about nutrition science, I wanted to know more about it. The product line is small: grain-inclusive chicken and fish … Continue reading →
Even Modest Weight Loss Can Help Your Dog
When a dog needs to lose weight, the goal can seem daunting. If your veterinarian says your 50-pound dog should weigh 40 pounds, it is easy to focus only on that final number. The good news is that the health … Continue reading →
AI Can Write a Dog Food Recipe – But Can It Formulate One?
A study published online July 7, 2026 in Veterinary and Animal Science looked at exactly this issue. Researchers asked four AI systems to formulate complete beef- and chicken-based diets for an 8-kg adult dog. Eleven formulations were then evaluated against … Continue reading →
Why I Will No Longer Recommend Thorne Supplements
For many years, Thorne has been one of the supplement companies I felt comfortable recommending. Its practitioner-oriented product line, useful formulations, and attention to nutrient forms made it a valuable resource when a carefully selected human supplement was appropriate for … Continue reading →
Do Large Breed Puppies Need a “Growth Window” Joint Supplement?
Some joint supplements are now marketed specifically for large and giant breed puppies. The message is persuasive: growing dogs supposedly have one limited window in which their joints can be strengthened, and missing that window may increase the risk of … Continue reading →
Fresh Food vs. Kibble: What a New Canine Study Found
A new feeding study compared how healthy pet dogs responded to a gently cooked fresh diet and an extruded kibble. Researchers found measurable differences in blood glucose, digestive hormones, stool quality, and the gut microbiome, even though both foods were … Continue reading →
When a “Longevity” Supplement Sounds Scientific: How to Evaluate the Evidence
Supplements marketed for healthy aging in dogs are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Instead of familiar ingredients such as glucosamine or fish oil, many now refer to cellular energy, mitochondrial function, NAD+, senescent cells, cognitive aging, and longevity pathways. Some of the … Continue reading →