Are you considering switching your dog to a homemade diet? Here are the ingredients to look for in homemade dog food recipes.

The earliest dog foods were our leftovers. The earliest commercial dog foods were made from ingredients deemed unfit for human consumption. That’s changed. Now, dog foods are increasingly competing with human foods as consumers of “human-grade” ingredients. This makes our pets’ environmental pawprints much larger than in the past; in fact, in the book Time […]

It was a routine vet visit for Oliver, Julie Carter’s 3½-year-old Golden Retriever. At least, it was until the vet listened to Oliver’s heart and uttered the sentence that would change her life: “He has a heart murmur.” It was February 2018, and Carter had also brought in an interesting article from the Morris Animal […]

How do you choose the best dog food for your pup? AKC's dog nutrition experts explain how to choose the best dog food diet for your dog or puppy.

Your small breed dog might think he is one of the big dogs, but when it comes to dinnertime his nutritional needs are unique. He needs a diet specially formulated for small dogs to help him feel and act his best. Unfortunately, finding the best dog food for small breeds is not always easy. We […]

Our research shows that nearly a quarter of all owners warm their dog’s food. So, who are these owners and why are they going through this extra trouble at feeding time? Pet food companies suggest their products be served at room temperature so that, as Purina says, “your dog can taste and smell it properly.” But […]

While most dogs love to eat cat food, there's a reason why cats eat cat food and dogs eat dog food. Your dog probably won't be harmed by sneaking some of the cat's food now and then, but it isn't something you should give him on a consistent basis. Cats vs. Dogs: Nutrition Cats and […]

UPDATE: On August 17, 2021, the FDA issued a "corporate-wide warning letter" to Midwestern Pet Foods, Inc., the company that produces Sportmix pet food and other pet food brands. Per the FDA alert, as of August 9, the agency "is aware aware of more than 130 pet deaths and more than 220 pet illnesses that […]

This past week, the Wisconsin Assembly passed a bill allowing the state to establish regulations regarding food establishments.  The bill includes an amendment stating that no rule may ban allowing dogs or cats at any establishment that sells only pre-packaged food. The rules established by the state Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection under […]

Feeding a sick dog, especially one dealing with a decreased appetite, upset stomach, diarrhea, and vomiting, can be stressful. To deal with some symptoms, you may want to ask your vet about an over-the-counter stomach and diarrhea treatment. But a bland diet can help address some of these symptoms while also giving your dog the […]

Summer is the perfect time to get outside, enjoy the nice weather, and gather with friends to eat and chat. From May through September, many families have calendars packed with barbecues, picnics, and outdoor parties. And what's a party, if your dog isn't invited? If you are bringing your dog along to these events, you need […]

Every dog is different. There are small dogs, big dogs, active dogs, dogs with sensitive stomachs, and dogs with dietary sensitivities. And that's why deciding on a food for your dog is a very personal choice. But in general, the best food for your dog should meet his nutritional needs. Learn about some of the […]

So you're at the store, buying dog food. You have numerous options, and every bag has a different label: "complete and balanced," "natural," "organic," and the list goes on and on. But what exactly do all of these different labels actually mean? We had the same question. Check out some of the most common dog […]

Your best tool for deciding what to feed your dog is right on the can or bag. But first, you need to know how to read a dog food label.

Choosing a dog food can be tricky. Learn about the differences between a raw food diet and dry kibble, and which dog food may be best for your dog.

Research has suggested that certain superfoods are great for human health and may even extend your lifespan. But what do superfoods do for dogs? Is it OK to feed your dog these foods? What Are "Super" Foods? According to the American Heart Association (AHA), while there are no standard criteria, foods that are nutrient-packed and […]

I read a dog training quote that said “If we give our dogs treats, rewards, and praise for nothing, what are we left with?” The vast majority of federal agencies using dogs prefer toy reward to food reward. There are good arguments for both. Your puppy will take time to develop the extreme desire to […]

There are a few agencies that use food reward with their canines. These include ATF, USDA, and I believe the FBI. I like food reward and can see both the benefits and the liabilities involved. The main difference is how forgiving the dog will be with bad training/trainers. You have, in my very humble opinion, […]

I read a dog training quote that said “If we give our dogs treats, rewards, and praise for nothing, what are we left with?” The vast majority of federal agencies using dogs prefer toy reward to food reward. There are good arguments for both. Your puppy will take time to develop the extreme desire to […]

Got "milk teeth," now bring on the puppy food. Rapidly growing puppies tend to be eager eaters. Not surprising considering that until they are around six months of age, puppies need two to three times the amount of most nutrients and calories per pound of body weight compared to an adult dog. Choosing Puppy's First […]