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 […]

Owning a large breed dog comes with large responsibilities, especially when it comes to choosing the best large breed dog food. After all, you want your dog to live a long, healthy, active life, and that starts with good nutrition. Feeding a properly formulated, high-quality diet is one of the most important things you can […]

Dedicated dog lovers tend to be very kind people. We share our hearts and homes (and for some lucky pups, even the foot of our beds) with our canine pals. Surely there is nothing wrong with sharing our favorite people foods with our dogs too, right? Not necessarily. Many of the foods, such as fruits […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC) today joined with the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC) and other animal care leaders to urge government officials to help ensure the well-being of animals by allowing businesses that provide products and services for the care of pets to continue to operate during the COVID-19 response.  Dennis Sprung, AKC […]

Naturally, owners want what's best for their pets when it comes to nutrition. But, you may be making mistakes when it comes to dog food without even knowing it. Here are eight common dog food mistakes and how to remedy the situations. 1. Buying Too Much Dog Food Generally speaking, you don't want to buy […]

A long life is the result of good genes, good care, and good luck. While a few four-leaf clovers never hurt anyone, chances are it’s a little late to worry about good genes once you’ve welcomed a dog into your heart. That leaves good care as the one thing you can control now. And a […]

Tuesday, January 21, 2020 The New Hampshire House Environment and Agriculture Committee has scheduled the continued hearing on HB 1389 for Tuesday, January 28, 2020, at 10am in Room 303 of the Legislative Office Building.  AKC’s prior alert and details on this bill can be reviewed in full here. HB 1389 would amend the state’s […]

Fiber is an often-overlooked nutrient in dog foods, but it's surprisingly beneficial to our dogs. Although it comes only from plant-based ingredients, there are plenty of healthy ways it can be included in your dog's diet—through ingredients such as sweet potatoes or green beans. The quality of the fiber is important, as well, so make […]

The "leave it" command can keep your pet from eating dangerous items. Here's how to teach your dog to ignore items that they shouldn't eat.

Cooking for your dog offers benefits like diet management, appeasing picky eaters, and bond-building, but there a few common mistakes for owners to avoid.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning pet owners not to feed their pets Performance Dog frozen raw pet food. During an inspection, two samples of the food tested positive for Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes (L. mono), which can sicken both humans and animals. The FDA issued this warning because they believe Performance Dog raw pet food is a serious […]

By April 2019, Bryan Bailey was a desperate man. In September 2018, he and his wife Kira had welcomed a Siberian Husky puppy into their lives. Tikaani was beautiful—solid black with white paws—reminding Bryan of the sled dogs from his childhood in Alaska. But Tikaani was wasting away. Almost as soon as he arrived at Bryan and […]

Learning Objectives Students will demonstrate an understanding of mathematical modeling and its components by engaging in real-world problem solving involving choosing the best dog food brand based on quality and price. Note: This lesson may take multiple days to complete.   Grade Levels 9-12   Common Core Mathematics Standards (Modeling) CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSN.Q.A.1 Use units as a […]

Too much of a good thing — in this case, vitamin D — has sickened some dogs and prompted of recalls of dry dog foods, according to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). Nutrisca and Natural Life Pet Products, both based in Saint Louis, issued voluntary recalls of their products when pet owners complained […]

Just as with human foods and products, there are periodic recalls of pet foods and products. In many cases, dog foods are recalled because the product presents a danger when consumed. The company that makes the dog food or the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) may initiate a recall. Sometimes the product recall may […]

Learning Objectives Students shall be able to locate nutrition labels. Students shall critically analyze typical ingredients found in many dog foods compared to the nutrients a dog naturally needs. Students shall construct a food web and use it to then complete an energy pyramid. Students shall know and be able to compare and contrast the […]

The best dog food for your dog depends on lots of different factors: ingredients, breed, size, and more. Learn about how to choose the best dog food for your pet.

“Eat your fish—it’s brain food.” That’s what I was taught growing up. “Because, you know, fish are so smart,” I used to scoff. But it turns out that mother knew best. That magic component is a type of polyunsaturated fat, particularly the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids vital to the integrity of the brain’s fat-rich cell […]

  How much protein dogs need is highly debated. Some say that protein should make up the bulk of your dog’s diet, while others warn this could be dangerous. This decision should be made by you and your veterinarian, taking into consideration your dog's health and taste preferences. No pet food company should be making […]

  When it comes to choosing the right food for your dog, the choices are endless. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of different brands, and even different types of foods within those brands. Researching ingredients and sources can be confusing and time-consuming, so you might find yourself focusing on the basic bullet points. The […]

Ever go to share a bite of your before-bed snack with your canine companion and stop dead in your tracks, thinking..."Is it OK to feed my dog this food?" All dog owners have probably been there. And with good reason... because while some human foods are great to share with your dog, others are a […]