The pet food industry is a cauldron of misinformation, myths, dirty tricks, and BS. The "Feed Your Dog Facts" podcast is here to help dog owners navigate these confusing waters and be smart, responsible guardians for their pets. In each episode, hosts Dan Schulof and Jen Wolanik discuss evidence-based information about nutritional science, the veterinary community, and the pet food industry, making these challenging topics so simple that even a dog could understand them.
Daniel Schulof and Jennifer Wolanik
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? Listen for all the answer and more! ====== Visual used in this episode: https://t.ly/PcPBN ====== Have an idea for a future Feed Your Dog Facts episode? Email us at hello@feedyourdogfacts.com
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 donations from large organizations. It marks a needed change in the way animal non-profits are organized. ============== Ready to join and make a difference? Donate or become a PCRC member today: https://bit.ly/ThePCRC Questions about PCRC or want to know more? Email us at hello@feedyourdogfacts.com
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 a question or concern about DCM? Email us at hello@feedyourdogfacts.com
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 suggestion for a future episode topic? Email us at hello@feedyourdogfacts.com
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 Score" to determine that answer for Best in Show 2022 and other showrunner breeds! BCS charts rely upon silhouette images and qualitative descriptions of a few canine body-parts (like the ribs, abdominal tuck, and spine) to guide their users to an approximation of how much fat is in their dog's body. --------------- View the visuals used extensively in this episode here! https://bit.ly/westminster-bcs
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 factors, and so much more. As always, we caution that neither of our hosts are veterinarians and it is essential to always work with your care team surrounding your dog's health. ====== Have more questions about canine diabetes? Contact us at hello@feedyourdogfacts.com
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, carbohydrate restriction, and exercise along with their pros and cons. But moreover, which of these choices are the most effective to help lose fat and retain muscle mass? We will also tackle common weight loss dry dog foods and how they are intended to work! Visuals used in this episode: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BjsoVXfLwZVi2fih4kfk3OskDdZYHrcd/view?usp=sharing ============== Have a dog weight loss question or feedback? Contact us at hello@feedyourdogfacts.com
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/files/1/2359/1523/files/Body-Condition-Scoring-Chart-For-Dogs-min.jpg?v=1614627563 ======== Questions about how heavy your dog should be? Contact our hosts at hello@feedyourdogfacts.com
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 company, KetoNatural Pet Foods. Even though dogs and wolves are almost identical species, only dogs produce amylase which helps break down carbohydrates into glucose. We'll walk through the timeline of how domesticated dogs began to eat carbs as pure means of survival. Although most dog food and treats have a high ratio of carbs, there are a lot of (science backed) reasons to consider before adding them to your dog's diet. ----------- Listen to the complementary Episode 08: Carbs Make Dogs Fat for even more facts on carbs! Have a question, comment, or counterpoint? Email us at hello@feedyourdogfacts.com
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/1pTpOT4WLRW8kCL4C-WBED9PjurfdMJJO/view?usp=sharing https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17062806/#:~:text=Mean%20weight%20losses%20at%2012,was%20spent%20with%20the%20dogs.
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 mortality. Today's dog kibble, even the premium brands, has at least 40% carbs yet dogs ate zero carbs for 99% of their evolutionary heritage. So, let's dive into all the facts behind why and how carbs contribute to the modern epidemic of dog obesity! ----------- For even more facts on how carbs affect dogs, download a free copy of "Dogs, Dog Food, and Dogma" by Dan Schulof: https://ketonaturalpetfoods.com/pages/free-ebook Have a critique, counter point, question, or even a topic suggestion? Email us at hello@feedyourdogfacts.com
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. NOTE: This is a companion episode! First give a listen to "More Vets Smoke Camels #1: How Much Nutrition Do Veterinarians Learn?" to get caught up on the first half but honestly, either order is fine. ----------- For even more facts on nutrition curricula within veterinary colleges, download a free copy of "Dogs, Dog Food, and Dogma" by Dan Schulof: https://ketonaturalpetfoods.com/pages/free-ebook Have a critique, counter point, question, or even a topic suggestion? Email us at hello@feedyourdogfacts.com
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. Next up is Sundays for Dogs which centers the majority of its marketing language around its dog food being "air dried" and "human grade". But how exactly do those terms translate to in the world of dog food manufacturing? Want to see Dan and Jen get up close with the Sundays food in person? Watch the companion video: https://youtu.be/nPfY-hqKiuQ --------- Submit the next brand for our Label Review series by contacting the FYDF hosts at hello@feedyourdogfacts.com
Our first guest in the premiere season of Feed Your Dog Facts is Melissa McWilliams from Beagle Freedom Project! Beagle Freedom Project has saved thousands of animals including beagles, cats, and guinea pigs since 2011. Throughout the United States and around the world, BFP has rescued animals from laboratories for rehabilitation and rehoming. Melissa sits down with Dan and Jen to discuss all the facts, legislation, and how you can get involved to take action in ending the horrific conditions surrounding animal testing in research facilities. Learn more about Beagle Freedom Project: https://bfp.org/ Beagle Freedom Project not only rescues but has developed an innovative and robust advocacy agenda. It has passed its signature Beagle Freedom Law, mandating the adoption of dogs and cats from laboratories in several states and going strong. Its Cruelty-Cutter smartphone app is the leading cruelty-free shopping software on the market. Its programs have won prestigious awards like the Lush Prize for Public Awareness. ----------- Have a critique, counter point, question, or even a topic suggestion? Email us at hello@feedyourdogfacts.com
Puppies need specific nutrition for proper growth, development, and health. Learn about the best puppy food you can feed your new four-legged friend. Your hosts dive into important topics like what to look for on puppy dog food packaging, how much protein, and overall pet nutrition facts for puppies! ----------- For even more facts on nutrition curricula within veterinary colleges, download a free copy of "Dogs, Dog Food, and Dogma" by Dan Schulof: https://ketonaturalpetfoods.com/pages/free-ebook Have a critique, counter point, question, or even a topic suggestion? Email us at hello@feedyourdogfacts.com
As pet owners we want to feed their pets the best animal food for their health and longevity. Discussion of nutrition usually happens with our trusted veterinarians answering many nutrition-related questions and concerns. But it's time to ask how much education and training do vets actually receive in college and training? We break down all of the answers in this episode! Visuals discussed in this episode are available online: https://bit.ly/3wqBizg NOTE: Our hosts are not veterinarians and we still respect and honor the place that veterinarians do have in the care of our animals. Please consult with your own veterinarian practice for all health matters and concerns. This episode is to bring awareness and knowledge around this particular topic. ----------- For even more facts on nutrition curricula within veterinary colleges, download a free copy of "Dogs, Dog Food, and Dogma" by Dan Schulof: https://ketonaturalpetfoods.com/pages/free-ebook Have a critique, counter point, question, or even a topic suggestion? Email us at hello@feedyourdogfacts.com
It's not uncommon to see claims on pet food labeling like "wholesome" or "all natural." But if you look at the small print, you'll often find out that there's very little meat in the food, and a whole lot of carbs and fillers. Let's break down our first brand in our Label Review series - Blue Buffalo Blue Wilderness dry dog food. Looking to see the packaging up close while Jen and Dan walk through each marketing claim? View the companion video on the FYDF YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/1JIpE89Mv6c What brands should we tackle on the next Label Review segment? Email your ideas to hello@feedyourdogfacts.com!
It's common knowledge to most pet parents that their dogs need protein for energy and quality of life but how much protein do dogs actually need? Your hosts Dan and Jen will break down all of the science-first facts around this topic. Dan Schulof, author and pet nutrition activist, will show the exact science and numbers behind important questions like why is protein important and how is it used by your dog's body? How much protein did its ancestors eat for 99.9% of their evolution? What is “too much” protein for a dog? And most importantly, what does this mean when you are shopping for pet food? Visuals used in this episode: https://bit.ly/3xLhB6m For even more facts on protein and dogs, download a free copy of "Dogs, Dog Food, and Dogma" by Dan Schulof: https://ketonaturalpetfoods.com/pages/free-ebook Have a critique, counter point, question, or even a topic suggestion? Email us at hello@feedyourdogfacts.com
Welcome to the Feed Your Dog Facts podcast experience with Dan Schulof and Jen Wolanik. Get to know the people behind the project in our introduction episode! Feed Your Dog Facts is for dog parents who want to know the absolute facts around pet nutrition without all of the misinformation, myths and BS! As passionate pet parents ourselves, we are looking to open up a conversation with each episode by honing in on a specific topic and laying out all of the science in a way that anyone can understand. Dan Schulof brings years of experience as an author, science writer, and speaker on the topic of pet nutrition as well as Founder of KetoNatural Pet Foods. Read his book "Dogs, Dog Food, and Dogma" available on Amazon or as a free digital download on the KetoNatural Website: https://ketonaturalpetfoods.com/pages/free-ebook Make sure to subscribe so you don't miss out on any new episodes! We will publish every two weeks to all streaming platforms as well as our YouTube channel. Also follow us on the official FYDF website: www.feedyourdogfacts.com