The dog food primer we wish we had.
Short, opinionated guides to the parts of a dog food label, regulation, and supply chain that actually move the needle. Written for owners, not regulators.
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How to Read a Dog Food Label
What the front of the bag is allowed to hide, what the back is required to disclose, and what no bag is required to tell you.
12 min read -
AAFCO Statements Explained
AAFCO is not a government agency. It does not test or approve any dog food. Here is what the statement on the back of the bag actually means.
10 min read -
Grain-Free Dog Food and DCM
The FDA investigated grain-free food and a fatal heart condition for four and a half years, then walked away. The full story, every conflict of interest, and where Sniff stands.
18 min read -
Dog Food Ingredients: 21 to Avoid and 8 That Are Actually Fine
The "ingredients to avoid" list everyone shares is half right and half mythology. Here is what actually matters and what is just pet food forum copy-paste.
15 min read -
Copper Hepatopathy in Dogs: How a Deleted Regulation Created a Liver Disease
In 2007, AAFCO deleted the maximum copper limit for commercial dog food. Veterinary literature has documented a rise in copper-associated chronic hepatitis ever since. The full story.
14 min read
More guides are in progress, including the 5-year recall database and senior dog nutrition.