Grocery Pup

If you have a dog and an internet connection, you’re probably aware that pet owners sometimes disagree about things. You’re also probably aware that on the internet, “sometimes disagree” means “argue profusely.” One of the most contentiously debated topics among those who debate pet-related issues on the internet is what to feed your dog. Or, far more importantly, what not to feed your dog. It seems the most contentious of pet foods is kibble. The sheer volume of impassioned claims made for and against kibble vs. raw and fresh dog food can obscure the actual facts. So, according to those facts, what should a responsible dog owner actually feed their pup? The Trouble with Kibble As is the case with most big questions in life, the answer is more about a gray area than necessarily spelled out in black and white. Still, the anti-kibble crowd is backed up by some pretty compelling stuff. Many of the complaints are pretty common sense. Dry kibble can contain around ...

Supporters of the raw dog food movement are without a doubt coming from a place of love for their pups. They point out that raw food more closely resembles the meals that dogs and their canine ancestors would have eaten, so unlike kibble, a raw diet is exactly the sort of fare that dogs have evolved to eat. And those supporters are absolutely right. That being said, does the fact that Spot or Lassie’s wolf ancestors ate nothing but raw food really mean that a raw diet is the best or healthiest way to go? And, if not, is there a healthy dog food alternative? For the answers to these questions, read on, dog lovers. Why a Raw Diet Isn’t a Great Idea For those unfamiliar with the raw diet, it’s just what it sounds like—a mixture of uncooked foodstuffs. The most commonly touted formula for a raw meal is a 5:1:1 ratio of raw meat, fish, or poultry; veggies; and a carb like rice, sweet potatoes, or oats. In defense of raw diet proponents, the raw regimen does have ele...