Rawhide dog chews: what are the real risks?
Why FendaF does not recommend rawhide chews: chemical processing, the 2017 FDA recall, variable digestibility and choking risks.
Why is my dog always hungry: habit, food or illness?
A dog that keeps begging may need a health check or a better-suited food. Learn about EPI, diabetes, appetite genes and the 30-day food trial.
Stress in dogs: ten human habits that may cause tension
We often look for the causes of a dog's stress outside the home: thunderstorms, fireworks, unfamiliar dogs or being left alone. But how often do we ask what impact our own tone of voice, movements or expectations might have? Researching this subject made me look in the mirror. I realised...
Dog licking the floor or carpet? Excessive licking and the gut
Does your dog keep licking the floor, carpet, sofa, or even your hands and feet? An occasional lick does not necessarily mean anything. Dogs explore the world with their mouths and noses, and a surface may simply smell interesting. But when licking becomes repetitive or intense, or it feels as...
Beetroot for dogs: antioxidants, fibre and realistic expectations
Beetroot for dogs: betalains, nitrates, oxalates and fibre. What do studies really tell us, and how can you serve it safely?
Digestive problems in pets: is the cause in the food or in the enzymes?
Dogs with digestive problems come to our showroom quite often. Some owners have tried one food after another, yet their dog still has loose stools, gas or unpleasant-smelling faeces. Others describe an almost overnight improvement after changing food. One small visitor's owner told us that Winner Plus Salmon Mini Holistic...
Metabolizable energy: why can two dogs of the same size need very different portions?
My two German Shepherds remind me every day that the “average dog” on the food bag does not live in our house. Faddy has a sturdy build, and I have tended to need to watch his portions. Oscar, by contrast, used to be rather lean, even when he still weighed...
Duck Feet for Dogs: A Fun Chew or an Unnecessary Risk?
A duck foot makes no attempt to be anything else. It is a dried duck foot, complete with claws, a slightly waxy smell and sometimes quite a glossy coating of fat. Some owners immediately think 'yuck'; many dogs think 'give it to me'. Duck feet have long been one of...
Cleaning your dog’s teeth naturally: does dry food really clean them?
I keep hearing the claim that dogs must eat dry food because it cleans their teeth. My first response is usually: how, exactly? Ordinary kibble breaks apart fairly quickly under a tooth, and many dogs barely chew it. That does not mean no dry food can support dental health. The...
Paw pads and their care
A dry paw pad, an abrasion, a burn and a paw that is constantly being licked are not the same problem. The most useful first step is to look at what the damage actually is and only then decide whether it needs simple care, first aid or a veterinarian. I have...