The Humanization of Pets – or the Discovery of our Own Humanity?
There is no ‘humanization of pets’. Rather, we are finally catching up to our own animal instinct for cross-species compassion.
Dr. Oscar Chavez
Articles By
Dr. Oscar Chavez
What Nutrients Do Dogs Need?
These are the 6 essential nutrients that make a balanced diet for dogs.
Why Do Dogs Eat Their Poop?
When dogs eat their poop, it’s called coprophagia; the thought of it sounds absolutely disgusting. Yet the consumption one’s own fecal material is not uncommon among animals, and in some cases (as with rabbits), is an important part of their metabolism and nutrition. But dogs aren’t’ rabbits (and humans think it’s gross) – so why do
Is Commercial Pet Food Safe?
Now that we share our lives with our dogs, it makes sense that we share our standards of food with them too. We cannot continue to feed them like farm animals because it may be unsafe to do so, and according to the latest FDA video announcement shown below, doing so brings in contamination, toxins, bacteria, illness,
Defrosting Methods for JustFoodForDogs Customers
Here’s how to thaw frozen food safely (and how not to)
Can Dogs Eat Popcorn? Is Popcorn OK For Dogs?
Is popcorn safe for dogs? A veterinarian gives a definitive answer.
What Human Food Can Dogs Eat?
Some human foods are actually GOOD for dogs! Here’s what foods are safe and which human foods to avoid.
7 Tips on How to Choose the Right Food for Your Dog
Every dog’s nutritional needs are different. Here are seven factors to consider when shopping for dog food.
Top Ten Reasons Why You Should Hug a Dog Today
Being the proud pet parent of a dog isn’t just for “dog people!” It’s for everyone! Multiple scientific studies have proved that dogs have a number of positive effects on our health and well-being. Just as medications and medical treatments are indicated for everyone that needs them – the argument can be made that everyone needs to
What Snacks Can Dogs Eat?
Read on for a breakdown of what human foods are safe for dogs to eat — and which foods to avoid.
How Much Food to Feed a Dog at Any Life Stage
When it comes to how much to feed a dog, you must consider its life stage, body weight, diet, and activity level.
Don’t Let Your Pet Fall Victim to Holiday Dangers
As the holidays’ approach, pet owners must be especially vigilant when it comes to our 4-legged family members. Typical holiday foods and decorations can present a minefield of dangers to your pet. Here are some warnings issued by veterinarian Dr. Oscar Chavez, BVetMed, MRCVS: TRADITIONAL HOLIDAY FOODS The pancreas is a small digestive organ that
How to Make a Dog’s Coat Shiny
It begins with nutrition.
Why Does My Dog Fart So Much?
Recently we received a funny email from one of our customers, it was titled “by the way…..good intel for your farty dog clients…” and it said: “I have 2 Frenchies. They used to be terrible farters, even on prescription, supposedly high quality food. They’ve been on JFFD for about 2 months now and are FART
Cats Are Not Selfish, They Are Just Self-Sufficient
Are cats selfish? Not necessarily. Let’s take a look at the roots behind certain cat behaviors.
Cleaning Up Dog Poop: The Ultimate Guide
Dog poop contaminated with bacteria is highly contagious if not disposed of properly.
All About Fresh Food for Cats
Cats as a species have very specific nutritional needs.
My Dog Has Fleas and Hot Spots. What Do I Do?
‘Tis the season of the flea! Although we have fleas year-round in Southern California, the flea burden is highest in the warmer months; that coupled with seasonal allergies and other factors, makes May a great month for fleas, and an itchy one for our best friends. Flea bite wounds outlive the fleas that caused them
Dog Diarrhea: What Does It Mean?
The truth is in the poop. That’s right, we said it! Keeping an eye on our dog’s stools, albeit not the most appealing activity, is one of the ways we monitor his or her health. We don’t like to think about the inevitable diarrhea days (and the mess that comes with them), but they do
Breeds That Do Not Do Well In The Cold
Breeds well adapted to cold weather include those with a higher % body fat (for insulation) and those with thick down fur (for protection). The largest the animal the best it retains its heat (think dinosaurs), so large breed dogs also tend to stay warm and conserve heat energy. Conversely, to look at some breeds
How to Choose Dog Food for Picky and Finicky Eaters
Read about why your dog is being picky as well as tips to get them to eat.
Is Rice Bad For Dogs?
No, rice is not bad for dogs. Despite what marketing leads you to believe, carbs are not the enemy.
How to Keep Your Dog Healthy
What do veterinarians recommend most when they are asked how to keep my dog healthy? Most veterinarians agree that proper diet, regular exercise, routine checkups, and proper grooming—not to mention lots of love—will go a long way toward keeping your furry family member in tip-top shape. 6 Steps to a Happier, Healthier Life for You
How Much Should I Feed My Dog?
Portion size is just as important to your dog’s health as what you feed them.
The Pet Food Industry a Decade after the Melamine Recall of 2007
This past month marked the 10-year anniversary of one of the worse consumer recalls in American history: the Melamine Pet Food Recall of 2007. Among our core values at JustFoodForDogs, we strive to be relentless advocates for pets and also to drive change in the industry. For this reason, we thought it would make sense
Why Do Cats Hiccup?
Have you ever caught your cat hiccupping? Probably not – it’s not very common for cats to hiccup, but it does happen. It is much more common in dogs, especially puppies. We asked around the office, and none of us here have ever seen a cat with hiccups, however if it does happen, here’s what
Vet Recommended Dog Food – What Makes us Special at JustFoodForDogs
Dear JFFD Family, Our food is special for many reasons: we use real food and follow updated NRC nutrient profiles and have performed Feeding Trials on our diets. We have gained the trust and recommendation of many respected board-certified specialists and veterinarians across the country. In contrast, many commercial pet food companies never run trials