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.
loading ...
Dr. Chavez, BVetMed MRCVS MBA leads our Canine Nutrition Team as JustFoodForDogs expands and demand for our diets increase. His current role is Chief Medical Officer at JustFoodForDogs LLC. Dr. Oscar E. Chavez is a veterinarian and business executive with a progressive career founded upon a solid committed to pet advocacy, integrity, education, and sound veterinary principles. Dr. Chavez graduated in 2006 from the Royal Veterinary College, University of London, and started his career with Banfield, the world’s largest veterinary practice, where he became Chief of Staff. In 2009, he joined the faculty of the Animal and Veterinary Science department at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. There, he was Director of the Animal Health Science veterinary technician program from 2010 – 2013, and remains an adjunct faculty and researcher, and professor of veterinary clinical nutrition. Additionally, he served as a member of the Multidisciplinary Committee and the Registered Veterinary Technician Committee for the California State Veterinary Medical Board. In 2012, Dr. Chavez completed a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of California at Irvine. As Director of Canine Clinical Nutrition, he brings not only a deep technical expertise in researching and working exclusively with fresh prepared whole food diets at Cal Poly Pomona, but a true love for dogs that all of us here share. His own Golden Retriever, Rey, was a successful case study for our food. Rey’s kidney disease was successfully managed with our Renal Moderate Protein vet directed diet, which made Dr. Chavez’s involvement even that much more personal to him. A graduate of the Royal Veterinary College in London, UK, Dr. Chavez is a licensed practicing veterinarian who has focused on clinical nutrition since graduating vet school. Dr. Chavez notes, “It all starts with nutrition. You are what you eat, and practically any health issue can be addressed through a higher quality diet. We are in a unique time for veterinary medicine where people are seeking whole food diets using real USDA ingredients over commercial kibble or cans that use feed grade ingredients. I’m excited of the possibilities we have in further increasing the health of our dogs with this trend. Our goal is to raise awareness of these diets and help bring a simple, fast and affordable solution to as many pet parents and their dogs as possible.”
05.02.2023
There is no ‘humanization of pets’. Rather, we are finally catching up to our own animal instinct for cross-species compassion.
05.02.2023
These are the 6 essential nutrients that make a balanced diet for dogs.
05.02.2023
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
05.02.2023
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,
03.06.2023
Here’s how to thaw frozen food safely (and how not to)
03.06.2023
Is popcorn safe for dogs? A veterinarian gives a definitive answer.
03.06.2023
Some human foods are actually GOOD for dogs! Here’s what foods are safe and which human foods to avoid.
02.15.2023
Every dog’s nutritional needs are different. Here are seven factors to consider when shopping for dog food.
01.25.2023
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
01.12.2023
Read on for a breakdown of what human foods are safe for dogs to eat — and which foods to avoid.
01.07.2023
When it comes to how much to feed a dog, you must consider its life stage, body weight, diet, and activity level.
11.02.2022
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
It begins with nutrition.
09.05.2022
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
09.03.2022
Are cats selfish? Not necessarily. Let’s take a look at the roots behind certain cat behaviors.
07.27.2022
Dog poop contaminated with bacteria is highly contagious if not disposed of properly.
07.02.2022
Cats as a species have very specific nutritional needs.
04.27.2022
‘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
04.01.2022
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
01.27.2022
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
Read about why your dog is being picky as well as tips to get them to eat.
08.12.2021
No, rice is not bad for dogs. Despite what marketing leads you to believe, carbs are not the enemy.
02.28.2020
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
02.25.2020
Portion size is just as important to your dog’s health as what you feed them.
04.03.2017
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
02.27.2016
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
07.17.2014
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