Pet food & health
The Pawpoy pet health blog
Plain-language guides on pet food safety, ingredient labels, and nutrition. Written for pet parents who just want a straight answer.
All articles (20)
Dog Food Allergy vs. Food Intolerance: They're Not the Same Thing
Itchy skin doesn't automatically mean a food allergy. Here's the real difference between a food allergy and a food intolerance in dogs, and why it matters.
What the AAFCO Statement on Your Pet Food Actually Means
The nutritional adequacy statement is the least-read, most-important line on a pet food bag. Here's what it actually promises, and what it doesn't.
My Dog Ate Onion or Garlic: How Worried Should I Be?
Onion and garlic damage a dog's red blood cells, and the effect builds up over repeated exposure. Here's the real risk and the delayed symptoms to watch for.
My Dog Ate Grapes: Why There's No Safe Amount
Grapes and raisins can cause sudden kidney failure in dogs, and vets still don't know why. Here's what to do in the first hour and why waiting is the real risk.
My Dog Ate Chocolate: How Bad Is It and What to Do Right Now
Chocolate risk depends on the type, the amount, and your dog's weight. Work out the danger level fast and know exactly when to call the vet.
How Much Should I Feed My Dog? Why the Bag Is Usually Wrong
Feeding guides on the bag overshoot for most dogs. How to work out real daily calories, count treats honestly, and adjust by body condition.
Feeding a Diabetic Cat: Why Low-Carb Changes Everything
Diabetic cats aren't small diabetic dogs. Low-carb wet food can even push some cats into remission. Here's the feeding plan that works.
Feeding a Cat With Kidney Disease: Phosphorus Is the Whole Game
For a cat with CKD, phosphorus control matters more than any other label line. What to limit, what to keep, and how to read labels for a CKD cat.
Feeding a Dog With Pancreatitis: The Low-Fat Rules That Matter
After pancreatitis, what your dog eats decides whether it comes back. The fat thresholds, the treat traps, and what to check on every label.
Can Dogs Eat Cat Food? What One Bite vs. a Habit Really Does
A stolen bite of cat food won't hurt your dog. A steady habit can. Here's why cat food is too rich for dogs and how to keep bowls separate.
Cat Food Ingredients to Avoid: The Species-Specific Danger List
Cats aren't small dogs. Several ingredients safe for dogs are toxic or harmful to cats. Here's the cat-specific danger list and the science behind it.
Wet vs. Dry Food: What Actually Matters for Your Pet
An honest look at wet vs. dry pet food: hydration, dental health, calories, cost, and which format actually fits your pet best.
Feeding a Diabetic Dog: Ingredients, Timing, and What to Scan For
What to feed a diabetic dog: the ingredients that help (and hurt), why meal timing matters, and how Pawpoy supports diabetic food choices.
Pet Food Recalls: How They Work and How to Stay Ahead of Them
What triggers a pet food recall, how the FDA handles them, and simple steps to monitor your pet's food without checking the FDA site every morning.
How to Switch Your Pet's Food Without Stomach Upset
The right way to transition your dog or cat to a new food, and why sudden changes cause diarrhea even when the new food is healthier.
Can Cats Eat Dog Food? (And What Happens If They Do)
A nibble of dog food won't hurt your cat, but a steady diet of it will. Here's what's missing, what's dangerous, and how to manage a multi-pet home.
10 Pet Food Ingredients Vets Wish You'd Avoid
From synthetic preservatives to unlabeled sweeteners, here are 10 pet food ingredients that worry vets, and what to look for instead.
Is Grain-Free Dog Food Safe? The DCM Question Explained
The FDA's 2018 investigation linked grain-free diets to dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs. Here's what the evidence shows and what to look for on the label.
Chicken Meal vs. Chicken: What the First Ingredient Really Tells You
Why chicken meal listed third can beat fresh chicken listed first, and how to decode protein claims on any pet food label.
Xylitol and Dogs: Why It's the Most Dangerous Ingredient on Any Label
Xylitol can cause severe hypoglycemia and liver failure in dogs, even in tiny amounts. Where it hides, what to do, and how to prevent exposure.