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A 2024 study in PLOS ONE shows that dogs fed a plant-based dog kibble displayed normal, healthy animo acid levels and heart health.  Fifteen clinically healthy dogs were enrolled in the California study and evaluated over the course of 0, 6 and 12 months while eating a plant-based diet made with pea protein. Complete blood count, blood chemistry, plasma amino acids, cardiac biomarkers, and serum...

If you notice your dog itching, licking or having tummy troubles, an allergy may be the culprit of their discomfort. What causes allergies in dogs? Allergies most often stem from your dog's environment or their diet. According to a recent study, the top allergens in dog food are beef, chicken, wheat, soy and dairy products.  How do I change my dog's diet so they itch less?  Eliminating...

There are many moving parts going on behind the scenes during the creation of a dog food supplement. Who will formulate the supplement? Where and how will it be produced? How will it be packaged? In this article we'll take a look at the steps involved in creating a brand new supplement from scratch. FORMULATION The first step to a supplement coming to...

Preparing homemade treats for your dog is a great way to offer nourishing snacks while avoiding any yucky additives or preservatives in traditional dog treats. Another bonus? Simple, homemade treats are generally less expensive than store-bought ones.  Our favorite safe and healthy one-ingredient treats for dogs include: Chickpeas Simply drain and rinse a can of chickpeas. Store them in an airtight...

Protein is made up of building blocks called amino acids. These amino acids can be found in an array of foods, many of which are abundant in the plant kingdom.  Why protein is important for dogs?  Protein is crucial for the overall health of your dog. When consuming the proper amount of protein, your dog is able to utilize their...

Feeding your dog a complete and balanced diet that includes the proper array of vitamins and minerals is crucial to maintaining their optimal overall health.  What are the most important vitamins and minerals for dogs?  There are many vitamins and minerals that work together to create a healthy, balanced diet for dogs. Here are some of the most important ones...

When it comes to our dogs, doing our best for the planet means more than using compostable poop bags or walking instead of driving our car. Not only is a plant-powered diet super healthy for your dog according to the latest research, but it can actually lower their carbon footprint in a significant way.  Wait...can dogs really thrive on a vegan diet? Yes! After...

If you're thinking about home-cooking for your dog, look no further! The variety of ingredients used in homemade food will provide delicious meals that are also an excellent source of nutrition for your little cutie of any breed, shape or size. How do I introduce my dog to a homemade diet? Before changing your dog's diet, always consult with your veterinarian to...

What is taurine? Taurine is an amino acid that is important for the proper function of your dog's overall health.  Due to differences in size, breed, age, and other factors, dogs synthesize taurine at different rates. Many dog foods include supplemental taurine as a precaution against taurine deficiency. What is an amino acid? Amino acids are the basic building blocks...

We received a touching testimonial from a customer of ours and knew we had to share it here on the Opal blog. Our hope is that Parx's story reaches as many pet parents as possible so more can discover the healing benefits of a fresh, homemade diet for dogs! Here's what our customer Kevin wrote in:  "6 months ago my dog...

When making homemade food for your dog, it's important to make sure each meal is nutritionally complete with the correct balance of vitamins and minerals. Salt is a tasty addition to human meals, but how does it affect homemade dog food? Is salt good or bad for dogs?  Salt is an electrolyte and is an essential nutrient in your dog's...

With so many different types of products on the market, deciding what to feed your dog can be one of the toughest decisions to make as a pet parent. Cooking fresh, homemade food for your dog at home offers a vast array of benefits, but how does it compare to commercial kibble that you purchase at the store? Is homemade...

When you cook at home for your dog, learning how to properly prepare and store their food is key to keeping their meals healthy and fresh. Why is it important to properly store homemade dog food? When you make your dog's food at home, their meals are fresh and free of preservatives. This makes them super healthy, but also more...

The longest, most comprehensive study on dogs fed plant-based diets has been posted in BioRXIV, generating good news for meatless dogs everywhere. The study, conducted by Tonatiuh Melgarejo, Annika Linde and their colleagues, followed a population of 15 adult dogs, volunteered by the dog parents, over the course of one year. The dogs were fed v-dog, a commercial plant-based kibble, and monitored on various health parameters, including...

Have you ever wondered if pumpkin is safe and healthy for your dog to eat? It turns out pumpkin is not only a nutritious, plant-powered superfood, but a tasty one your dog is sure to enjoy. Top 3 reasons to feed your dog pumpkin: 1. Great for digestion Pumpkin contains fiber, which contributes to a healthy digestive system and regular poops. If your dog...

Whether you’re looking to add more fresh foods to your dog’s diet or switch them over to completely home-cooked meals, it’s important to know which foods to avoid to ensure their optimal health and happiness. Here’s a list of the most important foods to avoid when feeding your dog at home:  1. Onions Onions can cause damage to red blood cells...

The quick answer? YES! After evolving alongside humans for thousands of years, dogs are omnivorous, which means they can digest and make excellent use of starchy, plant-based foods.  → Veggies, when lightly steamed and cooled, are a great treat or part of a home cooked meal for dogs. → Vegetables contain highly-absorbable phytonutrients and antioxidants  → Broccoli contains more vitamin C...

The following article is a letter from Dr. Richard Pitcairn, DVM on the evolution of the type of diet he recommended to his clients during his 50 years as a veterinarian.  -- As the years advanced in my clinical work, my advice as to diet also evolved. I started, like most veterinarians, recommending what I thought was a good commercial...

Written by Dr. Marybeth Minter, DVM Nearly a decade ago, I routinely recommended grain-free, meat-based kibble and raw meat diets for both dogs and cats. As I became increasingly concerned with what climate science was revealing, and grew more aware of the dire state of the welfare of food animals, along with the prevalent chemical contamination of our food supply,...

Thinking about getting started on cooking for your pup? You're not alone! More and more pet parents are taking to the kitchen to whip up custom meals for their dogs in lieu of store bought food. Whether your pup is itchy and allergy-prone, picky or you just want to offer them a delicious variety that benefits their health, here are the top...