Watts Blog
Evidence-based insights on dog nutrition, health, and extending your dog's healthspan.
Senior Dog Nutrition: Why 'Senior Formula' Kibble Often Gets It Wrong
Learn why most senior dog formulas reduce protein when aging dogs actually need more. Discover what senior dogs really need for muscle maintenance, cognitive health, and longevity.
Read more →Vitamin D for Dogs: Can They Get It from Sunlight?
Learn why dogs can't synthesize vitamin D from sunlight like humans can — and why they must get it from diet. Discover the best whole-food sources and optimal levels.
Read more →Choline for Dogs: The Forgotten Essential Nutrient
Learn why choline is essential for dogs' brain function, liver health, and metabolism — and why most dogs don't get enough. Discover the best whole-food sources.
Read more →What Actually Extends a Dog's Lifespan (According to Research)
Learn what science says about extending your dog's lifespan: caloric restriction, muscle maintenance, inflammation reduction, and nutrient density. Evidence-based strategies for longevity.
Read more →B Vitamins for Dogs: Why They're Missing from Most Kibble
Learn why B vitamins are critical for dogs' energy, brain function, and metabolism — and why processing destroys them in most commercial dog foods. Discover the best whole-food sources.
Read more →Antioxidants for Dogs: What They Do and Why They Matter
Learn how antioxidants protect dogs from oxidative stress, support aging, immune health, and longevity. Discover the best whole-food sources and why synthetic antioxidants fall short.
Read more →Zinc for Dogs: What It Does and When It's Missing
Learn what zinc does for dogs, signs of zinc deficiency, and the best whole-food sources. Discover why zinc from organ meats absorbs better than synthetic supplements.
Read more →Best Natural Sources of Glucosamine for Dogs (Beyond Supplements)
Discover natural, whole-food sources of glucosamine for dogs including shellfish, bone broth, and cartilage. Learn why food-based glucosamine may work better than synthetic supplements.
Read more →Large Breed Puppy Nutrition: Avoiding Growth Problems
Large breed puppies have specific nutritional needs to prevent developmental orthopedic disease. Learn why calcium, protein, and growth rate matter for healthy bone development.
Read more →Collagen for Dogs: Benefits, Sources, and What Actually Works
Learn how collagen supports joint health, skin, coat, and digestion in dogs. Discover the best whole-food sources vs supplements and what the research actually shows.
Read more →Pregnant & Nursing Dog Nutrition: What Changes?
Pregnant and nursing dogs have dramatically different nutritional needs. Learn what changes during gestation and lactation, and how to support healthy puppies and maternal health.
Read more →How to Read a Dog Supplement Label (And What to Ignore)
Learn how to decode dog supplement labels, spot marketing fluff, and identify what actually matters for your dog's health and nutrient absorption.
Read more →Active & Working Dog Nutrition: Performance Requirements
Active and working dogs have significantly higher nutritional needs than pets. Learn what working breeds, agility dogs, and hunting dogs need for peak performance and recovery.
Read more →Dog Nutrition vs Human Nutrition: Why Dogs Absorb Nutrients Differently
Dogs and humans have fundamentally different digestive systems and nutritional needs. Learn why what works for human health doesn't always work for dogs.
Read more →How Much Liver Should I Feed My Dog Per Day? Safe Feeding Guidelines
Learn exactly how much liver to feed your dog daily, signs of too much liver, and why proper dosing matters for vitamin A levels and long-term health.
Read more →Dog Supplement Formats Compared: Powders, Soft Chews, and Air-Dried
Compare powders, soft chews, pills, and air-dried dog supplements. Learn which format preserves nutrients best and why processing methods matter for bioavailability.
Read more →What "Human Grade" Really Means in Dog Treats and Supplements
Human grade isn't just marketing. Learn the FDA definition, USDA requirements, and why it matters for your dog's safety and nutrition.
Read more →Best Vitamins for Puppies: Supporting Healthy Growth & Development
Puppies have unique vitamin needs during rapid growth. Learn which vitamins support bone development, brain function, and immune health in growing dogs.
Read more →The Dog Vitamins That Actually Matter (And Why Food Alone Often Falls Short)
Learn which essential vitamins most dogs don't get enough of, why AAFCO minimums aren't enough, and how whole-food sources deliver better results than synthetics.
Read more →Why Beef Liver is One of the Best Things You Can Feed Your Dog
Beef liver delivers 50x more vitamin A, 12x more iron, and 3000% more B12 than muscle meat. Discover why it's the most nutrient-dense whole food for dogs and how it supports energy, skin, and vitality.
Read more →The Real Benefits of Organ-Based Nutrition for Dogs
Discover why organ meat delivers 100x more nutrients than muscle meat. Learn how beef liver, heart, and kidney support energy, digestion, skin health, and long-term vitality for your dog.
Read more →Whole Food vs. Synthetic: Why Bioavailability Matters in Your Dog's Nutrition
Not all nutrients are created equal. Discover why bioavailability determines what your dog actually absorbs from food, and why whole-food sources outperform synthetics for long-term health.
Read more →Why Supplements Can Make Sense for Dogs — Even If You Feed "Complete & Balanced" Food
Most commercial dog foods meet AAFCO's minimum standards, but there's a difference between meeting minimum requirements and supporting long-term health. Learn why whole-food supplements can bridge the gap.
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