Watts Blog
Evidence-based insights on dog nutrition, health, and extending your dog's healthspan.
Protein for Dogs: Requirements, Quality & Best Sources
How much protein does your dog need? Learn about protein requirements by life stage, quality metrics, best whole-food sources, and why quality matters more than quantity.
Read more →Gut Health for Dogs: Microbiome, Diet & Digestive Support
The canine gut microbiome affects immunity, digestion, behavior, and overall health. Learn how diet, whole foods, and targeted support improve gut health in dogs.
Read more →Bone Broth for Dogs: Benefits, Research & How to Use It
Bone broth provides natural glucosamine, collagen, and amino acids for dogs. Learn what research shows about joint support, gut health, and how to choose or make quality bone broth.
Read more →Spirulina for Dogs: Benefits, Research & Dosage Guide
Spirulina provides powerful antioxidants, immune support, and complete protein for dogs. See what research shows about phycocyanin, inflammation reduction, detoxification, and optimal dosing.
Read more →How Most Pet Supplements Are Made (The Industry You Don't See)
Most pet supplements start with cheap fillers, get heat-treated (destroying nutrients), have synthetic vitamins added back, then artificial flavors. Here's the manufacturing process manufacturers don't advertise.
Read more →Common Fillers and Binders in Dog Supplements (And Why They're Used)
Maltodextrin, magnesium stearate, artificial colors—learn what fillers really do, which ones to avoid, and how to identify high-quality supplements without junk ingredients.
Read more →Do Joint Supplements Actually Work for Dogs?
Does glucosamine work? What research shows actually helps dogs with arthritis and hip dysplasia. Evidence-based guide to omega-3s, collagen, green-lipped mussel vs marketing hype.
Read more →Chicken By-Products in Dog Food: What They Actually Are
Chicken by-products include organs like liver, heart, and kidney—nutrient-dense parts dogs need. Learn what's actually in by-products, why they're stigmatized, and what to look for on labels.
Read more →What is Meat Meal in Dog Food? (Chicken Meal, Beef Meal Explained)
Meat meal is rendered animal tissue with 4x protein concentration. Learn what it actually is, why it's used, quality differences between named and generic meals, and whether it's good for dogs.
Read more →Do Senior Dogs Need High Protein? Yes — Here's Why
Yes. Senior dogs need MORE protein than young dogs (25-30%+) to maintain muscle mass. Most senior formulas dangerously reduce protein to 18-22%. See what your senior dog really needs.
Read more →Do Dogs Get Vitamin D From the Sun? The Surprising Answer
No. Dogs can't make vitamin D from sunlight—their fur blocks UV rays. See why dogs need 100% dietary vitamin D, best food sources, and how much your dog needs.
Read more →Choline for Dogs: 4 Critical Benefits (Brain, Liver, Memory)
Choline supports brain function, prevents fatty liver, boosts memory, and maintains cell health in dogs. Most dogs are deficient. See benefits, best sources, and dosage.
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 →Lactating Dog Calorie Requirements: How Much to Feed Large Litters
A 50 lb lactating dog with a large litter needs 3,000-4,000 calories/day (3-4x normal). See calorie calculator, feeding schedule, and nutrition requirements by litter size.
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 →Working Dog Nutrition: How Much Protein, Fat & Calories They Need
Working dogs need 30-35% protein and 1,800-2,200 calories/day (50 lb dog). See nutrition requirements by activity level, feeding timing, and critical nutrients.
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 Vitamins in Dog Food: Bioavailability Explained
Synthetic vitamins aren't the same as whole food nutrients. Whole food provides 70-90% better absorption through co-factors and natural compounds. See the difference.
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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