Research Library

Plain-English summaries of key studies and official guidance. Use these sources to double-check claims and learn more.

Guidelines & Policy

1

FEDIAF Nutritional Guidelines for Cats & Dogs (2024)

EU industry standard for nutrient targets (maintenance & growth). We use this as the primary benchmark.

2

WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee — Raw Meat-Based Diets

Vet guidance on raw feeding benefits/risks and balancing home-prepared diets.

3

AVMA Policy — Raw or Undercooked Animal-Source Protein

Veterinary association position on raw diets and food safety.

12

UK Pet Food (PFMA) — Responsible Raw Feeding

Practical raw feeding and hygiene factsheets (UK).

13

UK Guidelines for Manufacture of Raw Pet Food

Industry/regulator guidance (PFMA/Defra/APHA/PHE/FSA).

Hygiene & Pathogens

4

UK FSA — Raw Pet Food: Safe Handling & Storage

Clear household hygiene steps for handling raw pet food.

5

UK Gov — Raw Pet Foods: Preventing Infection

Government advice on storing, handling, and avoiding cross-contamination.

5

Davies RH et al. (2019) Review of Raw Diets

Summarizes reported benefits and risks; highlights pathogen and balance concerns.

7

van Bree FPJ et al. (2018) Zoonotic Bacteria & Parasites in RMBDs

Survey of pathogens in commercial/home raw diets; public-health angle.

8

Antimicrobial-Resistant Bacteria in Raw Pet Foods

Reviews AMR risks and implications.

Nutrient Balance

9

Common Deficiencies in Home-Prepared Diets (VIN/WSAVA)

Typical nutrient gaps without careful planning or vet oversight.

Bones & Foreign Bodies

10

VCA — Why Bones Are Not Safe for Dogs

Risks of fractures, obstructions, and safer alternatives.

11

Esophageal/Gastric Bone Foreign Bodies (Clinical Review)

Case data on bone-related obstructions and outcomes.

Fish Freezing Rules

14

EU Regulations — Parasite Control via Freezing

Requirements to kill parasites in certain fishery products.

15

Food Standards Scotland — Freezing Fish for Parasite Control

Practical advice on time/temperature for parasite risk reduction.

Puppy Nutrition (Ca:P)

16

Merck Veterinary Manual — Nutritional Requirements & Ca:P

Targets for calcium/phosphorus; cautions for large-breed puppies.

Food Composition

17

USDA FoodData Central

Baseline nutrient data; values are averages and can vary by cut/source.

Omega-3 & Fish Oil

18

Tufts Petfoodology — Essential Fatty Acids & Inflammation

Role of EFAs; overview for practical use.

19

Tufts Petfoodology — Joint Diets & Omega-3s

Omega-3s in joint support; diet considerations.

20

Today's Veterinary Practice — Fish Oil Dosing Ranges

Typical dosing guidance used clinically (start low, monitor).

21

CSU VTH — Fish Oil Dosing Chart & Cautions

Practical dosing ceilings and caution notes.

Thyroid & Iodine

22

Food-Induced Thyrotoxicosis in Dogs

Thyroid tissue contamination risks in meats/treats; monitoring advice.

23

FDA Alert — Thyroid Hormones in Pet Treats

Advisory on thyroid tissue in products and clinical signs.

Green-lipped Mussel

24

Hielm-Björkman A. et al. (2007) GLM Trial

Clinical outcomes suggesting benefit for arthritis signs.

25

Eason CT et al. (2018) GLM Review

Review of mechanisms, quality differences, and dosing variability.

26

Kampa N. et al. (2024) GLM RCT

Recent randomized trial results; consider product quality variability.
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