Now here’s an answer to a question I’ve always wanted to ask. Thanks to the Since You Asked columnist at the Mail Tribune for taking on this question.

Since You Asked: Tasty dog food. Yummy

When a TV commercial says a dog food has a “new and improved taste,” how do manufacturers know the taste is new and improved?

– Hamid R., Ashland

What, by “new and improved taste” do you mean Kroger changed the name on its “Disney’s ‘Old Yeller’ Chunk Style Dog Food”? Because we thought that was the pinnacle of bad taste. Maybe they’re going to run with “Wilson Rawls’ ‘Where the Red Fern Grows’ Gravy Style Dog Food”?

While we at Since You Asked would be delighted to see a group of serious scientists stand in line and taste Puppy Chow, that’s not how it works.

Judgments and claims about dog food flavor are a guessing game. Each company tests taste a little differently.

Nestle Purina PetCare tries out its new recipes on a group of cats and dogs who reside at the Purina Pet Care Center. Scientists observe the animals to see how quickly they eat the new food, how much they consume and whether they continue to prefer the new recipe when offered alternatives, said Kerry Lyman, of Nestle Purina PetCare.

But scientists really don’t know which food tastes better to a dog or cat, said Zibby Wilder, spokesperson for the Animal Protection Institute in Sacramento.

Manufacturers are not required to prove a product has a new and improved taste, she said. It’s likely each pet has varying preferences.

“Companies can make any claim they want about the taste,” Wilder said. “The fact is there is no scientific way to measure that unless dogs and cats could speak.”

We really wish they could. And as far as we know, pet food manufacturers have not consulted with a the growing gaggle of pet psychics, though that would prove almost as amusing as taste-testing by pet dieticians.

Follow this link to read the rest of the article.

Categories: Dog Products, Dogs and Science
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I just saw this new restraint system for dogs and wondered if anyone else has tried it yet. It looks especially well suited for larger dogs. I know the usual and correct recommendation for traveling with dogs is to constrain them in crates. But this looks so much easier on the dogs and allows them to move around more freely. The big question is what about in case of an accident?

Auto Zip Line

The Safest and Easiest way to travel with fido

You want to give man’s best friend a flexible way to move around but keep him restrained. The Kurgo Auto Zip Line™ is the easiest and most convenient safety harness and restraint system for your dog. A plastic coated tension cable simply attaches between the two rear passenger side handles, creating a tether run for the Kurgo dog harness. The secured line allows the dog the freedom of moving around in the backseat while providing safety in case of sudden stops. The Kurgo dog harness and leash integrate with the Zip Line allowing you to quickly transition from walking the dog to getting on the road.

Benefits:
• Protects you and your dog in case of vehicle accident
• Simplest auto harness to use
• Versatile - Use the Kurgo Harness with the Zip Line, back seat belt or front seat belts

Sizes:
• Small: 10-25lbs
• Medium: 25-50lbs
• Large: 50-80lbs
• Extra Large: 80+lbs

Follow this link to read more about it.

Categories: Dog Products
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Flags barked in to ask for information on teeth cleaning.

There are a number of products on the market to help cut or prevent plaque but if any Dogster knows more about something coming out please bark in!

Is there information about Cerenia and reaction to anesthesia coming up for teeth cleaning? We drive 50 miles to our vet and the sheltie always gets sick. Nothing works except some form of anesthesia which is risky just before surgury so we don’t do it.

Something safe would be delightful. We will not give up our sheltie for just such a small thing but he would be happier I am sure.

Original post by Joy and software by Elliott Back

Categories: Member advice, Dog Products, Dogs and Medicine
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