Hill’s Pet Nutrition announced the debut of Hill’s Science Diet Single Protein Dog Food Rolls in the refrigerated section. The launch signifies Hill’s entry into the fresh dog food category. The new format will be available at pet specialty retailers beginning July 2026. Science Diet Single Protein Dog Food Rolls can be fed as the sole source of nutrition or used as a mix-in … [Read more...]
Pet wellness market tops $5 billion, growing faster than predicted
The U.S. pet wellness market is larger and growing faster than many industry estimates suggest. According to Lauren DeVestern, long-term demand, channel success, high customer retention and clear brand differentiation support the pet wellness category's value. Source: PETFOOD Industry, June 18, 2026. Link. Pet wellness products remain heavily online, but expanding into … [Read more...]
The truth about MSG and dog food
The topic of MSG in dog food is full of myth and hearsay, write Joe Holyoake and Andrew Dickens. They offer no definitive answer to the question, “Is MSG safe for a dog?” but relate FDA guidance, share concerns for dogs with certain conditions and the belief it sometimes helps reduce coprophagia. Source: Dog Food Advisor, June 15, 2026. Link. The scientific research … [Read more...]
Study of turmeric extract tolerance in cats
Turmeric extract has been widely studied in humans and increasingly in dogs but data on its safety in cats remains limited. The study reviewed in this article provides reassuring evidence that turmeric extract, at dietary levels up to 1040 ppm curcuminoids, can be safely fed to cats for four months. For veterinarians, this opens the door to considering TE as a functional … [Read more...]
Research: Which horse feeder type slows feed intake of concentrates
The problem: Horses consume concentrates faster by weight compared to forage because of their small particle size and high palatability. Extending the time spent chewing can improve saliva production, nutrient absorption, and gut health and reduce the risk of choking with rapid feed consumption. Research to understand: Researchers at Colorado State University sought to … [Read more...]
Only a third of summer milk loss comes from the bunk
Cooling is necessary; it’s just not sufficient, writes Andrew Hunt. His article is one to study and share with dairy producers. Just one heat event starts a cascade resulting in milk losses. Only about a third of summer milk loss traces back to reduced intake. The rest comes from a gut–immune cascade cooling fans can’t touch. When a cow shunts blood from her gut to dump … [Read more...]
Liver abscesses not just a harvest-day finding
It is now believed the true impact of liver abscesses may begin long before harvest. Shifting energy use from maintenance to production and growth is central to the discussion of liver abscess. Recent research provides evidence that liver abscesses may begin earlier in life. Source: Bovine Veterinarian, June 17, 2026. Link. Veterinarians may need to view liver abscesses not … [Read more...]
One extra pound per consumer would change the pork industry
The opportunity to grow pork demand has never been greater, writes Jennifer Shike in her article supporting the ‘Pursuing One More Pound’ Pork Podcast episode. Her podcast guests discuss the National Pork Board’s efforts to use a pull versus push strategy with the Taste What Pork Can Do campaign <Link>. The NPB seeks to redefine where pork fits into the modern meals … [Read more...]
Adding cattle can improve soil health
Bringing livestock, especially ruminants, back to the farm is one of the underlying principles of improving soil health. The urine, manure and slobber from a ruminant all contain biological organisms that can benefit the health of your soil and start the process of improving soil health, according to Indiana Conservation Partnership personnel. Source: Farm Progress, June 16, … [Read more...]
The missing piece in most pet physical exams
Complimentary Conversations about nutrition can be awkward, challenging and even confrontational. Considered the fifth vital assessment, nutrition discussions can become moments of connection and compliance with clear, confident communication. The AAHA Nutrition Guidelines Certificate Course is designed to help you translate the medicine and science you know into the best … [Read more...]
6 human foods that could poison your dog
Many loving owners don't realize the dangers of dogs eating common kitchen foods. Even if they do, there’s a strong likelihood children or guests are not aware of foods that are toxic or potentially fatal to dogs. Anderson Cox shares six foods we eat that can kill dogs in this article. It is worth sharing with dog owners on social media, in newsletters and with local … [Read more...]
The impact of BCS on systolic blood pressure and glucose levels in cats
This article reinforces the importance of obesity management in cats as our industry works to support growth in feline health interest and veterinary visits. Results from a recent study highlight the importance of recognizing the impact of body condition score on feline health. Obese cats exhibited significantly higher SBP and blood glucose concentrations compared to their … [Read more...]
Body condition score at calving a key predictor of reproductive success
New information? No, but a timely reminder for producers who may have shifted their focus to other summer activities at turnout. Consider sharing this article with producers in newsletters, social media and leave a few copies at the coffee stop. With most spring calving done, assessing cows now is important to the next generation of calves. BCS at calving is one of the best … [Read more...]
Quality over quantity driving milk revenue in U.S. dairies
Karen Bohnert says the U.S. dairy industry is evolving from a fluid milk nation into the world’s premier nutrient-dense global powerhouse. She shares analytics from Farm Journal’s 2026 State of the Dairy Industry Report that shows a staggering 89 percent of producers are now actively and surgically adjusting their rations to target specific milk components (fat and protein) … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – June 4, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, May 28, 2026. Link. Most read posts from May 28, 2026 AHD Bulletin – New insights on the hidden impact of veterinary care: global survey. Link. Malone: Bad and good pain. Link. Just trying to save lives and survive! (video). Link. Role ambiguity is the top workplace stressor, not workload. … [Read more...]
Making the pet food to pet health connection
Pet owners are turning to pet food to boost their pets’ health and wellness, writes David Sprinkle. His takeaways from the January 2026 Packaged Facts survey data show the priority of pet food as a pet health product rises up the generational ladder, tied to a greater likelihood of populations owning more senior pets than ever before. Source: PETFOOD Industry, May 11, 2026. … [Read more...]
What’s wrong with this picture?
May 24, 2026. Southeast Central Nebraska. Feeding hay while drought-affected grass tries to recover. The lack of moisture is putting significant pressure on producers in this state. Around 62 percent of the U.S. cattle inventory is in an area experiencing drought. The latest U.S. Drought Monitor shows nearly three-quarters of the U.S. cattle herd is being affected by … [Read more...]
Study uncovers how cattle break down seaweed
Climate change is forcing producers and scientists to rethink some long-held assumptions about livestock nutrition. Researchers studying what happens inside the gut of cows fed seaweed as an alternate nutrient source observed a bloom, or proliferation, of bacteria they believe was involved in digestion, which suggested the cattle were successfully breaking down and digesting … [Read more...]
World Pork Expo opens June 3
The world’s largest pork industry-specific trade show brings together pork producers and industry professionals from around the world for two days of education, innovation and networking. It takes place Wednesday, June 3 and Thursday, June 4, 2026, at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines. Source: World Pork Expo. Link. There’s something for everyone — an expansive trade … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – May 21, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, May 14, 2026. Link. Most read posts from May 14, 2026 AHD Bulletin – Words + Action = Trust. Link. 1 common skin bacteria, 2 outcomes. Link. These pet brands dominate ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and Perplexity. Link. Turn feline visits into lasting relationships. Link. Vesicular stomatitis … [Read more...]
Considerations when choosing an SGLT2 inhibitor for a newly diagnosed diabetic cat
Diabetes management in cats requires a different approach than in dogs. Section 6 of the 2026 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Cats provides primary care providers with ways to better serve their feline patients, including SGLT2 inhibitors. Two SGLT2 inhibitors are now licensed for use in newly diagnosed, otherwise healthy feline diabetics not previously treated with … [Read more...]
Postbiotics may calm dogs via the gut-brain axis
Research centered on postbiotics suggests they may support stress management indirectly through gut health modulation rather than direct behavioral changes in dogs. The gut-brain axis links intestinal health to neurological responses, according to Erik Eckhardt, PhD, who emphasized, “it is a direct line, literally, between intestine and the brain.” Source: PETFOOD Industry, … [Read more...]
The pet economy is splitting in two
The middle of the pet marketplace is fading away, says Marshall Morris, explaining we are in a K-shaped economy. He offers perspectives for brands that choose to play in premium segments versus store brands. Morris notes the category showing the most resilient growth now isn’t food. It is "preventive" wellness: supplements, OTC treatments and functional ingredients. These … [Read more...]
Hill’s releases its first World of the Kitten Report
Complimentary Building upon Hill's World of the Cat Report, the World of the Kitten Report is positioned as a comprehensive, evidence-based guide that delivers expert insights into optimal kitten growth, nutrition, socialization and veterinary care, to help ensure healthier, happier feline companions across the globe. Hill's encourages a shift in focus to the first 12 … [Read more...]
Vets write ‘Dr. Cluck’ book to help keep chickens healthy, safe
Science-based advice for poultry care at every life stage is now available in a new book from University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources. ‘Dr. Cluck’s Backyard Chickens’ is fun to read, peer-reviewed, poultry vet-approved and and reads like a sitcom. Maurice Pitesky, professor at the UC Davis Weill School of Veterinary Medicine and veterinarian Evan Adler share … [Read more...]
Planning for the 3 most stressful days for a beef-on-dairy calf (video)
Trey Gellert, DVM, outlines how birth, weaning and transport shape lifetime performance in beef-on-dairy calves. His focus for producers is to plan ahead to reduce risk and to set the stage for the best calf to send to the next production stage. Source: The Beef Site, April 27, 2026. Link. [5:49] Before weaning, <producers> need to start programming the calf at a … [Read more...]
Hill’s Pet Nutrition introduces product to support feline mobility, weight management
The new Hill's Prescription Diet Metabolic + j/d, brings two innovations together to help manage feline weight and mobility issues in one formula. Cat owners who have overweight cats struggling with mobility no longer have to choose which condition to address with their veterinarian. Source: Hill’s Pet Nutrition, PR Newswire, April 30, 2026. Link. Hill's Prescription Diet … [Read more...]
Two industries, one mission, mostly disconnected
There is something about pets that overrides conventional career logic, writes veterinary nutritionist Megan Sprinkle, DVM. She shares her observations from a trip to Global Pet Expo 2026 and contrasts parallel industries with a common customer commenting on the opportunity of shared purpose. Source: Animal Health News and Views, April 2026. Link. Diverse perspectives and … [Read more...]
Chicken bone guidance for dogs and cats
Picnic and grilling season puts cats and dogs at more risk of being tempted by bones in garbage containers or tossed near park shelters. These two articles address bone safety for cats and dogs. Pet owners and their families need to understand the danger of feeding bones reinforced to avoid an incident. Consider sharing these on social media and in newsletters. Sources: … [Read more...]
“Watch out” for heifers out of first-calf heifers
Getting the most out of replacement heifers was the focus of a presentation by calf and heifer specialist Bethany Dado-Senn, PhD, at the recent Central Plains Dairy Expo. She shared benchmarks from birth to 12 months of age, highlighting specific areas along each growth stage, including possibly managing heifers out of first-calf heifers separately. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, … [Read more...]