November 2016 - The Optimal Dog - The Optimal Dog

Monthly Archives

The Skeptic’s Guide to the Benefits of Raw Dog Foods

What follows is my skeptical analysis of the arguments commonly made for why raw-ingredient diets are “better” for dogs than those based primarily upon cooked products. It’s a lengthy (3,000+ words) and in-depth piece. Perfect for passing the time while waiting for a delayed flight or taking a break from an awkward Thanksgiving table debate about the recent election. I have been […]

Obesity Doesn’t Hurt … Until it Kills

On most mornings, before I start working, I spend 10-15 minutes playing fetch with Kody. As I’ve explained in Dogs, Dog Food, and Dogma (currently the #1 Hot New Release in its Amazon category, thanks to y’all), the evidence suggests that while exercise doesn’t play a huge role in reducing body fat, it does help build/maintain musculature. And […]

Dogs, Dog Food, and Dogma Is Out Today — Why You Need It and How to Get It (For Cheap)

Today is a big day for me. I’ve spent the better part of the past decade researching and writing a book. It’s called Dogs, Dog Food, and Dogma. It’s about America’s pet obesity epidemic. And it’s being released today. I had originally planned for this “release day” post to be about why I wrote the book. My personal motivations, the cast […]