Nutrition Isn’t a Guessing Game — Pick Products Made by PhDs
When you’re choosing a supplement, food, or nutritional product for your pet, you’ve probably noticed some brands proudly mention that their products were "formulated by PhD nutritionists" or "developed by board-certified veterinary nutritionists." You might wonder: does that really matter?
Short answer: Yes, it absolutely does.
In fact, understanding who formulated a product is one of the most important things you can do when choosing nutrition for your pet.
Here's why.
There’s a lot that goes into formulating pet foods and supplements. Remember—anyone can manufacture a vitamin or supplement. And that's exactly where I start having some serious reservations. Some products are excellent, and I recommend them without hesitation. Others? Not so much.
A PhD animal nutritionist or a board-certified veterinary nutritionist has spent years studying how dogs, cats, and other animals digest, absorb, and utilize nutrients. They understand how proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids all work together to support healthy muscles, skin, digestion, immunity, growth, and long-term health. Just as importantly, they understand how nutrients interact with one another and how proper ratios affect the body.
Qualified nutrition experts formulate products to meet established nutritional standards, such as those developed by AAFCO or NRC, depending on the type of product. These standards help ensure pets receive the nutrients they need in appropriate amounts—not too little and not too much. When products are thoughtfully formulated, the nutrient balance is sound, and unnecessary supplementation is often avoided.
I don't just want my pet's food designed by qualified experts—I want their supplements built on that same scientific foundation.
Social media can make nutrition seem incredibly simple. It often gives the impression that anyone can formulate a supplement or recommend a feeding plan with just a little experience and good intentions. Unfortunately, that's not how nutrition works.
Having a truly qualified expert behind the scenes makes an enormous difference. I've seen dramatic differences in how products are formulated, whether they meet nutritional requirements, and how well they are likely to perform. More often than not, those differences come down to who designed the product and what training and experience they have.
I'm talking about a throw-you-for-a-loop kind of difference.
A major difference.
With the explosion of new supplements and boutique nutrition products, this has become one of the topics I care most about educating pet owners on. If you want science-based nutrition that truly supports your pet's health for years to come, look beyond the marketing and ask who formulated the product.
It may take a little digging—or you can simply ask me for help—but it's well worth the effort.
If you'd like guidance choosing foods for your dog or cat, or you want an objective review of your pet's current diet, reach out for a nutrition consultation. I can help you separate excellent nutrition from clever marketing.
