When it comes to choosing the best food for your pup, pet parents have no shortage of options. But what truly makes a difference in your dog’s health? Curious (and, if we’re being honest, a bit overwhelmed), we asked Dr. Matthew Wheaton, D.V.M.—chief of staff at Alicia Pet Care Center and a second-generation veterinarian—what he looks for in a dog food brand. Here’s what he had to say, and the brand he often recommends to his furry friends…
“The first consideration [when choosing a dog food] should always be the quality of the ingredients,” says Dr. Wheaton. “For me, human-grade ingredients are at the top of the list because they provide superior nutrition, digestibility, and safety.”
Many pet parents default to kibble for convenience, but Dr. Wheaton explains that high cooking temperatures reduce nutritional value. “While kibble offers convenience and affordability, it comes with potential deficits and negative health consequences” he says. “Think of it this way: a fresh, home-cooked meal offers much more nutritional benefit than an overcooked, fast-food meal made with low-quality ingredients. The same principle applies to dogs.”
As preferential carnivores, dogs need diets rich in high-quality animal protein. “Start with animal protein,” advises Dr. Wheaton. “Dogs thrive when their diets are centered around high-quality animal protein. Avoid foods high in corn or wheat, as they can cause significant inflammation.” He also cautions against legumes, which may increase the risk of certain heart diseases.
The brand Dr. Wheaton often recommends? Ollie. “Their diets are made with high-quality, human-grade ingredients, cooked at low temperatures, and flash-frozen to preserve nutrient integrity. Additionally, Ollie’s food is highly palatable, even for the pickiest eaters.” Plus, Ollie continuously updates its recipes based on veterinary nutrition research. “Ollie’s diets are developed with the guidance of a veterinary nutritionist who continuously evaluates emerging research in the field of veterinary nutrition,” Dr. Wheaton explains.
Dr. Wheaton has seen firsthand the improvements in dogs that transition to Ollie. “The majority of my patients transitioning to Ollie report happier dogs at mealtime, better weight management, improved coat quality, reduced itchiness, and more consistent stools,” he notes. Consider us convinced…
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