Amber Hinson, DVM

If you've scrolled through social media lately, you've probably seen the buzz: raw and freeze-dried dog & cat foods are everywhere. Search interest has skyrocketed over 1,000% in the past year, and pet stores now dedicate entire aisles to these premium options. But is this trend worth the hype—and the price tag? As a veterinarian, I am here to give you the balanced, science-based perspective you need to make the best choice for your pet. What's the Difference? Raw diets typically include...

Comfort and connection make subtle changes easier to notice. Most people believe they will know when their pet is in pain. They expect limping, crying, or obvious distress. That assumption is exactly why pain in animals is missed so often. Pain in animals does not always come from joints or bones. It can come from teeth, internal organs, skin, ears, the gastrointestinal tract, or chronic inflammation that never produces a dramatic symptom. Many painful conditions cause discomfort long before...

Animals given as holiday gifts often suffer once the excitement fades. From puppies to reptiles, impulse decisions lead to predictable problems.