Think of all the things your dog digs in, runs through, pounces on, rubs against, and rolls in. They're not exactly clean, are they? And the main barriers between your dog and dirt, the elements, and other nasty things, are his skin and coat. Our dry recipes have been formulated with zinc and leading levels of linoleic acid to help keep your dog's skin and coat healthy and strong. So this soft, supple, and pet-able outside can act like protective armor.

Bellies aren't just for rubbing. They're for absorbing nutrients, too. And that can help dogs absorb more of the healthy things we pack into every kibble.

I eat a lot of fiber, but does my dog need fiber, too?

Dogs, like humans, can benefit from a diet with appropriate amounts of dietary fiber. Fiber helps with regularity and helps keep the digestive tract healthy. A healthy digestive tract will ensure your dog utilizes more of the nutrients in his food. A high-fiber diet can also help with weight management. That's because the fiber tends to make dogs feel fuller, so they are more satisfied when they've finished eating a meal, instead of feeling hungry. And thanks to fiber, your dog could have stools that are more solid—which makes them easier to clean up.

Why does my dog scoot his rear on the carpet?

That strange-looking behavior is an indication of anal sac disease. With that condition, the dog's anal sacs become impacted and filled with secretion, which is uncomfortable for your dog. He scoots his rear on the carpet in an attempt to unclog the sacs. If this is a persistent problem, consult your vet. A diet that's high in insoluble fiber may also help.

Now that my dog is senior and slowing down, does he still need protein?

Yes. Your older dog may not be as active as he once was, but that doesn't mean protein should be excluded from his diet. It is important for senior dogs to receive an appropriate amount of highly digestible protein to help maintain their muscles, immune system, and other bodily functions to support a long, healthy life. Some signs of protein deficiency include loss of appetite, weight loss, dull coat, lower immunity to disease, and fluid retention. 

No matter how tough your dog seems to be on the outside, his real strength starts on the inside with a healthy immune system.

Does my dog need antioxidants in his diet? 

Antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, have been shown to help inhibit cellular damage caused by free radicals. In fact, the scientific research used for Pedigree® Food for Dogs indicates that supplementation of vitamins C and E together, and well above minimum requirements, can provide synergistic benefits to support the effectiveness of a dog's immune system.

How do vaccinations work?

When you have your dog vaccinated, a killed or weakened form of a specific antigen—such as distemper or parvovirus—is introduced into your dog. This stimulates your dog's production of antibodies to fight that antigen if/when it invades your dog's system.