NPP Journal

If a Food Fixed Allergies, It Would Be the Standard of Care

July 21, 2026/ Nicole R. Cammack

A pet food company forwarded us a Forbes ‘best dog food for allergies’ list as proof their product works. It’s not proof of anything. Food allergies are rare, and the only real test is an elimination diet, not a headline.

Why We’re Misjudging Dog & Cat Food Quality

April 6, 2026/ Nicole R. Cammack

We’ve been asking the wrong questions about pet food. Ingredient lists dominate the conversation, but they don’t tell us how a food actually performs in the body. This article breaks down what really matters – digestibility, formulation, and measurable outcomes – and why the industry needs to rethink how we define “good” nutrition.

grain-free dog food and DCM research analysis showing data-driven canine heart health insights

Grain-Free Dog Food and Heart Disease: What the Data Says (Part Two)

March 20, 2026/ Nicole R. Cammack

Grain-free dog food and heart disease headlines don’t tell the full story. Here’s what the research actually shows—and why the answer is more complex than “add grains.”

forever chemicals in pet food research concept with dog and food bowl

Forever Chemicals in Pet Food: What the Data Says

March 19, 2026/ Nicole R. Cammack

Concerned about PFAS in pet food? This data-driven breakdown explains what “forever chemicals” are, where exposure really comes from, and what actually matters.

Copper levels in dog food and impact on liver health

Copper in Dog Food: Why It’s More Complicated Than You Think

March 18, 2026/ Nicole R. Cammack

A deep dive into the grain-free dog food and DCM controversy, the FDA investigation, reporting bias, and the lawsuit reshaping the debate.

Grain-Free Dog Food and Heart Disease: How the Narrative Was Built (Part One)

March 13, 2026/ Nicole R. Cammack

A deep dive into the grain-free dog food and DCM controversy, the FDA investigation, reporting bias, and the lawsuit reshaping the debate.

A small brown and white dog drinking water from a stainless steel bowl on green grass outside.

What the New “Toxins in Dog Food” Report Really Means for Your Dog

February 27, 2026/ Nicole R. Cammack

A new “toxins in dog food” report is making headlines. Here’s what the screening actually found, what it doesn’t prove, and how to reduce long-term risk without panic or fear-based decisions.

The Challenges of Pet Nutrition: No One is “Right” or “Wrong”

October 17, 2019

While in school I was taught that half of what I was learning would be proven wrong – the problem is that we did not, and still don’t know what half is wrong. Even so, the more education I receive and the more brilliant scientists and researchers I meet from around the world, the more I realize we know very little about the world we live in and the sciences that drive it. It’s up to us to keep asking questions, keep exploring and keep challenging everything.

Grain-Free Pet Foods and Heart Disease: The Whole Truth

October 11, 2019

Pet owners and veterinarians are expressing concern over the potential relationship between grain-free pet foods and heart disease known as Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM). However, little research and data are available on this topic, and some industry professionals fail to recognize the greater issue at hand. DCM is just one of the many health concerns that pet owners face, including cancer, diabetes, kidney disease, and allergies.