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lynguy1's review against another edition
3.0
BIG KIBBLE by Shawn Buckley and Dr. Oscar Chavez is a non-fiction book that explores the pet food industry and offers their recommendations for improvements that should be made. Do you know what is in your pet’s food? How is it made? What does “premium” really mean?
This was a thought-provoking book that talks about the history of the pet food industry, the process used for making that food, what goes in that food, the lack of proper regulations, and seems to posit that much of the commercial pet food on the market is not adequate for a healthy pet.
The book is focused on dogs and recommends food for them that is made from human grade ingredients like they sell through their company JustFoodForDogs. There are also a few other niche suppliers that use these ingredients. They even provide some recipes at the end of the book to make your own dog food.
One thing that was an important distinction in pet food that the authors emphasized is that pet food is regulated as “feed” not “food”. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) shapes feed laws and regulations. While states set their own rules, they need consistency since this trade crosses state boundaries. Dog feed has been classified as feed versus food since its origins. The FDA has a memorandum of understanding with the AAFCO which is not a governmental agency.
I found that the book was somewhat repetitive with some of the early text repeated near the end. However, there were also stories that were heart-wrenching, heart-warming and gave this reader insights into many of the medical challenges dogs can face. The authors also give recommendations for improvements within the pet food industry. The book is easy to read for a lay person and doesn’t require one to be a veterinarian to understand it.
Overall, it was a book that I am glad I read. It seemed one-sided to me, but perhaps for a good reason. If you are a dog parent, this will be a thought-provoking and potentially shocking read.
St. Martin’s Press and the authors provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via Net Galley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for December 1, 2020.
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Review to be posted around November 1, 2020
This was a thought-provoking book that talks about the history of the pet food industry, the process used for making that food, what goes in that food, the lack of proper regulations, and seems to posit that much of the commercial pet food on the market is not adequate for a healthy pet.
The book is focused on dogs and recommends food for them that is made from human grade ingredients like they sell through their company JustFoodForDogs. There are also a few other niche suppliers that use these ingredients. They even provide some recipes at the end of the book to make your own dog food.
One thing that was an important distinction in pet food that the authors emphasized is that pet food is regulated as “feed” not “food”. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) shapes feed laws and regulations. While states set their own rules, they need consistency since this trade crosses state boundaries. Dog feed has been classified as feed versus food since its origins. The FDA has a memorandum of understanding with the AAFCO which is not a governmental agency.
I found that the book was somewhat repetitive with some of the early text repeated near the end. However, there were also stories that were heart-wrenching, heart-warming and gave this reader insights into many of the medical challenges dogs can face. The authors also give recommendations for improvements within the pet food industry. The book is easy to read for a lay person and doesn’t require one to be a veterinarian to understand it.
Overall, it was a book that I am glad I read. It seemed one-sided to me, but perhaps for a good reason. If you are a dog parent, this will be a thought-provoking and potentially shocking read.
St. Martin’s Press and the authors provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via Net Galley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for December 1, 2020.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Review to be posted around November 1, 2020
littlehouse88's review against another edition
2.0
We love our dog, but our dog is not a child. I did appreciate learning about what is in kibble and how dogs can be healthier by eating real food, but when the author recommended tax credits for “pet parents” that was just too much.
simoneclark's review against another edition
4.0
Thank you, Netgalley and the publisher, for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion!
I have to say that I was torn about this one. On the one hand, it felt--just as other reviewers before me said--like advertisement for the authors' products. Maybe this could have been avoided by adding other alternatives to the big kibble industry products. However, I have to say that the authors brought up some very interesting points and the facts they presented can for the most part be verified easily by doing your own research. As a pet owner, I have to admit that there were a lot of statements/facts I did already know or assumed but I did learn a lot of new things as well. The authors also included a lot of stories about people's first-hand experience with the issues. Overall, I'd give this book 3.5 stars if Goodreads had half stars (hint hint, Goodreads!!!). I rounded up to 4.
I have to say that I was torn about this one. On the one hand, it felt--just as other reviewers before me said--like advertisement for the authors' products. Maybe this could have been avoided by adding other alternatives to the big kibble industry products. However, I have to say that the authors brought up some very interesting points and the facts they presented can for the most part be verified easily by doing your own research. As a pet owner, I have to admit that there were a lot of statements/facts I did already know or assumed but I did learn a lot of new things as well. The authors also included a lot of stories about people's first-hand experience with the issues. Overall, I'd give this book 3.5 stars if Goodreads had half stars (hint hint, Goodreads!!!). I rounded up to 4.
chanelmeadows's review against another edition
5.0
This book inspired me to start my own post treat company!!! I am forever fearful to the writers.
kimmeyer's review against another edition
3.0
Thank you to Netgalley and St Martin's Press for inviting me to read an ARC of this title. Dogs may be the one thing I love more than reading. As the writers disclose early on, they started a pet food company making fresh food for dogs, so as a critical thinker I was immediately searching for self-serving bias. This book is full of information on the history of pet food production, its ingredients and sourcing practices, and how its manufactured. It occasionally repeats itself or refers to future chapters, but it was more tightly written than I was expecting. I already knew a LOT about pet food (or, "pet feed", more accurately) and found the book to be both true to what I know and to add to it, although there were a few statements throughout that I'd challenge or like further clarification on. This would be an excellent primer for people wanting to know more about what's in their pet's bowl, and it makes a pretty convincing case for food that's closer to what we eat ourselves.
cyireadbooks's review against another edition
5.0
And you thought you knew what goes into that bag of dog food. Think again. Sure, you've learned that the first ingredient listed on that bag of kibble is the "tell all" of its contents. But, what about the rest of the ingredients? Are you sure all the ingredients are safe?
In the book Big Kibble, the reader will learn about the historical background of how kibble came into being along with how corporate acquisitions and mergers played a major role in the manufacturing processes of dog feed. We already know about Big Pharma. Now you will learn about Big Kibble.
As a pet parent, I was appalled to read about some of the ingredients that gets added to kibble as well as those canned dog foods. If you think that the ingredients are human grade, you will be in for a surprise.
Although most of the book concentrates on the manufacturing processes, there are other interesting chapters that focuses on facts versus fiction in dog nutrition. And should you decide that you want to switch to a fresh food dietary program for your "fur baby," there's even a section dedicated to fresh, wholesome recipes.
I found Big Kibble to be very informative and it is certainly a book that every pet parent should read. Five stars. Kudos to the authors!
I received a digital ARC from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
In the book Big Kibble, the reader will learn about the historical background of how kibble came into being along with how corporate acquisitions and mergers played a major role in the manufacturing processes of dog feed. We already know about Big Pharma. Now you will learn about Big Kibble.
As a pet parent, I was appalled to read about some of the ingredients that gets added to kibble as well as those canned dog foods. If you think that the ingredients are human grade, you will be in for a surprise.
Although most of the book concentrates on the manufacturing processes, there are other interesting chapters that focuses on facts versus fiction in dog nutrition. And should you decide that you want to switch to a fresh food dietary program for your "fur baby," there's even a section dedicated to fresh, wholesome recipes.
I found Big Kibble to be very informative and it is certainly a book that every pet parent should read. Five stars. Kudos to the authors!
I received a digital ARC from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
hannas_heas47's review against another edition
5.0
Interesting read for pet lovers. Everyone knows how big pet food business has become and we’ve all seen recalls and horror stories on the news of pets being sick by products. I’m glad someone finally decided to stand up and expose this. I like the idea of buying a pet food that is real.
What did I like? These people aren’t in it for the money.... they act like they genuinely care and even go so far as to give you pet food recipes in the book. I don’t live on the west coast So no store pickup for me but Petco will deliver this Justfoodfordogs product. I’d like to try it! I have a cat... and I’m constantly changing his food because he will start throwing up and refuse to eat. He just turned 13, and some cat foods make him really sick. Like despondent and throwing up. No matter how expensive or cheap I’ve tried just about every food on the market. I think it’s sad these pet conglomerates can’t make safer foods, and I agree there should be more regulations. Kudos to the great job on this book and your passion for pet food guys.
Would I recommend or buy? Yes, pet lovers need to understand what they are feeding there dogs could kill them. Nothing worse than losing a doggie best friend because someone was trying to make a buck. I was shocked that AAFCO feeding trials are not more closely monitored. So do you and your pet a favor and buy this book!
I received a complimentary copy to read and voluntarily left a review, five stars!
What did I like? These people aren’t in it for the money.... they act like they genuinely care and even go so far as to give you pet food recipes in the book. I don’t live on the west coast So no store pickup for me but Petco will deliver this Justfoodfordogs product. I’d like to try it! I have a cat... and I’m constantly changing his food because he will start throwing up and refuse to eat. He just turned 13, and some cat foods make him really sick. Like despondent and throwing up. No matter how expensive or cheap I’ve tried just about every food on the market. I think it’s sad these pet conglomerates can’t make safer foods, and I agree there should be more regulations. Kudos to the great job on this book and your passion for pet food guys.
Would I recommend or buy? Yes, pet lovers need to understand what they are feeding there dogs could kill them. Nothing worse than losing a doggie best friend because someone was trying to make a buck. I was shocked that AAFCO feeding trials are not more closely monitored. So do you and your pet a favor and buy this book!
I received a complimentary copy to read and voluntarily left a review, five stars!
suetrav's review against another edition
2.0
Thank you to St, Martin's Press and Net Galley for the ARC of this book.
This book was an interesting read but it strayed from the topic and went on meandering tangents about pet physical therapy and pet/owner relationships among other things. It definitely did not stay to the topic of dog feed (food). It could have been much more concise.
I feed my dog raw food (not Big Kibble) so most of this did not apply to me. I was curious about what recipes they use for their food. I don't agree with their theory that the modern dog has an evolved stomach and cannot process raw food. My dog is doing just fine (healthy coat, lots of energy, healthy teeth etc). It does provide some info about what goes into dry/canned dog food and emphasizes that it is "feed" and not "food grade" ingredients.
This book was an interesting read but it strayed from the topic and went on meandering tangents about pet physical therapy and pet/owner relationships among other things. It definitely did not stay to the topic of dog feed (food). It could have been much more concise.
I feed my dog raw food (not Big Kibble) so most of this did not apply to me. I was curious about what recipes they use for their food. I don't agree with their theory that the modern dog has an evolved stomach and cannot process raw food. My dog is doing just fine (healthy coat, lots of energy, healthy teeth etc). It does provide some info about what goes into dry/canned dog food and emphasizes that it is "feed" and not "food grade" ingredients.
jenabest's review against another edition
2.0
OK, I've got a lot to say, so if you want my review, buckle up.
1. As an employee of a company mentioned in this book, I realize that there is a conflict of interest.
2. I have a lot of problems with this book, see below.
The authors have a CLEAR conflict of interest that is never truly addressed in that they are the founders of a "real food for dogs" company called JustFoodForDogs.
This book needed a SERIOUS edit. The introduction contains a lengthy outline of the chapters, which isn't necessary as there is a chapter list. Chapters 1 & 2 are entirely unrelated to dog food. They are relevant to caring for animals (physical therapy, interesting animal facts), but there is no connection to what the issues they have with kibble are. Chapter 9 is entirely testimonials for their brand of dog food, which further highlights a conflict of interest for the authors. After that are some Q&A on human food for dogs and recipes to make your own food.
All that being said, the core issues in this book are as follows: melamine, pentobarbital, DCM induced by grain free diets, and mycotoxicosis.
While these have initiated recalls if pet food, these are also nearly all things that are monitored.
1. As an employee of a company mentioned in this book, I realize that there is a conflict of interest.
2. I have a lot of problems with this book, see below.
The authors have a CLEAR conflict of interest that is never truly addressed in that they are the founders of a "real food for dogs" company called JustFoodForDogs.
This book needed a SERIOUS edit. The introduction contains a lengthy outline of the chapters, which isn't necessary as there is a chapter list. Chapters 1 & 2 are entirely unrelated to dog food. They are relevant to caring for animals (physical therapy, interesting animal facts), but there is no connection to what the issues they have with kibble are. Chapter 9 is entirely testimonials for their brand of dog food, which further highlights a conflict of interest for the authors. After that are some Q&A on human food for dogs and recipes to make your own food.
All that being said, the core issues in this book are as follows: melamine, pentobarbital, DCM induced by grain free diets, and mycotoxicosis.
While these have initiated recalls if pet food, these are also nearly all things that are monitored.