Back to the knowledge base

Bibliography in dog and cat diets

A short guide to the role of Bibliography in dog and cat nutrition.

Bibliography

Below is the complete list of sources behind BARFLAB’s standards, calculations and content. Each source includes a brief note explaining how we use it. Most entries are cited in the knowledge-base articles.

Product database

The nutritional values for products in the app come from public food-composition databases. Each selected product has links at the bottom to the databases that supplied its values. Some products use averaged values.

All sources cited

  • AAFCO. Reading Labels. aafco.org Basis for the American AAFCO nutritional profiles and the rules for interpreting values on a dry-matter basis
  • Amundson LA, Kirn BN, Swensson EJ, Millican AA, Fahey GC (2024). Copper metabolism and its implications for canine nutrition. Translational Animal Science. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Source on copper metabolism and dietary copper sources in dogs and cats
  • Anderson PJB, Rogers QR, Morris JG (2002). Cats Require More Dietary Phenylalanine or Tyrosine for Melanin Deposition in Hair than for Maximal Growth. J Nutr 132(7):2037–2042. doi.org Confirms the role of phenylalanine/tyrosine in melanin production and fading of dark fur in cats
  • Assessment of mineral adequacy in prepared raw dog foods labeled as complete (2025). Scientific Reports. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Data on iodine and manganese adequacy and sources in raw diets for dogs and cats
  • Association of American Feed Control Officials. AAFCO Dog and Cat Food Nutrient Profiles. aafco.org Basis for the AAFCO profiles, including the minimums and maximums used by the diet generator
  • Axelsson E, Ratnakumar A, Arendt ML, et al. (2013). The genomic signature of dog domestication reveals adaptation to a starch-rich diet — amplification of the amylase gene (AMY2B) in the dog. Nature 495:360–364. doi.org Confirms dogs' adaptation to a starch-rich diet and no mandatory need for carbohydrates
  • Bai SC, Sampson DA, Morris JG, Rogers QR (1989). Vitamin B-6 requirement of growing kittens. Journal of Nutrition 119(7):1020-7. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Basic requirement for vitamin B6 and its role in the metabolism of proteins and amino acids
  • Batt RM, Morgan JO (1982). Role of serum folate and vitamin B12 concentrations in the differentiation of small intestinal abnormalities in the dog. Research in Veterinary Science 32(1):17-22. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Source on the role of folic acid (B9) and the rarity of deficiency on a raw diet
  • Bauer JE (2004). Lipoprotein-mediated transport of dietary and synthesized lipids and abnormal lipidities of dogs and cats. JAVMA 224(5):668–675. doi.org Explains why dietary cholesterol is safe in dogs and cats, unlike in humans
  • Bauer JE (2006). Metabolic basis for the essential nature of fatty acids and the unique dietary fatty acid requirements of cats. JAVMA 229(11):1729–1732. doi.org Basis for the essentiality of fatty acids, including cats’ special requirement for ARA
  • Bauer JE (2008). Essential fatty acid metabolism in dogs and cats. Revista Brasileira de Zootecnia. doi.org Source on the metabolism and dietary sources of essential fatty acids in dogs and cats
  • Bauer JE (2011). Therapeutic use of fish oils in companion animals. JAVMA 239(11):1441–1451. doi.org Background for therapeutic use of fish oil and the risk of excess EPA/DHA on clotting
  • Bauer JE (2016). The essential nature of dietary omega-3 fatty acids in dogs. JAVMA 249(11):1267–1272. doi.org Justifies the essentiality of omega-3 and the risk of a pro-inflammatory profile with a high LA:ALA ratio
  • Bauer JE, Dunbar BL, Bigley KE (1998). Dietary flaxseed in dogs results in differential transport and metabolism of (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids. doi.org Confirms poor conversion of ALA to EPA/DHA in dogs and its inhibition by excess LA
  • Bijsmans ES, Quéau Y, Feugier A, Biourge VC (2021). The effect of urine acidification on calcium oxalate relative supersaturation in cats. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Basis for the effect of sulfur amino acids on urine acidification in cats
  • Bognár, A. (2002). Tables on Weight Yield of Food and Retention Factors of Food Constituents for the Calculation of Nutrient Composition of Cooked Foods (Dishes). Bundesforschungsanstalt für Ernährung. publikationen.bibliothek.kit.edu Source of mass-loss coefficients and changes caused by heat treatment in cooked diets
  • Bol S, Bunnik EM (2015). Lysine supplementation is not effective for the prevention or treatment of feline herpesvirus 1 infection in cats: a systematic review. BMC Vet Res 11:284. doi.org Confirms that lysine supplementation is ineffective against herpesvirus infection in cats
  • Brons AK, Henthorn PS, Raj K, et al. (2013). SLC3A1 and SLC7A9 Mutations in Autosomal Recessive or Dominant Canine Cystinuria: A New Classification System. J Vet Intern Med 27(6):1400–1408. doi.org Basis for the genetic predisposition to cystinuria in some dog breeds
  • Brown SA, Brown CA, Crowell WA, et al. (2000). Effects of dietary polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation in early renal insufficiency in dogs. J Lab Clin Med 135(3):275–286. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Confirms that excess ARA without omega-3 increases inflammation and damages kidneys in dogs
  • Buckley CMF, Hawthorne A, Colyer A, Stevenson AE (2011). Effect of dietary water intake on urinary output, specific gravity and relative supersaturation for calcium oxalate and struvite in the cat. British Journal of Nutrition 106(Suppl 1):S128–30. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Basis for the effect of water intake on urine dilution and the risk of urinary stones in cats
  • Burron S, Richards T, et al. (2024). The balance of n-6 and n-3 fatty acids in canine, feline, and equine nutrition: exploring sources and the significance of alpha-linolenic acid. J Anim Sci. doi.org pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Basis for the target omega-6:3 ratio and the importance of ALA compared with animal EPA/DHA
  • Butawan M, Benjamin RL, Bloomer RJ (2017). Methylsulfonylmethane: Applications and Safety of a Novel Dietary Supplement. Nutrients 9(3):290. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Source on sulfur, MSM and the safety of sulfur supplementation
  • Böswald LF, Klein C, Dobenecker B, Kienzle E (2019). Factorial calculation of calcium and phosphorus requirements of growing dogs. PLoS ONE. doi.org Basis for calculating the demand for calcium and phosphorus and the risk of a self-meat diet
  • Chamberlin AJ, Bauer JE (2014). Dietary gamma-linolenic acid supports arachidonic acid accretion and associated Δ-5 desaturase activity in feline uterine but not ovarian tissues (cats have insufficient Δ-6 desaturase activity). Journal of Nutritional Science 3:e43. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Confirms cats’ insufficient desaturase activity and dependence on preformed ARA
  • Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Riney Canine Health Center. Risks from a fractured tooth. vet.cornell.edu Basis for the risk of tooth fractures with bone feeding in the transition to the BARF diet
  • de Godoy MRC, et al. Fermentable soluble fibers spare amino acids in healthy dogs fed a low-protein diet (comparison of soluble and insoluble fiber). PLoS ONE, 2016. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Confirms the differences between soluble and insoluble fiber in dogs' intestines
  • Delaney SJ, Dzanis DA (2018). Safety of vitamin K, and its use in pet foods. JAVMA 252(5):537–542. doi.org Basis for the role and safety of vitamin K in blood clotting and calcium metabolism
  • DeNapoli JS, Dodman NH, Shuster L, Rand WM, Gross KL (2000). Effect of dietary protein content and tryptophan supplementation on dominance aggression, territorial aggression, and hyperactivity in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc 217(4):504–508. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Source on the effect of tryptophan on mood and behaviour in dogs
  • Dietary Fiber: Optimizing Gastrointestinal Health (proceedings). dvm360 — fermentation of fiber to SCFA and their energy contribution; butyrate as fuel for colonocytes. dvm360.com Explains the fermentation of fiber into SCFA and the role of butyrate as fuel for colonocytes
  • Dirksen K, Fieten H (2017). Canine Copper-Associated Hepatitis. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Basic mechanism of hepatic excretion of excess copper into bile in dogs
  • Doi M, Yamaoka I, Fukunaga T, Nakayama M (2003). Isoleucine, a potent plasma glucose-lowering amino acid, stimulates glucose uptake in C2C12 myotubes. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 312(4):1111–1117. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Evidence of the role of isoleucine (BCAA) in glucose uptake and metabolism
  • Domosławska A, Zduńczyk S, Janowski T, Jurczak A (2013). Folic acid supplementation decreases cleft palate incidence in Pug and Chihuahua puppies. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov The basis for the importance of folic acid for fetal development and the prevention of palate defects
  • Domínguez-Oliva A, Mota-Rojas D, Semendric I, Whittaker AL (2023). The Impact of Vegan Diets on Indicators of Health in Dogs and Cats: A Systematic Review. Veterinary Sciences 10(1):52. mdpi.com Source for protein assessment and dietary impact on health indicators for dogs and cats
  • Dow SW, LeCouteur RA, Fettman MJ, Spurgeon TL (1987). Potassium depletion in cats: hypokalemic polymyopathy. JAVMA 191(12. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Documents the effects of potassium deficiency (hypokalemic myopathy) in cats
  • dvm360. Hyperlipidemia in dogs and cats (dogs/cats transport cholesterol in HDL, low risk of atherosclerosis; atherosclerosis mainly secondary with hypothyroidism/diabetes. dvm360.com Justifies the safety of cholesterol and saturated fats in dogs and cats (transport in HDL, low risk of atherosclerosis)
  • Edinboro CH, Scott-Moncrieff JC, Glickman LT (2010). Feline Hyperthyroidism: Potential Relationship with Iodine Supplement Requirements of Commercial Cat Foods. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov The basis for low tolerance to excess iodine and its relationship with feline hyperthyroidism
  • Eisert R (2011). Hypercarnivory and the brain: protein requirements of cats reconsidered. Journal of Comparative Physiology B 181(1):1–17. link.springer.com Source for the increased protein requirement of cats as a hypercarnivore
  • Farrow HA, Rand JS, Morton JM, O'Leary CA, Sunvold GD (2013). Effect of Dietary Carbohydrate, Fat, and Protein on Postprandial Glycemia and Energy Intake in Cats. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 27(5):1121–1135. onlinelibrary.wiley.com Evidence for the effect of excess carbohydrates on postprandial glycemia in cats
  • Faure M, Moënnoz D, Montigon F, Mettraux C, Breuillé D, Ballèvre O (2005). Dietary threonine restriction specifically reduces intestinal mucin synthesis in rats. J Nutr 135(3):486–491. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Basis for threonine’s role in mucin synthesis and protection of the intestinal mucosa
  • FEDIAF (2021). Nutritional Guidelines for Complete and Complementary Pet Food for Cats and Dogs. europeanpetfood.org Main source of nutritional standards (FEDIAF) underlying the BARFLAB Standard, Score and Ca:P ratio
  • Frigg M, Schulze J, Volker L (1989). Clinical study on the effect of biotin on skin conditions in dogs. Schweizer Archiv für Tierheilkunde 131(10):621-5. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Documents the effects of biotin deficiency on the skin, fur and claws of dogs
  • Funaba M, Yamate T, Narukawa Y, Gotoh K, Iriki T, Hatano Y, Abe M (2001). Effect of supplementation of dry cat food with D,L-methionine and ammonium chloride on struvite activity product and sediment in urine. J Vet Med Sci 63(3):337–339. doi.org Basis for methionine’s role in acidifying urine and preventing struvite
  • Garcia-Mazcorro JF, et al. Molecular assessment of the fecal microbiota in healthy cats and dogs before and during supplementation with fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) and inulin. 2017. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Data on soluble fibre (FOS/inulin) and its effect on the microbiome
  • Gershoff SN, Faragalla FF, Nelson DA, Andrus SB (1959). Vitamin B6 deficiency and oxalate nephrocalcinosis in the cat. American Journal of Medicine 27:72-80. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Documents the effects of vitamin B6 deficiency (oxalate nephrocalcinosis) in cats
  • Godfrey H, Ellis JL, Verbrugghe A (2025). A meta-analysis: dietary carbohydrates do not increase body fat or fasted insulin and glucose in cats. Journal of Animal Science 103. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Source detailing the impact of carbohydrates on fatness, insulin and glucose in cats
  • Green AS, Ramsey JJ, Villaverde C, Asami DK, Wei A, Fascetti AJ (2008). Cats are able to adapt protein oxidation to protein intake provided their requirement for dietary protein is met. Journal of Nutrition 138(6):1053–1060. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Evidence for adaptation of protein oxidation in cats once requirements are met
  • Ha YS, Hopper K, Epstein SE (2013). Incidence, Nature, and Etiology of Metabolic Alkalosis in Dogs and Cats. JVIM 27(4):847-53. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Resource on chlorine disorders and metabolic alkalosis in dogs and cats
  • Hand MS, Thatcher CD, Remillard RL, Roudebush P, Novotny BJ (2010). Small Animal Clinical Nutrition, 5th Edition — types of fiber, fermentation to SCFA and effect on mineral absorption. markmorrisinstitute.org Primary source on ash, fibre types, SCFA fermentation and effects on mineral absorption
  • Hayes KC, Carey RE, Schmidt SY (1975). Retinal degeneration associated with taurine deficiency in the cat. Science 188(4191):949–951. doi.org Documents retinal degeneration in taurine deficiency in cats
  • Heinemann KM, Bauer JE (2006). Docosahexaenoic acid and neurological development in animals. JAVMA 228(5):700–705. doi.org Basis for the role of DHA in neurological development and vision in young animals
  • Hendriks WH, Wu YB, Shields RG et al. (2002). Vitamin E Requirement of Adult Cats Increases Slightly with High Dietary Intake of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids. J Nutr 132(6):1613S-1615S. doi.org Evidence that vitamin E requirements rise with dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA)
  • How KL, Hazewinkel HAW, Mol JA (1994). Dietary vitamin D dependence of cat and dog due to inadequate cutaneous synthesis of vitamin D. Gen Comp Endocrinol 96:12-18. doi.org Basis for dietary dependence on vitamin D in dogs and cats (lack of cutaneous synthesis)
  • International Renal Interest Society (IRIS). CKD Risk Factors. iris-kidney.com Source on water’s role and dehydration as a risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD)
  • Kather S, Grützner N, Kook PH, Dengler F, Heilmann RM (2020). Review of cobalamin status and disorders of cobalamin metabolism in dogs. J Vet Intern Med. doi.org Explains that cobalamin (B12) deficiency is caused mainly by intestinal disease, not diet
  • Kritikos G, Parr JM, Verbrugghe A (2017). The Role of Thiamine and Effects of Deficiency in Dogs and Cats. Veterinary Sciences 4(4):59. doi.org Documents thiamine deficiency, including deficiency caused by raw fish containing thiaminase
  • Lenox CE (2016). Role of dietary fatty acids in dogs and cats. Today's Veterinary Practice. todaysveterinarypractice.com Basis for the importance of fatty-acid proportions and the pro-inflammatory effect of excess linoleic acid
  • Lenox CE, Bauer JE (2013). Potential adverse effects of omega-3 fatty acids in dogs and cats. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine. doi.org Documents the effects of excess omega-3 (anti-clotting activity) and the importance of the omega-6:3 ratio
  • Li P, Wu G (2023). Amino acid nutrition and metabolism in domestic cats and dogs. Journal of Animal Science and Biotechnology 14:19. doi.org Data on amino-acid requirements and metabolism in dogs and cats
  • Lulich JP, Osborne CA. Calcium Oxalate Urolithiasis — increased dietary oxalate intake (including vitamin C) raises the risk of calcium oxalate urolithiasis in dogs. Clinician's Brief. cliniciansbrief.com Justifies the risk of oxalate urolithiasis with excess vitamin C
  • Lyu Y, Wu C, Li L, Pu J (2025). Current Evidence on Raw Meat Diets in Pets. Animals 15(3):293. doi.org Source on the safety of raw meat and the risk of obesity with excess fat
  • MacDonald ML, Rogers QR, Morris JG (1984). Effects of dietary arachidonate deficiency on the aggregation of cat platelets. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology. doi.org Documents coagulation disorders in cats with arachidonic acid deficiency
  • Mahar KM, Portelli S, Coatney R, Chen EP (2012). Gastric pH and gastric residence time in fasted and fed conscious beagle dogs using the Bravo pH system. Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences 101(7):2439–48. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Basis for recommendations on short fasting and gastric transit time when switching to BARF
  • Markovich JE, Heinze CR, Freeman LM (2013). Thiamine deficiency in dogs and cats. JAVMA 243(5):649–656. doi.org Justifies the risk of thiamine deficiency when feeding raw fish with thiaminase
  • Marx FR, Machado GS, Pezzali JG, Marcolla CS, Kessler AM, Ahlstrøm Ø, Trevizan L (2016). Raw beef bones as chewing items to reduce dental calculus in Beagle dogs. Australian Veterinary Journal 94(1–2):18–23. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Evidence that chewing raw bones mechanically wears away tartar in dogs
  • McCauley SR, Clark SD, Quest BW, Streeter RM, Oxford EM (2020). Review of canine dilated cardiomyopathy in the wake of diet-associated concerns — high fiber content and taurine balance in dogs. J Anim Sci 98(6):skaa155. doi.org Source about excess fiber and its impact on the intestines and taurine
  • McCown JL, Specht AJ (2011). Iron Homeostasis and Disorders in Dogs and Cats: A Review. Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association. doi.org Basic knowledge about iron homeostasis and limiting its absorption
  • Merck Veterinary Manual (2023). Nutritional Requirements of Small Animals. merckvetmanual.com Source on nutrient requirements and the risk of excess ash burdening the urinary system
  • Merck Veterinary Manual. Dental Caries in Small Animals — tooth decay practically does not occur in cats, rare in dogs. merckvetmanual.com Explains why dental caries is practically absent in cats and dogs
  • Merck Veterinary Manual. Diabetes Mellitus in Dogs and Cats — obesity as a factor in insulin resistance and diabetes. merckvetmanual.com Basis for the link between obesity, insulin resistance and diabetes when carbohydrates are excessive
  • Merck Veterinary Manual. Goiter in Animals. merckvetmanual.com Source about iodine deficiency and goiter in animals
  • Merck Veterinary Manual. Salt Toxicosis in Animals. merckvetmanual.com Supports broad sodium tolerance without hypertension in healthy dogs and cats
  • Merck Veterinary Manual. Selenium Toxicosis in Animals. merckvetmanual.com Basis for selenium toxicity threshold (selenosis) in case of chronic oversupply
  • Merck/MSD Veterinary Manual. Cushing Syndrome (Hyperadrenocorticism) in Animals. msdvetmanual.com Explains that hypercholesterolemia is rarely caused by diet, but by diseases such as Cushing's syndrome
  • Merck/MSD Veterinary Manual. Hypothyroidism in Animals (hypercholesterolemia in approx. 80% of dogs with hypothyroidism. msdvetmanual.com Links hypercholesterolemia to hypothyroidism, not diet
  • Merck/MSD Veterinary Manual. Nutritional Requirements of Small Animals. msdvetmanual.com Source for the requirements and Ca:P ratio used in the BARFLAB Standard
  • Merck/MSD Veterinary Manual. Yellow Fat Disease (Pansteatitis) in Cats and Other Animals. msdvetmanual.com Justifies the risk of pansteatitis in cats with excess PUFA without vitamin E
  • Morris JG (2004). Do cats need arachidonic acid in the diet for reproduction? Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition. doi.org Confirms the role of arachidonic acid in cat reproduction
  • Morris JG, Rogers QR (1978). Ammonia intoxication in the near-adult cat as a result of a dietary deficiency of arginine. Science 199(4327):431–432. doi.org Documents ammonia poisoning in cats with arginine deficiency
  • Morris JG, Rogers QR (1982). Metabolic basis for some of the nutritional peculiarities of the cat. Journal of Small Animal Practice 23:599–613. doi.org Source on cat metabolic peculiarities relevant to niacin
  • Mozaffarian D, Pischon T, Hankinson SE et al. (2004). Trans fatty acids and systemic inflammation in heart failure. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 80(6):1521-1525. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Justifies that trans fats increase inflammation and oxidative stress
  • MSD (Merck) Veterinary Manual. Overview of Disorders of Potassium Metabolism in Animals. msdvetmanual.com Basis for potassium and sodium balance, especially with kidney disease and diuretic use
  • MSD Veterinary Manual. Pancreatitis in Dogs and Cats. msdvetmanual.com Justifies the risk of pancreatitis with a sudden dose of fat in the diet
  • Naigamwalla DZ, Webb JA, Giger U (2012). Iron deficiency anemia (review). Canadian Veterinary Journal 53(3):250-256. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Resource on iron deficiency anemia and its symptoms
  • National Research Council (1987). Vitamin Tolerance of Animals - Chapter 11: Pantothenic Acid. National Academies Press. nap.nationalacademies.org nationalacademies.org Confirms the lack of toxicity of pantothenic acid and riboflavin even in high doses
  • National Research Council (NRC) (2006). Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press. Histidine deficiency in cats causes, among other things, cataracts and weight loss. doi.org nap.nationalacademies.org Source for amino-acid, fatty-acid and ash requirements and checkpoints
  • Niza MM, Vilela CL, Ferreira LM (2003). Feline pansteatitis revisited: hazards of unbalanced home-made diets. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery 5(5):271-277. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov doi.org Links vitamin E deficiency to yellow fat disease in cats on poorly balanced diets
  • Pedrinelli V, Zafalon RVA, et al. (2019). Concentrations of macronutrients, minerals and heavy metals in home-prepared diets for adult dogs and cats. Scientific Reports 9:13058. doi.org Shows that underestimated Ca:P is the most common mistake of home diets
  • Pereira AM, Guedes M, Matos E, Pinto E, et al. (2020). Effect of Zinc Source and Exogenous Enzymes Supplementation on Zinc Status in Dogs Fed High Phytate Diets. Animals 10(3):400. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Data on zinc status in dogs and the rarity of deficiency from meat alone
  • Pereira AM, Maia MRG, Fonseca AJM, Cabrita ARJ (2021). Zinc in Dog Nutrition, Health and Disease: A Review. Animals 11(4):978. doi.org Basis for zinc–copper antagonism and zinc’s role in hundreds of enzymes
  • Pezzali JG, et al. (2024). Minimum methionine requirement in adult cats. J Anim Sci. doi.org Source for methionine requirements in cats as obligate carnivores
  • Pion PD, Kittleson MD, Rogers QR, Morris JG (1987). Myocardial failure in cats associated with low plasma taurine: a reversible cardiomyopathy. Science 237(4816):764–768. doi.org Proves that taurine deficiency in cats causes reversible cardiomyopathy
  • Reynolds BS, Chetboul V, et al. (2024). Long-term safety of dietary salt: a 5-year prospective randomized blinded and controlled study in healthy aged cats (PEANUT study). JVIM. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Five-year study confirming high sodium tolerance in non-hypertensive cats
  • Roush JK, Dodd CE, Fritsch DA, et al. (2010). Multicenter veterinary practice assessment of the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on osteoarthritis in dogs. JAVMA 236(1):59–66. doi.org The basis for the beneficial effects of omega-3 on osteoarthritis in dogs
  • Schweigert FJ, Raila J, Wichert B, Kienzle E (2002). Cats Absorb β-Carotene, but It Is Not Converted to Vitamin A. J Nutr 132(6):1610S-1612S. doi.org Proves that cats do not convert beta-carotene into vitamin A
  • Seawright AA, English PB, Gartner RJW (1967). Hypervitaminosis A and deforming cervical spondylosis of the cat. J Comp Pathol 77(1):29-39. doi.org Documents hypervitaminosis A and spondylosis in cats fed excess liver
  • Siani G, Mercaldo B, Alterisio MC, Di Loria A (2023). Vitamin B12 in Cats: Nutrition, Metabolism, and Disease. Animals 13(9):1474. doi.org Source on vitamin B12 metabolism and storage in the feline liver
  • Stockman J, Villaverde C, Corbee RJ (2021). Calcium, Phosphorus, and Vitamin D in Dogs and Cats: Beyond the Bones. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice. doi.org pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Basis for calcium and phosphorus roles in bone and for binding excess phosphorus
  • Stockman J, Watson P, Gilham M, et al. (2017). Adult dogs are capable of regulating calcium balance, with no adverse effects on health, when fed a high-calcium diet. British Journal of Nutrition 117(9):1235-1243. doi.org Proves that healthy adult dogs regulate calcium balance from bony diets
  • Taylor S, Cannon M, Church D, et al. (iCatCare) (2025). iCatCare 2025 consensus guidelines on the diagnosis and management of diabetes mellitus in cats. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery 27. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Source on the effect of excess carbohydrates on the microbiome and digestive disorders
  • Tryfonidou MA, Holl MS, Vastenburg M, et al. (2002). Hormonal regulation of calcium homeostasis in two breeds of dogs during growth at different calcium intakes. Journal of Nutrition 132(11 Suppl):3363S–3366S. doi.org Data on calcium regulation in growing dogs at different calcium intakes
  • UFAW (Universities Federation for Animal Welfare). Miniature Schnauzer – Pancreatitis and Hyperlipidemia (primary hypertriglyceridemia in the miniature schnauzer. ufaw.org.uk Documents a breed predisposition to hyperlipidaemia independent of dietary cholesterol
  • USDA Agricultural Research Service, Nutrient Data Laboratory (2007). USDA Table of Nutrient Retention Factors, Release 6. agdatacommons.nal.usda.gov Source of retention factors for nutrients after processing, used in generator calculations
  • Vecchiato CG, Delsante C, Galiazzo G et al. (2021). Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) Toxicity Observed in Five Cats. Front Vet Sci. doi.org Documents toxicity and accumulation of vitamin D3 in cats
  • Verbrugghe A, Hesta M (2017). Cats and Carbohydrates: The Carnivore Fantasy? — gluconeogenesis and carbohydrate metabolism in the cat. Veterinary Sciences 4(4):55. doi.org Justifies the lack of a carbohydrate minimum due to gluconeogenesis in cats
  • Voigt MN, Eitenmiller RR (1991). Cooking losses of thiamin in food and its nutritional significance. Journal of Food Composition and Analysis. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Source of thiamine losses during processing, relevant to vitamin B1 deficiency
  • Watson TDG (1998). Diet and Skin Disease in Dogs and Cats. Journal of Nutrition 128(12):2783S–2789S. doi.org Basis for the essentiality of linoleic acid (omega-6) for skin and coat
  • White SD, Bourdeau P, Rosychuk RAW, et al. (2001). Zinc-responsive dermatosis in dogs. Veterinary Dermatology. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Documents low Zn:Cu dermatosis (keratosis, dull coat) in dogs
  • Xenoulis PG, Steiner JM (2010). Lipid metabolism and hyperlipidemia in dogs. The Veterinary Journal 183(1):12-21. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Source on lipid metabolism and causes of hypercholesterolaemia in dogs
  • Yu S, Rogers QR, Morris JG (2001). Effect of low levels of dietary tyrosine on the hair color of cats. J Small Anim Pract 42(4):176-180. doi.org Proves that tyrosine deficiency causes rust-colored fading of dark fur
  • Zentrichova V, Pechova A, Kovarikova S (2021). Selenium and Dogs: A Systematic Review. Animals 11(2):418. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov The basis for the interaction of selenium with vitamin E in the antioxidant defense of dogs
  • Zicker SC, Jewell DE, Yamka RM, Buber NA (2012). Evaluation of cognitive learning, memory, psychomotor, immunologic, and retinal functions in healthy puppies fed DHA-rich fish oil. JAVMA 241(5):583–594. doi.org Source on the beneficial effects of DHA/EPA on development and anti-inflammatory activity in puppies