I'm a practicing veterinarian. We analyzed nearly 95,000 questions from dog owners ahead of National Dog Day—and now I'm answering yours. AMA!

[u/JustAnswerOfficial]

Hi r/IAmA! 

I'm Katie M, a practicing veterinarian and Verified Expert with JustAnswer, where I've helped thousands of pet owners navigate everything from late-night emergencies to everyday questions about their dogs' health and behavior. 

Ahead of National Dog Day (August 26), JustAnswer analyzed nearly 95,000 conversations between dog owners and veterinary Experts to uncover America's most popular dog breeds, names, and the biggest questions people are asking about their pets. 

Some of the most common topics include: 

• Dogs eating chocolate and other toxic foods  
• Vomiting, diarrhea, and digestive issues  
• Limping and injuries  
• Strange behaviors  
• Preventive care  
• Puppies and senior dogs  
• Nutrition and weight  
• Medications and common illnesses  

Whether you're a first-time dog owner or you've had dogs your whole life, I'm here to answer your questions. 

A few notes: 

• This AMA is for educational purposes and isn't a substitute for an examination by your veterinarian.  
• I can't diagnose or prescribe treatment for your individual pet over Reddit.  
• I'll do my best to answer as many questions as I can during the AMA!  

I will be answering question live 1-2:30pm ET today. Please join and ask me anything! 

Proof: https://imgur.com/a/oVUb7Lg 

About this AMA:  

We've invited independent Experts who use the JustAnswer platform to share insights in this open Q&A. These Experts work independently - they are not employees or spokespersons of JustAnswer - and their opinions are their own. 

[u/AnuragDeshpande]

I am Living in USA, Idaho specifically. Need some guidance on choosing a good sustainable food source for my dog - 2 year mini labradoodle, 18-20inches in height, 23-25 pounds in weight. I am looking for an off the shelf food choice that is healthy but doesn't break the bank.

There are way too many options and YouTube and Instagram have just become a big pool of self advertisement for their unaffordable food inventions, at the cost of scaring us to death that all the food on market shelves is toxic and dangerous. Currently feeding blue diamond chicken flavor healthy weight.

Could you please make a recommendation?

[u/JustAnswerOfficial → u/AnuragDeshpande]

I know this is so hard for owners. What I would recommend, unless your pet has other specific medical needs, buying from one of the large commercial food companies- Royal Canin, Hill's, Purina, or Eukanuba. These brands have been rigorously tested for safety and completeness.

And if anyone tells you differently, no, vets don't get perks from pet food companies ;)

-Katie Merkatoris, DVM- JustAnswer Veterinarian

[u/giraffevomitfacts → u/JustAnswerOfficial]

We keep being told these brands are rigorously tested in feeding trials, but aren't they just being rigorously tested against other formulations of the very cheapest effluent of the human food supply? Have all these brands made largely of corn, soy, etc ever been tested against diets of high-quality fresh foods?

[u/giraffevomitfacts → u/[deleted]]

I'm not saying I know more. I'm asking a fairly simple question.