Reviewer
Justin Shmalberg, DVM, CVA, ACVN, ACVSMR
Board-certified veterinary nutritionist and rehabilitation specialist; Chi University faculty, University of Florida Small Animal Hospital Integrative Medicine; Chi University faculty · Gainesville, Florida
University of Florida integrative medicine service chief focused on nutrition, supplements, integrative medicine, oncology nutrition, rehabilitation, and acupuncture research.
Areas of focus
integrative canine nutrition ·food therapy ·veterinary acupuncture ·canine sports medicine and rehabilitation ·supplement literacy
125 guides by Justin
- Can Dogs Eat Lettuce? A Vet Nutritionist Weighs the Crunch
- Choosing a Crate for a Large-Breed Dog: Fit, Airflow and Joints First
- Choosing a Tie-Out or Long-Line Stake for the Yard
- Choosing the Right Toy Size for Your Dog
- Elevated Bowls: Which Dogs Benefit
- Fermentable vs Non-Fermentable Fiber in the Canine Gut
- Gear Checklist for a New Puppy
- How Often to Replace Your Dog's Harness and Collar
- How to Choose a Bed for a Dog That Chews
- How to Choose a Cooling Coat for Summer
- How to Choose a Lead for a Strong Large Breed
- How to Choose a Waterproof Coat for Winter
- How to Rotate Toys for a Bored Adult Dog
- How to Supervise Play With a Latex Toy
- How to Supervise Play With a Rope Tug Toy
- Interactive Toys for Dogs Who Get Destructive When Bored
- Is a Latex Toy Safe to Leave With a Dog Alone?
- Is a Treat-Dispensing Ball Safe to Leave With a Dog Alone?
- Pet Camera With Treat Dispenser: What to Look For
- The Complete Guide to Choosing Dog Toys
- What to Check Before Buying a Lead for a Strong Large Breed
- What to Check Before Buying a Waterproof Coat for Winter
- What to Do if a Dog Only Plays With One Toy
- What to Do When a Bowl Slides Across the Floor
- What to Do When Your Dog Loses Interest in a New Toy
- When to Replace a Travel Crate Before It Fails on the Road
- When to Replace a Washable Dog Bed: The Support Test Vets Actually Use
- A First-Time Dog Owner's Starter Toy Kit: What to Buy First
- Best Toys for Senior Dogs with Sensitive Teeth
- Best Toys to Keep a Dog Busy While Home Alone
- Cardboard and Recycled Toys: Fun or Hazard for Dogs?
- Choosing a Long-Line Length for Recall Training
- Collapsible Crate for Road Trips: What Actually Holds Up in the Car
- Fitting a Cone Alternative After Surgery: Step by Step
- GPS Tracker for a Small Dog That Won't Weigh Her Down
- Hiking Gear Checklist for Your Dog
- How Often Should You Replace Your Dog's Toys? A Vet's Toss Test
- How to Check a Senior Dog With Worn Teeth for Wear
- How to Check Two Dogs That Compete for Wear
- How to Choose a Collar for a Dog With a Thick Neck
- How to Choose a Puzzle Feeder for a Beginner
- How to Choose a Quiet Toy for a Flat That Still Tires Your Dog Out
- How to Choose the Right Leash Length
- How to Supervise Play With a Frozen Stuffed Toy Without Hovering
- Lifting Harness for a Senior Dog That Struggles to Stand: Fit, Lift, and When to Call the Vet
- My Dog Only Plays with Balls: How to Broaden Play
- Signs a Toy Has Become Unsafe for Your Dog
- The Complete Dog Gear Buying Guide
- What to Check Before Buying a Bed for a Dog That Chews
- What to Check Before Buying a Crate That Fits a Small Car
- What to Do When a Bed Flattens Within a Month
- What to Do When a Long Line Tangles Every Time
- When to Replace a Slow-Feeder Bowl Before It Stops Working
- When to Throw Away a Worn-Out Dog Toy
- Why Toy Size Matters for Choking Safety
- Are Seat-Belt Tethers Safe for Dogs? What a Crash Actually Does
- Are Dog Toy Squeakers Dangerous If Swallowed? Vet on Obstruction Risk
- Booster Seat for a Small Dog in the Car: What Actually Keeps Them Safe
- Building a Balanced Toy Collection for Your Dog
- Cold-Weather Walking Gear Checklist: What Your Dog Actually Needs
- Frozen Treat Toys for Beating the Heat
- Furniture-Style Crate for Your Living Room That Doesn't Look Like a Kennel
- Harness Sizing for a Growing Puppy Without Buying Three Harnesses
- How Long Can a Dog Safely Play Alone with a Toy?
- How to Choose a Chew Toy for a Power Chewer
- How to Choose a Soft Toy That Lasts
- How to Choose a Toy for a Dog That Swallows Pieces
- How to Choose a Toy for a Senior Dog
- How to Choose Boots for Rough Ground
- How to Rotate Toys for a Senior Dog With Worn Teeth
- How to Rotate Toys for Two Dogs That Compete
- How to Tell If Your Dog Is a Power Chewer
- How Toy Needs Change as Your Dog Ages
- Is a Hard Nylon Chew Safe to Leave With a Dog Alone?
- Is a Rubber Chew Toy Safe to Leave With a Dog Alone?
- Is a Tennis Ball Safe to Leave With a Dog Alone?
- Is an Antler or Horn Chew Safe to Leave With a Dog Alone?
- Reflective vs. Light-Up Gear for Dark Walks: What Actually Keeps You Seen
- Toys for a Dog That Loves to Dig
- Traffic-Handle Leash for City Walking: What Actually Helps on Crowded Sidewalks
- When to Switch From Puppy Gear to Adult Dog Gear
- What to Do if a Dog Guards Toys From Visitors
- What to Do if a Dog Plays Too Roughly With Another Dog
- Which Toys Should Never Be Left with an Unsupervised Dog
- Budget-Friendly Toys That Actually Last
- Common Dog Toy Mistakes New Owners Make
- How to Choose a Fetch Toy for Open Fields
- How to Supervise Play With a Treat-Dispensing Ball
- Safe Materials to Look for When Buying Dog Toys
- When to Upgrade a Puppy's Toys to Adult Toys
- Toys for Gentle Chewers and Mouth-Only Dogs: What Actually Holds Up
- Wobble Board and Balance Disc Exercises at Home
- How Much to Feed a Dog While Losing Weight
- How to Feed a Dog Through a Moult
- What Fat Content Really Means on a Dog Food Label
- What to Watch For After Switching to a Senior Formula
- What Happens If You Stop Giving Your Dog a Longevity Supplement?
- Low-Calorie Treats for an Overweight Dog: The Math Behind the Bag
- How Do You Actually Feed a Large-Breed Puppy Without Wrecking Its Joints?
- How Much Table Food Is Too Much
- A 7-Day Dog Food Transition Schedule (And When You Actually Need Longer)
- How Much Should You Spend on Dog Toys?
- Low-Fat Feeding for Dogs Prone to Pancreatitis: What the Label Percentage Doesn't Tell You
- Small Dog vs. Large Dog Supplement Needs: Joint, Calming, and Probiotic Categories
- Benadryl vs. Natural Calming Supplements for Dogs: What Actually Belongs in the Cabinet
- Soft Calming Treats vs. Calming Sprays: Which One Actually Settles a Dog Down?
- Glucosamine vs. MSM for Dog Joint Pain: Which One Actually Earns a Spot in the Bowl
- Paw Balm vs. Boots for Salted Sidewalks: Which One Actually Protects Your Dog?
- Swimming vs Walking for an Arthritic Dog: Which One Actually Protects the Joint?
- Dog Treadmill vs Outdoor Walking: What the Evidence Actually Supports
- Front-Clip vs Back-Clip Dog Harness: What Actually Stops the Pulling
- When Do Puppies Stop Teething and Need Different Toys?
- Can Dogs Eat Mushrooms? Why the Grocery Store and the Backyard Are Two Different Questions
- Can Dogs Eat Avocado Safely? The Fruit-vs-Pit Fork That Actually Matters
- Can Dogs Eat Bananas? A Vet Nutritionist's Honest Read on the Trend
- Can Dogs Eat Blueberries? The Honest, Vet-Checked Answer
- Can Dogs Eat Eggs? The Real Fork Between Breakfast and a Vet Bill
- Can Dogs Eat Ham? The Sodium Math Nobody Runs at the Table
- Can Dogs Eat Turkey? The Real Rules Behind the Holiday Table Scrap
- Can Dogs Eat Watermelon? The Real Rules Behind the Trend
- How Far Can a Dog Walk or Hike in a Day?
- Can Dogs Eat Sweet Potato? What the Trend Gets Right (and Wrong)
- Exercise Ideas for Toy and Small Breeds: Vet-Guided Ways to Keep Little Dogs Fit and Safe
- GPS Tracker for a Dog That Runs Off: What Actually Works
- How to Change Food for a Senior Dog: A Vet-Backed Transition Guide