About Sam Ortega & KibbleNest
My name is Sam Ortega. I spent six years working as a veterinary technician before transitioning to pet nutrition writing, and I have been applying what I learned in those exam rooms to every dog food label I have read since. KibbleNest exists because pet food marketing is sophisticated, labeling rules are complicated, and most dog owners do not have the background to tell a well-formulated food from one that looks good on the packaging but cuts corners in the bag.
I have two dogs — a six-year-old Labrador Retriever and a three-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel — which means I think about dog nutrition from both large-breed and small-breed perspectives simultaneously. Neither of them is shy about sharing their opinion on a new food.
My background
As a veterinary technician, I sat in on hundreds of consultations where dog food was discussed — often in the context of allergies, weight management, kidney disease, or the grain-free DCM investigation that the FDA began tracking in 2018. That clinical context taught me how to read an AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement, what the first five ingredients tell you about a food's protein quality, and when a claim like “grain-free” or “raw-inspired” is meaningful versus a marketing choice with no nutritional benefit.
I completed continuing education in pet nutrition through the Purina Institute and have followed the WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee guidelines since they were updated to address the grain-free DCM concerns. I consult with licensed veterinary nutritionists when I write about therapeutic or prescription diets.
How I review dog food
Every food I review is evaluated against a consistent framework:
- AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement — the food must be either “formulated to meet” AAFCO standards or “tested through AAFCO feeding trials.” I note which one and why it matters.
- First five ingredients — named animal proteins (e.g., chicken, beef, salmon) versus meat meals versus by-product meals. I explain the difference clearly.
- Grain-free status and DCM context — where relevant, I note the FDA's ongoing investigation into a potential link between grain-free, legume-heavy diets and dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs.
- Manufacturer track record — recall history, manufacturing location, and whether the brand employs a board-certified veterinary nutritionist.
- Value — cost per day for a median-weight dog, relative to nutritional quality.
Nothing on this site constitutes veterinary advice. If your dog has a health condition or you are considering a significant diet change, please consult your veterinarian or a board-certified veterinary nutritionist.
What you will find here
KibbleNest covers dry kibble, wet food, raw and freeze-dried toppers, and specialty formulas (puppy, senior, large breed, sensitive stomach). I earn a commission when you buy through my links, which supports this site without influencing rankings. Brands cannot pay for placement.