Logical Fallacies - Veterinary Edition

I chose to look at articles focusing on popular topics relating to pets and veterinary medicine

How Raw Food Nourishes the Dog Brain and Nervous System

The article from Steve’s Real Food contains a few possible logical fallacies that become more noticeable when looking at how the argument is structured. First, the article uses a false cause fallacy by suggesting that feeding dogs a raw diet directly improves brain health and cognitive function. The article discusses nutrients connected to neurological health and then moves toward broader conclusions about raw diets as a whole. However, many factors besides diet could affect brain function, including genetics, exercise, age, and medical conditions. According to Crusius and Channell, arguments should include strong evidence that clearly supports a claim rather than assuming a relationship automatically exists (Crusius and Channell). Just because two things are connected does not necessarily prove one caused the other.

The article also commits the hasty generalization fallacy by taking evidence about specific nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, and applying those findings broadly to raw feeding overall. Not every raw diet is nutritionally identical, so conclusions about one aspect of nutrition may not apply universally. Crusius and Channell explain that arguments rely on warrants that logically connect evidence to conclusions, and weak connections can create reasoning problems (Crusius and Channell).

Works Cited

Crusius, Timothy, and Carolyn E. Channell. The Aims of Argument: A Text and Reader. 8th ed., McGraw-Hill Education, 2016.

“How Raw Food Nourishes the Dog Brain and Nervous System.” Steve’s Real Food, 16 Apr. 2025.

CBD in Petcare - A Burgeoning Industry

This article about CBD products gaining popularity among pet owners seems to commit a bandwagon fallacy, which occurs when something is presented as true or beneficial solely because many people are doing it. Throughout the article, there is a strong focus on how quickly the pet CBD industry is growing and on how more pet owners are starting to use CBD products. The article points out that pet CBD has gone from being a small niche product to becoming a major trend. This can give readers the impression that, because so many people are using it, it must be effective.

The problem is that popularity does not automatically equal proof. Just because a product becomes trendy or widely accepted does not necessarily mean there is strong evidence showing it works. Crusius and Channell explain that strong arguments should be built on solid evidence and reasoning rather than persuasive appeals or assumptions (Crusius and Channell). In this case, the article seems to rely heavily on the growing popularity of pet CBD to support its claims.

From a Toulmin Method perspective, the article’s main claim is that CBD products benefit pets. Some of the support for that claim comes from the fact that more consumers are buying and using these products. However, the connection between popularity and effectiveness is weak. Just because many pet owners are trying CBD does not necessarily mean it works or is the best option. The article uses popularity as evidence rather than citing actual science or peer-reviewed studies. 

Works Cited

Crusius, Timothy, and Carolyn Channell. The Aims of Argument: A Text and Reader. 8th ed., McGraw-Hill Education, 2016.

CBD in Pet Care: A Burgeoning Industry  Accessed 21 May 2026.