The pet diet is one of the most debated yet misunderstood areas of pet care. With so much information online and by word of mouth, pet owners feel confused about what’s really good for their pets. Sadly, myths and old advice can cause more harm than good. The facts need to be unraveled from fiction with science-backed facts to provide the best nutrition to pets for a healthy and happy life.
One popular myth is that a raw diet will always be healthier for animals. Although raw diets are more popular with some, veterinary professionals advise that it’s not necessarily healthy for all pets. Raw diets can at times result in nutritional imbalances or even bacterial infection like Salmonella or E. coli, which may affect both the animals and human members of their families. Unless the raw diet is formulated with extreme care by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist, it can be deficient in the vitamins, minerals, and amino acids necessary for optimal long-term health in a pet.
Another recurring myth is that grain-free foods are automatically healthier for pets. The grain-free craze took off after a few pet owners started identifying grains with allergies and illness. But the vast majority of pets do not suffer from grain allergies. Recent research has even provided evidence for a potential connection between grain-free diets and canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a potentially lethal form of heart disease. As research continues, the present advice from veterinary professionals is not to avoid grains unless a certain allergy or medical issue is identified by an expert.
A similar fallacy is that homemade meals and table scraps are more nutritious than commercial pet food. Although feeding pets what we eat sounds natural and wholesome, human food is not necessarily well-balanced for animals. Dogs and cats have specific nutrient needs that vary greatly from humans. Foods such as onions, garlic, grapes, and chocolate, for instance, are toxic to animals. Even a healthy-appearing diet to us may not have the proper ratio of protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals that a pet requires. Commercial pet foods that are AAFCO or FEDIAF compliant are designed to provide complete and balanced nutrition and are usually safer and more reliable than do-it-yourself homemade diets.
There is also the hypothesis that protein must be limited in aged animals. Though this advice may have been derived from past research on kidney disease, newer studies have indicated that older healthy pets do benefit from generous amounts of high-quality protein. It is essential to preserve muscle mass as an animal ages, and protein helps in that. Unless an animal is suffering from an underlying medical condition such that it needs diet alterations—such as kidney or liver disease—cutting down on protein unnecessarily can do more harm than good.
Cats and dogs are sometimes equated in terms of dietary guidance, which creates problems. Cats are obligate carnivores and have highly particular nutritional requirements, such as taurine, an amino acid present in animal tissue but not plants. Dogs, on the other hand, cannot survive on plant-based foods and need meat-derived protein sources to prevent serious health effects such as heart disease and blindness. In the meantime, dogs are omnivores and may consume a more varied diet, as long as it’s balanced accordingly.
Most pet owners also believe that more costly pet food necessarily equates to higher quality. Though price may at times indicate superior ingredients or manufacturing practices, it is not an accurate gauge for nutritional value. The important thing is to see if the food has been subject to feeding trials and regulatory requirements. Terms such as “complete and balanced” and accreditation from trusted organizations such as WSAVA or AAFCO are much greater than attention-grabbing labels or marketing jargon such as “natural” or “premium.”
Treats and snacks also have a great deal of nutrition myths surrounding them. Many overfeed treats or choose high-calorie, low-nutrient items that can lead to obesity. Obesity in pets is an increasing issue globally and is associated with reduced lifespans, joint issues, diabetes, and heart disease. Treats should not account for more than 10% of the total calories for a pet and should preferably be nutrient-rich, low-fat, and healthy. Treating and bonding is wonderful with treats, but nutrition and moderation need to be factored in.
Another underappreciated aspect of pet nutrition is hydration. Some owners feel that pets can get by on just dry kibble and a water dish. Adding wet food can assist in keeping the animals hydrated, particularly in cats who tend to be less likely to drink water. Hydration contributes to healthy kidney function and avoids urinary tract issues, so it is crucial for overall nutrition.
Lastly, a myth to be cleared up is that pets are capable of regulating their intake of food. While some pets will naturally lose interest when they are full, others will overeat if allowed to do so—particularly some breeds with a tendency to gain weight. Free feeding, or access to food at all times, can result in obesity and other conditions. Portion control, scheduling of meals, and monitoring body weight and condition on a regular basis are essential for long-term health.
In summary, pet nutrition is confusing, but learning the science behind the popular myths can be a deciding factor in a pet’s health. Making decisions based on veterinary advice instead of trends or word-of-mouth recommendations guarantees pets get what they need without the hazards. Learning and dismissing misinformation allows us to give our pets better, longer, and healthier lives, one meal at a time.