Myths About Pet Food: What’s Actually Healthy?

(Disclaimer – The information provided in this blog is intended for general educational purposes only and does not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian or board-certified veterinary nutritionist before making any significant changes to your pet’s diet, especially if your pet has existing health conditions or special nutritional needs. Individual results may vary, and the author and publisher are not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any suggestions, products, or procedures outlined herein.)

As pet parents, we really care for our pets and we treat them as our family. We want to give the perfect care for their well-being. It can be about their health, their behaviour or the food we serve them. And yes, this pet food is all that can make a huge difference.

The pet food industry has become really overwhelming. We have so much information about pet food across social media – and most of them misinformation!

Take a deep breath – you are not alone in this journey. Many pet owners find it really difficult to cope with the information available about the best pet food. We will check out the right options you have, and we will also check out the dog and cat food ingredients you should avoid. Dreamy Mammals is here to walk you through this together, separating the myths from the facts so you can feed your furry friend with confidence and peace of mind.

Also check if Kibble food is good for your dogs. 

The Myths about Pet Food – Beating the Misinformation

We will uncover a few myths about pet food and learn about healthiest dog food or even cat food.

Myth 1 – Grain-free food is the best pet food

Most of us have seen those “grain-free” advertisements from the pet industry. It seems logical as well, because the wild animals do not eat grains, right? That must be true for our pets as well. Why not give our pets the most natural food?

You are wrong there! The grains in your pet food actually provide nutrients to your pets. Grains like rice, corn, and oats provide carbohydrates for energy, fatty acids for a healthy coat, and protein for strong muscles. A study by the FDA has indicated that the grains help avoid dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs.

Over the past thousand years, pets have been domesticated, developing the ability to handle these ingredients.

Myth 2 – Raw Food is the Natural Choice

The pet food industry and many people in the niche have been advocating raw food for pets. It involves a belief that the raw food is much closer to the natural food habits of the dogs and cats. It means you are feeding your pets with their natural instincts.

Once again, this is a myth. Pets do not eat muscles and meat when they hunt their prey. They consume the entire animal: bones (packed with calcium and phosphorus), organs (loaded with vitamins and minerals), brain tissue (rich in DHA for cognitive health), and even the stomach contents, which often include partially digested plants.

The raw diet you feed your cat or dog does not contain all these essentials. Multiple veterinary organisations – including groups of doctors who’ve dedicated their lives to keeping pets healthy – have expressed serious concerns about raw feeding. These aren’t scare tactics; they’re genuine worries about.

Myth 3 – Homemade food is always better

You love preparing fresh homemade food for your family members. Therefore, you may want to do the same for your pet as well. This is the most common impulse that would come up in your mind.

But that isn’t true. Researchers at UC Davis studied 200 homemade pet food recipes and found that 95% of them were lacking essential nutrients that pets need to thrive. We’re not sharing this to make you feel bad, but because we want your pet to get all the nutrition they need to live their happiest, healthiest life.

The most commonly missing nutrients include choline (essential for liver health), vitamin D (crucial for bone health), zinc (necessary for immune function), and vitamin E (an important antioxidant).

Myth 4 – High-protein diet affects the kidneys in Pets

Have you heard that feeding high-protein to your pets hurts and damages their kidneys? Well, that is another myth about pet foods. For healthy pets, high-quality protein is actually wonderful for their bodies. Think of protein as the building blocks that help maintain strong muscles, a healthy immune system, and a beautiful coat. The keyword here is “quality” – proteins from good muscle meat sources are easily digestible and well-used by your pet’s body.

Research published in the Virbac portal suggests that high-protein foods are easily digested and safer for pets. The only time protein restriction might be necessary is if your pet already has kidney disease. For healthy pets, their kidneys are perfectly designed to handle appropriate amounts of quality protein.

Myth 5 – By-products are low quality

That is one of the most heard about claims about the pet foods. You would suddenly think that – “yes, this is the right food for my baby”. The by-products are an essential element in your pet food. It is completely safe and nutritious of your pet babies. In fact, the products are safer for the liver, kidney and heart, according to a report on AAHA.

Think about it – in many cultures, organ meats are considered delicacies because they’re so nutrient-dense! The real question isn’t whether a food contains by-products, but whether those by-products come from quality sources and are properly processed. A high-quality by-product meal can be more nutritious than lower-grade muscle meat.

Myth 6 – Pets should only eat meat

Dogs and cats are considered to be carnivores. You expect them to eat meat and nothing else. Of course, this is intuitive, but it is far from the truth. Dogs are actually omnivores, which means their bodies are well-designed to obtain nutrients from both animal and plant sources.

Over thousands of years of coexisting with humans, their digestive systems have evolved to accommodate a varied diet. This doesn’t mean they need less protein – it just means they can benefit from other nutrients too. Cats, on the other hand, are carnivores. They get specific nutrients that they can only get through meat. However, even cats can benefit from small amounts of other ingredients that provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals that complement their meat-based diet.

The key is to strike the right balance between the two. Only meat is never a solution. You can mix n match to get the best results.

What to Look For in Your Pet Food?

Reading the pet food labels can help you understand the exact nature of your pet food.

Here is what you should look for in your pet food –

1. The AAFCO Statement: This is a quality seal that indicates the food is “complete and balanced” for your pet’s life stage. It’s one of the most important things to check!

2. Guaranteed Analysis: This shows you the minimum amounts of protein and fat, plus maximum amounts of fiber and moisture. It’s like the nutrition facts panel on your own food.

3. Ingredient List: Ingredients are listed by weight, so the first few ingredients comprise the majority of the food.

4. Feeding Guidelines: These provide a starting point for determining the amount to feed, although every pet is unique.

When Should You Seek Veterinary Assistance?

Sometimes, despite all our love and research, we need a little professional help – and that’s completely okay! In fact, it shows how much you care about your pet’s well-being.

Consider consulting a veterinary nutritionist when:

• Your pet has health issues that might benefit from dietary management

• You’re thinking about preparing homemade meals

• Your pet is having persistent digestive issues or food sensitivities

• You’re unsure if your current feeding plan is meeting all their needs

What Other Articles Don’t Tell You: The Complete Picture

We know you have checked a wide range of articles and blogs that talk about pet foods and the myths associated with them. But Dreamy Mammals focuses on providing you with the complete picture behind the pet food.

Here is what we would want you to know –

• The emotional marketing game: Pet food companies know how much you love your pet, and they sometimes use that love to sell products through fear rather than facts. Understanding this helps you see past the marketing to what really matters – your pet’s health.
• The regulatory maze: It’s helpful to understand that different organisations (AAFCO, FDA, NASC) regulate different aspects of pet nutrition. This knowledge enables you to interpret claims and make informed decisions.
• Your pet’s individual needs: Every pet is unique! What works wonderfully for your neighbour’s dog might not be perfect for yours. Age, breed, activity level, and health status all play roles in determining the best nutrition plan.
• The research reality: Pet nutrition research is constantly evolving, and some areas have more scientific evidence to support them than others. It’s okay to acknowledge uncertainty while still making informed decisions with the available information.

A Loving Final Reminder

Every day, you make choices that show how much you love your pet – from the food you pour into their bowl to the way you scratch behind their ears. The fact that you’re reading this article proves what a caring, dedicated pet parent you are.

Take a deep breath, give your furry friend a gentle pat, and know that you’ve got this. With love, reliable information, and professional guidance when needed, you’re well-equipped to make wonderful nutrition choices that will keep your companion healthy and happy for years to come.