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, pet food is something that can make a huge difference.
The pet food industry has become really overwhelming. There is so much information about pet food across social media – and much of it is 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.
Pet Food Myths vs Facts at a Glance
| Myth | The facts | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Grain-free food is the best | Grains provide carbohydrates, fatty acids, protein, and fiber. True grain allergies are rare. | Myth |
| Raw food is the natural choice | Raw feeding poses risks to pets and people, and is often not balanced. | Myth |
| Homemade food is always better | 95% of 200 homemade dog food recipes lacked at least one essential nutrient. | Myth |
| High-protein diets harm the kidneys | For healthy pets, high-quality protein is beneficial. | Myth |
| By-products are low quality | Organ meats are nutrient-dense. Source quality matters most. | Mostly myth |
| Pets should only eat meat | Dogs are omnivores. Cats need animal-source nutrients but still need a balanced diet. | Myth |
The Myths about Pet Food – Beating the Misinformation
We will uncover a few myths about pet food and learn about the 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 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?
Not quite! 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. The FDA has investigated reports of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a serious heart condition, in dogs eating certain diets, many of them labeled grain-free. A cause has not been proven, but it is one more reason not to choose grain-free food by default.
Over thousands of years of living with humans, dogs have adapted to digest starches and other 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 raw food is much closer to the natural food habits of dogs and cats. It means you are feeding your pets according to their natural instincts.
Once again, this is largely a myth. Wild predators do not eat only muscle 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 often 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 bacteria that can make pets and people sick, and about diets that are not nutritionally balanced.
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 to your mind.
But that isn’t always true. Researchers at UC Davis studied 200 homemade dog food recipes and found that 95% of them were lacking at least one essential nutrient that dogs 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 included choline (essential for liver health), vitamin D (crucial for bone health), zinc (necessary for immune function), and vitamin E (an important antioxidant). The UC Davis researchers noted that homemade food can be a great option, but recommend consulting a board-certified veterinary nutritionist instead of using general recipes from books and the internet.
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.
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. If your pet has kidney problems, follow your vet’s dietary advice.
Myth 5 – By-products are low quality
That is one of the most commonly heard claims about pet foods. You would immediately think, “no by-products, this must be the right food for my baby.” But by-products can be an essential element in pet food. Depending on the source, they can be safe and nutritious for your pet. In fact, many vets point out that by-products include nutrient-rich organs that can support your pet’s health.
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 often thought of as pure carnivores. You expect them to eat meat and nothing else. Of course, this is intuitive, but it is not the full story. 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 need specific nutrients that they can only get from animal sources. 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. Only meat is never a complete solution. What matters is a complete and balanced diet.
What to Look For in Your Pet Food?
Reading 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 –
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 –
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.
✓Grain-free is not automatically better. Grains provide nutrients, and true grain allergies are rare.
✓Raw and homemade diets are risky and often not nutritionally complete.
✓For healthy pets, high-quality protein does not harm the kidneys.
✓By-products can be nutritious. Source quality matters more.
✓Cats need animal-source nutrients, and dogs are omnivores.
✓Choose a food with an AAFCO “complete and balanced” statement, and consult your vet or a veterinary nutritionist when in doubt.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is grain-free pet food better?
Not necessarily. Grains like rice, corn, and oats provide carbohydrates for energy, fatty acids for a healthy coat, and protein. True grain allergies are quite rare, since most pets with food allergies react to proteins like beef or chicken. The FDA has also investigated reports of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs eating certain diets, many of them grain-free, although a cause has not been proven. Talk to your vet before choosing a grain-free diet.
Is raw food better for dogs and cats?
Not necessarily. Raw feeding can pose risks to both pets and human family members, and a typical raw diet may not provide complete, balanced nutrition. Veterinary organizations such as the AVMA and the FDA have expressed concern about raw diets. If you are interested in raw feeding, discuss it with your vet first.
Is homemade food better than commercial pet food?
Not always. A UC Davis study of 200 homemade dog food recipes found that 95% lacked at least one essential nutrient. Homemade food can work if the recipe is formulated by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist, but general recipes from books and the internet often fall short.
Does high-protein food damage a healthy pet’s kidneys?
No. For healthy pets, high-quality protein supports strong muscles, a healthy immune system, and a good coat. Protein restriction may be necessary only if your pet already has kidney disease, so follow your vet’s advice.
Are by-products in pet food bad?
Not by themselves. By-products often include nutrient-rich organs like liver and heart, and organ meats typically contain more vitamins and minerals than muscle meat. The quality and processing of the source matter more than the ingredient category.
Do dogs and cats need only meat?
No. Dogs are omnivores and can get nutrients from both animal and plant sources. Cats are carnivores that need specific nutrients that come only from animal sources, though small amounts of other ingredients can provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals. In both cases, meat alone is not a complete diet.
What should I look for on a pet food label?
Look for an AAFCO statement saying the food is “complete and balanced” for your pet’s life stage, check the guaranteed analysis (minimum protein and fat, maximum fiber and moisture), read the ingredient list (heaviest ingredients first), and use the feeding guidelines as a starting point.
What does “complete and balanced” mean?
It means the food has been formulated or tested to provide all the nutrients your pet needs for a given life stage, according to an AAFCO statement. Foods without an AAFCO statement are for supplemental feeding only.
When should I consult a veterinary nutritionist?
Consider one when your pet has health issues that may benefit from dietary management, when you are thinking about preparing homemade meals, when your pet has persistent digestive issues or food sensitivities, or when you are unsure if your current feeding plan meets all your pet’s needs.
How can I spot pet food misinformation?
Be wary of fear-based marketing, claims like “no by-products” or “grain-free” used as selling points, and advice from social media. Check claims against your vet’s advice and reliable sources, and remember that every pet’s needs depend on age, breed, activity level, and health.
🐕 Was this helpful? Share it with a fellow pet parent, or tell us in the comments which pet food myth surprised you most.
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always talk to your vet before changing your pet’s diet.
