Pet nutrition is hotly debated by pet owners and in online communities and platforms. We all want the best for our four-legged pals, but the internet has conflicting information and strong opinions about the best foods for dogs and cats. This information is often misleading and designed to market a specific diet or brand, causing confusion about pet nutritional needs and recommendations. The Town & Country Animal Hospital team debunks common pet food myths and provides the facts so you can make informed pet food decisions.

Myth: Grain-free diets are always better.

Fact: Grain-free diets have been popular for many years because of a belief that grains cause allergies and function as cheap fillers to lower pet food costs. However, after multiple reports that dogs eating grain-free diets were developing heart disease, the FDA investigated. The cause for this “diet-associated” disease form is likely multifactorial and did not affect most dogs eating these diets. Grains are valuable nutrient sources and should be avoided only in pets with known or suspected grain allergies.

Myth: Raw diets are natural and, therefore, healthy.

Fact: Raw diets mimic a dog’s ancestral diet and contain mostly meat, organs, bones, and other animal tissues with minimal added vitamins or minerals. However, dogs are not the same as their wolf ancestors. In fact, the domestic dog is considered an entirely different species with different nutritional requirements and a considerably longer lifespan. 

Commercially prepared raw food that meets nutritional standards may work for some pets but could upset other pets’ digestive systems or lead to bacterial infections. Pets living in homes with young children, elderly adults, or other immunocompromised people or pets should not eat a raw diet, which could sicken other household members. 

Myth: By-products are low-quality ingredients.

Fact: Animal by-products and meals in pet foods are made from nutrient-dense organ meats that are by-products from human food production or other industries. The simple term by-product does not imply low quality—these ingredients have highly concentrated nutritional value and make a great pet food additive.

Myth: Dog and cat foods are the same.

Fact: Dogs and cats are different species with similar but distinct nutritional requirements. Feeding cat food to a dog is unlikely to cause short-term problems, but feeding dog food to a cat could be disastrous. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they require a meat-heavy diet with high taurine levels. Dogs also require taurine but can live happily on a plant-based diet or one with significantly lower protein and fat than a cat’s.

Myth: Homemade diets are healthier than processed diets

Fact: Homemade diets allow you to control what your pet’s food contains, giving you the illusion that home cooking is better. In most cases, the home cook fails to provide their pet with a nutritionally complete diet with the right balance of vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and macronutrients. This task requires a veterinary nutritionist’s extensive knowledge and strategic supplement selection to avoid nutrient deficiencies. Homemade diets are best reserved for pets with complex medical conditions or during elimination diet trials to help diagnose a food allergy.

Myth: All commercial foods are nutritionally complete and balanced

Fact: The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) sets guidelines for pet foods to ensure they meet nutritional requirements for dogs and cats in specific life stages. Look on the label for a statement that the food meets or exceeds AAFCO standards for growth (i.e., puppies and kittens), maintenance (i.e., adults), or all life stages (i.e., all pets). One exception is large-breed dogs, who require special food to slow their growth and prevent abnormal bone development.

Understanding the facts about pet nutrition can help you choose a food that meets your pet’s needs. Ultimately, your pet’s best food fits your lifestyle and benefits your furry pal’s overall health. Avoid falling victim to common nutrition myths by contacting our Town & Country Animal Hospital team to discuss appropriate nutrition for your pet. We can also recommend brands and food formulations to meet their specific nutritional requirements.