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How do I choose food for my pet?

March 31, 2025
Cats, Dogs, Education

For new pet owners, this question is likely one of the first concerns. Humans have a lot of opinions on our needs and preferences for food that inform our decisions, and that can affect how we choose our pet’s food too.

Focusing on Primary Needs

Cats are considered to be obligate carnivores, which means they require meat as the main component of their diet. Dogs are widely considered to be omnivores, needing a meat and plant based diet similar to humans or bears. Animals can have sensitivities to food starting at birth, or coming to a head later in life. They can have allergies that crop up, or conditions such as kidney disease that present themselves as they age. These conditions can change what your pet is supposed to be eating, with recommendations from your veterinarian.

Mythbusting Pet Food Trends

MYTH: Raw food or homemade food is the best for dogs and cats

TRUTH: There is a growing sector of pet owners choosing a trendy option of feeding their pets raw meat-based diets (RMBDs), although the practice is not recommended by the Centers for Disease Control. Concerns over the practice include a lack of nutritional necessities, Salmonella risks, or presence of Listeria. Pet owners inclined towards feeding their pets a raw diet must be prepared to properly store, handle, and clean up after raw food ingredients. Purchasing raw food diets or ingredients for a homemade raw food diet should be done from a company with high food safety standards. If you are interested in providing your pet with a raw food diet, talk to your veterinarian about your pet’s nutritional requirements and any related health concerns. The practice of raw food for pets is considered to be an immense health risk, and any pursuit of that diet for your pet will require caution.

MYTH: Animal byproducts mean a food of lesser quality.

TRUTH: When reading the back of your pet’s food container, it may be concerning for you to see the phrase “animal byproducts”. Often those “byproducts” are organs, bones, and pieces of an animal that humans would not normally eat. These generally provide important vitamins and minerals for animals. Consider food for your pet that has been vetted by the Association of American Feed Control Officials, which sets pet food safety standards and has this article describing byproducts in depth.

MYTH: Grain-free diets are better for cats and dogs

TRUTH: An investigation by the Federal Drug Administration between 2014 and 2019 found that of over 500 reports of dogs diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, 90% were on a grain-free diet. The condition was not reversed, but the dogs diagnosed were noted to have improved with the reintroduction of a standard diet. Although there is no specific relationship yet identified between grain-free pet food and this condition, the correlation between dilated cardiomyopathy and a grain-free diet is clear. It is important to talk to your veterinarian about the risks and studies associated with a grain-free diet before following this well-meaning trend.

MYTH: Cats and dogs can do vegan/vegetarian diets

TRUTH: A vegetarian or vegan diet is often deadly, especially to cats. Cats and dogs require the nutrients found in animal proteins, and depriving them of animal products will put your pet at risk. Cats need the taurine found in meat, and those fed a taurine deficient diet can suffer from an enlarged heart, as well as issues with their eyesight or reproductive systems. Dogs and Cats cannot produce Vitamin D like humans can, so a diet lacking in Vitamin D can cause weakened bones, heart disease, and an inability to regulate calcium levels. Ask your veterinarian about any potential changes in your pet’s diet, and do not take their nutrition into your own hands without a conversation with their medical provider.

Vet Approved Add-Ons or Adjustments

If you would like to add something to your pet’s diet, it is always helpful to consult your veterinarian. They will be able to see the greater picture of your pet’s health, and determine what added supplements, food toppers, or treats may be genuinely beneficial to your pet’s diet. It is unwise and discouraged to follow forums and unofficial sources to advise your pet’s diet, as the internet is rife with dangerous trends and misinformation from well-meaning commenters.

Your Pet’s Preferences

Cats have a reputation for being “picky eaters”, but any pet is likely to show preference (or lack thereof) towards what they eat. This may very well affect what you are able to feed your pet, and require some trial and error. Some animals may also have preferred times of day or methods of feeding. Dogs and cats can be grazers, or enjoy having a particular mealtime. Owners can test different methods to see what works for their pet. Though these preferences may be frustrating, it is important to make sure your pet is meeting their caloric and nutritional needs every day.

Overall, many shelters are thrilled to know that the pet you adopted is loved and fed on a daily basis. As we say, cheap food is better than no food. Choose a food that fits well into your budget, and addresses key needs for nutrition or medical requirements for your pet.

Wonder what we feed our animals?

Journey Home Animal Care Center feeds our cats and dogs Purina Pro Plan for both wet and dry. Kittens receive Fancy Feast or Purina Pro Plan Kitten food, and puppies receive Purina Pro Plan Puppy food. You can send a package of food for our resident animals through our Chewy wish list: https://www.chewy.com/g/rifle-animal-shelter_b74215926#wish-list&wishlistsortby=DEFAULT

Struggling financially to feed your pets?

Journey Home Animal Care Center offers a community pet pantry up to four times a month at mobile sites, and all week long at our facility in Rifle. Stop by to request a bag or a calendar of dates if you are in need of food for your pet.

This program operates on the honor system, so that we can continue to assist our community at large as much as possible.

DISCLAIMER: This post has been reviewed by any pertinent staff members of JHACC. Artificial Intelligence has in no way been used to create this content, and it is considered correct to the best of our knowledge as of the date of publication.