Feeding Tips for Optimal Feline and Canine Health

What your pet eats is one of the most important factors for their health and wellbeing. As pet parents are becoming more aware of this, there is increasing interest in fresh, whole food diets, homemade cooked meals, and limited-ingredient commercial diets for cats and dogs.

This article will provide tips on optimal diets for cats and dogs from integrative veterinarians and sources like the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Follow these pet nutrition guidelines to keep your furry friends happy and healthy.

Feline Nutrition

Cats Are Obligate Carnivores

The first key thing to know is that cats are obligate carnivores. This means they must eat meat and fish to survive.

Cats need high levels of protein and fat in their diets. They lack the ability to make certain essential amino acids so these must come from animal-based proteins.

Feed a High-Protein, Meat-Based Diet

Since cats need a diet high in animal proteins, it's ideal to feed:

Raw or cooked meat - Chicken, turkey, beef, rabbit, venison etc. Ensure it is human-grade.
Canned fish - Salmon, tuna, mackerel and sardines are full of omega-3s. Pick fish packed in water.
Organ meats - Liver, kidney and heart offer important vitamins and minerals.
Whole eggs - Eggs are a superfood with amino acids and fatty acids.

Limit Carbohydrates

Cats have minimal need for carbohydrates in their diet. They lack key enzymes needed to properly digest carbs.

Avoid feeding cats:

Grains - Corn, wheat, rice, soy, etc. These are linked to diabetes and obesity in cats.
Starchy veggies - Potatoes, sweet potatoes, peas. Cats cannot utilize calories from carbs.
Sugary fruits - Grapes, bananas, apples. The natural sugars are unnecessary.

Stay Away from Dry Food

Kibble is very high in carbohydrates, which can lead to obesity, diabetes, and urinary tract diseases in cats. It is also heavily processed and devoid of moisture.

Instead choose wet food like:

Canned cat food - Pick grain-free options in meaty flavors.
Raw frozen food - Contains all essential nutrients. Must be thawed before feeding.
Dehydrated raw food - Rehydrates when water is added. Provides natural enzymes.

Provide Constant Water

Cats have a low thirst drive so often do not drink enough. This puts them at risk of chronic kidney disease.

Make sure fresh, clean water is always available. Strategically place multiple bowls around your home. Canned food or rehydrated raw also provides moisture.

Canine Nutrition

Dogs Are Omnivores

Unlike cats, dogs are omnivores meaning they can tolerate both plant and animal foods. However, they still have a biological need for meat.

Feed dogs a balanced diet with quality proteins, healthy fats, vitamins from fruits/veggies, and key minerals. Avoid filler ingredients.

Choose Animal-Based Proteins

While dogs can eat plant proteins, animal sources provide complete proteins with all amino acids needed:

Poultry - Chicken, turkey, duck all offer lean protein.
Red meat - Beef, lamb, bison supply iron levels dogs need.
Fish - Salmon, tuna, sardines provide omega-3 fatty acids.
Eggs - Highly nutritious with a good amino acid profile.

Include Fruits and Veggies

Unlike cats, dogs can benefit from limited fruits and veggies. They provide antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.

Some good options are:

Leafy greens - Kale, spinach, lettuce. Offer potassium and vitamin K.
Cruciferous veggies - Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage. Great for fiber.
Berries - Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries. High in vitamin C.

Skip Grains and Starches

Grains like corn, wheat and soy are linked to allergies and intolerance in dogs. They are also high glycemic causing spikes in blood sugar.

Avoid starchy veggies like potatoes that simply raise sugar. Dogs lack amylase enzymes to digest carbs.

Pick Better Carbs

If including carbs, choose digestion-friendly options like:

Sweet potatoes - More nutrients than white potatoes. Lower glycemic index.
Peas - A legume high in lysine and leucine amino acids.
Oatmeal - A whole grain that is gluten-free. Look for steel cut or rolled.

Limit Dry Kibble

Kibble is high in carbohydrates and heavily processed. This can lead to obesity, diabetes, allergies and dental disease.

Instead choose:

Wet canned food - Pick grain-free options with named meat sources.
Dehydrated raw food - Retains more nutrients than kibble. Just add water.
Home cooked meals - Customize with optimal protein sources.

Provide Plenty of Water

Make fresh, clean water constantly available. Change water frequently. Adding moist canned food or raw food also increases hydration.

Consult Dr. Bhatt

Work with Dr. Bhatt to tailor optimal nutrition for your dog or cat.

Providing nutritious food is one of the best ways we can care for the health of our feline and canine companions. By understanding cats' and dogs' natural nutritional needs, we can help them thrive by feeding species-appropriate fresh, minimally processed diets.

We do offer some nutritious treats and foods at the Clinic. You can get them at our Manager’s Office on your next visit. Here’s what we have available: CLICK HERE

You can check Pet Food Recalls and Safety Alerts at the AVMA website: https://www.avma.org/news/recalls-alerts

Pet Nutrition: Key Tips for Feeding Cats and Dogs