Pet nutrition and what constitutes the best pet foods are riddled with myths and misconceptions. With myriad information available online and in pet stores, you may feel conflicted when trying to determine which diet is most nutritious for your furry companion. Our Liberty Veterinary Hospital team debunks some of the most common myths about pet food to help you make informed decisions so your pet receives the nutrition they need.

Myth 1: Grain-free diets are healthier for pets

One of the most pervasive myths that pet food marketers have spread is that grain-free diets are inherently healthier for pets. This belief stems from the idea that grains are fillers with little nutritional value. However, grains, such as corn, rice, and wheat, can provide essential carbohydrates, protein, and fiber. Unless your pet has a specific grain allergy, which is relatively rare, grains can be a valuable part of a balanced diet.

Furthermore, certain studies, including one conducted by the University of California, Davis, have linked grain-free diets to dogs’ increased dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) risk. Before significantly changing your pet’s diet, including switching to a grain-free option, consult our Liberty Veterinary Hospital veterinarian.

Myth 2: Raw diets are natural and better for pets

The idea behind raw diets is that they mimic what pets would eat in the wild. While a raw diet can provide balanced nutrition, it also poses health risks. Raw meats can harbor harmful bacteria such as salmonella and E. coli, posing health risks to both pets and their owners. Cooking pet food can help eliminate harmful pathogens and make certain nutrients more digestible. If you are interested in feeding your pet a raw diet, work with our veterinarian to ensure the diet is safe and balanced.

Myth 3: By-products in pet food are bad

Pet food labels often highlight the absence of animal by-products, leading consumers to believe that these ingredients are undesirable or unhealthy. However, by-products are simply parts of the animal that humans do not typically consume such as the liver, kidneys, and other organs. These body parts can be highly nutritious, providing important vitamins and minerals that muscle meat alone cannot. The key is the quality of the by-products used. High-quality by-products can be beneficial in pet food, whereas low-quality by-products may lack nutritional value. 

Myth 4: Homemade diets are superior to commercial pet foods

Many pet owners believe that homemade diets are healthier than commercial pet foods. While a homemade diet can be tailored to a pet’s specific needs, to ensure that the diet is complete and balanced, you need a deep understanding of animal nutrition. If you lack dietary knowledge, the diet you create for your furry pal can lead to nutritional deficiencies or excesses that could harm your pet. Choose a commercial diet labeled “complete and balanced,” formulated to meet your furry friend’s nutritional needs at their current life stage. If you would like to feed your pet a homemade diet, work with our team to create a diet that is complete and nutritious.

Myth 5: Pets should eat only meat

Cats and dogs are often considered strict carnivores, but this isn’t entirely accurate. While cats are obligate carnivores and require a diet rich in animal protein, they also need other nutrients found in various foods. On the other hand, dogs are omnivores and can thrive on a diet that includes animal and plant-based ingredients.

A balanced dog diet typically includes meats, grains, vegetables, and fruits. This variety gives pets the nutrients necessary to remain healthy. While meat should be the primary ingredient for cats, other vitamins and minerals are important to meet their nutritional needs.

Myth 6: Cats and dogs can thrive on a vegan or vegetarian diet

You may have seen vegetarian pet food brands at your pet supply store. Vegan and vegetarian pet foods have become increasingly popular throughout the past decade. Unfortunately, these options are unhealthy for dogs and can cause serious health impacts in cats. While dogs are omnivorous, they require certain nutrients found only in animal products. Cats are obligate carnivores, requiring taurine and other necessary enzymes, without which they could become blind or develop heart disease. 

Navigating the pet nutrition world can be challenging when you are faced with so many myths and misconceptions. The best approach is to rely on scientific evidence and contact our Liberty Veterinary Hospital when deciding about your pet’s diet. Understanding the truth about these common myths allows you to make informed choices that contribute to your four-legged friend’s long-term health and well-being.