A Simple Guide Based on Science and Real Food Examples
✍️ Written by the Pet Nutrition Advisor Team
Every pet owner wants to feed their furry friend the best food. But what does "best" really mean? The Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats from the National Research Council gives us the facts. Here’s a clear breakdown of what you need to know—using real food examples! 🍽️
Dogs and Cats Have Different Dietary Needs 🐶🐱
Dogs are omnivores, meaning they can eat both meat and plants. On the other hand, cats are obligate carnivores and require meat to survive. Cats need specific nutrients, such as taurine and arachidonic acid, which are only found in animal tissues. Therefore, cat food must contain real meat—not just grains or vegetables.
✅ Good for dogs: chicken, eggs, brown rice, sweet potato
✅ Good for cats: chicken liver, salmon, tuna, egg yolk
Protein = Strong Muscles 💪
Proteins are essential for building your pet’s muscles, organs, and immune system. Both dogs and cats require high-quality protein, especially from animal sources, to stay healthy and strong.
🍗 Best protein foods: chicken meal, turkey, beef, fish
🥚 Bonus: eggs and liver are packed with valuable amino acids
🌱 While some plant proteins, like soybean meals or brewer's yeast, are acceptable, they can't provide all the essential amino acids on their own.
Fat = Energy and a Healthy Coat 🛢️✨
Fats are a vital energy source for pets and play a key role in maintaining healthy skin and a shiny coat. But not all fats are equal—quality matters. Pets need beneficial fats like omega-3s and linoleic acid for optimal health.
🦴 Animal sources: chicken fat, beef fat — great for energy and flavor
🌻 Plant sources: sunflower oil, flaxseed oil — rich in essential fatty acids
🐟 Fish sources: fish oil (like salmon oil) supports skin health and helps reduce itching
Vitamins and Minerals: Small but Mighty 💊
Vitamins and minerals may be needed in small amounts, but they play a big role in your pet’s health. Deficiencies—or even excesses—can lead to issues with bones, skin, or the immune system.
🦴 Calcium: found in crushed eggshells or fish bones
🩸 Iron & Zinc: rich in beef, lamb, and liver
👁️ Vitamin A: from liver and egg yolk
🌾 Vitamin E: found in wheat germ, plant oils, and leafy greens
If you're preparing homemade meals, it's important to include a balanced supplement designed specifically for pets to meet their nutritional needs.
Homemade? Great Idea — With the Right Planning 🧑🍳📋
Cooking for your pet can be a wonderful way to care for them — but it requires careful planning. A mix of just meat and rice won’t meet all their nutritional needs. Pets need a balanced diet with the right amounts of protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals.
✅ Use veterinarian-approved or science-based recipes
✅ Include appropriate supplements
✅ Regularly monitor your pet’s weight, coat, and energy levels
📚 Reference: “Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats” — National Research Council (NRC)🖋️