Nutrition Guide

Pet Nutrition Guide

What you feed your pet matters. Learn about diet types, life stages, and how to choose the best food for every species.

Quick Answer

The best diet for your pet depends on their species, age, and health. Our nutrition guides compare kibble, raw, wet food, and specialty diets with pros, cons, and veterinarian-backed recommendations for dogs, cats, and small pets.

What Makes Good Pet Food?

Regardless of species, a few universal principles apply to feeding any pet a healthy diet.

Species-Appropriate Diet

Dogs are omnivores, cats are obligate carnivores, rabbits are herbivores. Each species has evolved to thrive on a specific macronutrient balance. Feeding outside that balance causes long-term health problems.

Life Stage Matters

Puppies, kittens, and young animals need calorie-dense food for growth. Adults need maintenance calories. Seniors need joint support and lower calories. Always match food to your pet's age.

Read the Ingredient Label

A named protein source (e.g., "chicken" not "meat meal") should be the first ingredient. Avoid artificial colors, BHA/BHT preservatives, and excessive fillers like corn gluten meal.

Fresh Water Always

Every pet needs constant access to clean, fresh water. Cats especially tend toward chronic dehydration β€” wet food or a water fountain can help encourage drinking.

Common Feeding Mistakes to Avoid

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Overfeeding treatsTreats should be less than 10% of daily calories. Obesity is the #1 nutrition-related health issue in pets.
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Free-feeding dry food all dayMeasured, scheduled meals help maintain healthy weight and let you notice appetite changes early β€” a key health indicator.
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Feeding a raw diet without researchRaw diets can be nutritionally incomplete and carry bacterial risks. If you choose raw, consult a veterinary nutritionist.
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Assuming grain-free is always betterThe FDA has investigated a link between grain-free diets and heart disease (DCM) in dogs. Grains are not inherently bad for most pets.
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Ignoring dental healthWet-food-only diets may contribute to plaque buildup. Consider dental chews, kibble, or regular dental cleanings.

Feeding Frequency by Pet Type

PetFrequencyKey Nutrient
πŸ• Dogs2 meals/day (adults)Protein (min 18-25%)
🐈 Cats2-3 meals/dayTaurine (obligate carnivore)
🐰 RabbitsUnlimited hay + 2x greensFiber from timothy hay
🐹 Guinea PigsUnlimited hay + daily veggiesVitamin C (can't produce own)
🦜 BirdsPellets + daily fresh foodsCalcium & Vitamin A
🐹 Hamsters1 tablespoon pellets/dayProtein (16-22%)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best food for my pet?β–Ό
The best food depends on your pet's species, age, size, and health status. Dogs are omnivores and need balanced protein, carbs, and fats. Cats are obligate carnivores requiring high protein and taurine. Rabbits need unlimited hay plus fresh greens. Select your pet's species above for species-specific nutrition guidelines.
Should I feed my pet grain-free food?β–Ό
The FDA has investigated a potential link between grain-free diets and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs. Grains are not inherently bad for most petsβ€”they provide fiber and nutrients. Unless your pet has a diagnosed grain allergy, grain-inclusive diets are generally safe and may be preferable. Consult your veterinarian.
How often should I feed my pet?β–Ό
Most adult dogs and cats should eat 2-3 meals per day. Puppies and kittens need more frequent meals (3-4 times daily). Small pets like rabbits need unlimited hay plus 2 servings of fresh greens daily. Avoid free-feeding dry food all day, as this can lead to obesity and makes it harder to monitor appetite changes.
Can I give my pet human food?β–Ό
Some human foods are safe in moderation, but many are toxic. Always check our food safety guides before sharing human food. Safe options include plain cooked chicken, carrots, and blueberries. Never give foods containing onions, garlic, chocolate, xylitol, grapes, or excessive salt. Human food should be less than 10% of daily calories.

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Trusted sources: AAFCO Β· AVMA Nutrition