Proper nutrition is the foundation of your pet’s good health and well-being. You may look for ways to encourage a healthier diet for your furry friend by doing online searches or getting advice from other pet owners. However, when sifting through the abundant nutritional information, you need to be able to separate the truths from the myths. Misformation can lead you to make nutrition decisions that do more harm than good. Our Kauai Veterinary Clinic team shares common myths about pet nutrition so you can make informed decisions for your pet’s well-being and optimal health.

Myth #1: Raw pet foods are healthier 

Many raw food pet diet brands rely on the age-old idea that cats’ and dogs’ earliest ancestors ate raw meat, so these domestic pets should too. Raw food diet promoters argue that their diets mimic food’s natural state for pets. Unfortunately, many risks are associated with feeding raw foods. Raw diets pose a high risk of bacterial contamination, such as Salmonella, E. coli, and other pathogens, not only to your pet but also to you and your family members. Additionally, raw diets may lack essential nutrients unless carefully formulated and balanced by a veterinary nutritionist.

Myth #2: Grain-free diets are healthier

With the rise in grain-free diets’ popularity, many owners believe that eliminating grains from their pet’s diet is healthier, alleviating food allergies and other conditions. However, recent studies have shown a potential link between grain-free diets and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs. While the exact DCM cause is still under study, consulting with your Kauai Veterinary Clinic veterinarian before switching to a grain-free diet is essential. Most pets can digest healthy grains, and most food allergies aren’t attributed to grains but to meats such as chicken, duck, and beef. Before switching your pet’s diet, consult with our team so we can address whether your furry pal has a food allergy.

Myth #3: Cats should drink milk

The myth that cats should drink milk has been around for centuries. Contrary to popular belief, not all cats can tolerate milk. Many felines are, in fact, lactose intolerant, lacking the enzyme needed to digest lactose, the sugar found in milk. Feeding milk to lactose-intolerant cats can lead to digestive upset, including diarrhea and vomiting. Rather than giving your whiskered friend milk, provide them with fresh water, which is essential for their hydration.

Myth #4: Homemade pet diets are always healthier

Many people believe that making homemade food is better for their pet than feeding them processed food. Supplementing your pet’s regular commercial food with healthy, nontoxic foods, such as berries, pumpkin puree, or unsweetened sweet potatoes, can add nutritional value. However, homemade pet diets may lack the essential nutrients that commercial diets ensure. Furthermore, homemade diets can lead to dietary deficiencies or excesses, potentially harming your pet’s health.

Myth #5: Overweight pets are happier 

Most pet owners want to see their pets happy and content, and they may encourage this by giving their furry pal more food than they need. However, obesity increases your pet’s chances of developing diabetes, heart conditions, and mobility problems. A chubby pet may be cute, but weight gain is not something you should promote in your four-legged friend. Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for your pet’s well-being and longevity. Consult with your Kauai Veterinary Clinic veterinarian to determine an appropriate diet and exercise regimen for your pet to help them achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

Myth #6: Meat byproducts in pet food are low-quality and unsafe

Feeding your pet only the best ingredients can be important to you but when you review pet food labels, you may see certain “meals” and “byproducts” listed next to meat products. You might worry these ingredients are unhealthy or low quality, potentially harming your pet. A byproduct, however, is only the principal product’s additional ingredient. For example, a chicken or duck byproduct may include organ or cartilage meat. While this may not seem palatable to you, your pet is not as picky and these food sources can provide valuable nutrients. Most byproducts are processed and cleaned, providing your pet with nutrition they cannot get from muscle meat alone. 

When considering the enormous amount of pet nutrition information, you must separate fact from fiction. By taking a bite out of common nutrition myths and relying on evidence-based data, you can make informed decisions about your pet’s diet. Our Kauai Veterinary Clinic team is your best resource for tailoring your pet’s nutrition needs. Give us a call to schedule a nutritional consultation. You can help your pet live a long, happy, and healthy life with proper nutrition and care.