The choice between fresh and raw diets has been a topic of discussion within the pet owners’ communities. While kibbles have long been a part of modern pets’ diets, we have now been more educated to understand our pets’ needs. 

As owners, we don’t want to compromise when it comes to their diets. Apart from meat, many have also tried to sneak a little more veggies into their pets’ daily diets. A fresh diet for pets can be more nutritious, but formulating a good diet can be complicated. Before deciding on your furry child’s next feast, let’s take a moment to understand what the best food to include in their diets is and what we should absolutely avoid! 

Food to NEVER Give Your Pets

Humans have a vastly different digestive system compared to dogs and cats. What we consider our super food might have completely different and devastating effects on our cats and dogs. Apart from the well-known taboos such as chocolates and processed food, several other seemingly common and harmless foods are, in fact, extremely toxic to our pets and should be avoided at all costs. That includes: 

❌Garlic, leek, onions, and spring onions: These allium plants are extremely toxic for pets, whether they’re raw or cooked. Wrongful consumption might lead to hemolytic anaemia, so be sure to keep your furry children away from them.

❌Grapes: These sweet fruits carry a highly condensed amount of tartaric acid that can lead to Acute Kidney Failure. In the worst cases, it can even be lethal. 

❌Avocado: Our favourite healthy fruit contains Persin, a natural toxin harmless to humans, but is incredibly toxic to our pets. It exists throughout the entire fruit, in the pit, flesh, and even the shell. The smallest amount could lead to vomiting, diarrhoea, and even heart damage.

❌Raw, uncooked potatoes: Raw potatoes contain Solanine, a natural toxin that might cause your pets to vomit and suffer from diarrhoea. In the worst cases, it may even affect their neurological system. Hence, always stick to cooked potatoes!

❌Alcohol, coffee, and tea: That morning cup of joe might be your morning essentials, but for your pets, their bodily system cannot process alcohol and caffeine the same way ours can. Accidental consumption might jeopardise their cardiovascular, neural, and digestive systems. 

❌Spices and seasonings: Many of our usual spices and seasonings can be massively irritating to our pets. Even a sprinkle of common salt can be extremely burdensome to their kidneys. 

Your Pets Need More Meat

As omnivores, humans’ digestive systems can handle different foods effortlessly. We are flexible when it comes to adapting to various diets, such as a vegetarian diet. The same cannot be said for our furry companions. Our pets have vastly different digestive systems, and they may have a harder time digesting plants, especially for cats.

Different meats contain different nutrients and fat content. Choosing between different meats can help switch up the array of nutrients for your pets from time to time. It also helps spark up their interest and enjoyment in new diets!

✅Beef: Beef is a high-quality protein teeming with Iron, Zinc, and Vitamin B. It’s a crucial fuel for the production of red blood cells and, hence, blood generation. 

✅Poultry: Chicken, Duck and Turkey are some of the most common meats used in pet feed. Poultry is an abundant source of protein and minerals. It has less fat content compared to red meat, which is perfect for pets that need their weight managed.

✅Lamb: Lamb is rich in Vitamin B, D, Iron, Zinc, and other minerals that are beneficial to your pets’ immunity, coat, and skin health. It’s also known to have a rich aroma that pets love.

✅Venison: Venison is one of the most prized proteins you can give your pets. Like beef, venison contains a rich amount of Iron, Zinc, and Vitamin B, but a significantly lower fat content compared to beef. 
✅Shellfish and fish: These oceanic delicacies, such as salmon, mussels, and sardines, contain a rich amount of protein, as well as Omega-3, Iodine, and more. These are essential to support the coat, skin, and immune health of your furry children. Besides, most pets find the taste of seafood incredibly appealing. All the more reason to give your pets a little oceanic treat every now and then! 

Can Your Pets Eat Veggies?

Vegetables are a great way to incorporate a little more dietary fibre into their meals, as well as boost their nutritional intakes. A proper amount of dietary fibre is essential to aid their gut health. However, when designing a balanced diet for your pets, it’s important to keep in mind that meat should remain the main focus of their diets, especially for cats. 

With all of the vegetables to choose from, how do you choose the perfect addition to their next meal? Here are 3 of the best vegetables to include in their diets! 

✅Pumpkin: Cooked, unseasoned pumpkins are one of the best vegetables to give your pets. They’re rich in dietary fibres and are crucial to boost your pets’ gut health. The abundant amount of Vitamin A, C, E, Potassium, and Iron also makes it a great addition to support your pets’ digestive system and blood sugar level.

✅Broccoli: Broccoli contains an ample amount of natural antioxidants, Calcium, Vitamin C, and K. Being lower in calories and high in nutritional value, broccoli also helps reduce inflammation while supporting immune health. Less is more. 

✅Carrots: Carrots contain an abundant amount of Vitamin A, Calcium, Potassium, and β-Carotene that benefit your pet’s vision. The antioxidants within these earthy morsels can also help maintain your pets’ coat and skin health. The crunchiness of raw carrots and their earthy, fresh taste also happen to be a known favourite treat for many pets as well! 

It is important to always consult your vet before adding a fresh diet to your pet’s meals. Since the bodily conditions can vary from pet to pet, some pets might have allergic reactions to the most common ingredients. To best prepare your furry children, slowly and gradually introduce them to their new diets during the transition to allow their digestive system to adapt to the changes.

Preparing the best food for your pets can be easier than you think

Giving your pet the best nutrition doesn’t have to be time-consuming. If you aren’t sure how to formulate the perfect diet for them, let Dog Cat Star do it for you! Dog Cat Star Wonderful 90% Meat Meal Pouch is designed for busy owners who still want to give their furry children the best meal possible. Each pack is formulated with the nutrients dogs need and a flavour they love.

Each pouch is filled with chunks of meat and vegetables doused in a rich, natural meat broth so your pet can enjoy their favourite meaty meal and refuel their hydration. These 90% Meat Meal Pouches are professionally formulated to replenish your dogs’ nutritional needs without unnecessary artificial additives and seasoning, only the natural meaty aroma and nutrients for your furry babies!

Always worrying if your cats aren’t drinking enough water? Do they appear completely disinterested in the regular canned food? Win your cat’s appetite over with Dog Cat Star Marine Delicacy For Picky Cats!

Dog Cat Star Marine Delicacy For Picky Cats is crafted with premium seafood. Each can is teeming with a fresh aroma, irresistible to even the pickiest cats. Made with natural fish and seafood, the Marine Delicacy puree is full of nutrients, such as calcium and vitamins. With a delicious broth to fulfil the daily nutritional and hydration needs for your cats in the most delicious way possible. Choose between 3 different recipes to see which one is your furry children’s favourite!

The flavour that has captured tens of thousands of beloved pets – it’s Dog Cat Star’s selection of pet food, designed and tailored to fit the nutrient requirements and eating habits of your furry companions. Explore your pet’s next favourite meal here now! 

Spot On is your go-to online shopping hub for living goods with over 1,000 different products to suit your needs! Enjoy free shipping on all orders over $250!