Complete Pet Nutrition Guide

Published November 2025

Proper nutrition is the foundation of your pet's health. Feeding the right food in the right amounts can prevent obesity, support immune function, and help your pet live a longer, healthier life. This guide will help you make informed decisions about your pet's diet.

Understanding Pet Food Labels

Pet food labels contain important information about ingredients, nutritional content, and suitability for your pet. Learning to read these labels helps you make the best food choices for your companion.

Complete vs. Complementary Food

Food is categorised based on how it's meant to be fed:

• Complete food: Contains all nutrients needed for daily feeding
• Complementary food: Treats or supplements that must be fed alongside complete food

Life Stage Formulations

Different formulations are designed for pets at various life stages:

• Puppy/Kitten: Higher calories and specific nutrients for growth
• Adult: Balanced maintenance nutrition
• Senior: Adjusted calories and joint support
• All life stages: Suitable for all ages (less common)

Choosing the Right Food

The best diet for your pet depends on their individual needs, lifestyle, and any health considerations. Here's what to consider for dogs and cats:

For Dogs

When selecting food for your dog, consider these important factors:

• Size: Small, medium, or large breed formulations
• Activity level: Working dogs need more calories
• Health conditions: Allergies, sensitivities, or medical needs
• Age: Puppies, adults, and seniors have different needs

For Cats

Cats are obligate carnivores with specific needs:

• High protein from animal sources
• Taurine (essential amino acid)
• Vitamin A and arachidonic acid (can't synthesize from plants)
• Moisture (wet food helps with hydration)

Wet vs. Dry Food

Dry Food (Kibble)

Advantages:

• Convenient and economical
• Helps clean teeth (minimal benefit)
• Can be left out longer
• Good for dental toy stuffing

Disadvantages:

• Lower moisture content
• Higher carbohydrate content
• Some pets find it less palatable

Wet Food

Advantages:

• High moisture content (good for hydration)
• More palatable for fussy eaters
• Lower carbohydrate content
• Easier for senior pets to eat

Disadvantages:

• More expensive per meal
• Needs refrigeration once opened
• Can't be left out as long

Our recommendation: A combination of both often works well, providing variety and the benefits of each.

How Much to Feed

Feeding guides on packaging are starting points only. Adjust based on:

• Body condition: You should feel ribs easily but not see them prominently
• Activity level: Active pets need more calories
• Age: Growing puppies/kittens need more food
• Neutering status: Neutered pets often need 25% fewer calories

Feeding Schedule

• Puppies under 6 months: 3-4 meals daily
• Puppies 6-12 months: 2-3 meals daily
• Adult dogs: 1-2 meals daily
• Kittens: 3-4 small meals daily
• Adult cats: 2-3 meals daily (cats prefer small frequent meals)

Foods to Avoid

These common human foods are toxic to pets:

• Chocolate: Toxic to dogs and cats (especially dark chocolate)
• Grapes and raisins: Can cause kidney failure in dogs
• Onions and garlic: Damage red blood cells
• Xylitol: Artificial sweetener in sugar-free products (extremely dangerous)
• Alcohol: Even small amounts are dangerous
• Caffeine: Toxic to pets
• Macadamia nuts: Toxic to dogs
• Cooked bones: Splinter hazard
• Avocado: Contains persin, toxic to some pets

Treats and Snacks

The 10% rule: Treats should make up no more than 10% of daily calories.

• Choose healthy options like carrots, apple slices (no seeds), or commercial dental chews
• Use treats for training in small pieces
• Adjust meal portions if giving multiple treats
• Avoid human junk food

Special Dietary Needs

Food Allergies

Signs include itchy skin, ear infections, and digestive upset. May require:

• Elimination diet trials
• Limited ingredient diets
• Novel protein sources
• Prescription hypoallergenic food

Weight Management

Obesity affects over 50% of pets. For overweight pets:

• Switch to lower-calorie food
• Measure portions accurately
• Increase exercise gradually
• Avoid free-feeding
• Regular weight checks

Medical Conditions

Some conditions require prescription diets:

• Kidney disease
• Diabetes
• Urinary problems
• Gastrointestinal disorders
• Heart disease

Transitioning Foods

Always change foods gradually over 7-10 days to avoid digestive upset:

• Days 1-2: 75% old food, 25% new food
• Days 3-4: 50% old food, 50% new food
• Days 5-6: 25% old food, 75% new food
• Day 7+: 100% new food

Water is Essential

• Provide fresh, clean water at all times
• Change water daily
• Use multiple water bowls in different locations
• Cats often prefer running water (fountains)
• Increased thirst can signal health problems