Wellness Guide - Article 1

What’s the Best Diet for Your Dog or Cat?

Exploring the Four Key Pet Food Options: Raw, Fresh, Canned, and Kibble.

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Walking into a pet store and seeing rows upon rows of pet food can be overwhelming, which one is truly the best for your dog or cat?

In this article, we’ll explore the four main types of pet food available, from the most common kibble and canned food to the increasingly popular fresh and raw diets. Choosing the right diet is the key to keeping your furry companion healthy and thriving!

Raw Food

Raw food refers to ingredients that are not cooked or heat-processed. This type of diet offers several benefits, it’s rich in meat content, high in moisture, and preserves water-soluble vitamins that might otherwise be lost during cooking. While raw feeding has gained popularity overseas, it remains a topic of debate. Some pet owners believe that raw, minimally processed food is more natural and beneficial, while others raise concerns about the potential health and safety risks.

Dr. Kuo Ching Yi from National Taiwan University’s College of Veterinary Medicine explains that, from a Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) perspective, raw food is considered cold in nature. Long-term consumption may cause pets to develop a “cold” body constitution. In addition, veterinarians often worry about issues such as hygiene, contamination, and zoonotic diseases. Unless a pet’s condition is excessively “damp-heat”and requires raw or frozen food as part of a therapeutic adjustment, Dr. Kuo advises that most pets should avoid consuming raw diets exclusively for extended periods.

Fresh Food

Fresh food consists of ingredients that have been cooked at high temperatures. It is considered one of the most nutritionally balanced types of pet diets, retaining plenty of moisture while being safer and more hygienic than raw food due to the sterilization process. At the same time, it allows pets to enjoy food in a more natural, whole form.

That said, homemade fresh meals require careful calculation of ingredient ratios; otherwise, pets may suffer from nutritional imbalances. Preparing fresh food also demands more time and cost compared to other diets, which can deter some pet parents. Luckily, a growing number of commercial fresh food options now make it easier for busy owners to provide a wholesome, ready-to-serve diet.

Dr. Kuo Ching Yi points out that fresh food is often recommended for pets with sensitive digestion or skin issues, as a balanced daily diet can help support overall health and stability.

Canned Food

Canned food consists of meals that have been processed and vacuum-sealed. Compared to raw or fresh food, it is more affordable and convenient to serve, and the commercial sterilization process ensures it is safe from bacterial contamination. However, because the ingredients are processed, the original food sources are often unclear, which can raise concerns about quality.

For cats, it’s important to distinguish between complete (main) meals and supplementary meals. Feeding only supplementary canned food over the long term can lead to nutritional deficiencies.

Kibble (Dry Food)

Kibble is the most widely available and diverse type of processed pet food, made under high heat and pressure. It is convenient to feed and generally more affordable, which is why many pet owners choose it. However, as a processed food, some nutrients may be lost during production, necessitating the addition of artificial vitamins and preservatives. Kibble also has low moisture content, so long-term feeding may not provide the same health benefits as other types of diets.

From a Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) perspective, kibble may be better suited for older pets, pets with sensitive digestion, or those prone to feeling cold, as it is thought to support energy levels and strengthen the body.

From a Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) perspective, there is no single type of pet food that is ideal for every pet. The best diet depends on your pet’s individual constitution and needs. Remember: There is no best pet food, only the one that’s right for your furry friend!If you’re still unsure about which diet to choose, it’s best to consult a veterinarian familiar with your pet. They can help design a diet tailored to your pet’s needs, supporting their long-term health and well-being.