Evidence-based nutrition is foundational to companion animal health and welfare. Understanding what dogs and cats actually need — rather than what marketing suggests — improves welfare outcomes.
Companion animal nutrition is an area where owner choices have direct, measurable welfare consequences. Obesity, nutrient deficiency, and food-related disease are among the most common preventable welfare problems in pet animals. The proliferation of marketing claims, social media misinformation, and expensive specialty products makes evidence-based decision-making harder for owners. Veterinary nutritionists provide the most reliable guidance, and consulting one is strongly recommended for animals with health conditions.