Pet Nutrition and Welfare: Evidence-Based Feeding for Dogs and Cats

Nutrition profoundly affects companion animal health and welfare. Evidence-based feeding choices support long, healthy lives for dogs and cats.

Key Facts

Cats are obligate carnivores requiring taurine, arachidonic acid, and preformed vitamin A from animal sources
Dogs are omnivores and can thrive on well-formulated plant-based diets, though evidence is limited
Raw meat diets carry risks of bacterial contamination and nutritional imbalance if not carefully formulated
Life-stage appropriate nutrition — puppy, adult, senior — is important for health throughout life
AAFCO and FEDIAF nutritional standards provide guidelines for complete and balanced pet food formulation

Welfare Considerations

Nutrition is foundational to companion animal welfare, and poor dietary choices cause preventable suffering through nutritional deficiencies, obesity, and associated health problems. Evidence-based feeding prioritises AAFCO or FEDIAF complete and balanced diets appropriate to the species, life stage, and health status of the individual animal. The popularity of raw meat diets has raised concerns about bacterial contamination risks to both animals and humans, and nutritional adequacy without careful formulation. Ultra-processed pet foods vary enormously in quality. Consulting a veterinary nutritionist — particularly for animals with health conditions — provides the most reliable guidance on optimal nutrition for individual pets.

What You Can Do

Choose pet foods meeting AAFCO or FEDIAF complete and balanced nutritional standards
Consult a board-certified veterinary nutritionist for animals with health conditions
Monitor your pet body weight and adjust portions to maintain healthy body condition
Be cautious about unproven dietary trends including raw meat diets without veterinary guidance