Updated: 26/10/23

The best diet for dogs and cats is a polarising topic! Ultimately, as veterinarians, it is our job to give you the best recommendation, based on our knowledge of your unique circumstances.

What are the options?

At Nelson Bay Vet Clinic, we are supportive of the full range of feeding options, which include:

• Commercial pet food (wet/dry)
• Premium commercial pet food (wet/dry)
• Minimally processed commercial diets (wet/dry)
  • Freeze-dried diets, such as: K9 Natural, Feline Natural, Frontier Pets, 
  • Air-dried diets, such as: ZIWI Peak, Prime100 SPD Air
• Home prepared fresh food diets (raw/cooked)
• Commercially prepared fresh food diets (raw/cooked)
  • Fresh, lightly cooked bowls, such as Lyka
  • Rolls, such as: Balanced Life LID Dog Rolls, Prime Pantry, Prime100 SPD Fresh Rolls
  • Rehydratable diets, such as: Balanced Life Rehydrate

It's important to note that feeding pets fresh food can also be more time-consuming and expensive than feeding processed pet food.

Because dogs and cats are domesticated carnivores, we stress the importance of including animal proteins in their diets. The RFVS defines the gold standard diet for pets as being:

... as close to the evolutionary diet of dogs and cats as is practically possible, is made from fresh frozen raw meaty bones, meats, organ meats, fruits and vegetables, minimally processed by mincing and freezing. The diet contains no added synthetic supplements, additives or preservatives.

Raw vs Cooked

Your individual circumstances are the most important factor when it comes to deciding between a raw or cooked diet.

We would not recommend a raw food diet in cases where:

• There is an immunocompromised person in the household (e.g. on immunosuppressants, chemotherapy)
• There is a pregnant woman (or pregnancy is likely in the near future) in the household

Where there are young children or older adults in the household, we would also advise caution.

Raw Food Diet Risks

1. Bacterial contamination, especially from Salmonella, E. coli and Campylobacter. These pose a risk to humans as well as our pets, in which we may see clinical signs such as vomiting and diarrhoea. In addition, there is some evidence to suggest that Campylobacter contamination of raw chicken may be a predisposing cause of polyradiculoneuritis (a form of full body paralysis) in dogs. It is safest to use animal products that are fit for human consumption, and always practice good hygiene when handling raw animal products.
2. Raw bones can cause expensive problems, such as
   1. Broken teeth
   2. Getting stuck in the throat, oesophagus, or further down the gastrointestinal tract - this may be life-threatening
   3. Sharp bones penetrating the wall of the gastrointestinal tract - this may be life-threatening

   Your veterinarian can advise you on the most appropriate type and size of bone for your pet.

Image by jcomp on Freepik

Benefits of a fresh food diet

Feeding pets fresh food can offer several potential benefits:

1. Better nutrition: Fresh food is typically more nutrient-dense than processed pet food and can help provide pets with a balanced diet that includes all the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients they need to stay healthy.

2. Improved digestion: Fresh food is often easier for pets to digest than processed pet food, which can reduce the risk of digestive issues and promote overall gut health.

3. Fresher ingredients: Fresh food is made with fresh, whole ingredients that are often of higher quality than the ingredients used in processed pet food. This can help ensure that pets are getting the nutrients they need without consuming any preservatives, fillers, or other harmful additives.

4. Research into fresh food feeding is increasing, with evidence suggesting:

   1. Exposure to raw animal-based foods during puppyhood might have a protective influence against allergy-related skin conditions in adulthood

   2. The resolution of an array of gastrointestinal and immune-related diseases as a result of a change to a fresh food diet

   3. Reduced excretion of metabolites commonly found in kidney and bladder stones

If you're interested in trying fresh feeding for your dog, check out Lyka. We've partnered with them because we love that their bowls are:

• Nutritionally balanced for dogs
• Filled with fresh whole foods that are lightly cooked to reduce the risk of harmful pathogens
• Convenient - delivered to your door in frozen portions
• Veterinary formulated
• Human-grade. Pet foods in Australia are not regulated, and a Human-Grade label means you can trust the foods to meet food safety regulatory standards.

Prime100 has released a slow-cooked range, which is delicious, nutritious, and can be stored in the pantry until opened.

They are currently (March 2024) offering a free sample of your choice! Click this link to get yours, and select Nelson Bay Vet to pick up your sample directly from us!

We love their single protein range for sensitive skin and tummies, as well as diet trials. We're excited about stocking their slow-cooked range as another healthy and delicious option for your dog!

Creating a balanced diet for your pet

Our pet species have their own specific requirements for micronutrients, which are difficult to balance in a home-prepared setting. We recommend the use of a balancer, such as those made by Bestie Kitchen, which we stock in the clinic. Our vets offer recipe formulation to suit your individual circumstances. 

If you are interested in having a tailored nutrition discussion, please contact our friendly team or chat to Vivienne on our website to make an appointment. We look forward to hearing from you!

Books on this topic we have enjoyed

Rodney Habib and Dr. Karen Shaw Becker - The Forever Dog Surprising New Science to Help Your Canine Companion Live Younger, Healthier, and Longer

Dr. Conor Brady - Feeding Dogs - The Science Behind The Dry Versus Raw Debate