When it comes to feeding your furry companion, deciding what’s best can feel overwhelming. After all, food is something your pet consumes every single day—often multiple times a day—and it plays a crucial role in their overall health and wellbeing. Yet, the pet food industry has long been dominated by ultra-processed options, marketed as the gold standard for our four-legged friends.
But here’s the truth: you have more choices than you think, and they don’t involve sticking with the heavily processed, feed-grade kibble lining most pet store shelves. Transitioning to fresher, more natural options may be one of the greatest gifts you can give your pet—and it doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing approach. Let’s dive into how you can choose the right food for your natural pet, empowering you to make informed decisions that align with your pet’s health and your family’s lifestyle.
Why Are Vets Recommending Ultra-Processed Foods?
Here’s a surprising fact: Veterinarians are the only health professionals who recommend the daily feeding of ultra-processed foods. Shocking, right?
This isn’t because vets have bad intentions. Far from it. The truth is that major pet food companies like Hills, Royal Canin, and Purina have deeply embedded themselves into veterinary education. These corporations sponsor veterinary school lunch-and-learns, conferences, and even provide free or discounted food to vet students for their own pets.
Add to this the minimal nutrition coursework in vet school—where students are often warned of complexities of balancing diets on their own—and it’s easy to see how these companies gain loyalty early on. By the time a veterinarian graduates, we’ve been taught to rely on the formulas provided by these companies rather than exploring alternative, fresher options.
It wasn’t until I began questioning the status quo (and experienced my own personal journey of discovery) that I started to dig deeper into pet nutrition. What I found was eye-opening: there’s a better way to nourish our pets, one that prioritizes health and natural ingredients over convenience and corporate profits.
Why Fresher Food Matters
The short answer? The fresher the food, the more nutrients remain intact in their natural form—just as nature intended. Ultra-processed pet food often contains synthetic additives, questionable byproducts, and non-human-grade ingredients. On the other hand, fresher, whole-food diets preserve the integrity of nutrients while avoiding harmful additives and flavor enhancers.
Switching to fresher food doesn’t just support your pet’s immediate health—it can also reduce the likelihood of chronic conditions, improve energy levels, and even cut down on those costly vet bills in the long run.
The NaturalPath to Healthier Pet Food Choices
Transitioning your pet to a fresher, more natural diet is an incredibly personal journey. Every family has unique goals, financial considerations, and lifestyle factors to take into account. It’s not about perfection; it’s about progress. Here are five essential questions to guide you as you embark on the NaturalPath:
1. What is my pet food budget?
While this may seem straightforward, take a moment to think long-term. If you’re not investing in quality food now, there’s a chance you may face higher healthcare costs down the road due to diet-related health issues. Look at your monthly pet expenses—grooming, toys, day care, supplements, dog walkers, vet bills—and decide how much of that you can allocate toward higher-quality nutrition.
2. What food storage space do I have access to?
Your pantry, fridge, and freezer space will influence the type of food you can purchase. If you’re often on the go or have limited freezer space, you might consider a combination of fresh food and shelf-stable options for convenience.
3. What percentage of my pet’s food do I want to upgrade?
This isn’t an all-or-nothing decision. Even small steps can make a big difference. Start slow—perhaps upgrading just 10% of your pet’s diet—and see how it works for you and your pet. Transitioning too quickly can sometimes upset their stomach, so gradual shifts are often best.
4. What support do I have for proper feeding?
Do you have access to a holistic veterinarian or a trusted nutrition expert to guide you? Not all vets are well-versed in pet nutrition, so seek out someone supportive and informed if questions arise.
5. What are my top non-negotiables?
This is where you define what matters most to you. Is it human-grade ingredients? Organic or grass-fed options? Minimizing waste by repurposing fresh food scraps? Start with one priority and build from there—it’s all about what aligns with your values and lifestyle.
Progress, Not Perfection
The most important thing to remember is that even the smallest change can make a meaningful difference in your pet’s health. Upgrading just a small percentage of your pet’s diet is a fantastic step in the right direction. There’s a learning curve involved (trust me, I’m still learning every day!), but with patience and determination, you’ll see the benefits of a more natural diet unfold before your eyes.
Looking Ahead
In upcoming blogs, I’ll dive deeper into the different types of pet food, their pros and cons, and how you can make informed decisions tailored to your pet’s unique needs. And if you’re eager to get started, I can’t wait to tell you more about my favorite brand, Green Juju, which I truly believe is a game-changer in pet nutrition.
For now, take a deep breath and take that first step toward a healthier, happier life for your beloved fur kiddo. Your journey down the NaturalPath has just begun, and it’s already making a difference.
Your pet deserves the best, and so do you. Let’s move towards a future where healthier choices are the norm, not the exception.
Have questions or tips about natural feeding? Let’s chat! Drop a comment below and join our community of passionate pet parents striving for healthier, more vibrant lives for their companions.
