When choosing the right natural food for your dog or cat it is important to remember several factors:
Freshness - The more fresh and less processed the food, the better. As with human food, the more pet food is processed, the more nutrients are lost.
Meat - Dogs and cats are natural carnivores, so it is important that the main source of protein in their diet is meat. Grains are inferior sources of protein and cats especially do not tolerate grains well. Diets with higher grain and carbohydrate content can lead to weight gain and other potential health problems.
Vegetables & Fruits - Vegetables and fruits contain beneficial vitamins and antioxidants and should be included in the diet as well -- to a greater extent for dogs than for cats. Cats are almost exclusively carnivores, so this portion should be smaller for them.
Variety - It is a good idea to feed your pet different types of food, either through rotation or mixing them together. Try different brands and/or different flavors of the same brand. Feeding your pet the same dry food all the time would be like you eating only corn flakes - sure you could survive, but it wouldn't be very healthful or enjoyable. Every meal does not need to be perfectly balanced. Feeding a variety of healthy meals will create balance over the course of the week.
Supplements - Most of the food we offer contains additional ingredients to add vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial nutrients. It is always a good idea to also add some fish oil to your pet's food, an excellent source of essential fatty acids, as well as digestive enzymes and an overall multivitamin supplement containing key nutrients (a lot like your daily vitamins, only more important since a pet's diet tends to be less fresh and varied than yours).
With these things in mind, below we've compiled a table summarizing natural pet food in order of nutritional value and health benefits. Raw food is the best, followed by dehydrated and freeze dried, then canned and rolls, then dry kibble. Of course your budget is a factor, because the better quality the food, the more expensive it tends to be. Don't forget you can save 10% on your pet food bill by using our Simplify Life Automatic Delivery program.
Choices for Dogs
Choices for Cats
Raw Food for Dogs
Raw Food for Cats
Premixes for Dogs
Premixes for Cats
Dehydrated & Freeze DriedYou add water to prepare, in some cases boiled water to speed reconstitution. An excellent choice for adding freshness to a predominantly canned or dry kibble diet.
Dehydrated Dog Food
Freeze-Dried Dog Food
Dehydrated Cat Food
Freeze-Dried Cat Food
Canned Dog Food
Canned Cat Food
Dry Dog Food
Dry Cat Food
SupplementsNo matter which type of diet you choose, a good nutritional supplement will help optimize your pet's health by ensuring they get enough of the necessary vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients.
Vitamins/Supplements for Dogs
Essential Fatty Acids for Dogs
Digestive Enzymes for Dogs
Vitamins/Supplements for Cats
Essential Fatty Acids for Cats
Digestive Enzymes for Cats
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The articles and information in the Holistic Healthcare Library are presented for informational purposes only and are not intended as an endorsement of any product. The information is not intended to be a substitute for visits to your local veterinarian. Instead, the content offers the reader information and opinions written by our staff, guest authors, and/or veterinarians concerning animal health issues and animal care products.