Natural Pet Food: Complete Guide to the Trend That's Here to Stay

Natural pet food has moved from niche to one of the biggest trends in the pet market. More and more pet owners are questioning what they're really feeding their companions and seeking alternatives to processed kibble.

But is natural food for everyone? What are the real benefits and risks? Let's explore everything you need to know.

What Is Natural Pet Food?

Natural pet food is a diet based on fresh foods, prepared specifically for dogs' or cats' nutritional needs. Unlike kibble, it uses recognizable ingredients: meats, organs, vegetables, eggs, and supplements.

Main Types

Cooked Natural Food: Foods prepared and cooked, safer microbiologically.

BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food): Raw foods, including meats, bones, and organs. Based on the premise that pets should eat like their wild ancestors.

Mixed Diet: Combines kibble with natural foods in varying proportions.

Commercial Natural Food: Companies that prepare and deliver ready-made balanced meals.

Why Interest Has Grown

Pet Humanization

Pets are treated as family members. If we care about our own nutrition, why not theirs?

Questioning the Industry

Contamination scandals in kibble, low-quality ingredients, and indecipherable component lists have generated distrust.

Visible Results

Pet owners report improvements in:

• Coat quality
• Energy and vitality
• Digestive problems
• Body weight
• Bad breath
• Stool (smaller volume and odor)

Benefits of Natural Food

For Health

Natural hydration: Fresh foods contain 60-70% water, while dry kibble has only 10%. This is especially important for cats, who naturally drink little water.

Better digestibility: Fresh ingredients are more easily absorbed by the body.

No artificial preservatives: Fresh food eliminates chemical additives for long-term preservation.

Customization: Diets can be adjusted for specific needs (allergies, diseases, age).

For Behavior

• Greater mealtime satisfaction
• Better relationship with food
• Dietary enrichment (varied textures and flavors)

Risks and Challenges

Nutritional Imbalance

The biggest risk of homemade natural food is doing it wrong. Pets have specific nutritional needs that aren't obvious:

• Calcium and phosphorus in correct ratios
• Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K)
• Zinc, copper, iron
• Taurine (essential for cats)
• Essential fatty acids

An unbalanced diet can cause:

• Bone problems
• Serious vitamin deficiencies
• Anemia
• Heart problems (in cats, from lack of taurine)

Contamination (Raw Diet)

BARF and other raw diets carry risks of:

• Salmonella
• E. coli
• Listeria
• Environmental contamination

Cost and Time

• More expensive than regular kibble
• Requires preparation, storage, and planning
• Needs professional guidance

Not for Every Pet

Some animals have contraindications:

• Immunocompromised
• Severe kidney or liver problems
• Some digestive conditions
• Growing puppies/kittens (require nutritional precision)

The Golden Rule: Never Do It Alone

Consult a veterinary nutritionist before starting any natural diet. This professional will:

1. Evaluate your pet's overall health
2. Calculate caloric and nutritional needs
3. Create a balanced menu
4. Recommend necessary supplements
5. Monitor with periodic tests

Internet recipes, Facebook groups, and "guesswork" can seriously harm your pet.

How to Make the Transition

Gradual Transition (7-14 days)

Transition Tips

• Observe stools daily
• Go slower if there's diarrhea
• Serve food at room temperature
• Don't mix kibble with raw natural food (different digestion)
• Be patient with picky pets

Components of a Balanced Natural Diet

For Dogs

For Cats

Cats are obligate carnivores and need:

Cats don't tolerate vegetables in large quantities and have specific needs that differ greatly from dogs.

Supplementation: Essential

Even with quality ingredients, supplements are usually necessary:

Common Supplements

• Omega 3 and 6: Fish oil or flaxseed
• Calcium: Bone meal, eggshell
• Vitamin E: Antioxidant
• Taurine (cats): Essential amino acid
• Zinc, copper, manganese: Trace minerals
• B-complex vitamins: Especially in cooked diets

Never supplement without guidance. Excess vitamins and minerals are also harmful.

How Much Does Natural Food Cost?

Monthly Comparison (33 lb dog)

Cost varies by:

• Pet size
• Ingredient quality
• Region
• Homemade or commercial

Commercial Natural Food: Worth It?

Specialized companies offer ready-made balanced meals. Advantages:

✅ Professional formulation ✅ Convenience (just thaw) ✅ Ingredient traceability ✅ No risk of imbalance

Disadvantages:

❌ Higher cost ❌ Delivery dependence ❌ Less control over ingredients

For those who can afford it and lack time, it's an excellent option.

When Kibble Is Still the Best Choice

Quality kibble remains a valid option when:

• No access to a veterinary nutritionist
• Budget is limited
• Pet has conditions requiring specific controlled diets
• Owner doesn't have time for proper preparation
• During travel or emergencies

A quality super premium kibble is better than a poorly formulated natural diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

"Can I make natural food with just meat?"

No! Pure meat doesn't provide all necessary nutrients. The diet needs organs, other components, and supplements.

"Can my pet eat what I eat?"

Not exactly. Our seasonings (salt, garlic, onion) are toxic to pets. The formulation is specific to them.

"Does natural food cure diseases?"

Natural food isn't medical treatment. It can help manage some conditions, but always under veterinary guidance.

"Can I alternate between natural and kibble?"

You can, but carefully. Ideally, consult a professional about the best way to do this.

"Can I give bones?"

Raw, appropriate bones can be part of a BARF diet. Cooked bones NEVER — they splinter and cause perforations. Always with guidance.

Conclusion: Is It Worth It?

Natural food can be excellent for many pets, offering real health and wellness benefits. But it's not a decision to make impulsively.

Do it right:

1. Consult a veterinary nutritionist
2. Get tests before and during
3. Follow the prescribed menu exactly
4. Don't improvise with internet recipes
5. Monitor health continuously

If you can't do it right, don't do it. A quality kibble is infinitely better than an unbalanced natural diet.

Your pet deserves the best — whether that's a well-formulated natural diet or a premium kibble chosen with care. The important thing is that the decision is informed and responsible.

Sources

• World Small Animal Veterinary Association. "Nutritional Assessment Guidelines"
• American College of Veterinary Nutrition. "Pet Nutrition Information"
• AVMA. "Raw Pet Foods and the AVMA's Policy"
• Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition