Ruth Hatten
- Aug 15
- 4 min read

Debunking Common Pet Diet Myths: What You Need to Know

As pet parents, we all want the best for our animal companions, and that often starts with what we put in their bowls. However, the world of pet nutrition is filled with conflicting information, leading to misconceptions and myths that can confuse even the most diligent pet parents. In this blog post, I’ll debunk some of the most common pet diet myths and set the record straight on what really matters when it comes to feeding your pets.

Myth 1: “Raw Diets Are Dangerous”

The popularity of raw diets has surged in recent years. This is no wonder considering that people generally are learning more about natural whole food nutrition. Despite the growing popularity, there is still strong resistance to feeding pets a raw food diet. The mainstream view is that feeding raw is risky, because of bacterial contamination (like Salmonella and E. coli) and the potential for an unbalanced diet that lacks essential nutrients.

The Truth: Most cats and dogs will thrive on and enjoy raw diets. Over the evolution of cats and dogs, there hasn't been significant genetic adaptation in the way that cats and dogs digest food. They are designed to eat raw. There are risks of bacterial contamination but these can be avoided with buying non-contaminated meats, safe food handling practices and correct food storage. With the help of a pet nutrition expert or a vet who's done additional training in holistic pet nutrition, your pet's diet can be planned properly to ensure they meet all of their nutritional needs safely.

Myth 2: “Dry Food Is Better for Dental Health”

Many pet parents believe that feeding dry kibble helps to clean their pet’s teeth, reducing the risk of dental disease. While there’s truth to the idea that chewing can help scrape off plaque, most dry kibble crumbles too quickly to have a significant impact on dental health.

The Truth: Regular brushing of your pet’s teeth, feeding raw meaty bones and providing appropriate dental chews or toys are much more effective at maintaining dental health. Don’t rely on dry food to keep your pet’s teeth clean.

Myth 3: “Table Scraps Are Unsafe and Unhealthy Treats for Pets”

There are many human foods that can be harmful or even toxic to pets. Foods like chocolate, onions, grapes, raisins and macadamias are dangerous for pets, and even seemingly harmless foods like fat trimmings can contribute to obesity and nutritional imbalances. But a blanket statement that table scraps are unsafe and unhealthy treats for pets isn't entirely true.

The Truth: Before processed food became mainstream, the majority of a dog's or cat's diet consisted of table scraps from their human family's left overs plus bones and meat off-cuts from the butcher. This was a time when dogs and cats didn't have the illnesses that they do today. It was also a time when humans ate significantly less processed foods! Healthy table scraps include vegetables, eggs, fish and raw meats. Cooked varieties of these foods are ok too, provided they're not cooked with onion, unhealthy oils (eg canola) and lots of salt. A small amount of fruit is ok too (avoiding grapes and raisins of course).

Myth 4: “Grains Are Essential Ingredients in Pet Food"

One of the most prevalent myths in pet nutrition is that grains provide essential nutrition and should form a significant component of a pet's diet. This view is usually promoted by pet food manufacturers who use large quantities of cheap grains in the pet foods they produce. They claim that grains provide a source of readily digestible carbohydrates necessary for meeting physiological needs for glucose, and that they provide essential nutrients like protein, fibre, essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals.

The Truth: Dogs and cats have not evolved to eat large quantities of grain. Most processed pet foods contain anywhere between 40-60% grains and other refined carbohydrate sources. These foods are based on grains because grains are significantly cheaper and more readily available than protein. Not because they provide health benefits. Feeding pets large quantities of grain can result in premature aging, the early onset of degenerative diseases, digestive ailments and skin issues. Grains can have a place in a healthy diet when included at no higher than 10% of the diet and consisting of nutritionally superior grains like oats, quinoa and basmati or wild rice.

Myth 5: “Pets Can't Thrive on a Vegan Diet”

This is probably the most controversial of all the myths that I've shared with you here. With the rise in popularity of plant based diets for humans, some pet parents wonder if their pets can also thrive on a vegan diet. Just like there are many who discredit plant based diets for humans, there is a majority view that feeding pets a vegan diet is unhealthy and dangerous.

The Truth: Dogs are omnivores and can survive, and even thrive, on a well-planned vegan or other plant based diet. Sometimes it's essential when they have intolerances or allergies to a wide variety of animal proteins. BUT, it’s much more challenging to ensure they receive all the necessary nutrients without animal products. There have been many occasion where I have formulated plant based diets for people's dogs that still contain raw meaty bones, fish and / or eggs. This helps to meet essential nutrient requirements without the need for significant synthetic supplementation. For cats, a vegan diet is much riskier and can lead to severe health issues. It is not something that I recommend at all, even though I choose to eat a vegan diet myself and share my home with cats I adore. If you’re considering a plant-based diet for your dog, it’s vital to work closely with a pet nutrition expert to ensure that all their nutritional needs are being met.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices for Your Pet’s Diet

Navigating the world of pet nutrition can be challenging, especially with so many myths and misconceptions floating around. The best approach is to stay informed, consult with a properly qualified and experienced pet nutrition expert, and consider your pet’s individual needs. Remember, every pet is unique, and what works for one may not be the best for another.