Veterinary care
Ways to get care
Visit information
Pet wellness plans
Virtual petcare
Pet Chat™ information
Locations
My Banfield
Dog wellness plan
Cat wellness plan
Puppy wellness plan
Kitten wellness plan
Inquire
Wellness plan FAQs
Puppy care
Shop
Locations/appointments
exploring alternative diets for pets
No matter what you choose to feed your pet, you want to make sure your BFF is getting the right balance of nutrients, protein, calories, and vitamins and minerals. Your veterinary team is here to help you ensure quality nutrition for the pet you love.
The right homemade, raw food, and organic diets can all provide quality nutrition for your pet.
$name
Quality pet foods, whether alternative and commercially-produced, should provide all the good stuff your pet’s body needs for wellness — without requiring additional supplements. See more about choosing a quality diet for your pet
Three common alternative pet diet trends
$name
Natural and organic
The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) have specific definitions of the terms “natural” and “organic,” which pet foods have to follow to add those words to their packaging.
$name
Raw food diets
Some pet owners feel strongly that raw food diets are better for their pet. Before you begin, here’s what you need to know, plus some tips to help keep down the risks of germs and parasites in uncooked food.
$name
Homemade food diets
By making their own dog or cat food, pet owners can make conscientious decisions about natural, organic, vegetarian and vegan ingredients. Many also believe homemade diets are cheaper than commercial ones. Here’s what to know about becoming your pet’s personal chef.
Debunking myths about “bad” ingredients in pet food
Concerns about “artificial ingredients” or “meat meal” in your pet’s food? Based on veterinary knowledge, we’ve assembled a few quick facts to help put your mind at rest.
Also, if you’re concerned about what you feed your pet, one of the best things you can do is to just not feed them table scraps. Many people foods are just not good for your furry friend — in addition to being full of calories that can lead to unhealthy weight gain.
“Preservatives are bad.”
It’s not necessarily true that pet food without preservatives is more “natural,” or better, for pets. In quality pet food, each ingredient is chosen to help deliver a specific benefit for your pet, in a form most likely to provide that benefit. See more about reading pet food labels
“I need to worry about artificial ingredients.”
Artificial colors and flavors are rarely used in pet food. If they are, they must be from sources approved by the FDA (the United States Food and Drug Administration).
“Corn and other grains are low-quality fillers in pet food.”
Actually, corn is a high-quality ingredient that gives pets energy and contains valuable nutrients such as carotene, which supports eyesight, skin health, reproduction, and the development of bones and muscles. Wheat, if properly processed, is another nutrition power player. See our guide to decoding nutrients
“Whole ingredients are better than by-products.”
Not necessarily! Meat meal is an excellent source of protein. Because it doesn’t contain the same water content of whole meat, it actually provides more protein for its weight when added to dry foods. By-products, like beet pulp and tomato pomace, as well as organ meats like liver, hearts, lungs, spleens, and kidneys, are an excellent source of nutrients and protein in pet food. See our guide to decoding protein
“My pet needs a grain-free diet for their allergies.”
Pets that develop food allergies are typically not responding to the corn and other grains in their food. Grains provide a lot of good vitamins and minerals, so if you’re going grain-free ask your vet how to balance out your pet’s nutritional needs. See more about decoding vitamins and minerals
Diet and nutrition for cats and dogs
What to know about good dog diets
From wee puppies to great big elder statesdogs, get guidance on what to feed (and not feed) your doggyBFF.
Cat foods for your kittyBAE
Wondering what to feed your baby kitty or great big lap cat? We’re here to help with information, foods to avoid, and more.
Optimum Wellness Plan®
