– Pet Food –

INSIGHTS TO EMPOWER YOUR CHOICES: Explore the essential truths about pet food, from raw diets to kibble and premium ingredients to synthetic vitamins, high pressure processing (HPP), chicken and rice, and even treats. Learn about the role of synthetic vitamins in pet nutrition, as well as advanced processing methods like HPP. Make sure to also check our related pages about specific pet brands that you may be considering and the pros and cons of each.

Theme image showing raw food verses highly process food.
Overview – Start Here!

Pet food: Start your journey here…

Master the essentials of smart feeding strategies, empowering you to make informed decisions for your pet. Unlock the truths about your pet's food that you may not know.

Theme image of dry dog and cat food stacked on a shelf at grocery store.
Food Recommendations

What should I feed?

Confused about what to feed? You aren't alone. That's one of our most frequently asked questions. Learn what we feed our own pets and some great options for you to choose from as well.

Theme image of kibble (dry food) being manufactured.
Kibble & More!

Kibble – The great scam

Yes, the one of the biggest 21st century scams combined with an exceptional marketing strategy results in over $12 billion in annual revenue. It's so deeply embedded in our culture, leading many to embrace it without hesitation, even when common sense suggests a closer look at minimal. Here's that closer look at kibble and other types of pet food…

Theme image of a prescription pad with stethoscope.
Prescription Diets

Should your food need a prescription?

Is your pet's diet really needing a prescription? Let's explore this together. The short answer is simply NO! Did you know those recommended diets lack quality sourcing and healthy ingredients? Find out more…

Raw feeding ingredients including raw meat, bones, and vegetables for dogs and cats
Raw, Gently Cooked & Freeze-Dried

types of raw feeding

From raw to gently cooked, freeze-dried to air-dried, there are so many options for raw feeding! Let’s explore the pros and cons of each to see what is best for you.

Theme image of dog making a pros and cons list.
Pet Food Reviews

Pet Food Insights & comparisons

Want to size up pet food brands without the hassle? We've broken it down into simple characteristics identifying the pros and cons associated with each to easily make an informed decision for your beloved pet's nutrition.

Homemade pet food recipes with fresh ingredients for dogs and cats
Recipes

Pet food recipes

Delicious and wholesome pet recipes your furry friends will absolutely adore; and you can feel great about serving them too!

Theme image of big corporation looking down on small sad dog with an empty food bowl and tears in his eyes.
Manufacturers

Who makes your pet food?

The manufacturers of pet food may surprise you. From major candy companies to a powerful cleaning products corporation and even a notable cereal brand. Why does this matter?

Theme image of a variety of healthy, whole food ingredients.
Ingredients

What's in your pet food?

Ingredients matter. Sourcing matters. Transparency by the manufacturer matters. Processing matters. Empower yourself to read and understand your labels with confidence.

Synthetic vitamins in pill form spilling from bottle - avoid in pet food
Synthetic Vitamins

Adding vitamins is a great idea, right?

Do not feed anything with synthetic vitamins! When you see specific vitamins listed in the ingredients label, that's telling you they are synthetic. Whole foods – that are minimally processed in a well-balanced diet – provide all the essential vitamins necessary for nutritional needs.

Theme image of high pressure processing.
HPP

High Pressure Processing

What is High Pressure Processing (HPP)? HPP is a food preservation method that uses high pressure to eliminate the need for chemical additives or heat. It effectively kills harmful microorganisms like Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli while maintaining food quality. The process applies pressures of up to 6,000 bar, equivalent to the force of three jumbo jets on the area of a smartphone.

Theme image of plain chicken and rice in a bowl to show bland diets.
Bland Diets

Chicken & Rice… It's a BIG no-no!

Learn why your doctor may be steering you wrong. While commonly suggested, chicken and rice is not the optimal choice for soothing your pet's digestive system.

Theme image of pet food bowls representing transitioning food from kibble to whole food diet.
Transitioning To A New Food

Changing the Menu: A Gentle Guide to Switching Pet Food

Switching your furry friend to a new food can feel a little overwhelming, but with patience and the right approach, it can be a smooth (and even enjoyable!) process. Just like us, pets can be creatures of habit, and sudden changes don’t always sit well with their tummies — or their taste buds. That’s why it’s important to take things slowly, giving their digestive system time to adjust and helping them feel comfortable with the new flavors and textures. A gentle transition not only supports their health, but also makes mealtime something they’ll look forward to.

Theme shot of a picky eater dog in kitchen with a plate of food.
Picky Eaters

Fur-ocious Appetites: Ending Pet Mealtime Battles

Some pets dive into their food bowls like it’s the best part of the day, while others give you that look — the one that says, “Nice try, but I’m not eating this.” If you’ve got a picky dog or cat, you know how frustrating (and sometimes funny) mealtime can be. The good news? With a few simple tricks, you can tempt even the fussiest furball and turn mealtime into something they actually look forward to.

Theme image of bone broth.
Bone Broth

Bone Broth: Liquid Gold for Pets

Bone broth is a nourishing, nutrient-dense addition to a dog or cat’s diet that offers benefits well beyond simple hydration. Made by slowly simmering animal bones, connective tissues, and cartilage, it’s packed with easily absorbed minerals, natural collagen, and amino acids that support gut health, joint mobility, immune function, and overall vitality. Gentle on the digestive system and highly palatable, bone broth can be especially helpful for picky eaters, aging pets, or those recovering from illness or stress.

Theme image of dog chewing a meaty bone in the grass.
Bones

Better with Bones: Nature's Dental and Nutrient Boost

Bones can be a healthy and enjoyable treat for pets when offered the right way. They’re packed with natural minerals like calcium and phosphorus to keep teeth and bones strong, and the act of chewing helps clean teeth while giving pets something fun and satisfying to do. Raw, meaty bones also provide mental stimulation and a natural way for dogs and cats to follow their instincts. With the right type of bone and proper supervision, they can be a safe, nourishing addition to your pet’s routine.

Safe dog treats - healthy natural options for dogs and cats
Treats

Good boy & girl treats!

Not all treats are created equal. What should you be feeding? Discover what sets apart top-quality commercial treats and learn expert tips for crafting your own.

Theme shot of a sick dog with heated water bottle.
Pet Food Toxicity

Is your pet feeling sick?

Could it be pet food toxicity? Let’s answer a few simple questions to help figure things out. We encourage you to explore this page, even if your furry friend is feeling fine. Knowledge is power, and we’re here to support you. When we know better; we do better!

Theme image of a dog in cone of shame with fresh food being prepared.
Foods for Medical Conditions

Recommended Pet Foods by Medical Condition

The food our pets eat can have a powerful influence on their overall health, especially when they are dealing with chronic conditions. Diets built around fresh, minimally processed, species-appropriate ingredients may help reduce inflammation, support digestion, and provide the nutrients the body needs to heal and maintain balance. This guide highlights dietary approaches and food options commonly recommended for dogs and cats facing specific medical conditions, helping pet parents make more informed choices.

Theme image of a jar of coins with a heart growing out of it.

Have we helped?

We’ve poured our hearts into creating this website for you, and we’re still bustling with excitement to keep it going! As a team of volunteers, we’re using our own resources to bring this information to life. There are many ways you can show your support for our efforts. We greatly appreciate it! If we’ve been able to help you on your journey to a healthier pet, we would love it if you consider showing your support.