Nutrition Center

Sandra C. Mitchell, DVM, DABVP

So your dog comes over, wagging their tail furiously, and eager for some kisses. But then you notice a few crumbles of cat litter stuck in the fur around your dog’s mouth, and you immediately know what has happened. Your dog has been raiding the litter box again. Gross, right? It might seem pretty weird to us, but the average dog will eat some cat poop at some point. If you’ve ever wondered...

Jennifer Coates, DVM

One of the best ways to keep cats healthy and happy is to feed them well. Cats need all the right nutrients in just the right proportions to grow, maintain their bodies, be active, and prevent and recover from illness or injury. With healthy eating being so essential, pet parents need to know what goes into a nutritional cat food. Here is breakdown of what you need to know about cat nutrition....

Amanda Simonson, DVM

Most kittens get adopted at about 6 to 8 weeks old. They are typically already weaned from their mother and eating solid food. It is important to feed kittens a nutritionally complete diet that contains high quality vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. This article will explain everything you need to know about what to feed kittens, how much to feed them, and how often and when they need to be...

Jennifer Coates, DVM

For people, homemade meals are almost always healthier than what you can buy ready-to-eat from the store. It stands to reason that the same would be true for our feline friends, right? Not necessarily. It’s a good idea to learn all that is involved in making nutritionally complete and balanced cat food before you rush out and buy a bunch of ingredients. The process may not be as simple as you...

Tiffany Tupler, DVM

In recent years, pet parents have become more and more aware of what they are feeding their dogs. However, with all of the different dog food formulas and brands, it can be hard to figure out what really makes a dog food nutritious and balanced. This article will explain everything you need to know about dog nutrition and provide a guide for what you need to look for in a dog food.Jump...

Kelly Sulik, DVM

As more research is done in the field of veterinary nutrition, we continue to learn more about how to keep pets happy and healthy with one of the most important and enjoyable aspects of their daily care: food. Research has shown that one of the most critical dietary components for our feline friends is protein. Here’s what you need to know about protein for cats and high-protein diets. Why Cats...

Cathy Meeks, MS, DVM, DACVIM

A common question that veterinarians get asked is whether cats should eat canned or dry food. The good news is that most commercial cat foods provide an excellent source of nutrition, whether it’s dry cat food or wet cat food. But finding the best food for your cat will depend on several factors, including: Your cat’s weight Your cat’s health and any health conditions present Your budget...

Ellen Malmanger, DVM

There has been a recent surge in pet parents considering raw, “human-grade,” limited ingredient, or freeze-dried food their cats and dogs. Freeze-dried cat food accounts for much less of the total cat food sold when compared to kibble or canned food, but it is a growing category. Because there are many health risks associated with dietary nutritional deficiencies in cats, many of which are...

Jennifer Coates, DVM

Feeding raw foods to cats is controversial. The wild ancestors of domestic cats certainly ate raw foods, but does that mean our cats should do the same? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of raw cat food diets so you can make an informed decision when choosing a healthy food for your cat. What Is Raw Cat Food?Raw cat food is just that—unprocessed food made from raw ingredients. Cats are...

Jennifer Coates, DVM

Human-grade cat food is having a moment. But is it really worth the extra money, and for that matter, what does “human-grade” even mean? Here’s what you need to know to determine if a human-grade food is right for your cat. Human-Grade Cat Food: What Is It?The term “human-grade” is hard to define. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA)...