What a good diet for dogs and cats actually contains

Dogs and cats are not the same

Cats are obligate carnivores. They need nutrients that come almost only from animal tissue, such as taurine, arachidonic acid and preformed vitamin A. A cat fed a diet lacking taurine can develop heart and eye disease.

Dogs are more flexible and can digest a wider range of ingredients, but they still thrive on good-quality animal protein.

Complete and balanced

In Europe, complete foods are formulated against the FEDIAF nutritional guidelines; in the United States against AAFCO profiles. A food labelled "complete" is meant to be fed on its own. "Complementary" foods and treats are not.

Balance matters as much as presence. Calcium and phosphorus, for example, have to be in the right ratio, especially for growing puppies.

Building blocks worth looking for

• A named animal protein high on the ingredient list, such as "chicken" rather than "meat and animal derivatives".
• Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), usually from fish or algae oil.
• Enough moisture, especially for cats, which drink little by nature. Wet food helps.
• A clear statement that the food is complete for your pet's life stage.

A question worth asking the brand

The WSAVA advises owners to ask whether a manufacturer employs a qualified pet nutritionist and whether it tests its foods. A good brand answers without hesitation.