What is the best diet for dogs and cats?

This is a very controversial topic. Over the last two decades, I’ve seen an increase in inflammatory diseases in animals, including skin disease, orthopedic, and digestive issues. I’ve been very curious about why this has been occurring. In my careful observations, there has been an increase in these diseases over the last two decades, and not something that I had seen nearly as commonly during the first 10 years of my practicing as a veterinarian, or during the two decades prior to being a veterinarian while working as a veterinary technician.

I’ve scoured through the most recent data and primary studies, both human and veterinary, trying to find answers. My current thought is that diet plays a factor in these inflammatory conditions. Stress is also a factor. Anything that increases stress, such as environmental issues and diet, can increase inflammation within the body.

Feeding our microbiome correctly, which is the bacteria that live within the intestinal tract, is paramount to good health. And just as with us, reducing stress is also paramount to our health. Both diet and stress will affect the health and happiness of both humans as well as our non-human people (dogs and cats, etc.).

As a caveat, my thoughts are always changing as I consider new information and observe new findings. Being a scientist at heart, my theories are always questioned and reexamined on a continual basis. And so, my answers to this question and any other question are always subject to change.

My current thoughts and what I choose to feed my own pets is a non-kibble diet. I currently think that the cooking process in kibble results in the production of AGEs, which are inflammatory to the body. I also think that the heating process when cooking kibble decreases nutrient absorption to a degree. The bigger concern is the production of AGEs when we cook proteins. This is very similar to the Maillard reaction when we barbecue (grill) or cook our food and get a browning of meat or vegetables. This is not healthy for us either, as it causes inflammation and results in substances that are considered carcinogens.

As a result of the production of these AGEs during the cooking process for kibble, I have started avoiding kibble in my own dogs. This is more significant in dogs who are dealing with inflammatory conditions such as skin, joint, or digestive issues.

As a result, my current recommendation is home-cooked foods that are pressure cooked, microwaved, or steam-cooked. Another convenient alternative is a freeze-dried raw diet.

Once again, just to reiterate, this is my current thought process based on intense research, deep thought, and observations as a veterinarian for over 30 years. There is no significant harm with kibble-based diets; however, I do believe that there is a better alternative for those that are interested.

In addition to the diet recommendations that I’ve stated, I would also recommend a probiotic and an appropriate omega-3 fatty acid supplement. There are ones that I very specifically recommend because they are most appropriate and do the best job.