What Food Should I Feed My Pet?

What Should I Feed My Dog or Cat? A Vet's Honest Advice

One of the most common questions we hear from clients is some version of: What should I be feeding my pet? If you've ever typed "best dog food" or "what to feed my cat" into a search bar, you already know how overwhelming the answers can get. Here's a straightforward take from Dr. Jordan, one of our vets here at Southside Veterinary Clinic in Chattanooga.

Start with the basics.

Dogs should eat dog food. Cats should eat cat food. Beyond that, a lot comes down to personal preference — yours and your pet's.

Is kibble actually bad for my pet?

Dry food gets a bad reputation, but it's a practical, well-researched option. It has a long shelf life, doesn't need to be refrigerated, and manufacturers put a lot of resources into making sure their foods are nutritionally complete.

If you want to reach for a premium brand, that's totally fine — some of those foods do have higher-quality ingredients. Just know that, as they teach in vet school, ingredients don't equal nutrition. You can get solid nutrition from a mid-range food. Feed what works for your budget and what your pet actually likes.

Are fresh and home-cooked pet diets a good idea?

If you have the time and budget for it, fresh or homemade food is a reasonable choice — as long as your pet tolerates it well and you're not seeing any GI issues. The key is making sure the diet is truly balanced. We recommend checking out balanceit.com, a resource run by veterinary nutritionists. It helps you build recipes that cover all the vitamins, minerals, and micronutrients your pet needs.

Raw food diets for pets: what you should know.

Raw diets come up a lot. Our honest take: there's no proven benefit, and there are real risks. The majority of pet food recalls involve raw foods with bacterial contamination. Cooking your pet's food doesn't strip away nutrition — it eliminates the bacterial risk. Just like we cook our own food for good reason.

How do I know what's right for my specific pet?

If your pet has specific health concerns — things like allergies, kidney issues, or digestive problems — diet can play a real role in managing them. It's worth a conversation with our team or whoever your vet is before making big changes.

You can also browse vetted diet recommendations from the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) at their website. It's a solid starting point for finding a well-balanced food that fits your lifestyle and budget.

The bottom line: feed your pet something they like, that you can afford, and that keeps them healthy. There's no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to pet nutrition, but there are good options at every price point. We're always here to help you sort through them.

Have questions about what to feed your dog or cat? Reach out to Southside Veterinary Clinic in Chattanooga.Contact us here

Every question answered on our Pet Resource Blog comes from a veterinarian at our clinic.