How to Choose Pet Food: 5 Simple Tips for Dogs and Cats (Labels, Protein, and Better Choices)
My Top 5 Simple Tips for Dogs and Cats
You have probably been there.
You are standing in the pet food aisle, staring at rows and rows of food, and suddenly it all feels a little overwhelming.
- Which brand is best?
- Has this food ever been recalled?
- Why are there so many ingredients?
- Is kibble okay?
- Should I feed canned?
- Should I make food at home?
I get it. Choosing pet food can be confusing.
So let me make it simpler.
Daily Immune Support for Dogs
One of the best ways to help protect your dog against disease is to keep the immune system well supported every single day. That starts with good food, movement, lower stress, and targeted daily nutrition.
In other words, it is meant to help cover the key areas your dog relies on every day: gut, joints, skin, heart, immune system, and inflammation control. If your dog is exposed to stress, environmental toxins, infections, aging changes, or daily wear and tear, this is the kind of broad nutritional support I want in place before problems start.
Daily Immune Support for Cats
Cats also need daily immune support, but their needs are different from dogs. Dr. Jones’ Ultimate Feline Health Formula is built specifically for cats, with a joint support blend of glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM, an immune protective blend with bovine colostrum, inositol hexaphosphate, and maitake mushroom, amino acids including taurine, a multi-strain prebiotic and probiotic blend, calcium carbonate, and a full vitamin and mineral profile. That makes it a practical way to help keep your cat’s system better prepared for whatever they may be exposed to.
In my opinion, a well-balanced homemade diet is often the best option. But I also know that is not realistic for every pet parent every single day. A practical approach is to mix things up. You can prepare homemade food a few days a week, then use a good quality commercial food on the other days.
The goal is not perfection. The goal is better nutrition, fewer poor-quality ingredients, and a diet that supports long-term health.
Start With Real Animal Protein
The first ingredient should be a named animal protein.
Look for ingredients like:
- Chicken
- Turkey
- Beef
- Lamb
- Fish
- Duck
Your dog or cat needs quality protein. Cats especially are obligate carnivores, meaning they need animal-based protein to thrive.
If the first ingredient is corn, wheat, soy, or some vague plant-based filler, I would keep looking.
Avoid Generic or Low-Quality Store Brands
Generic or bargain pet foods may be inexpensive, but they are often made with lower-quality ingredients.
Some may contain rejected or leftover ingredients from larger manufacturers. The problem is you usually do not know exactly what you are getting.
Poor-quality food can be cheap up front, but it may cost more later in skin problems, digestive issues, obesity, urinary disease, or poor overall health.
Food matters.
Look for Healthy Fats
Essential fatty acids are very important.
They support:
- Skin health
- Coat quality
- Joint comfort
- Brain function
- Immune balance
- Inflammation control
Omega-3 fatty acids are especially helpful for pets with allergies, arthritis, and chronic inflammation.
If the food does not contain good sources of omega-3s, you can add them separately with a quality fish oil or krill oil supplement.
Dr. Jones’ Ultimate Omega 3 Formula for Dogs and Cats
This is one of the easiest upgrades you can make.
Avoid Excessive Fillers
Try to avoid foods packed with unnecessary fillers such as:
- Corn
- Soy
- Wheat
- Artificial colors
- Artificial flavors
- Artificial preservatives
These ingredients do not add much nutritional value. In some pets, they may worsen allergies, digestive upset, or inflammation.
You want food that is nutrient-dense, not filler-heavy.
Be Careful With By-Products and Meals
If possible, avoid foods that list vague by-products.
You may also see ingredients like meat meal, bone meal, fish meal, or chicken meal.
Now, some good pet foods do contain meals, and not all meals are bad. The issue is that the label does not always tell you the quality or source.
If you are unsure, contact the company and ask where their ingredients come from. A good company should be transparent.
Mix It Up
I do not love the idea of feeding the exact same food every single day for years.
I would not want to eat the same thing twice a day forever, and I do not think our pets should either.
Rotating foods can help provide a wider range of nutrients. This is especially helpful if you are adding homemade meals.
You can rotate proteins, add safe fresh foods, and include different nutrient-rich toppers.
Simple additions can include:
- Cooked chicken
- Turkey
- EggsSardines
- Pumpkin
- Blueberries
- Carrots
- A little cooked organ meat
Variety can support a healthier gut and reduce over-reliance on one food source.
Why I Often Recommend Canned Food
Canned food is usually a better option than dry kibble, especially for cats.
Why?
- It contains more moisture.
- It often has more animal protein.
- It usually has fewer carbohydrates.
- It is often more palatable.
Hydration is especially important for cats because many do not drink enough water on their own. A moisture-rich diet can help support the kidneys and urinary tract.
That said, some pets do not love canned food. Some pet parents cannot afford it full-time. Do what works for your pet and your budget, then improve where you can.
Even replacing part of the kibble with canned or homemade food is a step in the right direction.
Know Your Pet’s Needs
Not every pet needs the same food.
A young active dog has different needs than a senior indoor cat.
Consider your pet’s:
- Age
- Breed size
- Activity level
- Weight
- Medical history
- Digestive tolerance
- Allergies or sensitivities
If your pet needs to lose weight, focus on higher protein and fewer carbohydrates.
If your cat has kidney concerns, phosphorus levels matter.
If your dog has allergies, a limited ingredient or novel protein diet may help.
If your pet has urinary issues, moisture becomes very important.
Fresh Food Delivery Options
There are now many companies making fresh, gently cooked pet foods and delivering them to your door.
Some include:
- Nom Nom
- The Farmer’s Dog
- Ollie
- FreshPet
- Pet Plate
- House of Canines
Many of these are mostly available in the United States, but the idea behind them is a good one: fresher ingredients, less processing, and more real food.
If you can afford this type of food, it can be a strong option.
Commercial Brands I Would Consider
I am not affiliated with these pet food companies, but these are some brands that have met many of my basic criteria over the years:
- Artemis
- Champion Petfoods
- Flint River
- Halo
- Holistic Blend
- The Honest Kitchen
- Kumpi
- Nature’s Variety
- Paw Naturaw
- Petcurean Pet Nutrition
- TimberWolf Organics
- Wysong
Still, always read the label. Formulas change. Ingredients change. Companies change ownership.
You are the one choosing what goes into your pet’s bowl.
Final Thoughts
Choosing pet food does not have to be complicated.
Start with these basics:
- Choose animal protein first.
- Avoid unnecessary fillers.
- Add omega-3s.
- Use more moisture-rich food when possible.
- Mix in real food.
- Rotate when you can.
You do not need to feed perfectly.
Just feed better.
Small changes in your pet’s bowl can make a big difference over time.
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Do you still recommend Wellness? That’s the one we see you feeding Murray on your videos. I know you can’t list every brand you recommend here, but curious as to why you left off Wellness.
Hi Wanda,
Thank you for your question!
Dr. Jones does still recommend the Wellness brand! We were just referencing a few options 🙂
Emily
I watched a Youtube video where First Mate was being fed to Murray for diabetes.
Where can I buy that? I live in Arizona. If that’s not available, please recommend what else a diabetic cat should be given. Thank You.
p.s. if you resigned because of the heat the higher leveled dishonest money mongers were giving you for being holistic? I salute you for staying the course!
How about Dr. Tim’s brand?
Just wondering what breed Tula is?
Poodle
Do you recommend Weruva?
My black short-hair domestic cat became yellow in the eyes and skin recently. What would you recommend for her since she is also diabetic? If you need more info, let me know.
Do you recommend The Pet Pantry in Apex NC? I am feeding my dog with the Growth and Performance and sometimes Holistic Lamb and Rice Premium.
This is a valuable site, thank you! Since end of October of 2021 I’ve brought 2 kittens in my home. They’re now 6 months old and thriving. I feed them in the morning and end of the afternoon with wet food from cans. In the Netherlands, we’ve got a brand called Yarrah. It’s organic petfood for dogs and cats, and I’ve used it for my cats for at least 30 years.
Apart from the wet food twice a day, I give my kittens dry food also from Yarrah, and when I breakfast and take my kefir, I give them a tablespoon also. They love it! Apart from kefir, I give the smaller one yogurt in between meals.
5 meals a day, 2 portions of wet food mixed with 1/3 of brown organic rice, and 3 small meals of dry food, more like snacks.
The smaller one, a girl, was weakened by a tapeworm when she arrived, and it took a few weeks before I noticed what was the cause of her lethargy. She was untouchable, withdrawn, but purring loud when I was near her. After a remedy for the tapeworm and killing the eggs a few weeks after, this little girl has improved so much!
Growing larger, livelier, and touchable, eating with gusto, and playing showing her temperament. Quick as a flash if need be. She’s asking for food often, and when her brother is outside, they’re both active outdoor cats, I give her a tablespoon of yogurt, or, once in a while, a small piece of minced meat raw from a cow (from the organic butcher). That’s her favorite!
The boy is almost twice her size, eating whenever he finds food, even from his sister. I’ve taught him the word “No” when he walks over to his sister’s bowl, and he’s learning fast, just walking away when he hears me say the word. Not sulking or begging. His sister eats like a little princess, slowly, walking away from it, returning to it later, taking small portions.
I’m putting her bowl on the counter when she’s had her fill, so that her brother doesn’t have a chance to empty it. Fortunately, they’re able to play outside in a large green area, where no traffic or people with dogs are present. They climb the trees, visit the gardens of the neighbors, like proper explorers. And watching the little birds, of course. They poo and pee outside so that I’m not bothered by cat litter and the annoying task of cleaning. Besides, the filling of a cat toilet is so expensive nowadays. That is when you choose clay in small kernels, organic material that doesn’t leave a smell in the home. We’re all happy together. In the coming month, they’ll be operated upon so that they’re not raising a family ?
my dog when out side she was good till got in side then she coughing i gave her lemon honey and tea . stops for 2 hours then stats again . good when not moving not kennel cough . an all so has a sound in her breathing. i going to take her in Moring to vet
can you till me if ok till then
My Bailey coughs after a run 0r when he is excited. He is a shitzo and also opso
Even when he first gets up
Is Purina Pro Plan complete essentials safe for my basenji
Hi Joan, Dr. Jones advises avoiding Purina/Science Diet foods. There are many good premium brands available, ask at your local pet food store for a better brand.
Why does my veterinarian recommend hills science diet then?
That depends on the Vet but better to switch to natural diet or homecook recipe.
How about Acana. That’s what I’ve been feeding my dog per Dr. Jones recommendation on one of his videos. I hope it’s still ok. Thank you.
Yes, it is, and here are some articles you can check:
https://veterinarysecrets.com/?s=pet%20food