Common Pet Food Myths — Busted by Experts

If you’re a pet parent, chances are you’ve fallen down the rabbit hole of “What should I feed my dog or cat?” at least once — or maybe ten times.

Between Google searches, advice from fellow pet lovers, and flashy packaging at the store, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. So let’s take a moment to breathe — and bust some of the most common pet food myths, with the help of expert-backed facts and a little common sense.

Myth 1: "Grain-Free Means Healthier"

Grain-free diets exploded in popularity over the last decade, especially after people started going gluten-free themselves. But here’s the thing — pets aren’t people.

According to veterinary nutritionists, grains like rice, oats, and barley aren’t harmful to dogs or cats unless they have a rare allergy (which is far less common than we think). In fact, grains provide valuable nutrients like fiber, B vitamins, and energy.

The truth? Grain-free isn’t necessarily better — it’s just different. And sometimes, more expensive without real benefit.

Myth 2: "By-Products Are Gross and Should Be Avoided"

Let’s be honest — “by-product” sounds like something you don’t want anywhere near your pet’s bowl. But the reality is much less scary.

By-products in pet food can include organ meats like liver, kidneys, and lungs — which are actually highly nutritious and what your pet might eat first in the wild. These are often rich in iron, protein, and vitamins that muscle meat lacks.

So unless your pet has a specific issue, by-products aren’t bad — they’re just misunderstood.

Myth 3: "Raw Is Always Better"

Raw feeding has its passionate supporters, and we get it — the idea of “natural” food feels right. But raw diets aren’t automatically superior, and they can pose health risks — to both pets and humans in the household.

Bacteria like salmonella and E. coli can thrive in uncooked meat, and unless the diet is perfectly balanced (usually with a vet’s guidance), your pet might be missing out on essential nutrients.

If you're considering raw, it's best to consult with a veterinary nutritionist, not just internet forums.

Myth 4: "Pets Should Eat What We Eat"

We love our pets like family — but that doesn’t mean we should share our dinner plates.

Foods like onions, garlic, grapes, chocolate, and even too much salt can be toxic for dogs and cats. What’s healthy for us could be dangerous (or even fatal) for them.

When in doubt, stick to pet-formulated foods or healthy treats made for them.

So, What Should You Do?

Feeding your pet doesn't have to be complicated. The best advice? Talk to your vet, choose a reputable brand with complete and balanced nutrition, and don’t stress about marketing labels.

At the end of the day, your dog or cat doesn’t care about buzzwords — they care about feeling full, happy, and healthy. And that’s what truly matters.

Paws for thought: What’s one myth you used to believe about pet food? Share it in the comments — let's bust some more together!