The pet food aisle has undergone a revolution. Pet owners increasingly demand meals that mirror their own dietary standards, which have seen a similar evolution in the last few years, particularly with the focus on eliminating ultra-processed foods. Enter the era of fresh, human-grade pet food.
Fresh pet food is crafted from whole, minimally processed ingredients, often prepared in USDA-certified kitchens. Unlike traditional kibble, these meals are gently cooked to preserve nutrients, then refrigerated or frozen to maintain freshness. This approach not only enhances palatability but also aligns with the growing consumer desire for transparency and quality in pet nutrition.
Health Benefits Backed by Science and the Role of Veterinary Guidance
The shift towards fresh food isn’t just a trend; it’s supported by nutritional science. Veterinarians generally agree that fresh pet food can offer a complete and balanced diet. However, just like with human food, the source and ingredients matter.
The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) Nutrition Toolkit offers some suggestions for choosing a diet for your pet. First, check to see if the brand employs a pet nutritionist, and read up on who formulated the diet. Was it an experienced pet food formulator (MS or PhD in Animal Nutrition), a veterinarian, or a pet owner, or a trainer? WSAVA stresses that “recipe development is a complex process requiring knowledge of nutrition, raw materials, and processing not taught in veterinary school programs.” You also want to read what their quality control process consists of, and be sure that their label has a nutrition adequacy statement. The label should indicate that the food is a “complete” diet, ensuring it gives your pet all the nutrients they need, and it is not intended to be a short-term or supplemental diet. It’s also important to note here that while fresh, cooked food from reputable sources is considered safe, many veterinary medical associations caution against raw diets, especially without full veterinary consultation.
In fact, The Pet Nutrition Alliance (PNA) emphasizes the importance of consulting with veterinarians when selecting pet foods of any kind. Their resources assist owners in making informed decisions, ensuring that pets receive complete and balanced nutrition tailored to their specific needs.
Market Growth Reflects Changing Preferences
There is no denying that the demand for premium pet food is surging. In 2024, the pet food market reached $51.7 billion, with a significant portion attributed to premium, fresh options. This growth underscores the broader shift to a focus on clean eating for both humans and pets. So, would you eat your dog’s dinner? With these advancements, you just might consider it.
For more information on clean eating for your pets, visit The Farmer’s Dog.
