As a vet and a pet owner I have found that a diet that comprises about 80% high quality pet food and 20% "other" works very well for adult pets.

High quality modern pet foods are formulated to meet the requirements of pets. Price is a good guide to quality. You will find that the better the pet food the less you have to feed and the less poo comes out the other end - this is because the ingredients are of superior quality and more digestable and absorbable.

I use a combination of wet (canned) and dry foods. The popularity of canned pet food in Australia is in direct contrast to most overseas countries where dry food dominates.

Some of the "others" I give my pets include raw bones, pasta, potato crisps, fish, and treats.

For puppies and kittens I use a 100% high quality pet food for growing pets. Because these foods are specifically formulated to meet the energy, protein and mineral requirements of rapidly growing pets they take away the guesswork and hassle involved with things like the need for calcium supplements.

Author: Hugh Southwood
Date: 15/01/2002