Pet food manufacturers do a solid job of making sure kibble and canned food meet basic dietary requirements. But processed food—whether for humans or pets—loses some of its nutritional value during production. Adding fresh, whole foods helps:
You don’t need to overhaul their diet—just a few fresh ingredients added to their meals can have big health benefits. Here’s what to start with:
Full of fibre, vitamins, and antioxidants, greens like spinach, kale, and carrots support digestion and immune health.
✔ Best choices: Spinach, kale, carrots, green beans, courgettes
❌ Avoid: Onions, garlic, avocado (toxic to pets)
Protein is essential, but fresh, unprocessed meats are far superior to what’s found in processed pet food. Fish like salmon provides omega-3s for joint and skin health.
✔ Best choices: Boiled chicken, turkey, lean beef, salmon, sardines
❌ Avoid: Processed meats (bacon, ham, sausages—too salty and fatty)
A protein powerhouse rich in vitamins, eggs help with muscle maintenance and a shiny coat. Serve cooked eggs—raw eggs carry a salmonella risk.
✔ Best choices: Scrambled or boiled eggs
❌ Avoid: Raw eggs, eggs cooked in butter or oil
Loaded with antioxidants and fibre, these fruits support brain health and digestion. Apples (without seeds) provide vitamin C and help clean teeth naturally.
✔ Best choices: Blueberries, strawberries, apples (seedless), bananas
❌ Avoid: Grapes, raisins (highly toxic)
Great for digestive health, these are low-fat, high-fibre options that also provide vitamin A for immune function.
✔ Best choices: Cooked pumpkin (plain), mashed sweet potato
❌ Avoid: Pumpkin pie filling (too much sugar and spices)
While fresh food has huge benefits, it’s important to introduce it gradually and in moderation.
✔ Start Small – Add tiny portions at first to avoid stomach upset.
✔ Check For Allergies – Introduce one new food at a time to see how your pet reacts.
✔ Balance The Diet – Fresh food should complement, not replace, a complete diet.
❌ “Kibble has everything they need—why add fresh food?”
✅ Because even “complete” pet foods lose nutrients during processing.
❌ “Fresh food will upset my pet’s stomach.”
✅ Not if introduced slowly and in small amounts.
❌ “It’s too expensive.”
✅ Adding fresh food doesn’t mean feeding an all-fresh diet—just a few simple additions can make a big difference.
Adding fresh, whole foods to your pet’s diet doesn’t have to be complicated. A handful of leafy greens, lean proteins, or antioxidant-rich fruits can help:
✔ Support digestion and gut health
✔ Improve skin, coat, and joint health
✔ Strengthen immune function
✔ Maintain a healthy weight and energy levels
Want expert advice on your pet’s diet? Book a Vetsy consultation today and let our vets help you create the perfect feeding plan!
