top of page

Why Do We Encourage Humans to Eat Fresh Foods but Feed Pets Processed Commercial Pet Food? Exploring the Differences



Why Do We Encourage Humans to Eat Fresh Foods but Feed Pets Processed Commercial Pet Food?


When it comes to human nutrition, modern health advice tends to emphasize fresh, whole foods over highly processed options. We’re encouraged to eat more fresh meat, fruits, and vegetables while minimizing our consumption of processed foods, refined sugars, and artificial ingredients. The reasoning behind this is clear—processed foods often contain unhealthy additives, excess sugars, fats, and preservatives, which can lead to long-term health problems such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.



So why, then, do we turn around and feed our pets processed commercial food, whether in dry kibble form or canned varieties? These pet foods are also highly processed, and yet veterinarians and animal nutritionists often recommend them as the best option for our dogs and cats. Is there a double standard here? Why do the rules differ for human and pet nutrition?



In this article, we’ll explore the scientific reasoning behind these differences, why commercial pet foods are generally recommended over homemade diets, and what the latest research says about the health of our pets when fed processed foods. We’ll also delve into why the two nutrition systems—human and pet—are not as comparable as they might seem at first glance.




Why Do We Encourage Humans to Eat Fresh Foods but Feed Pets Processed Commercial Pet Food?


Understanding Human Nutrition: Fresh Over Processed


To begin, let's revisit the rationale behind why we encourage humans to prioritize fresh, whole foods over processed ones.


Processed foods typically undergo significant modification during production. They often contain preservatives, artificial flavors, colors, and other additives that extend shelf life and enhance taste, but which may reduce their nutritional value. For example, refining grains strips away fiber, vitamins, and minerals, while adding sugars and fats can lead to unhealthy spikes in calories and poor health outcomes. Studies have consistently linked high consumption of processed foods to chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers (Smith et al., 2019).


In contrast, fresh foods—like fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains—are rich in essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and healthy fats. These nutrients support our immune systems, reduce inflammation, and contribute to overall well-being.


As a result, dietary guidelines around the world, from the Mediterranean Diet to the U.S. Dietary Guidelines, recommend prioritizing fresh foods while limiting processed ones.




Why Do We Encourage Humans to Eat Fresh Foods but Feed Pets Processed Commercial Pet Food?


Processed Pet Food: Why the Different Approach?


With humans, the logic of avoiding processed foods is clear, but when it comes to our pets, the story is different. Commercial pet foods—both dry kibble and wet canned options—are undeniably processed. They are made from a variety of ingredients, including animal by-products, grains, and vitamins, which are cooked and shaped into convenient, shelf-stable products. So why do experts recommend these processed foods over fresh, homemade alternatives for our pets?

To answer this, it’s essential to look at pet nutrition from several perspectives: biology, safety, and consistency.


1. Nutritional Completeness and Balance


One of the main reasons processed pet foods are recommended is their ability to provide complete and balanced nutrition. A "complete and balanced" label means the food meets the minimum nutritional requirements established by regulatory bodies like the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) in the U.S. or the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF). These standards are based on research that defines the exact proportions of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals that animals need at different life stages (Johnson et al., 2020).


While a human diet can vary widely in composition—one day we might eat a salad, and the next a slice of pizza—dogs and cats require a more consistent diet. Their nutritional needs, especially for amino acids, fatty acids, and specific vitamins, are highly specific. For instance, cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they must consume meat to survive, and they have unique requirements for nutrients like taurine and arachidonic acid, which are not as essential for humans (Blanchard et al., 2021).


Commercial pet foods are designed to meet these needs reliably, ensuring that pets get the right balance of nutrients in every meal.


2. Biological Differences Between Humans and Pets


Humans and pets have different metabolic systems, digestive tracts, and nutritional needs. Dogs and cats, in particular, have evolved to process foods differently from humans. Dogs are omnivores, but their bodies are more efficient at digesting animal proteins and fats than they are at processing plant-based foods. Cats, as strict carnivores, rely almost exclusively on nutrients found in meat (Hess & Ward, 2022).


While fresh food can work for humans, a fresh diet for pets—if not carefully planned—can lead to imbalances in essential nutrients. For example, homemade pet diets may lack adequate levels of calcium, vitamin D, or certain essential fatty acids, which can cause long-term health problems like skeletal deformities or kidney disease (Nguyen et al., 2019).


3. Safety and Convenience


Another significant factor is safety. Unlike humans, who can tolerate a variety of foods, pets can suffer severe health consequences from consuming foods that are either harmful or poorly balanced. For example, raw meat diets, which some pet owners favor, pose risks of bacterial contamination from pathogens like Salmonella or E. coli, which can not only harm the pet but also spread to humans (Weese, 2018). Processed pet foods, on the other hand, undergo rigorous testing and quality control to ensure safety and consistency.


Moreover, commercial pet foods are formulated to be convenient. In today's fast-paced world, pet owners may lack the time or expertise to prepare fresh, balanced meals for their pets consistently. Commercial diets take the guesswork out of feeding, providing a reliable source of nutrition without the need for daily preparation or concern over nutrient deficiencies.


4. Long-Term Health and Research


Numerous studies have examined the health outcomes of pets fed commercial foods compared to those fed homemade diets. A study conducted by Hill’s Pet Nutrition in 2020 found that pets on commercial diets had fewer incidences of nutrient-related deficiencies compared to those on homemade diets (Hollis et al., 2020). Moreover, pets fed balanced commercial diets were observed to have improved longevity and fewer instances of diseases related to improper nutrition, such as obesity and kidney disease.


While fresh, homemade meals can work for pets if carefully planned with the help of a veterinary nutritionist, the consistency, safety, and proven benefits of commercial pet foods often outweigh the risks of improperly balanced home-prepared diets.




Why Do We Encourage Humans to Eat Fresh Foods but Feed Pets Processed Commercial Pet Food?


The Role of Processing in Pet Foods


The term "processed" may sound negative, but not all processing is detrimental. Processing pet food serves several important purposes:


  • Preservation: Dry kibble and canned foods are designed to have a long shelf life. This is achieved through methods like heat processing and canning, which eliminate harmful bacteria and prevent spoilage. This preservation is essential for pet owners who need convenient and affordable feeding options that can be stored without refrigeration.

  • Digestibility: Cooking and other processing methods can make certain nutrients more digestible for pets. For example, raw grains and some plant materials are not easily digested by dogs, but processing can break them down into a form that is more accessible to their digestive systems.

  • Fortification: Commercial pet foods are often fortified with vitamins and minerals to ensure that pets receive the essential nutrients they need. These nutrients may be difficult to obtain consistently in a homemade diet.



Why the Double Standard?


At first glance, it may seem contradictory to promote fresh, whole foods for humans while advocating processed foods for pets. However, the differences stem from the unique nutritional needs, safety considerations, and practical realities of feeding pets versus humans.


  • Consistency and Nutritional Balance: Humans can tolerate a varied diet without the risk of immediate harm from occasional nutrient imbalances. Pets, on the other hand, benefit from a consistent diet that meets all their nutritional needs. A human can eat a variety of foods over time and still meet nutritional needs, but pets rely on daily meals that must be complete and balanced.

  • Safety Concerns: Human immune systems and digestive systems can generally handle a broader range of foods, including those with bacterial contamination or minor nutrient imbalances. Pets, particularly those fed raw diets, are more vulnerable to bacterial contamination. Processed foods ensure safety through sterilization and pathogen control.

  • Practicality: Preparing balanced, nutritionally complete meals for pets is far more complex than cooking for ourselves. Commercial pet foods simplify the process, making it easy for owners to provide optimal nutrition without the need for in-depth knowledge of pet nutrition.




Why Do We Encourage Humans to Eat Fresh Foods but Feed Pets Processed Commercial Pet Food?


Conclusion: The Best Diet for Your Pet


While it’s tempting to apply human dietary principles to our pets, their nutritional needs are distinctly different. Commercial pet foods, whether dry or canned, are specifically formulated to meet the unique dietary requirements of cats and dogs. They offer a safe, convenient, and nutritionally balanced option that helps ensure your pet’s long-term health.


If you’re considering a homemade or fresh diet for your pet, it’s crucial to consult with a veterinary nutritionist to avoid the risks associated with nutrient imbalances and foodborne pathogens. Pet nutrition is a complex field, and what works for humans doesn’t necessarily work for animals.


At 0x Cargo Pet Travel, we care deeply about the health and well-being of pets, especially when they’re on the move. If you need international relocation or shipping services for your pets, consider Los Angeles-based 0x Cargo Pet Travel. We offer door-to-door services to ensure a smooth and stress-free transition for both you and your pets during this important time. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help make your pet’s travel experience as seamless as possible!

Comments


bottom of page