Pete the Vet: is a posh dinner better than dry pellets?

Most dogs and cats have been fed on commercial pet food, both wet versions (in tins and sachets) and dry kibble, for decades, and the results have been a resounding success.

Home cooking for pets is more complicated than you might think

As humans, we are often told about the importance of eating fresh whole food, using ingredients from local farms if possible, and avoiding highly processed products. Yet when it comes to our pets, the advice from professional nutritionists and vets seems to be the opposite: dry kibble biscuits are recommended in preference to home cooking. What’s the background to this apparent divergence in opinions?

The answer lies in the science of nutrition. Many studies and trials have been carried out on the specific nutritional requirements of dogs and cats: we have a clear understanding of their precise nutrient needs. And pet food manufacturers have learned how to include these necessary nutrients in their products.