Commercial and natural dog and cat food: studying the benefits and inconveniences of using current types of feed - a review

Abstract

The essential aspects in choosing pet food are the quality and nutrient content of the food. This becomes difficult for pet owners to manage when many diets or types of dogs and cat food are available on the market as will be mentioned in the study: commercial pet food, BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food), home-made or vegetarian diets. There are also many brands and recipes in the commercial pet food industry, which again causes confusion and misleads pet owners. Pet owners now treat their dogs and cats as family members, which is why studies show that globally owners have become more aware of their pets' needs. The current study attempts to present the benefits and drawbacks/disadvantages of different varieties of dog and cat food. By providing an overview of pet feeding patterns, the study seeks to clarify the nutritional needs and highlight the physiological digestive capabilities of two specialized carnivores: the dog and the cat.