Good nutrition is, together with veterinary prevention, one of the things that most affects your pet's health and life expectancy. But not every animal needs the same thing: a cat is an obligate carnivore and a dog is an omnivore with a carnivorous base, and their needs change with age, weight and health. In this guide we go over what to feed them, how much and when, and the signs that a diet is not the right one.
What should a dog or cat eat?
The starting difference matters:
- The cat is an obligate carnivore: it needs nutrients it only gets from meat (such as taurine) and tolerates carbohydrate-rich diets poorly. It should not routinely eat "dog food": it does not meet its needs.
- The dog is an omnivore with a carnivorous base: it uses animal protein but also, to a lesser extent, vegetables and grains. It is more flexible, but that does not mean anything suits it.
The key in both cases is a complete and balanced diet, formulated for its species and life stage. The simplest way to ensure this is a food whose label states it is "complete" for that specific stage.
Dry food, wet food, home-cooked or raw: which to choose?
There is no single right answer; there are options with different advantages. This table can guide you:
| Option | Advantages | To bear in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Dry food (kibble) | Convenient, economical, keeps well; helps a little with dental hygiene | Low moisture: make sure it drinks enough, especially the cat |
| Wet food (can/pouch) | Very palatable and high in water (good for cats and the urinary system) | More expensive; keeps poorly once opened |
| Home-cooked diet | Full control of ingredients | Very easy to unbalance: it should be formulated by a vet, not an internet recipe |
| BARF / raw diet | Favoured by some owners | Risk of imbalances and bacterial contamination; needs veterinary supervision |
What matters is not so much the "format" as whether the whole diet is balanced and suits your animal. If you are considering a home-cooked or raw diet, discuss it with your vet first: the risk is not the individual ingredient, it is missing or excess nutrients that go unnoticed until a problem appears.
How much and how many times a day?
The amount depends on the ideal weight (not the current one if it is overweight), age, activity and whether it is neutered. As a general reference:
- Use the package guideline as a starting point, but adjust it: many tables are generous. The real reference is its body condition, not the bowl.
- Puppies/kittens: eat several times a day (3-4 meals) because they burn a lot of energy and have a small stomach.
- Adults: usually 1-2 meals a day.
- Cats: prefer several small meals; many self-regulate well if given the measured daily food.
- Treats count: they should not exceed 10% of daily calories. It is the most common hidden cause of overweight.
Not sure if it is at a healthy weight? You can take our ideal weight test in a minute, and if you are worried, read our guide on obesity in dogs and cats.
Feeding by life stage
Needs change over a lifetime, and giving the wrong food for its stage is a common mistake:
- Puppy/kitten: needs more energy, protein, calcium and phosphorus to grow. Use a specific growth food (and size-adapted in dogs: a Chihuahua is not the same as a Mastiff).
- Adult: balanced maintenance. After neutering its energy use drops: it is worth adjusting the ration or switching to a food for neutered pets to prevent weight gain.
- Senior: fewer calories and often support for joints, kidneys or weight. This is the stage where diet can make the biggest difference; see our senior pet care.
“There's no one magic food for all: the best diet is the one that fits your pet's species, age and health. When in doubt, we measure its body condition and adjust it.”
Forbidden foods: what it should NOT eat
Some everyday foods are toxic to dogs and cats, sometimes in small amounts. Always avoid:
- Chocolate (especially dark) and caffeine.
- Grapes and raisins (can cause kidney failure in dogs).
- Onion, garlic and leek (damage their red blood cells).
- Xylitol (sweetener in gum, baking and some spreads): very dangerous.
- Alcohol, raw yeast dough, cooked bones (they splinter) and excess salt.
- Milk in adults: many are lactose intolerant.
If you suspect it has eaten something toxic, it is an emergency: call 722 61 44 10. There is more detail in our article on poisoning and what to do.
Signs the diet is not right
The animal itself gives you clues. Watch for:
- Weight: you should feel the ribs without pressing and see a waist. If not, there is too much food; if they are very prominent, there is too little or a problem.
- Coat and skin: a dull coat, dandruff or itching can reflect a poor diet or a food allergy.
- Digestion: habitually soft stools, gas or frequent vomiting.
- Energy: lethargy or, in cats, drinking and urinating a lot (worth checking).
Assess each specific case with your vet; the right diet depends on the species, age, weight, health status and history of each animal.
When to see the vet about food
It is worth consulting if your pet is overweight or underweight, has a chronic disease (kidney, liver, diabetes, allergies), if you are going to change its diet, or simply to make sure you are giving it what it needs. In those cases, a therapeutic diet or a tailored feeding plan does far more than any generic advice: for example, in feline kidney disease diet is a central part of the treatment.
Frequently asked questions about feeding dogs and cats
Can I give home-cooked food to my dog or cat?
Yes, but it should be formulated by a vet so it is balanced. An improvised home-cooked diet often has deficiencies (calcium, taurine, vitamins) that go unnoticed until they cause a problem. Do not use generic internet recipes without supervision.
How many times a day should it eat?
Puppies and kittens, several times a day (3-4 meals). Adults, usually 1-2. Cats tend to prefer several small meals. What matters is respecting the total daily amount adjusted to its ideal weight.
Is dry or wet food better?
Both can be suitable if they are complete and balanced. Dry food is convenient and helps a little with dental hygiene; wet food provides water, useful especially in cats and for urinary health. Many families combine the two.
What foods are toxic to dogs and cats?
Chocolate, caffeine, grapes and raisins, onion, garlic, leek, xylitol, alcohol, cooked bones and excess salt, among others. If you suspect it has eaten something toxic, contact veterinary emergencies.
Questions about your pet's diet? Ask us
At Clínica Veterinaria Somo, in Somo (Cantabria), we can check your dog's or cat's body condition and help you design a tailored feeding plan, especially if it is overweight, has a chronic disease or special needs. Book on 942 51 00 66 or through our contact page.
