When it comes to your dog’s diet, there’s often confusion about whether they should eat only meat or if fruits and veggies play a role too. Let’s set the record straight: while dogs are primarily carnivores, they aren’t just carnivores like their feline friends. Here’s why your dog needs a bit of everything to truly thrive.
Dogs vs. Cats: The Carnivore Comparison
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they rely almost entirely on meat to meet their nutritional needs. Dogs, on the other hand, have inherited a more adaptive metabolism from their ancestors, the grey wolves. What does that mean? While meat is a vital part of their diet, dogs can digest and benefit from other foods, like fruits and vegetables, too.
Unlike cats, dogs have:
- A higher ability to process starch (thanks to enzymes like pancreatic amylase).
- The ability to store energy from non-meat sources during lean times.
- A metabolism that’s more adaptable, which comes from their ancestors’ feast-and-famine lifestyle.
The History of Scavenger Snacking
Thousands of years ago, grey wolves scavenged from human encampments, munching on whatever scraps they could find. As humans transitioned to agriculture, those scraps evolved to include plant-based foods. Over time, dogs adapted to thrive on this mix of meat, vegetables, and grains.
The Verdict: Adaptive Carnivores
Scientists now classify dogs as adaptive carnivores, not strict carnivores or omnivores. This means their diet should prioritise meat, but it’s not the whole story. Dogs benefit from the vitamins, minerals, and fibre found in fruits and vegetables, which support everything from digestion to immunity.
My Raw Pet menus embrace this balance. Our meals combine high-quality proteins with a carefully selected mix of fruits and veggies to give your dog everything they need to thrive – naturally and deliciously.