Real Food for Healthy Dogs and Cats 2025

When it comes to real food for healthy dogs and cats, many pet owners are seeking natural, high-quality options to ensure their pets receive balanced nutrition. Here are some reviews of popular real food brands that are often recommended for pets:

1. The Honest Kitchen

• Overview: Known for its human-grade ingredients, The Honest Kitchen offers dehydrated food made from free-range poultry, wild-caught fish, and organic grains. It’s free of fillers, preservatives, and by-products.
• Pros:
  • High-quality, human-grade ingredients.
  • Free from artificial additives and preservatives.
  • Wide variety of options, including grain-free and limited ingredient diets.
  • Available in both dry and wet forms.
• Cons:
  • Relatively expensive.
  • Requires rehydration, which can be inconvenient for some pet owners.
• Best for: Dogs with food sensitivities or those needing a highly nutritious, whole-food diet.

2. Primal Pet Foods

• Overview: Primal Pet Foods offers raw, freeze-dried, and frozen food options, with ingredients like antibiotic-free chicken, turkey, and beef. They focus on whole-animal ingredients and balance.
• Pros:
  • Raw, unprocessed ingredients that mimic a natural, ancestral diet.
  • High-quality proteins and fats from animals raised without antibiotics or hormones.
  • Supports a healthy coat, skin, and digestion.
• Cons:
  • Raw food requires careful handling and storage.
  • Can be costly compared to traditional kibble or canned food.
• Best for: Pet owners looking for a raw food diet to enhance their pet’s health.

3. Nature’s Logic

• Overview: Nature’s Logic offers whole food-based nutrition using whole meats, organs, fruits, and vegetables. Their products are free of synthetic vitamins and minerals, making them stand out from many competitors.
• Pros:
  • Made with whole, natural ingredients.
  • Free from artificial additives and synthetic nutrients.
  • Offers a variety of dry and wet foods, as well as freeze-dried options.
• Cons:
  • Limited variety in flavors for some pets.
  • Some pets may not like the taste, especially if they are accustomed to more processed foods.
• Best for: Pet owners looking for a natural diet with minimal processing.

4. Instinct Raw

• Overview: Instinct Raw offers a range of raw frozen and freeze-dried food for both cats and dogs. Their products use high-quality meat and are designed to provide balanced, nutrient-rich meals.
• Pros:
  • High-quality protein from cage-free poultry, grass-fed beef, and wild-caught fish.
  • Freeze-dried options that are easier to serve and store.
  • Ideal for pets with food allergies or sensitivities.
• Cons:
  • Raw food requires careful handling, and storage can be tricky.
  • Higher price point compared to traditional foods.
• Best for: Pet owners who want to feed their pets a raw diet with high nutritional value.

5. Ollie Pet Food

• Overview: Ollie offers personalized, fresh-cooked dog food made with human-grade ingredients. Each meal is customized for the dog’s breed, size, and dietary needs.
• Pros:
  • Customizable meals based on a dog’s individual needs.
  • High-quality, fresh ingredients with no preservatives.
  • Convenient, with meals delivered to your door.
• Cons:
  • Subscription-based service, which may not work for everyone.
  • Expensive relative to store-bought food.
• Best for: Pet owners who want tailored nutrition for their dogs and prefer fresh, cooked meals.

6. Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe

• Overview: Blue Buffalo is a well-known brand offering a variety of natural pet foods. Their Homestyle Recipe canned food includes whole chicken, beef, or lamb, along with vegetables and grains.
• Pros:
  • High-quality protein from real meat.
  • Free from by-products, fillers, and artificial preservatives.
  • Widely available at most pet stores.
• Cons:
  • Some dogs may experience digestive upset if transitioning from a different brand.
  • Not as “natural” as raw or freeze-dried options.
• Best for: Dogs needing wet food with high-quality meat and no artificial additives.

7. Weruva

• Overview: Weruva’s wet food options focus on using human-grade, natural ingredients. Their recipes feature high-quality protein sources like chicken and fish, and their foods are free from grains, gluten, and by-products.
• Pros:
  • High-quality, human-grade ingredients.
  • Grain-free and gluten-free options.
  • Variety of flavors for both cats and dogs.
• Cons:
  • Wet food can be less convenient for some pet owners.
  • Some varieties may be lower in calories compared to other brands.
• Best for: Cats and dogs who need a grain-free, high-protein diet.

8. Acana Singles + Nutrients

• Overview: Acana is known for its biologically appropriate pet foods, and their Singles + Nutrients line offers single-protein, limited-ingredient diets that are designed to meet the nutritional needs of pets with food sensitivities.
• Pros:
  • Single-protein, limited-ingredient formula ideal for pets with allergies.
  • High meat content and no fillers or by-products.
  • Variety of proteins available, including duck, lamb, and pork.
• Cons:
  • Some pets may not like the taste.
  • Limited selection compared to other Acana product lines.
• Best for: Pets with food allergies or sensitivities.

When choosing real food for your pets, it’s important to consider their specific needs, preferences, and any health concerns. Some brands focus on raw or freeze-dried options, while others emphasize whole, cooked ingredients. Additionally, some options may be better for pets with allergies or sensitivities.

If you’re unsure about which option is best for your pet, consult your vet, especially if your pet has a medical condition that requires a special diet.

General Guidelines:

1. Consult a Vet: Always consult with your veterinarian before switching to homemade food, especially for pets with specific health concerns.
2. Balance the Diet: Dogs and cats have different nutritional needs. A balanced diet includes proteins, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. For cats, it’s especially important to provide taurine, an essential amino acid they can’t produce on their own.
3. Avoid Harmful Ingredients: Some human foods are toxic to pets, including onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, chocolate, and certain artificial sweeteners (like xylitol). Always make sure to avoid these ingredients.

For Dogs:

1. Chicken & Rice

• Ingredients:
  • 2 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
  • 1 cup rice
  • 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup of peas or carrots (optional)
• Preparation:
  1. Boil the chicken breasts in water or broth until fully cooked.
  2. Cook the rice in another pot, following package instructions.
  3. Shred the chicken and mix with the cooked rice.
  4. Add peas or carrots for some added nutrients (steamed or boiled).
  5. Allow to cool before serving to your dog.

2. Beef & Sweet Potato

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb ground beef (lean)
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes
  • 1/2 cup peas or green beans (optional)
• Preparation:
  1. Brown the ground beef in a pan, draining excess fat.
  2. Boil or bake the sweet potatoes until soft, then mash them.
  3. Steam or boil the vegetables.
  4. Mix all ingredients and allow to cool before serving.

For Cats:

Cats are obligate carnivores, so their diet should primarily consist of animal-based proteins. Here are some recipes for healthy, homemade cat food:

1. Chicken and Salmon

• Ingredients:
  • 1 chicken breast (boneless and skinless)
  • 1 small can of salmon (in water, no added salt)
  • 1 egg (optional, for added protein)
• Preparation:
  1. Cook the chicken breast until fully cooked, then shred into small pieces.
  2. Drain the canned salmon and remove any bones.
  3. Mix the shredded chicken, salmon, and raw or scrambled egg.
  4. Serve fresh, refrigerate any leftovers.

2. Turkey & Chicken Liver

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1/4 lb chicken liver (or other organ meats like beef liver)
  • 1 egg (optional)
• Preparation:
  1. Cook the turkey meat and chicken liver, then grind or chop into small pieces.
  2. Scramble the egg and mix it into the meat mixture for added nutrition.
  3. Serve in small portions.

Supplements:

• For Cats: Since homemade food may lack certain nutrients (like taurine and vitamin A), it’s essential to include supplements, such as taurine powder, fish oil, and other recommended vitamins. Always consult your vet about appropriate supplementation.
• For Dogs: Dogs can benefit from a multivitamin supplement, omega-3 fatty acids, and sometimes glucosamine, depending on their age and health.

Tips:

• Batch Cooking: Make a large batch and store the food in portions to make mealtime easier.
• Serve Fresh: Serve food at room temperature. Never give your pets food that’s too hot or cold.
• Hydration: Ensure your pets always have access to fresh water, as homemade food might not have the moisture content found in commercial wet food.

Homemade meals can be a great option to ensure your pets are eating clean and wholesome ingredients. Just make sure you’re covering all their nutritional needs!