Encouraging picky cats to eat can be frustrating for veterinary health care providers and pet owners alike. Managing medical conditions and stress and implementing strategies to improve food intake can help finicky felines meet their energy and nutrient needs. These strategies apply to hospitalized cats and cats in a home environment.

Although medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) do not supply essential fatty acids and thus should not be the only dietary fat source in pet food, 1 studies show supplementing MCTs in the diet can provide health benefits to some dogs.

Pet owners often ask veterinary health care providers why organs are included in pet food. There are nutritional advantages to including organs, and utilizing organs in dog and cat food is also beneficial for the environment.

Osteoarthritis is the most common chronic joint disorder in dogs and cats.1,2 Nutrition as a part of a multimodal management approach may help improve quality of life for pets with joint disease and may also be beneficial in supporting joint health in well pets.

Alternative proteins, which are generally considered protein sources other than the traditional animal sources such as beef and chicken, are increasingly being utilized in both human and pet food. What are examples of alternative proteins, and why are they used in pet food?

The terms “food allergy” and “food intolerance” are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same. How do they compare, and how are they diagnosed and managed?

Vegetarians may choose a meatfree diet for many reasons including concerns for health, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability. For similar reasons, some pet owners may wonder if a vegetarian diet is an acceptable option for their pet.

Myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) is the most common heart disease in dogs. Learn about specific nutrients that play key roles in cardiac health for dogs with MMVD.

The gut microbiome has a significant impact on gastrointestinal health as well as host health, and diet can have a marked influence on the microbiome. Postbiotics are an example of a dietary intervention that may improve microbiome, gastrointestinal, and host health.

Fat is an important nutrient for pets. What is its function, and are there differences in the fat requirements of pets and people?

Dietary carbohydrates in pet food help meet the pet's physiological need for glucose. However, due to the ancestral origins of dogs and cats, some owners may question whether carbohydrates should be a part of their pets' diet.

The small amounts of sugar in pet foods have important functions, but pet owners often view sugar as an ingredient that only adds calories and causes obesity or diabetes.

Soy can provide nutritional advantages for pets, but pet owners often question the quality and health impacts of this ingredient.

Purina was the first to use prebiotics in pet food and is a leader in the field. What are the benefits of prebiotics to pets?

Raw food diets are popular with pet owners but the nutritional benefits are unproven, and most are unaware of the health risks that raw food can pose to pets — and people.

Homemade diets are perceived as healthier to some pet owners, but despite their draw, they may not be complete and balanced for healthy pets.

Various cooking processes are used in preparing commercial pet foods to ensure delivery of highly nutritious, palatable products. The methods used are determined by the final form (e.g., a dry or wet food), desired texture and visual properties, and packaging. Common forms of pet food include dry extruded kibbles and canned wet food.

Good nutrition is essential to ensure a strong immune system throughout the life of cats and dogs. Age, disease or stress can all affect the immune system. Diet plays an important role to optimize immune function and ultimately strengthen the natural defense and immune response.

Water is vital to health. How much water should pets drink, are there differences between cats and dogs, and how can pets be encouraged to drink?

Similar to human foods, ingredients used in pet foods come from a number of sources. Many are obtained directly from animal or plant raw materials, but they can also be manufactured (or synthesized) and are referred to as 'synthetic' ingredients. What types of synthetic ingredients are used in pet foods and what is their role?

Vitamins are important nutrients for pets and people. What are their functions, and should pets be given vitamin supplements?

Feline lower urinary tract diseases (FLUTDs) have a multi-factorial etiology. Diet can play an important role as part of the overall management.

Minerals are one of six nutrient groups in pet food that dogs and cats need for optimal health. Learn more about the minerals that contribute to healthy body function.

Globally, in some populations, up to 63% of pet cats and 65% of pet dogs are overweight or obese, and this condition is linked with serious health risks. However, many pet owners do not recognize their dog or cat is overweight or how nutrition can help manage healthy weight-and a healthier life—for their pet.

Dietary antioxidants support pet health and help preserve the nutritional quality of pet food. Learn more about the important ways that antioxidants contribute to better, longer lives for pets.

The heart is a vital organ that relies on specific nutrients and a continuous supply of energy to support and maintain a regular rate and rhythm, yet the role of nutrition in pets' cardiac health is often overlooked.

Grains provide valuable nutrients, but pet owners may believe that grains are “fillers” or that they may be a source of food allergies.

Maintaining a healthy weight in pets provides many health advantages, but many pet owners are uncertain about how to manage their pet's weight.

Feeding guidelines are designed to help owners determine the quantity of food to feed their pets to ensure an optimal body condition, but owners may be unsure how to use them.

Probiotics offer many benefits, but with so many options available, pet owners may not know how to select the best quality and most appropriate one for their pet's needs.

Protein is an essential nutrient for dogs and cats,1 but do their protein requirements change when they become older?

Salt is an important component in pet foods and is involved in a number of critical functions in the body. With recommendations to restrict salt intake in people, does the same apply to pets?

Food allergies are not common in dogs and cats, but pet owners often believe that a pet's skin or intestinal symptoms are allergic reactions to specific food ingredients.

Gluten-free diets are increasingly popular in human nutrition and this in turn can influence pet food decisions. What exactly is gluten and why is it found in pet food?

Although there are many benefits to maintaining a healthy weight in pets, many owners do not understand what a healthy weight is or the benefits for pets.

Pets obtain essential fatty acids from their diet. What are these fatty acids, and how do they support pet health?

Protein is an essential nutrient that can be provided by both plant and animal sources. Are there differences between plant and animal proteins and what is considered a good quality protein?

High fiber diets are often recommended for people to support a healthy digestion. What is the role of fiber in pet foods?