Healthy pet nutrition: How to recognise high-quality dog and cat food
Eating healthily instead of just filling up: what really makes food healthy
In this article, you will learn what is important for species-appropriate pet nutrition, how to recognise high-quality food and what mistakes to avoid.
Healthy pet nutrition: What is good for dogs and cats?
A balanced and healthy diet is crucial for keeping your four-legged friend fit, healthy and full of vitality. Just like with humans, the right balance of nutrients in pet food is essential. This is the only way to ensure long-term energy, health and vitality.
The ideal nutrient balance for dogs
Dogs are carnivores that enjoy being active and getting plenty of exercise. Their digestive system is flexible enough to also utilise plant-based components, i.e. carbohydrates.
The ideal nutrient composition for dogs is therefore as follows:
- Carbohydrates: 45–55%
- Proteins: 20–25%
- Fats: 10–14%
- Fibre: 2–5%
The ideal nutrient ratio for cats
Cats are also carnivores, but they need more animal protein and fewer carbohydrates than dogs.
The ideal nutrient composition for cats is therefore as follows:
- Proteins: 60–70%
- Fats: 10–20%
- Carbohydrates: max. 5%
- Fibre: 5–10%
Low-quality vs. high-quality feed: quality pays off
These ingredients are of little nutritional value and can cause problems in the long term. Typical consequences include:
- Digestive problems and flatulence
- Overweight
- Allergies or intolerances
- Lack of nutrient absorption
Premium food, on the other hand, is characterised by high-quality proteins, natural vitamins and minerals, digestible carbohydrates and gentle manufacturing processes. It does not contain unnecessary fillers and places particular emphasis on first-class meat quality. The result:
- Healthy digestion
- Shiny coat
- Increased vitality and energy
- Fewer health problems
How can you recognise healthy food?
You can recognise healthy pet food by its transparent declaration. Reputable manufacturers list their ingredients precisely and do not use vague collective terms such as ‘animal by-products’, ‘meat meal’ or ‘cereals’.
How to recognise healthy dog food
- Clear indication of protein sources: ‘chicken meat’, ‘beef’ or “salmon” instead of ‘animal by-products’.
- Healthy fats: Omega-3 and omega-6 from fish oil or linseed oil support the coat, brain and immune system.
- No unnecessary additives: sugar, artificial colours or flavours are superfluous.
- Gentle production: low temperatures better preserve nutrients and vitamins.
Recognising healthy cat food
- Meat as the first ingredient: also clearly declared as ‘chicken meat’, ‘tuna’, etc.
- Taurine: essential amino acid for cats, which is particularly important for the heart, eyes, metabolism and reproduction
- Low carbohydrate content: cats cannot process carbohydrates very well
- High moisture content: to prevent kidney problems Tip: Several small meals a day mimic the natural hunting behaviour of cats.
Which is better: wet food or dry food?
Both types of food have their merits, but wet food offers some decisive advantages: its high moisture content of 70 to 80% supports kidney health and helps animals that are reluctant to drink to stay hydrated. It also tends to be more nutrient-dense.
Dry food, on the other hand, scores points for its practical handling and supports teeth cleaning during chewing. However, make sure that the moisture content is at least 8 to 10%.
Ultimately, it comes down to your pet's preference. And of course, you can feed them both as long as you keep an eye on your pet's calorie intake.
Important: Whether you have a dog or a cat, make sure they drink enough fluids. For animals that are reluctant to drink, it may be worth purchasing a drinking fountain.
Common mistakes in pet nutrition and how to avoid them
Common nutritional mistakes in dogs
One of the most common mistakes in dog nutrition is overfeeding. Dog owners often follow the manufacturer's feeding recommendations without considering their dog's individual needs.
You should also ensure that your dog has a varied diet to prevent deficiency symptoms. Even if your dog loves its food, it will benefit from different sources of protein. These provide them with different amino acid profiles and nutrients.
In addition, treats are often not included in the daily calorie count. Dog snacks should never make up more than 10% of their daily calorie intake.
Our tip: Healthy dog snacks without sugar and artificial additives are not only tastier, but also more nutritious for your pet.
Common nutritional mistakes with cats
Some owners feed their feline friends exclusively dry food. However, the low moisture content of only 8 to 12% does not meet cats' natural needs. Cats are often extremely reluctant to drink, and feeding them only dry food puts them at risk of kidney stones and other urinary tract problems.
You should also make sure that your cat's diet is grain-free so that their digestive system is not overloaded. Food from discount stores in particular often contains too many fillers, which can lead to obesity, diabetes and digestive problems.
Also, try to stick to fixed feeding times. This gives your cat security and helps regulate its metabolism. So, if possible, try to always feed at the same times.
Conclusion: Invest in your pet's health
The difference between ‘feeding them until they are full’ and ‘feeding them healthily’ is evident in the details:
- high-quality proteins instead of fillers
- natural ingredients instead of artificial additives
- species-appropriate recipes instead of one-size-fits-all solutions.
As a responsible pet owner, it is up to you to invest in high-quality dog food and cat food – for the sake of your four-legged friend's health. Your dog and cat will thank you with health, vitality and joie de vivre.
Our premium recommendations
Discover our own premium pet food in our online shop – for a long, healthy and happy life for your four-legged friend:
High-quality dog food:
🐾 Premium wet food from Porta21 – premium recipes with a high meat content, free from artificial additives and gently prepared.
🐾Premium dry food from Porta21 – balanced dry food made from natural ingredients, grain-free and rich in nutrients.
🐾 Dog snacks for between meals – healthy treats without sugar, with high-quality proteins
High-quality cat food:
🐾Premium wet food from Feline Porta21 & Feline Finest - Grain-free premium food with a high meat content, rich in proteins and taurine.
🐾 Premium dry food from Porta21 - High-quality meat varieties such as tuna with aloe vera, with high moisture content for kidney health.
🐾 Cat snacks for between meals - Varied treats for discerning gourmets, without artificial additives.
