What Do I Feed My Dogs and Cats? A Vet’s Real-World Approach to Daily Diets

By Dr Duncan Houston

Quick Answer

I feed a mix of high-quality air-dried foods, natural diets, and fresh additions, with variety across the week. The goal is balance over time, not perfection in every meal, while keeping food quality high and practical for real life.

As a veterinarian, I focus on feeding in a way that supports long-term health but is also realistic, flexible, and enjoyable for the animal.

People always ask what I actually feed my own animals.

Not in theory. Not in a textbook. But what I genuinely do day to day.

The answer is simple. I keep things natural, balanced, and flexible.

What I Feed My Dogs and Cat

For my base diet, I use:

• K9 Natural and Ziwi for my dogs

• Feline Natural and Ziwi for my cat

These are high-quality, minimally processed, air-dried or freeze-dried foods that provide a solid nutritional foundation.

That covers the basics.

Why I Add Water to Freeze-Dried Food

When feeding freeze-dried food, I always recommend adding water.

Freeze-drying removes moisture, so rehydrating helps:

• Replace the water that has been removed during processing

• Improve digestion

• Increase hydration

• Make the food easier to eat

Even if your animal ends up drinking the leftover liquid, that is still beneficial. It often has flavour from the food, which encourages hydration.

This is a simple step that can make a meaningful difference.

But That Is Not the Whole Diet

They do not just eat one thing every day.

They also get:

• Some of my own meals and leftovers

• Snacks from cafés

• Food from the hospitals they come to with me

• Training treats

• Additional natural foods

This adds:

• Variety

• Enrichment

• Real-world flexibility

And honestly, it makes life more enjoyable for them.

I Keep Diets As Natural As Possible

Where possible, I aim for:

• Natural ingredients

• Minimal processing

• High-quality protein sources

They also get raw food as part of their diet, depending on where I am.

Raw Feeding: How I Approach It

When I am in Australia, I am comfortable feeding raw.

They have had:

• Commercial raw products like Big Dog

• Human-grade meat sourced from the supermarket

When feeding raw, I prefer:

• Whole cuts of meat

• Foods where I can clearly see quality

I always:

• Smell the food

• Check the colour

• Assess freshness before feeding

Why I Do Not Feed Raw Everywhere

When I am in Hong Kong, I avoid feeding raw.

This is not because raw is inherently bad, but because:

• I do not have the same confidence in sourcing and handling

• Food safety standards vary

• I prefer to minimise unnecessary risk

Feeding decisions should always take environment into account.

If You Are Unsure, Cooking Is a Great Option

If you are unsure about raw feeding, cooking is a very good alternative.

For example:

• Minced meats should be cooked through

• Lower fat percentages are often better

• Cooking reduces bacterial risk

Cooked diets can be just as effective when done properly.

Gut Health Matters, Especially with Raw Feeding

If you are feeding raw, I strongly recommend supporting gut health.

This includes:

• Probiotics to support beneficial bacteria

• Prebiotics to feed those bacteria

• Postbiotics to support gut function and immune balance

This helps:

• Improve digestion

• Support nutrient absorption

• Reduce the risk of imbalance

Parasite Control Is Important

When feeding raw, regular parasite prevention is essential.

This includes:

• Routine worming

• Monitoring stool quality

• Consistent preventative care

You are increasing exposure risk slightly, so you manage it properly.

Real Talk: You Cannot Control Everything

Animals will:

• Lick floors

• Eat things they should not

• Investigate everything with their mouths

You cannot eliminate all risk.

You just prepare for it.

That means:

• Feeding well

• Supporting gut health

• Monitoring regularly

• Acting early if something changes

My Overall Philosophy

I do not believe in:

• One perfect diet

• Feeding the same thing forever

• Overcomplicating nutrition

I do believe in:

• High-quality food

• Variety over time

• Balance across the week

• Adapting to the environment

And giving them a life that is enjoyable, not just “perfectly balanced.”

Final Thoughts

Feeding your dog or cat well is not about being perfect.

It is about being consistent, thoughtful, and practical.

A strong base diet, fresh additions, and some variety will go a long way.

FAQs

Should I add water to freeze-dried food?
Yes. Rehydrating helps replace lost moisture, supports digestion, and improves hydration.

Do pets need variety in their diet?
Yes. When done properly, variety can improve enrichment and support broader nutrition.

Is raw feeding necessary?
No. It is one option, not a requirement. Cooked and high-quality commercial diets can work just as well.

If you are unsure how to structure your pet’s diet, tracking what they eat, how they digest it, and how they feel can help guide decisions. The ASK A VET™ app can help you monitor and refine your pet’s nutrition over time.