Why It's Time to Rethink What's in Your Pet's Bowl

Let's be real. Pet food didn't always come in fancy bags with "salmon & sweet potato" stamped on the front. In fact, the way dogs and cats eat today is a far cry from how nature intended.

So how did we get here? And more importantly — what's actually best for your furry best mate?

Let's take a walk down history lane (tail wags optional).

Back in the Day: What Dogs and Cats Were Built to Eat

Before pet food became a booming industry, with factories, supermarket shelves, and endless brands fighting for attention, dogs and cats were simply hunters and scavengers. Their diets were high in protein, rich in fats, and completely free from processed carbohydrates.

Dogs evolved from wolves. That means meat, bones, organs — all that juicy stuff.
Cats are obligate carnivores. They have to eat meat to survive. It's not a preference; it's a biological fact.

In short, our pets didn't evolve eating corn, soy, or wheat. But somehow, that's what many brands are still serving up.

The Rise of Commercial Pet Food (And the Fillers That Followed)

It all changed in the mid-20th century. Enter: processed kibble. It was inexpensive to produce, easy to store, and marketed as if by magic. But here's the problem…

To cut costs, manufacturers loaded pet food with:

Grains (hello, wheat and corn)
By-products
Cheap fillers
Artificial colours and preservatives

Basically, it's stuff your pet's body never asked for.

Sure, it filled their bellies. But over time, issues started showing up — skin problems, gut troubles, lethargy, weight gain, allergies. Coincidence? We don't think so.

How Poor Diet Affects Modern Pets

Feeding your pet the wrong food doesn't just lead to a few extra kilos. It can trigger a cascade of health issues — some of which are harder to spot until it's too late.

Let's break it down:

Digestive issues:

Fillers like corn and soy can be tough on sensitive stomachs. That often leads to bloating, gas, or irregular bowel movements.

Skin and coat problems:

Poor nutrition often shows up on the outside. Itchy skin, dull fur, and constant scratching? That could be food-related.

Low energy

Have you ever met a dog that's just "meh" all the time? If they're not getting the right fuel, they won't be at their best.

Allergies

Many pets develop food sensitivities over time, especially when exposed to low-quality ingredients day after day.

When we say "you are what you eat," that goes double for your furry friends. Feeding them well today helps prevent costly vet visits tomorrow.

What Pets Actually Need to Thrive

We believe the bowl should be a place of nourishment, not compromise. Your dog or cat deserves real food — the kind that supports their energy, digestion, coat health, and long-term well-being.

Here's what that looks like:

High-quality meat as the first ingredient
Balanced proteins and fats
Zero grains or fillers
No artificial nasties

At Pet Food Australia, that's our non-negotiable. We don't do cheap tricks. No soy. No corn. No fake flavours. Just real, honest nutrition — because your pet deserves better.

Let's be clear — feeding real food isn't a trend. It's a return to what works. A proper pet diet should include:

Animal-based protein – Not "meat flavour" or mystery meat. Real protein builds strong muscles and fuels active play.
Healthy fats – Good fats are essential for energy and a shiny coat.
Omega-3s – For brain function, heart health, and joint support
Natural fibre – To keep their digestive system humming along smoothly.
Vitamins and minerals – Sourced from real food, not synthetic fillers.