Decoding Pet Nutrition: What’s Really in Food?

Pet parenting in India has undergone a dramatic shift. Once limited to table scraps and milk, the modern Indian pet's plate now includes gourmet meals, organic kibble, grain-free diets, and even pet-specific meal delivery services.


According to a recent report by IMARC Group, India’s pet food market is expected to reach over INR 9,000 crore by 2028, driven by urbanization, nuclear families, and rising disposable incomes. With the growing belief that pets are family, owners want to invest in their health, and food is the foundation.

But with dozens of pet food brands mushrooming in India both international and homegrown how do you know what’s good?
Let’s get to the meat (and bones) of the matter. Most commercial pet foods come in three formats: dry (kibble), wet (cans or pouches), and semi moist. They usually boast ingredients like “chicken,” “real meat,” or “vegetable goodness.” But the truth is in the fine print.

1. Meat By-products:
Often listed as "meat meal" or "animal derivatives," these could include organs, bones, and other parts not fit for human consumption. While not always harmful, their quality can vary drastically.

2. Fillers:
Ingredients like corn, soy, and wheat are used to bulk up the food cheaply. They offer little nutritional value but keep production costs down. For pets with allergies or sensitive stomachs, these can be problematic.

3. Artificial Additives and Preservatives:
Compounds like BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin have been linked to health issues in some studies. Look for natural preservatives like Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols) instead.

4. Flavour Enhancers:
Salt and sugar are sometimes added to make the food more palatable, leading to issues like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease in pets.

5. Misleading Protein Content:
A product may boast 28% protein, but if it comes mostly from plant sources, it doesn’t benefit your pet the same way as animal-based proteins do.
Understanding pet food labels is like decoding a new language. Here’s a quick guide:

Pro tip: Avoid foods where the first ingredients are grains, or where there are more than two types of sugar sources (like molasses, cane syrup, etc.).
Just like humans, pets have different dietary needs based on age, breed, activity level, and health conditions.


One-size-fits-all doesn’t work. Customized diets or vet-recommended pet food can make a big difference in long-term wellness.
“Grain-free” has become a buzzword, but it’s not always better. Many brands replace grains with peas, potatoes, or lentils, which may not be suitable for all pets either. In 2018, the FDA in the U.S. began investigating links between grain-free diets and heart conditions (Dilated Cardiomyopathy) in dogs.
Unless your pet has a diagnosed grain allergy or intolerance, whole grains like brown rice or oats can actually be a healthy part of their diet.
So don’t get swept up in marketing always consult your vet before switching.
In India, home-cooked food for pets is a long standing tradition. But is it enough?

Pros of Home-Cooked Meals:

Cons:

A study by Tufts University found that over 80% of home-cooked pet diets lack essential nutrients like calcium or Vitamin D.

If you choose this route, consult a pet nutritionist to ensure the diet is balanced, especially with growing companies in India like FurrMeals and Doggie Dabbas offering custom pet nutrition plans.The raw feeding movement advocates for uncooked meats, organs, and bones, mirroring what a dog or cat might eat in the wild.

Supporters claim:

Critics warn:

If done right under guidance, raw diets can be beneficial. But it's not a DIY experiment get professional help to avoid harming your pet unintentionally.

Over 50% of pets in urban India are overweight. The reasons? Overfeeding, too many treats, lack of exercise, and calorie-rich diets.


Excess weight leads to:

The best cure is prevention. Use a pet calorie calculator, monitor treat intake (no more than 10% of daily calories), and encourage regular play and walks.
Choose low fat, high protein foods, especially for sedentary pets or older dogs.The new wave in pet nutrition isn’t just about protein or calories. It’s about functional foods diets that support immunity, digestion, skin health, and mental well being.

Key superfoods gaining traction:

Some Indian brands like Drools, Kennel Kitchen, and Heads Up For Tails have started incorporating these ingredients into their recipes, aligning with the holistic pet care movement.Not every brand that claims “premium” is worth the price. Here's what to avoid:

Also, beware of viral trends or TikTok pet food hacks that lack science. Your pet’s life isn’t a social experiment.
More pet parents now turn to prescription food for issues like kidney disease, diabetes, or food allergies. Brands like Royal Canin, Hill’s Science Diet, and Farmina Vet Life offer targeted formulas, but they come at a premium.

Always follow your vet’s advice; these are not trend diets but medical tools.The future is fresh, transparent, and tailored. Expect to see:

Indian startups are joining this revolution from Wiggles, in offering breed specific meals, to Supertails providing end-to-end nutrition plus vet consultations.

Pet food isn’t just kibble in a bag; it’s the cornerstone of your furry friend’s health, happiness, and longevity. As a pet parent, it’s your responsibility to ask the hard questions, read the fine print, and seek expert advice.

Whether you go for commercial brands, home-cooked meals, or holistic superfood blends, informed choice matters most. Because when your pet eats better, they live better.

And isn’t that what every pawrent wants?Understanding the science and ethics of pet food ingredients is only the beginning. What truly transforms this knowledge into action is how pet parents use it to shape daily routines and long-term wellness strategies for their animals.
If you’ve just discovered that your pet’s food contains fillers, preservatives, or vague meat sources, don’t panic. Switching food overnight can cause digestive upset. Instead, transition slowly over 7–10 days, mixing increasing amounts of the new food with the old.

Here are a few tips to guide the journey:

Rotate proteins or brands occasionally (with veterinary approval). This reduces the chance of developing intolerances and keeps meals exciting.While India’s pet food industry is booming, the lack of stringent quality control and ingredient transparency remains a concern. Many products are imported and often not tailored for Indian breeds or climates. There’s also a need for wider availability of species-appropriate, vet-supervised food options across all price ranges.

FSSAI has taken steps to bring pet food under regulation, but enforcement remains inconsistent. Until things improve, pet parents must stay vigilant. Ask brands about ingredient sourcing, certifications, and whether their diets are backed by scientific formulation.

Support Indian startups and local vendors who are adopting transparent sourcing, offering personalized diet plans, and consulting real veterinarians to formulate food.
Feeding your pet isn’t just a transaction of calories it’s an expression of care. Food is how trust is built, affection is shared, and health is preserved. The wagging tail at dinner time, the purr after a good meal they reflect more than satisfaction. They reflect wellness, comfort, and security.


Nutrition plays a central role in your pet’s emotional health, too. Pets on poor diets often experience lethargy, digestive discomfort, and even behavioural shifts. On the other hand, well-fed pets are more playful, more resilient, and enjoy longer, healthier lives.

In the end, every bite your pet takes is a step toward health or harm. Choose wisely because their well-being begins with what is in their bowl.

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