Pet Nutrition: Building a Healthier Diet for Dogs & Cats

October 28, 2025

Pet nutrition goes beyond topping up a food bowl and water. The specifics of your pet’s diet play a huge role in their energy, mood, coat health and long-term wellbeing. Good nutrition is important for keeping your pet strong and healthy.

Nutrition supports everything from shiny coat health to healthy joints, strong immune system and balanced digestion. With the right mix of nutrients, your pet will not only look great but feel great too.

Let’s look at the best way to build a balanced diet for dogs and cats. We’ll include what to look for in a quality pet food and which supplements can help support your pet’s overall health.

Why Pet Nutrition Matters

Food is a fuel source for your pet and provides the energy they need to live their life to the fullest. Good nutrition keeps muscles working, their heart pumping, digestion optimal and their coat shiny. If your pet doesn’t receive the right nutrients, the impacts will become evident over time.

Here are some common signs that your pet’s diet may not be nutritionally balanced.

Their coat becomes dull or flaky
Their energy levels are low, or they lose interest in walks or play
Their digestion is irregular, or they have an upset stomach
They experience unexplained weight gain or loss
They appear to be getting sick more often

A diet that’s properly balanced for your pet’s age, breed and lifestyle helps keep them healthy and active. Puppies and kittens need extra protein for growth, while older pets might need fewer calories but more joint support.

What a Balanced Diet Looks Like

A healthy pet diet covers all the key nutrients your dog or cat needs to thrive. This includes.

Protein for strong muscles and tissue repair
Fats for energy and a shiny coat
Carbohydrates for energy and digestive support
Vitamins and minerals for bone and organ support
Water for hydration and critical maintenance of all body functions

For Dogs

Dogs thrive on meals that are rich in quality protein and contain a good balance of fats and carbohydrates. Foods that use real meat like chicken, lamb or beef, supported by vegetables and grains are great for dogs. This balance will give your pet the fibre and energy needed to maintain a healthy body.

For Cats

Cats are carnivores and rely heavily on animal protein. They need nutrients such as taurine to keep their heart and eyes healthy. Taurine is only found in meat therefore a high protein, meat-based diet is a non-negotiable to ensure your cat stays healthy.

Choosing the Right Food

Selecting the right food for your pet can be overwhelming. With so many options, narrowing it down can become tricky. To help you make an informed decision, it’s important to read the ingredient list and keep an eye out for the quality indicators. These can look like.

Real meat as the first ingredient
Limited fillers like wheat, corn or soy
No artificial colours, flavours or preservatives
Age- and size-appropriate recipes
Nutritionally approved to veterinary standards

If you’re after a solid everyday choice, try Hill’s Science Diet Adult Dog Food. It’s made with high-quality protein and balanced nutrients that keep dogs strong, healthy, and full of energy.

For cats, options like Royal Canin Feline Health Nutrition provide complete, vet-approved formulas tailored to age and lifestyle.

Alternating protein sources every now and then is a good way to keep mealtimes interesting. For example, swapping chicken for fish or fish for beef. It’s also a good way to prevent food sensitivities for your pet.

If your pet has allergies or sensitivities, have a chat with your vet. They can recommend a specific formula that suits their needs, whether that’s grain-free, hypoallergenic, or a prescription diet.

When to Consider Supplements

Sometimes our pets need an extra boost, regardless of how well balanced their diet may be. Supplements are a good way to compliment pet health and can assist with areas like joint mobility support, skin health, digestive health and even immune system support. This is especially helpful for older pets who may struggle to achieve these from nutrition alone.

Two popular, vet-recommended options available through PetPA include:

ZamiPet Complete Care Multivitamin for Dogs – supports immunity, joints, coat and digestion with omega-3s, antioxidants and key vitamins.
PAW DigestiCare Probiotic Powder – helps restore healthy gut bacteria, making it ideal for pets with sensitive stomachs or irregular digestion.

Always check with your vet before you start a new supplement with your pet. Supplements are not a one size fits all solution and it’s important to ensure it’s safe for your pet beforehand. Your vet will ensure it’s safe for your pet’s age, breed and won’t interfere with any medications they might be taking.

You can browse the full Vitamins and Supplements Collection for more vet-approved options that support joint health, coat shine, and digestion.

Signs Your Pet’s Diet Might Need a Change

Your pet will show you if their diet isn’t quite right. It’s important to watch out for these signs so you know when to make changes to keep their health optimal. Watch out for.

Dull fur or excessive shedding
Lethargy or lower enthusiasm for play
Loose stools or constipation
Weight gain that doesn’t match food intake
Persistent scratching, licking, or flaky skin

If any of this sounds familiar, it might be time to switch their food or add a supplement. Keep notes on what you notice and share them with your vet. Small changes often make a big difference and it’s important to keep track.

Easy Nutrition Tips for Aussie Pet Owners

Feeding your pet a nutritionally balanced diet doesn’t have to be complicated. These simple tips can make a noticeable difference:

Stick to portion sizes. Follow feeding guidelines and adjust if your pet gains or loses weight.
Keep water bowls topped up. Fresh, clean water is essential in our warm Australian climate.
Offer natural treats. Choose snacks with simple, wholesome ingredients & skip the processed ones.
Avoid sudden diet changes. Introduce new food gradually to prevent tummy upsets.
Use puzzle feeders or slow bowls. These encourage slower eating and mental stimulation.
Watch for seasonal changes. Pets may need more hydration in summer or slightly different calorie intake in cooler months.

These habits keep your pet’s digestion steady and help them maintain a healthy weight all year round.

The Role of Your Vet

When it comes to quality decisions and care in your pet’s diet, lean on your local vet. They can help you to select the right food, conduct allergy tests and monitor your pets progress as their daily needs change.

If your dog or cat has specific concerns such as arthritis, itchy skin, or recurring tummy troubles, your vet may recommend a targeted supplement or prescription food to support their health. Regular check-ups make it easier to stay ahead of potential problems.

Shop Vet-Approved Nutrition at PetPA

At PetPA, we believe every dog and cat deserves the best start in life. We stock a carefully selected range of vet-approved foods and supplements to help pets across Australia live long, healthy and happy lives.

Explore our Pet Nutrition Collection featuring trusted brands like Hill’s, Royal Canin and ZamiPet. Each product is chosen for its quality ingredients, scientific backing, and proven results.

Managing allergies, improving coat health or supporting joints? No matter what your pet's needs are, we’ll have an option ready for you.

At the end of the day, good nutrition is the best thing you can do for your pet. Nutrition fuels everything in their day from play time to sleep. It keeps them active and aids in helping to live a long and healthy life. Choosing a balanced nutrition plan, hydration ritual and complimenting supplements where needed ensure you set your pet up for success.