As dietitian, I spend my days talking about nutrition for people. But over the years, I’ve had so many of you ask me about nutrition for the other members of our households — the ones who share our sofas, our walks, sometimes even our dinner plates.
Recently on my FUELED Wellness + Nutrition podcast, I sat down with Tonya Stephens Cassee, DVM, a veterinarian with more than 20 years of experience in both emergency medicine and general practice. She’s also a certified veterinary acupuncturist and chiropractor, an Iditarod trail veterinarian, and she and her husband now operate Sheldon Air Service in Alaska. In short: Tonya knows her stuff.
Here’s a snapshot of our conversation — pet nutrition basics, what to feed (and what not to feed), and some surprising takeaways for cats and dogs alike.
Kibble, canned, or fresh?
I asked Tonya the big question many of us wonder: is kibble enough, or do our pets need more?
“Kibble is the easiest and the most complete,” Tonya told me. “With the higher-quality products, you don’t have to worry that there’s a missing link.”
Canned food, she explained, can be more appealing for picky eaters, especially cats, since “they’re very olfactory — they love the smell.” Canned options can also be helpful for pets with swallowing issues because they can be blended into a slurry.
And what about the trendy fresh or frozen meals? “They can be wonderfully nutrient-rich, and obviously incredibly wholesome,” Tonya said, “but you have to handle them correctly. If it thaws and refreezes, bacteria can become a problem. If the diarrhea hits, you’ll appreciate the importance of that.”
Home cooking for pets
More and more people are cooking for their pets at home, but Tonya cautioned that this can be risky if not done right.
“Our pets are often wholly dependent on us. And while everyone wants to do their best, most people just don’t know what ‘complete’ looks like for a dog or cat,” she explained.
She gave the example of cats: “They’re taurine-intolerant in their diets. Without taurine added, a home-cooked or raw diet isn’t going to meet their needs.”
Her advice? If you want to try home cooking, work with a veterinary nutritionist, often available through major universities. Another safer option is making homemade treats — like blending pumpkin, rice, and coconut oil into frozen snack balls — while still relying on kibble or canned for your pet’s core diet.
Feeding patterns and weight
Some dogs do fine with free feeding, while others need stricter boundaries. “Goldens and Labs are not known for their ability to self-regulate,” Tonya laughed.
For overweight pets, she recommends low-calorie, high-chew snacks like carrots. “They take a while to work through, they’re full of fiber, and there aren’t a lot of calories,” she said.
The key, she emphasized, is consistency. “Variety is not the spice of life for dogs or cats. Their digestive tracts don’t like sudden change. If you’re switching foods, do it over a week or two to let the microbiome adjust.”
Supplements that actually help
Just like in the human world, the pet supplement aisle can feel overwhelming. Tonya boiled it down to a few with solid evidence:
Omega-3 fatty acids: “They’re great for skin, coat, and joints — just be mindful of where you buy them so you’re getting the right omega-3 to omega-6 ratio.”
Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate: “They can be excellent for joint support, though the quality varies widely.”
She also touched on emerging research into hemp- and CBD-based products for anxiety and pain. “I’d be very cautionary,” Tonya said. “We don’t know enough about dosing yet, so you want to work with a veterinarian who really understands it.”
Dental health, vaccines, and quirks
A few more highlights that Tonya shared:
Dental care: “The mechanical action of brushing is the best thing you can do,” Tonya said. Pet toothpaste can help, but brushing itself matters most.
Vaccines: Rabies is non-negotiable, and distemper/parvo is essential for puppies. Other vaccines, like leptospirosis in the Southeast or Lyme in the Northeast, depend on your region.
Funny behaviors: A cat chewing plastic or a dog licking the comforter doesn’t necessarily mean a nutrient deficiency. “Sometimes they’re just quirky,” Tonya said. “But be careful with dangerous items like strings or rocks.”
Takeaway
Tonya sums it up with, “Food is thy medicine. These animals are dependent on us, and most issues can be improved with better nutrition and exercise.”
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the options at the pet store, start with a high-quality kibble labeled “complete and balanced,” add in safe veggies like carrots or apples for snacks, and talk to your veterinarian about any extras your pet might need.
For the full conversation — including Tonya’s stories from working the Iditarod and consulting at major animal parks — listen to the episode of my podcast. Search your podcast library for FUELED Wellness + Nutrition.
