Pet Nutrition Basics: What to Feed and What to Avoid

Walk into any pet shop in Dubai and you face hundreds of pet food options across a staggering price range. Premium brands sit next to budget options. Raw food evangelists contradict kibble advocates. Social media influencers promote whatever brand sponsors them. Here is what actually matters.

The first ingredient on the label should be a named animal protein: chicken, salmon, lamb, beef, or turkey. Not "meat meal," not "animal derivatives," not "poultry by-products." Named protein means you know what your pet is eating. This single rule eliminates most of the lowest-quality foods on the market.

Avoid foods where the first three ingredients are grains or fillers: corn, wheat, soy, rice. These are cheap calorie sources that provide minimal nutritional value for carnivorous and omnivorous pets. Some grain is acceptable and can be beneficial, but it should not be the foundation of the diet.

For dogs, the ideal diet contains 25 to 30 percent protein (higher for puppies and active breeds), 10 to 15 percent fat, and includes omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine (for joint health, especially in larger breeds), and appropriate fibre. Look for foods labelled "complete and balanced" according to AAFCO or FEDIAF standards.

Cats are obligate carnivores. Their dietary needs are fundamentally different from dogs. Cat food must be high in animal protein (minimum 30 percent, ideally higher), contain taurine (an essential amino acid that cats cannot synthesise), and have adequate moisture. Dry food alone can contribute to chronic dehydration and urinary tract issues. A combination of wet and dry food, or primarily wet food, is recommended.

Raw feeding is popular in the UAE pet community. It can be done well, but it carries risks that advocates often downplay: bacterial contamination (Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria), nutritional imbalances if not formulated by a veterinary nutritionist, and bone fragments causing gastrointestinal injuries. If you choose to feed raw, work with a vet who specialises in nutrition to ensure the diet is complete and balanced.

Portion control matters as much as food quality. Obesity is the most common nutritional disease in UAE pets. An overweight pet is at increased risk for diabetes, joint disease, heart disease, respiratory problems, and reduced lifespan. Follow the feeding guide on the packaging as a starting point, then adjust based on your pet's body condition. Your vet can show you how to assess body condition score.

Treats should constitute no more than 10 percent of daily caloric intake. Many owners underestimate how calorific treats are. A single dental chew for a small dog can represent 30 percent of their daily calorie needs. Factor treats into the daily food allowance, not in addition to it.

Foods that are toxic to pets: chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (sugar-free sweetener), macadamia nuts, alcohol, caffeine, avocado (toxic to birds), and cooked bones (which splinter and can perforate the gut). Keep these out of reach at all times.

Fresh water should be available at all times. In the UAE climate, water consumption is higher than in temperate regions. Change water at least twice daily. Clean bowls daily. Consider a pet water fountain, which encourages drinking through movement and filtration. Proper hydration supports digestion, kidney function, temperature regulation, and coat health.

This article is general guidance for pet parents in the UAE, not veterinary advice for your individual animal. Every pet is different. For a diagnosis, treatment, or any concern about your pet's health, speak to a qualified vet. If you think your pet needs urgent care, contact a vet straight away.