What to Feed Your Pet: What’s Actually Healthy?
We get this question a lot:
“What should I feed my new pet?”
And honestly—it’s a good one.
Between flashy packaging, conflicting advice, and hundreds of options, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But here’s the good news: feeding your pet well doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s about making informed choices, paying attention to your pet’s unique needs, and focusing on what works best for them.
Start With the Basics
Every animal is different. Some dogs thrive on dry kibble, others do better with wet food, fresh-cooked meals, or a raw diet. There’s no single “perfect” food—but there is a food that’s perfect for your pet.
Things to consider:
Age and size
Activity level
Allergies or sensitivities
Budget and accessibility
It's not about choosing the trendiest food—it's about choosing one your pet feels good on.
Ingredients Matter Most
Forget the front of the bag—flip it over and look at the ingredient list.
A quality food will:
List a named protein (chicken, turkey, salmon, beef) as the first ingredient
Avoid vague terms like “meat meal” or “animal by-products”
Skip artificial colors, flavorings, or sweeteners
Include healthy fats, whole grains (if not grain-free), and real vegetables
Want a more detailed breakdown? Check out:
These sites analyze brands, track recalls, and offer insight into what’s really inside your pet’s food.
How to Switch Foods Safely
Switching your pet’s food too quickly can cause stomach upset. We recommend a slow transition:
Days 1–2: 25% new food, 75% current food
Days 3–4: 50/50 mix
Days 5–6: 75% new food, 25% current food
Day 7+: 100% new food
Watch for loose stool, changes in energy, or signs of discomfort—and always consult your vet if something doesn’t seem right.
Watch the Pet, Not Just the Label
You’ll know your pet’s food is working if they have:
Consistent energy
A healthy weight
Regular, well-formed bowel movements
A shiny coat
Every pet is different. What works beautifully for one might not be right for another—and that’s totally okay.
Need Support?
Feeding your pet should feel empowering—not overwhelming. If you're unsure where to start, ask your vet or reach out to us at Murci’s Mission. We're always happy to share what we've learned from our foster animals, adopters, and rescue experience.
Whether you choose budget-friendly kibble or a premium diet, it’s the care, consistency, and love behind every meal that matters most.
Featured Pet: Meet Amy Pawler!
Just about as silly—and equally as funny—as Parks and Rec, Amy Pawler is an adorable adult black kitty with an estimated birthdate of 6/16/2024.
Amy Pawler came to the Mission with her comedy partner, Tuna Fey, from our friends at SCRAPS. She’s doing great in her foster home and could be adopted with her sister or on her own. Amy would love a home that has space for a sweet, playful kitten ready to bring a little laughter into your life.
Her adoption fee is $100—or just $100 total if you adopt her and Tuna Fey together. Amy comes spayed, dewormed, microchipped, and vaccinated.
Interested in adopting? Click here to get started
Thanks for checking out our girl Amy! If you're unsure where to start, ask your vet or reach out to us at Murci’s Mission. We're always happy to share what we've learned from our foster animals, adopters, and rescue experience.
