If you’ve found yourself reading your pet’s food label and wondering whether it’s really doing them any favours, you’re not alone. Why natural pet food is better for your pet has become one of the most common questions Aussie pet parents are asking and for good reason.
Across Australia, the way we feed and care for our dogs and cats has evolved. Food and shelter are no longer enough. Today’s pet parents want their pets feeling good in their bodies, calm in their minds, and supported for the long haul, not just ticking a “fed” box.
This shift towards natural pet food and holistic care isn’t a trend. It’s a mindset change.
Why Are Pet Parents Choosing Natural Pet Food?
Modern pet parents are thinking the same way about their pets as they do about themselves.
If ultra-processed food isn’t ideal for human health, it raises a fair question: why would it be ideal for our pets?
Natural pet food focuses on:
- Recognisable ingredients
- Minimal processing
- Nutritional value over fillers
For many, this approach leads to better digestion, healthier skin and coats, steadier energy, and fewer ongoing issues popping up over time.
Today, there's a growing trend of treating pets as valued family members, prioritising their health and well-being in ways akin to how they care for themselves.
What Is Driving the Shift to Natural Pet Food in Australia?
Australia has one of the highest pet ownership rates in the world, and we take our animals seriously.
A few key things are driving the shift:
- More access to information through vets, holistic practitioners and online education
- Greater awareness of pet food labelling and regulation gaps
- A strong wellness culture, especially among Millennials and Gen Z
- Pets being treated as true family members
Put simply, Aussie pet parents are asking better questions. and expecting better answers.
Is Natural Pet Food Better for Dogs and Cats?
For many pets, yes, particularly when natural feeding is done properly and thoughtfully.
Natural pet food is often:
- Easier to digest
- Higher in bioavailable nutrients
- Free from unnecessary additives and preservatives
This can be especially helpful for pets dealing with:
- Sensitive stomachs
- Skin irritation or allergies
- Behavioural stress
- Early joint stiffness
It’s not about perfection, it’s about making better choices where you can.
Why Ultra-Processed Pet Food Can Impact Your Pet’s Health
Ultra-processed pet food (like traditional kibble) is designed for shelf life and convenience. The downside is what happens during production.
How Ultra-Processing Affects the Nutritional Value of Pet Food
High-heat processing can:
- Damage heat-sensitive vitamins and amino acids
- Reduce natural enzymes
- Alter the structure of proteins and fats
To make up for this, synthetic vitamins and minerals are often added back in, which don’t always absorb as well as nutrients from whole foods.
What Are the Risks of Highly Processed Pet Food?
For some pets, long-term reliance on ultra-processed diets may contribute to:
- Digestive upset or inconsistent stools
- Increased itching or skin issues
- Inflammation
- Reduced nutrient absorption
This is why many pet parents begin adding fresh food, gently cooked meals, or targeted supplements to support overall health.
Do Dogs and Cats Need Natural Supplements?
Even with a good diet, modern pets face challenges, stress, environmental toxins, ageing joints, and gut imbalances.
Natural supplements can help bridge those gaps by:
- Supporting digestion and gut health
- Helping calm the nervous system
- Supporting mobility and joint comfort
- Nourishing skin, coat and immune health
The goal isn’t to replace food, but to support the body naturally and gently.
What Do Natural Pet Supplements Support?
Pet parents often turn to supplements for help with:
- Gut health and nutrient absorption
- Anxiety, stress and behavioural tension
- Joint stiffness or reduced mobility
- Seasonal allergies and itchy skin
- Immune resilience as pets age
When made with whole, human-grade ingredients, supplements can work in harmony with the body rather than overriding it. Explore the PetWell range.
How PetWell Supports Modern Pet Nutrition Naturally
This shift towards natural pet food and thoughtful supplementation is exactly why PetWell exists.
PetWell was created for pet parents who:
- Care about what goes into the bowl
- Prefer natural ingredients over synthetics
- Want transparency, not marketing fluff
PetWell’s supplements and functional treats are made with all-natural, human-grade ingredients and minimal processing, designed to support real needs, whether that’s digestive balance, calm behaviour, joint support, or skin and coat health.
And because pets don’t take supplements just because they’re “good for them”, PetWell also offers functional treats targeted nutrition in a form pets genuinely enjoy.
Is Personalised Pet Nutrition the Future of Pet Care?
Absolutely.
One-size-fits-all feeding is fading fast. Today’s pet parents want:
- Age-appropriate support
- Solutions for specific concerns
- Nutrition that adapts as their pet’s needs change
Personalised feeding, functional treats and targeted supplementation are quickly becoming the new standard in pet care.
What This Shift to Natural Pet Food Means for Pet Parents
The move towards natural pet food reflects a bigger cultural shift, one centred on mindful, intentional care.
Pet parents are choosing:
- Quality over convenience
- Transparency over clever marketing
- Long-term wellbeing over short-term fixes
Our pets give us their trust every single day. Feeding them better is one way we honour that.
Thinking about supporting your pet naturally?
Explore PetWell’s range of human-grade supplements and functional treats, designed to support calm behaviour, gut health, mobility, allergies and overall wellbeing — the PetWell way.
FAQ’s
Is natural pet food better than kibble?
Natural pet food can be easier to digest and nutritionally richer than highly processed kibble, especially for pets with sensitivities. Many pet parents choose a mix of fresh food, quality kibble and natural supplements.
Can I mix natural food with kibble?
Yes. Many pets do well on a blended approach. Adding fresh food or supplements can help support digestion and overall health while transitioning slowly.
Do dogs and cats need supplements if they eat well?
Some do, especially if they experience stress, ageing, joint stiffness, gut issues or allergies. Supplements can provide targeted support where diet alone may fall short.
What should I look for in a natural pet supplement?
Look for natural, human-grade ingredients, clear labelling, minimal fillers and ingredients chosen for function, not just appearance on a label.
Is natural pet food suitable for all life stages?
Yes, but needs vary. Puppies, seniors and highly active pets all have different nutritional requirements, which is why personalised nutrition is becoming so popular.
Thinking about supporting your pet naturally?
Explore PetWell’s range of natural, human-grade supplements and functional treats, designed to support calm behaviour, gut health, mobility, allergies and overall wellbeing.
What should I look for in a natural pet supplement?
Look for human-grade ingredients, clear labelling, minimal fillers and ingredients chosen for function — not just appearance on a label.
Is natural pet food suitable for all life stages?
Yes, but needs vary. Puppies, seniors and highly active pets all have different nutritional requirements, which is why personalised nutrition is becoming so popular.
Disclaimer: The entire contents of PetWell emails and website are not to be taken as medical advice. The team at Pet Squad Pty Ltd trading as PetWell encourages you to make your own pet health care decisions based on your research and in partnership with a qualified pet healthcare professional.
This article was prepared by the team at PetWell. Australia’s trusted provider of natural, human-grade pet supplements and freeze-dried treats for dogs and cats. Drawing on holistic animal behaviour insights and years of working with canine clients, PetWell champions kind, calm and scientifically informed solutions for every pet parent.
Posted By Ayda Hornak - Trained in Canine Psychology and Natural Animal Nutrition Care
