Want to nourish your dog and cat with healthy meals while cutting costs? Mimic their natural diet with fresh, raw foods.
We often reach for supermarket kibble and cans, believing they’re convenient treats for our pets. Popular brands can seem irresistible when your pet dives in eagerly. But scrutinize the ingredients closely.

These products typically contain 60-80% cereals—cheap fillers from recycled food industry waste. The rest? Meat industry byproducts like beaks, hooves, and spoiled meat, processed at high heat. Add excessive sugar and salt, and it’s no wonder they’re unappetizing.
This processed diet contributes to numerous health issues. Veterinarian Dr. P. F. McGargle warns, "Feeding animals waste from other animals heightens risks of cancer and degenerative diseases."
To help your dog or cat thrive longer, cut back on these foods and prepare nutritious homemade meals.
Remember, dogs and cats are obligate carnivores at heart. As pet owners drawing from traditional practices and veterinary insights, we’ve found this approach not only healthier but more budget-friendly than commercial feeds.
Growing up, I spent summers with my grandmother and her beloved red poodle, Apollo. She never bought canned food. Instead, her butcher provided free meat scraps and bones—served raw or lightly sautéed, mixed with vegetable and fruit peels.
She topped it with two tablespoons of sunflower oil (packed with vitamin E) or rapeseed oil (rich in omega-3s), both celebrated for their health benefits. Apollo fasted once a week to detox and stayed vibrant his whole long life.
Apply the same principle for cats, favoring rabbit and poultry. Offer eggs too, including powdered shells and dried herbs for added nutrition. Occasional fasting supports their well-being.
A 100g cat terrine costs about €0.60; a 300g dog pâté around €0.10. Switch to natural feeding, and save €200-400 yearly, depending on pet size and meal frequency.
Chat with your butcher—they’ll gladly save scraps for free (or nearly so). Peels are free; oil costs pennies. Enjoy a healthier pet and real savings! Always consult your vet for special cases like illness, pregnancy, or puppies.