What's one thing you wish you knew about pet nutrition when you first became a pet owner? What advice would you give to your younger self?

Honestly, one thing I wish I had truly understood when I first became a pet owner—and even early on as a vet—is how much marketing can overshadow science when it comes to pet food. Just because the bag looks premium or says "all-natural" doesn't mean it's balanced or right for your pet. If I could go back and give younger-me some advice, I'd say: "Stick with brands that have real veterinary nutritionists behind them, that do feeding trials, and that meet AAFCO standards. Don't get swept up by buzzwords." Also, nutrition isn't one-size-fits-all—age, breed, size, and even activity level matter more than you'd think. Good nutrition doesn't have to be trendy. It just has to be right for your pet.

I almost lost my dog to kidney failure because I thought "premium" meant "healthy." Then I learned that most commercial pet food is made to last longer, not to be good for organs. When I first got a pet, I cared more about how easy it was to care for and the shiny labels. I was growing my business and managing rides, tours, and customer experiences all over Mexico City, so I just trusted the pet food aisle. I didn't really look into what I was feeding my dog until he started throwing up and acting very tired. The vet said it was because of high sodium levels and artificial preservatives that are common even in the best brands. That one visit to the vet sent me down a two-week research rabbit hole that I couldn't stop. I changed my diet to one that was balanced and included lean protein, rice, sweet potatoes, and bone broth. After three weeks, energy levels went back to normal and skin problems got better. I was shocked to learn that up to 60% of commercial kibble can legally contain "meat meal," which can come from dead, dying, sick, or disabled animals. As a new owner, no one tells you this. This one piece of advice would have helped me when I was younger: check the ingredients of your pet's food, not the marketing. Even though I have a lot of clients and work to do every day, I still set aside time each month for a "nutrition review." It has saved me money on vet bills and years of stress. The food we give them affects not only their health, but also their behavior, energy, and, in the end, their relationship with us.

I wish I knew that "grain-free" isn't code for "better." When I first got my dog, I fell hard for the marketing—shiny bags, boutique brands, exotic ingredients. I thought if it sounded gourmet, it had to be healthier. Turns out, my dog didn't need wild boar and lentils. She needed a balanced formula backed by actual research, not just buzzwords. And ironically, some of the grain-free stuff was causing digestive issues because it lacked proper fiber and was overloaded with fillers like peas and potatoes. Advice to my younger self? Talk to a vet, not just a pet store clerk. Read the label like it's a food label for yourself, not a treat box. And remember: nutrition isn't about novelty—it's about consistency, science, and what actually fuels your animal, not what flatters your taste.

Response from Adam Guest - When I first became a pet owner, I had no idea just how much processed food dominated the pet industry — or how little regulation there is around what goes into it. I assumed "premium" kibble meant healthy. I wish I knew earlier that fresh, biologically appropriate food wasn't just a fad — it's what dogs and cats are actually built to eat. If I could go back, I'd tell myself to do a bit more digging. Raw feeding might seem complicated at first, but it's actually really simple once you understand the basics. Start with whole ingredients, avoid fillers and preservatives, and focus on balance — just like you would for your own diet.

One thing I really wish I'd known about pet nutrition when I first became a dog owner is just how much food affects every part of their wellbeing. At first, I thought all dog food was basically the same—as long as it said "complete," I figured it was good enough. I didn't realise how many fillers, artificial ingredients, and low-quality proteins were hiding in some big brands. If I could give my younger self some advice, it would be this: always check the ingredients list not just the front of the bag. Look for real, natural ingredients you'd feel good feeding your dog. For Ted, my adopted Dachshund, I feed grain free food from Ultimate Pet Foods, which has made a huge difference in his digestion, coat, and energy. One thing I've learned is to mix up the flavours regularly to keep mealtime exciting. Ultimate Pet Foods has a great range of flavours—everything from classics like Chicken and Turkey to some really cool novelty options like Venison, Tuna, Pork, and Lamb. Ted loves trying something new now and then, and I love knowing he's getting a variety of nutrients. Plus, Ultimate Pet Foods provides free samples of different flavours, so you can try before you commit to a bigger bag. It's such a helpful way to find out what your dog really loves without wasting money or food. And with their subscribe-and-save service, you're locked into your price for 12 months and can easily switch between flavours with just a click of the mouse. It makes keeping Ted's meals interesting super easy and stress-free. Food really is love for our pets, and I wish I'd understood that sooner.

When I first became a pet owner, I underestimated how much individual pets' nutritional needs can vary, even within the same species. I assumed a generic "one-size-fits-all" diet would work, but I quickly learned that factors like age, activity level, and even breed shape what's truly healthy. I wish I'd understood the importance of reading ingredient lists beyond marketing buzzwords and paying attention to how my pet responded to different foods. If I could advise my younger self, I'd say: treat nutrition like an ongoing experiment. Track your pet's energy, coat quality, and digestion as closely as you would your own health. And don't hesitate to consult a vet or nutritionist early on to tailor a plan. That proactive mindset saves a lot of frustration and helps build a happier, healthier relationship with your pet.

It would have been useful for me to know at the beginning that each pet's meals should match their breed, age, and health instead of only feeding them commercial pet food. Just like people, pets are unique and require different nutrients at various points in time, so what is best for one animal may not suit another. If you could tell your former self something important, you might mention: start learning about proper feeding for your pet as soon as you can, ask a trusted vet or nutritionist for help, and always buy high-quality products instead of ones that are easy to grab. This way of feeding helps reduce health problems and keeps your pet happy and healthy for years.