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Questions about feeding, nutrition, ordering and delivery.
Protein, Feeding & Care
Pets need a balanced supply of essential nutrients, including high-quality protein, fats, vitamins, minerals and water. Animal-based proteins can provide essential amino acids, while appropriately selected pet-safe vegetables can contribute fiber, vitamins, minerals and naturally occurring plant nutrients.
Nutritional requirements vary by species, age, size, activity level, reproductive status and overall health. Protein and vegetables should form part of an appropriately formulated diet rather than being assumed to create a complete and balanced meal on their own.
Nutritional requirements vary by species, age, size, activity level, reproductive status and overall health. Protein and vegetables should form part of an appropriately formulated diet rather than being assumed to create a complete and balanced meal on their own.
Protein provides amino acids that help support normal growth, tissue maintenance and muscle development. Pets have different nutritional requirements, so their diets should be formulated according to their species and life stage. Meat can be an important source of high-quality animal protein.
Meat can provide high-quality protein and nutrients such as iron, zinc and B vitamins. However, meat alone does not necessarily provide every nutrient a pet requires. Pets should receive a nutritionally complete diet appropriate for their species and life stage.
Dogs can consume meat as part of an appropriately formulated diet, but feeding meat alone every day may not provide all the nutrients they require. The amount and type of meat should depend on the dogs overall diet, age, size, activity level and health. Follow the product's feeding guidance or consult your veterinarian.
Cats are obligate carnivores with specific nutritional requirements for animal-derived nutrients. Meat can be an important component of a cat's diet, but feeding plain meat alone may not provide a complete and balanced nutritional profile. Cats should receive food formulated specifically for their nutritional needs.
Yes. Puppies and kittens are growing rapidly and have different nutritional requirements from adult Pets. Growth diets generally need appropriate levels of energy, protein, fats, vitamins and minerals to support normal development. Feeding recommendations should be based on the animal's species, age, size and veterinary guidance.
Senior pets may have different nutritional and energy requirements as they age. Their ideal diet depends on species, body condition, and activity level and health status. A veterinarian can help determine whether a senior-specific diet or another nutritional approach is appropriate.
There is no universal amount of meat that is appropriate for every pet. Feeding requirements depend on species, age, body weight, activity level, reproductive status, health and the nutritional composition of the food. For the ideal portion, follow the product's feeding instructions or your veterinarian's recommendation.
Feeding frequency depends on the pet's species, age, size, activity level, health and the type of food being provided. Puppies and kittens may require different feeding schedules from adult and senior pets. Follow the feeding instructions for the specific product or your veterinarian's recommendation.
Raw meat can carry bacteria and other pathogens that may pose food-safety risks to pets and people. The suitability of a raw diet depends on the individual animal and how the diet is formulated and handled. Pet owners considering raw feeding should discuss the approach with their veterinarian or a qualified veterinary nutrition professional.
It is generally better to avoid giving pets human-seasoned meat. Common cooking ingredients such as excessive salt, certain sauces, onions, garlic and other seasonings may be unsuitable or harmful to pets. Pet food should be prepared and formulated specifically for animal nutritional requirements.
Bones can create risks such as choking, broken teeth, gastrointestinal injury or intestinal obstruction. The safety of a particular bone depends on factors including the animal, bone type and preparation. Pet owners should consult their veterinarian before introducing bones into a pet's diet.
Carbohydrate requirements vary between species and individual pets. Dogs can utilize carbohydrates as an energy source, while cats have different nutritional adaptations and requirements. The priority should be providing a complete and balanced diet formulated for the specific species and life stage.
Water is an essential part of pet health and nutrition. A pet's water requirements can vary according to species, body size, diet, activity level, environmental temperature and health. Fresh, clean drinking water should generally be available to pets at all times.
Yes. Wet pet food generally contains substantially more water than dry food and can contribute to a pet's overall water intake. However, individual hydration requirements vary, and pets should still have access to fresh drinking water.
It depends on the individual pet and the specific ingredient causing the reaction. Some pets may react to particular animal proteins or other ingredients. If you suspect a food allergy or intolerance, consult your veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.
Pets with medical conditions may have specific nutritional requirements. Whether a particular product is appropriate depends on the animal's diagnosis, current diet and individual nutritional needs. Consult your veterinarian before feeding a product to a pet with a medical condition.
Pregnancy and lactation can substantially increase nutritional and energy requirements. Pregnant or nursing pets may require food specifically formulated for reproduction, growth or other increased nutritional needs. Veterinary guidance is recommended when selecting a diet during pregnancy and lactation.
Not automatically. Pets have different nutritional requirements. Only products specifically indicated as suitable for both species should be fed to both Pets as directed.
Follow the storage instructions provided on the product packaging. Refrigeration, freezing, shelf life after opening and handling requirements can vary depending on the product.
A gradual transition is generally preferable when introducing a new pet food. Follow the product's transition instructions and monitor your pet's response. If your pet experiences persistent digestive or other problems, consult your veterinarian.
Vegetables in a Pet’s Diet
Certain vegetables can be included in a pet's diet in appropriate quantities, depending on the species and individual animal. Common options include carrots, pumpkin, green beans, peas, broccoli, cucumber, zucchini, sweet potato and some leafy greens.
Vegetables can provide dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals and naturally occurring plant compounds. However, they should complement an appropriately formulated diet rather than replace the essential nutrients a pet requires.
Vegetables can provide dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals and naturally occurring plant compounds. However, they should complement an appropriately formulated diet rather than replace the essential nutrients a pet requires.
Yes. Many dogs can eat appropriately selected and prepared vegetables as part of a balanced diet. Vegetables can provide fiber, vitamins, minerals and dietary variety.
The appropriate type and quantity depend on the dog's overall diet, size, age, health and individual tolerance.
The appropriate type and quantity depend on the dog's overall diet, size, age, health and individual tolerance.
Cats are obligate carnivores and have specific nutritional requirements that must primarily be met through an appropriately formulated diet containing essential animal-derived nutrients.
Small quantities of certain pet-safe vegetables may be included where appropriate, but vegetables should not replace the animal-based nutrients cats require.
Small quantities of certain pet-safe vegetables may be included where appropriate, but vegetables should not replace the animal-based nutrients cats require.
Carrots provide dietary fiber and beta-carotene, which the body can use as a source of vitamin A in species that efficiently convert it.
They can provide variety within a pet's diet when served appropriately. Carrots should be offered plain and in a size and texture appropriate for the individual pet.
They can provide variety within a pet's diet when served appropriately. Carrots should be offered plain and in a size and texture appropriate for the individual pet.
Plain pumpkin provides dietary fiber, moisture and naturally occurring nutrients.
It may be included in appropriately formulated diets or fed in suitable quantities. Avoid pumpkin preparations containing added sugar, salt, spices or other ingredients intended for human consumption.
It may be included in appropriately formulated diets or fed in suitable quantities. Avoid pumpkin preparations containing added sugar, salt, spices or other ingredients intended for human consumption.
Plain green beans can provide dietary fiber and naturally occurring vitamins and minerals while generally being relatively low in calories.
They should be served plain without added salt, butter, oil, sauces or seasoning.
They should be served plain without added salt, butter, oil, sauces or seasoning.
Plain peas can provide plant-based protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals and may be included as an ingredient in some pet diets.
Their suitability and quantity should be considered in the context of the pet's complete diet rather than using peas as a substitute for required animal-based nutrients.
Their suitability and quantity should be considered in the context of the pet's complete diet rather than using peas as a substitute for required animal-based nutrients.
Small quantities of plain broccoli may be suitable for some pets and can provide fiber, vitamins and naturally occurring plant nutrients.
Large quantities may cause digestive discomfort in some pets. It should be served plain and in appropriately sized pieces.
Large quantities may cause digestive discomfort in some pets. It should be served plain and in appropriately sized pieces.
Plain cucumber can be a low-calorie, high-moisture vegetable option for many pets.
It can provide dietary variety and additional moisture but should be cut into appropriately sized pieces to reduce choking risk.
It can provide dietary variety and additional moisture but should be cut into appropriately sized pieces to reduce choking risk.
Plain zucchini can be included in small amounts for many pets. It provides moisture, fiber and naturally occurring vitamins and minerals.
It should be served plain without seasoning, sauces, butter or excessive oil.
It should be served plain without seasoning, sauces, butter or excessive oil.
Properly cooked, plain sweet potato can provide carbohydrates, dietary fiber and naturally occurring vitamins and minerals.
Sweet potato should generally be cooked before serving and provided without sugar, salt, butter, spices or seasoning.
Sweet potato should generally be cooked before serving and provided without sugar, salt, butter, spices or seasoning.
Some leafy greens may be suitable in small quantities for certain pets and can provide fiber and naturally occurring vitamins and minerals.
However, suitability can vary depending on the specific vegetable and the pet's health. Pets with particular medical conditions may require dietary restrictions, so veterinary guidance should be followed where applicable.
However, suitability can vary depending on the specific vegetable and the pet's health. Pets with particular medical conditions may require dietary restrictions, so veterinary guidance should be followed where applicable.
It depends on the vegetable and the individual pet. Some vegetables can be served raw in appropriately sized pieces, while others are easier to eat and digest when lightly cooked.
Vegetables should be plain, properly washed and free from salt, sauces, spices and seasonings. Hard vegetables should be cut or prepared appropriately to reduce choking risk.
Vegetables should be plain, properly washed and free from salt, sauces, spices and seasonings. Hard vegetables should be cut or prepared appropriately to reduce choking risk.
There is no universal quantity appropriate for every pet.
The amount depends on the animal's species, size, age, health, calorie requirements and overall diet. Vegetables should not displace the nutrients supplied by an appropriately formulated diet.
For pets receiving a veterinarian-prescribed diet, consult your veterinarian before adding vegetables or other foods.
The amount depends on the animal's species, size, age, health, calorie requirements and overall diet. Vegetables should not displace the nutrients supplied by an appropriately formulated diet.
For pets receiving a veterinarian-prescribed diet, consult your veterinarian before adding vegetables or other foods.
Not automatically.
Dogs and cats have specific nutritional requirements, and cats in particular require essential nutrients associated with animal-derived ingredients. Simply replacing meat with vegetables can result in an inadequately formulated diet.
A pet's complete diet should be formulated according to the nutritional requirements of its species and life stage.
Dogs and cats have specific nutritional requirements, and cats in particular require essential nutrients associated with animal-derived ingredients. Simply replacing meat with vegetables can result in an inadequately formulated diet.
A pet's complete diet should be formulated according to the nutritional requirements of its species and life stage.
Some vegetables and plant foods commonly used in human cooking can be unsafe or toxic to pets. In particular, pets should not be given onions, garlic, leeks, chives or other members of the Allium family.
Pet owners should check the safety of an unfamiliar vegetable before feeding it and consult a veterinarian if there is any uncertainty.
Pet owners should check the safety of an unfamiliar vegetable before feeding it and consult a veterinarian if there is any uncertainty.
Where appropriate for the individual pet, suitable vegetables may be incorporated as part of an overall feeding plan.
However, adding vegetables to an individual meat, organ, bone or fish product does not automatically make the resulting meal complete and balanced. The complete diet still needs to meet the nutritional requirements of the individual dog or cat.
However, adding vegetables to an individual meat, organ, bone or fish product does not automatically make the resulting meal complete and balanced. The complete diet still needs to meet the nutritional requirements of the individual dog or cat.
Not necessarily. The nutritional role of vegetables differs according to the species, diet formulation and individual animal.
Vegetables can contribute fiber, moisture and various nutrients, but the priority is ensuring that the overall diet is nutritionally complete and appropriate for the pet's species and life stage.
Vegetables can contribute fiber, moisture and various nutrients, but the priority is ensuring that the overall diet is nutritionally complete and appropriate for the pet's species and life stage.
Important Nutrition Information Disclaimer
The information provided by The Meat Legacy is intended for general educational purposes and is designed to help pet owners better understand nutrition across different species and life stages.
Nutritional requirements vary between pets and can depend on species, breed, age, body weight, activity level, reproductive status, health condition and other individual factors.
This information is not intended to replace professional veterinary advice. For the ideal portion size, feeding frequency or dietary requirements for your pet, we recommend consulting your veterinarian or following your veterinarian’s specific recommendation.