Pet Nutrition Myths Indians Still Believe

Indian pet parents love their pets deeply, but when it comes to food, many traditional beliefs still cause harm without anyone realising it. Pets need very different nutrition from humans, yet many Indian households continue feeding them leftovers or meals made for people.






Many Indian homes offer milk to dogs and cats as a daily routine, thinking it builds strength and immunity. But most pets are lactose intolerant once they become adults. Their stomach stops producing enough lactase (the enzyme needed to digest milk). As a result, milk often leads to diarrhoea, vomiting, bloating, and gas. Pet parents usually mistake these symptoms for infection, not realising milk is the real cause. Milk is not toxic, but it offers almost no nutritional value to pets. If needed, lactose free pet milk is a safer option.






Roti, chapati, and rice are common in Indian households, so many families feed the same food to their dogs. While these items fill the stomach, they lack essential nutrients. They are high in carbohydrates but very low in protein, vitamins, and minerals that dogs need for healthy muscles, strong bones, and good skin. Feeding roti every day can lead to weakness, poor fur quality, hair fall, itching, and malnutrition over time. Dogs need a protein rich diet, and roti or rice should be only a small part of their meal not the main part.






A big misconception is that dogs and cats can safely eat whatever is cooked for the family. Indian food contains ingredients like salt, onions, garlic, oil, sugar, spices, and masalas many of which are not just unhealthy for pets but can also be toxic. While pets may enjoy the smell and taste, their digestive system is not designed for spicy, oily food. Regular intake can lead to stomach infections, pancreas inflammation, kidney strain, obesity, and long-term organ issues. Even foods like chocolate, grapes, and certain spices can be dangerous.






For generations, people have believed that giving bones helps dogs exercise their teeth. But bones, especially cooked bones, are extremely risky. Cooked bones become brittle and break into sharp splinters that can get stuck in the throat, mouth, or intestine. These can cause choking, internal injuries, bleeding, or require emergency surgery. Raw bones have their own risks of bacteria. If a dog loves chewing, there are safer options like doctor approved chew sticks, dental chews, or rubber toys.






Many pet parents feel that homemade food is fresher and therefore healthier. While homemade meals can be healthy, most pet parents do not know the right balance of nutrients. Pets need a combination of protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and fibre in the right proportion. Without this balance, pets slowly develop deficiencies. Good quality packaged pet food is actually scientifically designed to provide complete nutrition in every serving. Homemade food is excellent only when it is planned carefully with a doctor or pet nutritionist


Many Indian pet nutrition habits are based on tradition, not science. But with better awareness, pet parents can make small changes that have a big impact on health. A balanced diet improves a pet’s energy, skin, immunity, and lifespan. Feeding the right food is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to keep your pet happy, healthy, and full of life.

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1. 1.Can dogs eat fruits?
   Dogs can safely eat fruits like banana, apple, and watermelon. Avoid grapes, raisins, and cherries because they are toxic.
2. 2.What should I feed daily?
   Either a high quality pet food or a planned homemade diet with protein, carbs, and vegetables. Balance is more important than quantity.
3. 3.How do I know if my pet’s diet is not balanced?
   Signs include hair fall, itching, low energy, weight changes, and frequent stomach problems. These indicate nutrition gaps.
4. 4. What is the safest treat for dogs?
   Boiled chicken, apple slices (no seeds), carrots, or doctor approved dog treats. Avoid packaged salty human snacks.
5. 5. Can senior pets eat the same food as adult pets?
   Senior pets need softer food and controlled calories. Choose senior pet food or modify home food as advised by your doctor.