By: Casey L. Bradley, Ph.D. - October 29th, 2024; President and Founder of Animistic
Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of formulating animal diet plans for a wide range of species—from frogs to livestock to our beloved pets. I’ve worked with an incredible variety of feedstuffs, carefully crafting diets to meet each species’ unique needs, whether for efficient meat production or ensuring the well-being of a companion animal. With over 20 years in animal nutrition and research, I’ve seen countless innovations in animal diet formulation—some that have revolutionized the field and others that have fallen flat.
In recent years, however, I’ve noticed a concerning shift driven by the humanization of animals. More than ever, consumers are treating their pets and livestock as extensions of themselves, projecting human diet ideas into the animal diet world. While this may come from a place of love and care, it often leads to decisions that overlook the specific nutritional needs of animals. These consumer-driven trends can have unintended consequences, impacting animal welfare and health.
As new animal health trends emerge, not all are rooted in nutritional science—and some may do more harm than good. Here are my top five “scariest” trends in animal nutrition today: superfoods, raw diets, clean labels, home chefs and armchair nutritionists, and treat overload. Each of these trends, rooted in the desire to treat animals like family, carries risks if not approached with a science-based understanding and caution.
Mother Nature is abundant with hidden nutritional treasures—foods packed with powerful compounds that can enhance health and well-being. These so-called “superfoods” are celebrated for their high concentrations of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial nutrients. However, the reality is more nuanced. While these foods contain potent compounds, consuming enough to meet specific nutritional needs can be challenging, if not impossible, within a regular diet. Additionally, relying solely on superfoods can leave gaps in essential nutrients, compromising a balanced and complete diet.
This is where science steps in—unlocking the true potential of superfoods through careful extraction and concentration. For example, medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) are praised for their metabolic and health benefits. To achieve these benefits from coconut oil alone, you’d need to feed up to 10% of an animal’s diet—a nearly impossible amount. Concentrated MCFA products allow us to deliver the benefits with targeted doses of 1-3 kg in the correct ratios, maximizing efficiency while supporting the animal’s overall nutrition.
Yet, not all animals can access the full nutritional power of every superfood. For instance, phosphorus, a critical mineral, is often bound by phytate in plant sources. Ruminants, like cows, have a fermentation advantage, using bacteria to unlock phosphorus. Monogastrics, such as pigs, chickens, and pets, can’t utilize this nutrient unless it’s made available through specific processing or supplementation. This highlights the importance of species-specific superfood formulations, accounting for the unique digestive capabilities of each animal.
Raw diets have gained popularity, particularly among pet owners who want a more “natural” way to feed their animals. These diets often center on raw meats, bones, and minimally processed ingredients, mimicking an animal’s ancestral eating habits. However, feeding raw diets as an animal diet strategy can pose significant food safety risks for both pets and the humans handling the food.
Raw meats can harbor harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli, which can be transmitted to humans through improper handling, pet bowls, and food storage. Beyond food safety, raw diets can contain undigestible nutrients or anti-nutritional factors that impede the absorption of essential nutrients. The reality is that animal nutrition goes far beyond hitting nutrient targets—it’s about optimizing all components: ingredient form, texture, digestibility, and storage.
In livestock, improperly processed or cooked feed can lead to nutrient loss or retention of harmful compounds. For example, soybean meal requires careful heating to deactivate anti-nutritional factors like trypsin inhibitors, which can impede protein digestion. The same principles apply to pet diets. Proper cooking and processing unlock vital nutrients and neutralize potential risks, ensuring both safety and nutritional completeness.
Additionally, feeding human food waste to livestock—a growing trend in sustainable agriculture—poses unique risks. While it can reduce waste, the safety of these ingredients must be scrutinized. Food scraps may contain excessive sugars, fats, or unintended chemicals that compromise animal health and, ultimately, the safety of human consumers. This reinforces the need for precision and care in diet formulation, whether feeding pets or livestock.
The clean-label movement has become a powerful force, with consumers demanding simple, “natural” ingredient lists free from synthetic additives or anything that sounds overly scientific. While this approach seems like a positive trend, it can lead to misunderstandings about the science of nutrition and the regulatory requirements needed to ensure animal health.
In my recent experience formulating diets, I’ve encountered the challenge of meeting “food-based” nutrition standards requested by customers. These requests often fall short, particularly when it comes to providing adequate micronutrients like calcium and phosphorus. The reality is that food-based ingredients alone rarely meet the precise nutrient requirements necessary for animals. Supplementation becomes essential to ensure a balanced and complete diet.
The drive for clean labels has also given rise to “armchair nutritionists,” individuals without formal training who advocate for food-based diets while misunderstanding the need for scientifically formulated supplements. These ingredients might sound unfamiliar, but they are essential for nutrient stability, bioavailability, and health. In livestock, nutrient accuracy is non-negotiable, and a clean label shouldn’t come at the cost of nutritional adequacy.
While data from Kibblecon suggests that pet owners rely on veterinarians for nutritional guidance, I believe that influencers, pet food marketing, and misinformation play a larger role in shaping feeding decisions. This trend is similar to the misinformation plaguing human health, where simplistic solutions often overshadow scientific evidence. I’ve seen a surge in DIY pet diets, including animal-based diet recipes popularized by social media, that aim to provide fresh, home-cooked meals. While the desire to take control of nutrition is commendable, it ignores the decades of controlled research published on animal nutrient requirements. Nutrition is not as simple as choosing high-quality ingredients—it’s about formulating a balanced diet that considers bioavailability, digestibility, and nutrient interactions.
In livestock, professionals understand that formulating diets requires expertise in both animal health and nutrition. Livestock nutritionists and veterinarians work together to create precision diets, similar to how professional athletes have a team of trainers, nutritionists, and doctors. Pets deserve the same attention to detail, relying on trained experts rather than influencer-driven trends.
Treats have evolved far beyond simple snacks, becoming functional foods marketed for benefits like joint health or digestive support. While treats can be a fun way to reward animals, portion sizes often contain a surprisingly high number of calories. Treats claiming to support health may require large portions to deliver benefits, leading to unintended consequences like weight gain or nutrient imbalances.
Additionally, the oversupply of functional treats can lead to dangerous over-supplementation of micronutrients. Just as too much candy can lead to sugar crashes in children, excessive treats can cause health issues in pets, from toxic levels of certain vitamins to digestive disturbances. Moderation is key, just as it is when managing my son’s indulgence during Halloween trick-or-treating.
For both pets and livestock, treats must be seen as part of a comprehensive nutritional strategy, not a loophole to bypass a balanced diet. Mindful feeding practices, backed by science, are crucial to ensuring that treats complement rather than compromise an animal’s health.
Our team of expert animal scientists and nutritionists brings decades of hands-on experience in both research and practical diet formulation across a wide range of species. We know that each animal, whether a beloved pet or a production livestock, has unique nutritional needs that can’t be met by one-size-fits-all solutions. From careful ingredient selection and precise formulations to ensuring food safety and nutritional balance, Animistic is dedicated to helping animals thrive.
If you’re a pet owner looking to provide the best diet for your furry family member, a livestock producer seeking precision feeding strategies, or a business searching for expert guidance in product formulation, Animistic is here to help. We pride ourselves on offering transparent, science-based solutions that are both practical and effective.
Book a call with our team of expert nutritionists today to discover how we can support you in achieving your animal nutrition goals. Together, we can move beyond the confusion of trends and make informed, evidence-based animal diet choices that benefit the animals in your care.
