A pet parent scrolling through TikTok might encounter viral videos claiming kibble is toxic, raw meat is the only proper diet, or that homemade pet food with human superfoods is the healthiest option. While some influencers promote sound nutritional advice, others push misleading or even harmful feeding trends. As pet nutrition myths gain traction online, pet food manufacturers must address misinformation to ensure pets receive balanced, science-backed diets.
Dr. Gary Richter, founder of Ultimate Pet Nutrition, warns that social media content is driven by likes and views rather than scientific facts. “If people want to take the best care of their pets, they need to exercise due diligence when deciding what to feed them,” he said. Reliable pet nutrition information is available from veterinarians, pet nutritionists and reputable sources, but many pet owners fall prey to viral trends without verifying their validity.
Popular myths include the belief that grain-free food is harmful, or conversely, that food without grains is bad for dogs. Some claim raw food is the only healthy option, while others insist it’s dangerous. Kibble is sometimes portrayed as toxic, while other sources claim feeding anything other than kibble is unsafe. These conflicting messages create confusion among pet owners, influencing purchasing behavior and shaping demand for certain pet food products — often without scientific support.
“Pet owners should do their research and make sure their decisions are based on science and are appropriate for their specific pet before making nutritional decisions,” said Richter.
The pet food industry’s role in combating misinformation
Social media trends have a direct impact on consumer demand, and by extension, the pet food industry. As misinformation spreads, manufacturers must decide how to respond. Unfortunately, according to Dr. Richter, some pet food companies contribute to the problem by selectively presenting only the positives of their products while ignoring potential concerns. “This is why many people are mistrustful of information coming from large pet food companies,” he explained.
To counteract misinformation, transparency is key, said Richter. Pet food manufacturers should work alongside veterinarians and nutrition experts to provide science-backed education to both retailers and consumers. Instead of focusing solely on marketing, the industry must take an honest approach, acknowledging both the benefits and limitations of various pet food formats — whether kibble, canned, cooked, raw or freeze-dried.
“There are no perfect solutions that work for every animal,” Dr. Richter says. “Let’s all be honest about what these are so people can make informed decisions based on facts.”
For pet owners without a background in science, medicine or nutrition, distinguishing between fact and misinformation is challenging. Richter believes the pet food industry and veterinary community can best serve pets and their owners by fostering open and honest discussions about pet nutrition. By doing this, pet food professionals can help consumers navigate the sea of conflicting advice online — ensuring pets receive the balanced diets they need for long-term health.