One of the most practical and sustainable approaches to supporting dogs or cats with chronic inflammation is offering a diet centered on whole, minimally processed foods. A 2022 clinical trial in Frontiers in Veterinary Science showed that healthy dogs on a whole-food diet displayed less inflammatory cytokine signaling (lower TNF‑α/IL‑10 ratio) and greater immune responsiveness compared to dogs on standard kibble. Unlike many commercial pet foods, often produced using high-heat extrusion and containing refined carbohydrates, rendered fats, and synthetic preservatives, whole food diets supply nutrients in more natural, recognizable forms. These ingredients may be easier for a pet’s body to digest and utilize, potentially supporting healthier immune responses, gut balance, and metabolic function over time.
The Science Behind Whole Foods and Inflammation
Chronic inflammation is now widely recognized as a key factor in many common pet health issues, including arthritis, allergies, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), pancreatitis, diabetes, and even cognitive decline. Research from the University of Georgia showed that dogs fed highly processed diets, such as extruded or retorted foods—had significantly higher levels of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), oxidative stress, and inflammatory markers compared to those fed minimally processed diets. Similarly, a UC Davis study on cats found that diet composition and ingredient quality directly influence intestinal inflammation and immune responses. Cats fed commercial diets containing additives and plant-based proteins showed signs of worsened IBD, while those on whole food diets experienced improved stool quality and digestive health.
Whole food, at its core, refers to food that is as close to its natural state as possible, minimally processed, free from artificial additives, and packed with the nutrients nature intended. When we talk about whole food in the context of pet care, we’re looking at ingredients that are fresh, unrefined, and nutrient-dense, providing the foundation for optimal health. Whole foods deliver:
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Naturally occurring antioxidants (such as vitamins A, C, and E, and polyphenols) that neutralize free radicals.
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Essential fatty acids, especially omega-3s, that reduce inflammatory mediators like prostaglandins and cytokines.
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Soluble and insoluble fibers from vegetables and fruits that nourish beneficial gut bacteria, which are closely tied to immune regulation.
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Amino acids and bioactive peptides from high-quality proteins that help repair tissue and support metabolic balance.
Whole food diets are beneficial for managing chronic inflammation in pets (and people) because they provide nutrients in their most natural, bioavailable forms and avoid the common pro-inflammatory triggers found in processed foods. Feeding pets a diet rich in gently cooked whole meats, vibrant vegetables, and healthy fats creates an internal environment that supports healing rather than disease progression. Additionally, whole food diets tend to be more digestible and less allergenic, particularly when artificial ingredients, fillers, and preservatives are avoided.
Whole Food Variety for Anti-Inflammatory Impact
Here are five types of whole foods that can make a big difference in your dog’s or cat’s health:
1. Lean Proteins
Protein is the foundation of your pet’s diet, supporting muscle development, energy, and overall vitality.
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Examples: Chicken, turkey, beef, lamb, and fish like salmon or sardines.
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Why It’s Great: These are rich in essential amino acids and provide the energy your pet needs to thrive. Plus, fish like salmon and sardines are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are potent anti-inflammatory agents.
2. Vegetables
Vegetables are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which support digestion and overall health.
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Examples: Spinach, broccoli, zucchini, carrots, and sweet potatoes.
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Why It’s Great: They’re low in calories but high in nutrients, making them a great addition to any meal. Sweet potatoes, for instance, provide complex carbohydrates for sustained energy, while spinach is rich in iron and antioxidants
3. Fruits
Fruits can be a healthy treat for pets, offering natural sweetness and a boost of antioxidants.
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Examples: Blueberries, apples (without seeds), bananas, and watermelon.
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Why It’s Great: Blueberries are antioxidant powerhouses that combat oxidative stress, while apples provide fiber and vitamin C. Just remember to feed fruits in moderation due to their natural sugar content
4. Healthy Fats
Fats are a concentrated energy source and essential for brain function, skin health, and reducing inflammation.
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Examples: Coconut oil, fish oil, and chicken fat.
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Why It’s Great: Omega-3-rich fats like fish oil are particularly beneficial for reducing inflammation and supporting joint health. Coconut oil, on the other hand, is a quick energy source and great for skin and coat health
5. Whole Grains (for Pets That Tolerate Them)
While not all pets thrive on grains, some can benefit from whole grains as a source of energy and fiber.
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Examples: Oats, quinoa, and brown rice.
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Why It’s Great: These grains provide slow-burning energy and are easier to digest than refined grains. Oats, for example, are soothing for the digestive system and can help with regularity
One emerging area of veterinary nutrition is the gut–immune–inflammation connection. Approximately 70% of a pet’s immune system resides in the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT). Whole food diets, especially those with a variety of plant fibers and phytonutrients, support microbial diversity and reduce intestinal permeability (leaky gut), both of which are key to maintaining immune balance and reducing the risk of chronic inflammation and immune dysregulation.
How to Incorporate Whole Foods into Your Dog’s and Cat's Diet
Start by adding small amounts of these foods to your pet’s current diet, gradually increasing the proportion of whole foods over time. If you’re feeding kibble, use these as toppers to boost the nutritional value of each meal. And remember, variety is key, rotating proteins and vegetables ensures your pet gets a broad spectrum of nutrients.
A Structured Whole Food Approach: The Original CrockPET Diet®
While pet parents may be inspired to cook whole food meals at home, doing so without guidance can result in nutritional imbalances, especially when essential vitamins and minerals are unintentionally excluded. That’s why many holistic veterinarians recommend structured meal plans that have been formulated to meet pets’ daily nutrient requirements using fresh, real ingredients.
One such plan is The Original CrockPET Diet®, developed by Dr. Ruth Roberts. It’s a customizable, veterinarian-designed meal framework that incorporates lightly cooked lean proteins, anti-inflammatory vegetables, targeted supplements (such as omega-3s and glandulars), and minimal grains (if any). The slow-cooked method preserves nutrients while making meals easy to digest, even for pets with sensitive GI tracts.
What sets CrockPET apart is its emphasis on:
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Gut healing through real food and gentle preparation
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Nutrient density tailored to chronic disease management
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Rotational ingredients to support immune tolerance and reduce food sensitivity risks
For pets dealing with joint stiffness, itchy skin, IBD, or even autoimmune conditions, this diet can provide a powerful, food-as-medicine foundation that aligns with both modern science and ancestral feeding principles.
Final Thoughts: Why Whole Food Diets Work
Feeding a diet based on whole, minimally processed foods may be one of the most impactful ways to support your pet’s long-term wellness. Unlike highly processed diets, whole foods offer nutrients in their most natural and bioavailable forms—closer to what your dog or cat’s body is biologically adapted to digest and absorb.
Here’s why whole food diets matter:
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Lower exposure to pro-inflammatory compounds: Minimally processed meals may reduce dietary intake of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), synthetic additives, and excess omega-6 fatty acids—factors associated with chronic inflammation in pets.
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Support for gut and immune health: Whole foods rich in natural fibers, antioxidants, and phytonutrients help nourish a diverse microbiome, which is closely tied to immune system regulation and inflammatory balance.
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Improved nutrient absorption: Fresh ingredients supply vitamins, minerals, and enzymes in more absorbable forms compared to many ultra-processed pet foods, potentially supporting metabolic and cellular function.
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Natural detoxification support: Foods like broccoli, kale, and beets provide compounds that assist the liver in processing and eliminating toxins.
Whether you’re preparing meals at home or following a veterinary-formulated plan like The Original CrockPET Diet®, integrating whole foods into your pet’s routine can be a meaningful step toward reducing inflammatory load and enhancing vitality—from the inside out.
🎧 Want to hear more from an expert?
Listen to our podcast episode with Dr. Chris Bessent as she shares how whole food diets support healing, immunity, and vitality in pets. With over 35 years of experience in holistic veterinary medicine, Dr. Bessent shares her powerful insights on food as medicine, and why fresh, real ingredients make all the difference.
