Nutrition

At Cross Our Paws Rescue, we recognize that nutrition plays a major role in the lifelong health of dogs and cats. Increasingly, veterinarians, nutritionists, and researchers are exploring the benefits of fresh, minimally processed, and raw diets that more closely resemble the foods our companion animals evolved to eat. Fresh and raw feeding focuses on whole ingredients, high‑quality proteins, healthy fats, and naturally occurring vitamins and minerals, rather than heavily processed components.

From a biological standpoint, dogs and cats have digestive systems designed to efficiently process animal proteins. Studies have shown that less processed diets can be highly digestible, often resulting in smaller stools, improved nutrient absorption, and more stable energy levels. Many guardians who feed fresh or raw diets also report improvements in skin and coat health, better dental condition due to chewing whole foods, and improved muscle tone. For cats, who are obligate carnivores, diets rich in animal‑based proteins and moisture can also help support urinary tract health and maintain lean body mass.

We also believe it is important to acknowledge the science around individual tolerance and balance. Fresh and raw diets must be properly formulated to be complete and nutritionally balanced. When done correctly, they can be a healthy option; when done improperly, they can lead to nutritional deficiencies or imbalances. For this reason, we encourage adopters interested in fresh or raw feeding to work with veterinary professionals or qualified animal nutritionists, practice safe food handling, and choose reputable formulations or recipes grounded in nutritional science.

Nutrition is not one‑size‑fits‑all. Our role as a rescue is not to dictate a single feeding philosophy, but to support informed, thoughtful choices that prioritize species‑appropriate nutrition, immune health, and long‑term wellbeing. We support adopters in choosing a feeding approach—fresh, raw, or high‑quality commercial—that aligns with current evidence, safety best practices, and their individual animal's needs.