How to Feed Multiple Pets: A Practical Guide to Nutrition for Multi-Species Households
If you're juggling meals for cats, dogs, rabbits, and maybe even a cheeky bird or two, you're not alone. Multi-pet households are common in Aotearoa, and each species—and even individuals within species—has unique nutritional needs. Finding the best nutritional plan for your crew doesn’t mean you need a degree in animal nutrition (leave that to us!). In this guide, we’ll break down smart, simple and healthy feeding strategies to ensure everyone gets exactly what they need—from whiskers to wagging tails, beaks to bunny hops. Because at Petdirect, We Get Pet.
Understand Species-Specific Nutritional Needs
First things first: don’t assume that one-size-fits-all when it comes to pet food. Cats, dogs, birds, small pets and fish all require tailored diets. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they need animal-based proteins like taurine found in Royal Canin or Feline Natural foods. Meanwhile, dogs—omnivorous by nature—thrive on a balanced mix of protein, fat, and carbs.
Each bird species has particular preferences and requirements.
Feed By Size, Age, And Activity Level
Just like people, pets have different energy requirements. Puppies and kittens benefit from high-protein, high-fat diets to support their growth, found in premium brands like Hill’s Science Diet and Pro Plan. Older pets often need fewer calories but more joint support and digestive assistance, which you’ll find in our range of pet health supplements.
Highly active pets, like working dogs or outdoor cats, need energising meals, while indoor pets might benefit from weight management formulas. Browse our weight management collection to help maintain a healthy balance.
Meal Timing And Feeding Tools That Work
Feeding multiple pets can get tricky, especially if they’re prone to sneaking snacks from each other’s bowls. Timed automatic feeders or smart pet feeders can help regulate meals and avoid food-stealing dramas.
Pet water fountains are great for keeping water fresh around the clock, while elevated or separate feeding stations can help each pet enjoy their meal in peace—ideal for cats who like to dine with height advantage!
Use Treats And Toppers Wisely
Treats are a fun part of bonding, but they can add hidden calories and unbalance a carefully crafted diet. Choose from nutritious treats specially formulated for each pet. Limit human food sharing (we know how hard those puppy eyes are) and instead treat with pet-safe toppers and mixers that can actually enhance a meal’s nutritional value.
If you have a picky eater in the house, nutrient-rich brands like The NZ Natural Pet Food Co or ZIWI may be just the ticket—they’re known for high-quality, highly palatable recipes.
Keep Supplements And Health In Check
Sometimes, a well-rounded diet needs an extra boost. This might include skin and coat supplements, probiotics, or joint care for ageing pets. You’ll find options for cats and dogs in our extensive supplement range.
Not sure whether your pet needs a supplement? Keep an eye on changes in coat condition, appetite, energy levels or behaviour—and never hesitate to reach out to your local vet for guidance tailored to your pet's health.
Top Tips For Feeding A Multi-Pet Household
- Measure meals to avoid overfeeding.
- Feed pets separately to reduce stress or food guarding.
- Ensure each species has access to their own water source.
- Stick to a schedule to create consistency.
- Keep treats secure and species-specific. No bird seed for the dog!
Feeding A Furry Family Made Simple
Creating the best nutritional plan for your multi-pet household doesn’t have to be ruff. With Petdirect’s range of premium pet foods, smart feeders, and supplements, your entire furry (or feathered or finned) family can dine like royalty. Whether you’re raising a cat-dog duo, a menagerie of small pets, or a flurry of birds, we’ve got you covered. After all, We Get Pet.
Ready to streamline feeding time? Discover the best in cat and dog food, stock up on multi-species supplements, and earn rewards along the way with our Pet Perks loyalty programme. Plus, don’t forget—every purchase earns Airpoints, making it even more rewarding to care for your crew.