In the pursuit of satisfying both pets’ nutritional needs and human demands for affordable, convenient, and clean pet food, mainstream manufacturers typically combine animal fats and meals with grains like soy and wheat. This processing results in inexpensive, nutritious pellets that are not appealing to pets. According to Moeller, cats and dogs do not naturally choose grains, which highlights the challenge of ensuring these animals consume enough of this processed food to meet their dietary requirements.

The central dilemma is how to effectively encourage pets to eat these grain-based products, which are not aligned with their natural dietary preferences. The text reflects on the complexities of pet nutrition and the ongoing efforts to create blends that fulfill the nutritional standards while still being palatable for pets. The aim is to optimize pet health without compromising on what humans consider practical and cost-effective.