🐾 Myth-Busting with Pickles Pet Pantry: 10 Pet Myths You Can Stop Believing Today

At Pickles Pet Pantry, we love nothing more than helping pet parents make informed, confident choices. But with so much misinformation floating around online (and in the dog park), it’s time to set the record straight.

From canine carbs to budgie baths, here are 10 common pet myths — busted.

🐶 Myth 1: Dogs Should Eat Like Wolves

Truth: While dogs descended from wolves, they’ve evolved alongside humans for thousands of years. Their digestive systems are better adapted to a varied diet that includes meat, vegetables, and even some grains. The key is quality and balance, not trying to mimic a wild diet. Nutrients are key.

🐱 Myth 2: Cats Can Be Vegetarian

Truth: Cats are obligate carnivores. That means they require nutrients like taurine, arachidonic acid, and vitamin A from animal sources. A vegetarian or vegan diet can lead to serious health issues. Love animals? Great — start by feeding your cat the diet they biologically need.

🐰 Myth 3: Rabbits Should Eat Mostly Pellets

Truth: While pellets can be a part of the diet, fresh hay should make up at least 85–90% of a rabbit’s daily food intake. Hay supports digestion, dental health, and natural behaviour. Pellets and fresh veggies should only supplement this. However we always recommend pellets over muesli.

Rabbits are selective feeds muesli is a No-No

🐦 Myth 4: Wild Birds Only Need Feeding in Winter

Truth: Birds benefit from feeding year-round. Spring and summer feeding helps during nesting and chick-raising season, while autumn helps them prepare for winter. Just change your offerings with the seasons (e.g. avoid fat balls in hot weather).

🐶 Myth 5: Grain-Free Is Always Better for Dogs

Truth: Grain-free doesn’t automatically mean healthier. Unless your dog has a diagnosed grain allergy (which is rare), whole grains can be a good source of nutrients. The focus should be on the overall ingredient quality, not just whether there’s rice or oats. Nutrients over ingredients!

Some dogs thrive with some grains in their diet.

🐱 Myth 6: Milk Is a Treat Cats Love

Truth: Most adult cats are lactose intolerant. While it’s cute in cartoons, real milk can cause upset tummies. Stick to fresh water or cat-specific milks that are lactose-free — or treat them with high-protein snacks instead (like those from our CATTAC® range!).

🐭 Myth 7: Hamsters Love a Bit of Cheese

Truth: Many hamsters can’t tolerate dairy well, and cheese can be too high in fat and salt. It’s better to treat them with small bits of fresh fruit, veg, or specialist small-animal treats designed with their dietary needs in mind.

Hamsters often end up over weight, inclusion of fruits, veggies & some other ingredients are great but cheese isn't suitable!

🐦 Myth 8: If Birds Stop Coming to Your Feeder, They Must Be Gone

Truth: Birds change feeding spots often — especially if natural food sources become available. Keep your feeders clean, fresh, and well-stocked. They’ll likely return when they need a boost again!

🐰 Myth 9: Guinea Pigs Can Make Their Own Vitamin C

Truth: Nope! Like humans, guinea pigs can’t produce their own vitamin C — which means their diet must include enough to prevent deficiencies. That’s why we recommend high-quality guinea pig food and fresh greens daily.

Bell Peppers are rich in Vitamin C, along with berries and kale, use these in moderation.

🐾 Myth 10: You Can Tell a Good Pet Food Just by the Label

Truth: Marketing terms like “premium,” “natural,” or “grain-free” aren’t regulated. What really matters is the ingredient list, nutritional analysis, and reputation of the manufacturer. That’s why we do the hard work for you — every product on our shelves is hand-picked for quality and integrity. At Only in Olney we've partnered with manufacturers renowned for their care, quality & standards!

💚 At Pickles Pet Pantry, We Believe…

...that education is empowerment, and that pets of all species deserve the best care — grounded in truth, not trends.

Have questions about your pet’s diet or routine? Whether you’ve got a muddy labrador, a regal ragdoll, a squeaky hamster or a garden full of sparrows — we’re here to help.

Pop into our Olney store, browse online, or chat with us via our app — we’ll bust the myths and build your confidence!