The eye-opening difference!

The eye-opening difference!

The Eye-Opening Difference


 

Easter is approaching and all the rabbit-y decorations got us thinking about eye health. Weird leap, right? But it’s all those carrots. The urban legend that eating enough carrots can make you see in the dark (or turn your skin orange, which really happens!) has made us think a lot about eyes. Eyes are like the windows to the soul and no soul is purer or nicer to look at than our pet’s. When we look into our pets' eyes, we see more than their anatomy—we see love, trust, and a deep connection. For many of our furbabies, their eyes are their most defining feature. Their eyes also play a critical role in how cats and dogs experience the world around them. But how often do we think about their eye health? More importantly, are we feeding them in a way that truly supports lifelong visual wellness?

The eye is a complex organ made up of the cornea and lens (focus light), the retina (processes images), the optic nerve (sends images to the brain) and countless blood vessels, cells, and fluids keeping everything functioning. Let's take a look at some of the most common vision problems our pets face and how diet can impact them. 

In Cats:

  • Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) – Often a result of viral infections, but poor immune health can make it worse.
  • Uveitis – Inflammation in the eye, sometimes linked to systemic illness.
  • Cataracts – Less common in cats than dogs, but still a risk with age or diabetes.
  • Retinal Degeneration – Can be genetic or linked to taurine deficiency.
  • Corneal Ulcers – Often related to injury or herpesvirus, but healing is slower with poor nutrition.

    In Dogs:

    • Cataracts – Common with aging and diabetes.

    • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) – A genetic condition that leads to blindness.

    • Dry Eye (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca) – Caused by immune dysfunction or certain medications

    While some conditions are hereditary or infection-based, nutrition directly affects immunity, inflammation, and cell regeneration, which means we have more influence over our pet’s health than we think.

    Here’s where raw food shines. These are the vision-supporting nutrients your pet needs, and how a natural, raw diet provides them:

    1. Taurine

    • Why it matters: Essential for cats, taurine deficiency leads to retinal degeneration and irreversible blindness.

    • Best sources: Raw heart (especially beef or chicken), liver, and other organ meats.

    2. Vitamin A

    • Why it matters: Supports the retina, night vision, and tear production.

    • Best sources: Liver (especially chicken and beef), egg yolks.

    • Raw food bonus: Vitamin A in kibble is often synthetic and harder to absorb.

    3. Lutein and Zeaxanthin

    • Why they matter: Antioxidants that protect against retinal damage.

    • Best sources: Egg yolks (best bioavailability for cats), leafy greens (more effective for dogs).

    4. Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA & DHA)

    • Why they matter: Help reduce inflammation and support retinal health.

    • Best sources: Raw oily fish (sardines, mackerel), krill, egg yolks.

    5. Zinc

    • Why it matters: Vital for retinal enzyme function and immunity.

    • Best sources: Raw meat (especially beef), bone, and liver.

    6. Vitamin E

    • Why it matters: Powerful antioxidant that protects eye cells.

    • Best sources: Raw nuts (for dogs), egg yolks, and animal fats.

    7. Beta-Carotene (mostly for dogs)

    • Why it matters: Precursor to Vitamin A. Dogs can convert it; cats cannot.

    • Best sources: Carrots and leafy greens (safe for dogs but not effective for cats unless pre-converted).


    These nutrients are required not just for eye health but general health, too, so shouldn’t all pet food, especially those labelled ‘nutritionally complete’ have this stuff?

    Commercial kibble—even the so-called "premium" ones—are cooked at high temperatures that degrade sensitive nutrients like taurine, omega-3s, and vitamin A. To make up for this, companies add synthetic supplements back in, but these are often less bioavailable and harder on your pet’s system.Even worse, many kibble brands rely heavily on starches and fillers, which promote inflammation, spike blood sugar (a risk factor for cataracts), and contribute to long-term systemic stress.In contrast, raw food retains the natural structure and nutrient integrity of ingredients. It supports digestion, minimizes inflammation, and keeps the immune system primed to fight infections and degenerative disease—including those affecting the eyes.


     

    At Bella and Boots, we believe that nature provides the best blueprint for health. That’s why we work hard every day to make raw, organic, human-grade pet blends accessible to as many people as possible—the kind of food that fuels not just energy and longevity, but vibrant health, from tip to toe. All of our recipes are organic, human-grade and delicious. Head to the 'shop' tab to check out our range!



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