To feed an animal on something = a little different meaning

[JACEK1]

Hello all users!

I think I know that the examples presented below show the regular (normal) meaning of verb "feed".

1. I feed bread to the ducks on the lake on Fridays. (normal feeding).

2. I feed the ducks bread. (normal feeding).

What about the phrase "feed an animal on something"?

3. I feed my cat on dry food. (giving special food).

What do you think of my conclusions?

Thank you.

 

[emsr2d2]

Sentence 3 is fine in BrE.

I feed my cat on prescription wet food because she is ill.

 

[MikeNewYork]

In AmE using "on" there would be uncommon.

I feed my cat dry food.
I feed my cat prescription diet XXXX for XXXX.

 

[Raymott]

I can't see any correlation between using 'on' and the use of a special food. You can feed you cat a special diet, or you can feed her on normal cat food.

 

[probus]

In AmE, at least, to feed an animal on something is a technical term in agriculture. It implies that the farmer has made a decision as to what the primary food of the animals will be. For example: "I get a few piglets every spring. I feed them on damaged goods from the bakery where I work. Then I finish them off on apples and acorns in the fall."

Of course, when he finishes them off he will "finish them off."

 

[emsr2d2]

I wasn't trying to suggest that "on" was only used with special diets - that was just my personal example.

I feed my cat on dry food.
I feed my cat on wet pouch food.
I feed my cat on prescription food for her stomach problems.

I agree that "I feed my cat dry food" is perfectly acceptable too. I estimate that half the people I know use "on" and half don't. We also say things like "My cat's on special food at the moment".

 

[MikeNewYork]

In AmE we also say "My cat is on dry food, wet food, a prescription diet, etc. Also "My cat eats...".