Choosing the Right Dog Food for Your Canine Companion

Key Points

• Avoid dog food with meat by-products, binders, artificial colors, and preservatives. 

• A balanced dog diet contains proteins, fats, and carbohydrates from fruits, veggies, whole grains, or grain-free sources like sweet potatoes and pumpkin. 

• Your dog's breed influences their diet because some breeds are prone to certain diseases or mature quicker than others. 

• There are pet foods with novel protein sources — such as venison, duck, or kangaroo — for dogs with food sensitivities and allergies.

• Other considerations include your dog's age and health, the different food types available, and if you want to make your pet's food at home. 

Understanding the various factors in choosing the correct type of food for your dog is a challenge. You can't feed a puppy, an adult, and a senior the same diet. Your dog may also have food intolerances or health conditions that must influence your choice. This article discusses these factors to guide you in choosing the ideal dog food for your pet.

Understanding the Ingredients

Some general information on the dog food label includes product name, net weight, company name and address, and the intended animal species. A few things to watch for are the ingredients themselves, the guaranteed analysis, the nutritional adequacy, and any guidelines on how to give the food to your pet. 

If something is advertised as having "chicken flavor" instead of being made with real chicken, expect the product to contain less than 10 percent of actual chicken meat. Products typically list ingredients in order of their prevalence. The first is the primary ingredient. If the label says "chicken by-product" or "chicken meal," the recipe probably contains mostly bones, skins, cartilage, and other parts besides the meat. 

Check to see if the label indicates the food is appropriate for dogs based on the Association of American Control Officials requirements. Don't base your decision solely on whether it's AAFCO-approved or not. This association sometimes approves supplements and feeds for animals containing potentially hazardous ingredients, such as zinc hydroxychloride, so take every statement with a grain of salt. 

The most critical aspect of choosing a dog kibble or canned food is to watch out for artificial preservatives, artificial colors, binders, carrageenan, traces of pesticides, and chemical-based flavors. Ideally, the food you give your pet is as free of these substances as possible. If you're working with a tight budget, this might not be an option. 

Nutritional Requirements

Compared to other domestic animal species, dogs are omnivores. This means they can consume carbs and fats to a higher extent than obligate carnivores like cats. A dog's best diet isn't primarily an animal protein source because their bodies gain nutrition from animal and plant sources.

Consult a veterinarian to determine the proper balance of nutrients for your dog. Consider your dog's age, size, activity level, and underlying health conditions. A vet provides individualized recommendations based on your dog's specific needs. High-quality dog foods feature animal-based proteins as the primary ingredient. Look for specific named meat sources, such as chicken, beef, or salmon. These proteins provide essential amino acids for muscle development and maintenance.

A balanced diet contains protein, fats, oils, and carbohydrates. Fats allow for better nutrient absorption and provide your dog with the energy they need, something they also get from carbs. Fruits and vegetables offer your pet essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Look for formulas that include a range of fruits and vegetables, such as blueberries, carrots, or spinach. These ingredients provide added nutritional benefits to support your dog's overall health.

Whole grains like brown rice or oatmeal provide dogs with fiber and nutrients. However, some dogs have allergies or grain sensitivities. Grain-free options, typically made with alternative carbohydrate sources like sweet potatoes or peas, are suitable alternatives for dogs sensitive to grains. 

Breed-Specific Needs

Each breed of dog has its own set of nutritional requirements. Small breeds like Chihuahuas and Yorkshire terriers have faster metabolisms and higher energy requirements than large breeds like Great Danes or Rottweilers. Active breeds need dog food that provides more protein and fat to fuel their fast-paced lifestyles.

Breed-specific formulas meet the unique needs of certain breeds. These recipes consider a breed's size, activity level, and typical health issues. For example, formulas with controlled calcium and phosphorus levels support proper bone and joint development for large breeds. The recipe adjusts protein and fat levels to suit each breed's energy requirements, ensuring they receive the necessary nutrients.

Dental health is essential for dogs of all breeds. Smaller dogs and those with short snouts are prone to dental issues. Some dry dog food varieties provide dental benefits. The dry and crunchy texture reduces plaque and tartar buildup on the teeth, promoting better dental health.

Some kibbles also have unique shapes and textures designed to aid dental cleaning. Choosing a dog food with a kibble size and shape designed to promote chewing and reduce plaque buildup maintains good dental hygiene. Look for formulas with added ingredients like antioxidants or synthetic enzymes that reduce tartar and plaque formation. Brushing your dog's teeth once daily or every two days is the best dental care. Get your dog used to this routine as early as possible. 

Food Sensitivities and Allergies

In some cases, dogs develop allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients in their food. Common allergens include grains like wheat or corn, protein sources like chicken or beef, and dairy products. Signs of food allergies or sensitivities include excessive itching, digestive issues, or skin irritations.

If you suspect your dog has an allergy or sensitivity, consult a veterinarian to determine the specific trigger. Limited-ingredient diets pinpoint and avoid problem ingredients for dogs with known allergies or sensitivities. Grain-free options are also available for pets with grain allergies.

Carefully read the dog food label to avoid potential allergens while providing a balanced and nutritionally complete diet. Veterinarians often recommend an elimination diet to pinpoint potential allergens for dogs whose specific sensitivities haven't been diagnosed. 

Novel protein sources are often recommended for dogs with known allergies or sensitivities. While not commonly found in commercial dog foods, they include meats like duck, venison, and kangaroo. These protein sources prevent allergic reactions and provide alternative protein options for dogs with specific dietary requirements.

Missouri-based veterinarian Dr. Craig Datz states, "Most novel protein veterinary diets are formulated for adult maintenance, not growth or reproduction." It's important to work closely with your vet to establish the proper diet for a puppy with a food intolerance or allergy. 

Life Stage Considerations

It's essential to consider your pet's age when selecting a particular diet. Each life stage has specific needs and requires a different diet to meet those needs. Puppies have specific nutritional needs to support their growth and development. They're more energetic, have higher energy requirements, and require a higher percentage of protein and fat than an adult dog.

Look for commercially available puppy formulas that provide all necessary nutrients, such as DHA for brain and eye development, and higher-calorie content to meet their energy requirements. As their bodies develop, they need more of the three primary nutrients — protein, fats, and carbs — but can benefit from calcium and vitamin D supplements, depending on their breed.

Adult dogs have different nutritional needs based on their activity level, size, and overall health. They need food primarily for maintenance unless they have a chronic condition. Maintain their optimal weight to avoid obesity-related health issues. Feeding a well-balanced dog food made for adult dogs must consider factors like activity level. Look for formulas with moderate protein and fat content. Control the size of portions to prevent overfeeding.

A senior dog's metabolism is slower, and they also tend to put on weight. They may also develop age-related health issues, including joint problems or cognitive decline. Senior-specific dog foods address these concerns.

Search for brands containing ingredients to support joint health, such as glucosamine and chondroitin. Antioxidants and fatty acids, like omega-3, support brain function in senior dogs. Reducing the number of calories is necessary for pets predisposed to developing diabetes or obesity. 

Wet, Dry, Freeze-Dried, or Raw

Every type of dog food has pros and cons. Dry dog food is by far the most affordable option. Another advantage is the convenience of feeding your dog even when you're away from home. There are kibble varieties with higher moisture content. An automatic dispenser allows your dog to eat while you're at work during the day. 

Wet dog food has a higher moisture content than dry food. The added moisture keeps your dog hydrated, especially if they don't drink enough water. It's a good option for dogs with certain health conditions or prone to urinary issues. Some pet owners add water or bone broth to the kibble to ensure their dog remains well-hydrated. 

Many dogs find wet food more flavorful than dry kibble. The moist texture and variety of flavors entice picky eaters and provide a more enjoyable mealtime experience. Freeze-dried and air-dried recipes achieve the same thing. Add water to the portion before feeding it to your dog. Raw and naturally dehydrated food varieties are also free of preservatives, which is why dogs tend to love them so much.

Prescription Diets

The claim that prescription diets are like medications is incorrect. If a dog suffers from kidney failure, they need a prescription diet for this condition and long-term treatment. No food can substitute for proper treatment if their health issue requires some form of therapy. If the condition is something like chronic constipation due to low fiber intake, a prescription diet solving this exact problem is excellent.

Carefully consider the product's claims before buying a veterinary prescription diet. You must carefully examine the ingredients even when your vet recommends a specific diet.

Unless your vet has a degree in veterinary nutrition, chances are they heard of big brands like Hill's Science Diet or Purina during their education, so they're likely to believe these diets are better than others. While these vet-approved, "high quality" brands are sometimes effective, they may contain ingredients like artificial colors or meat by-products.

What's the solution? Ask your vet to refer you to a veterinary nutritionist who can prescribe specific percentages of nutrients for your dog based on their condition. Use these numbers to identify the best prescription diet while considering the factors mentioned in this article, including the quality of the ingredients.

Homemade Diets

Since dogs are omnivores, making their meals and freezing them in portions is an option. This lets you have them on hand for thawing in the microwave whenever breakfast or dinner time approaches. Make sure you consult your veterinarian or your vet nutritionist before embarking on this journey. 

Even though homemade diets are a perfectly sound choice for canine nutrition, you must be sure to use the right amounts and add the necessary vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids to the recipe to give your dog all the benefits. 

Changing to a New Type of Dog Food

Transitioning to a new diet must happen gradually to avoid digestive distress. Some puppies are more sensitive than others, so switching their diet from one day to the next causes vomiting, diarrhea, and bloating for 24-48 hours. 

The best way to replace your dog's food is to add little by little of the new one to the old every day. Start with 10 percent and increase as your dog becomes accustomed to it. If your pet doesn't like it, switch to another variety from the same manufacturer for the same age, health, breed, and activity level. Ask your vet for a recommendation for tasty, healthy dog diets that are readily available.

How Much Should You Feed Your Dog?

Any pet diet worth your time and dime has feeding guidelines on the label. Although there are some theoretical guidelines for dogs depending on their age, don't base your decision strictly on those. There are individual factors from one pet to the next, and those differences aren't just limited to age. Some breeds are giant and require more food than toy and teacup breeds.

Other factors that influence the type of diet and serving portions include their activity level, health, and whether they're pregnant or nursing. Even the time of year is a factor since dogs need more calories in the winter.

Overfeeding and underfeeding pets are equally bad. According to an August 2023 article by the Morris Animal Foundation, dogs are overweight when they weigh 10-30 percent more than their ideal body weight — they become obese when this percentage exceeds 30 percent. They report that 56 percent of dogs and 60 percent of cats in the U.S. are overweight or obese; somewhat surprising is that 30 percent of pet horses are obese. 

This doesn't mean stop feeding your dog the amount of food you've been giving them beginning with tomorrow. Reducing the amount by five percent is advisable, especially if your vet believes your pet is at risk of becoming diabetic or obese. 

A Healthy Diet Means a Healthy Dog

Choosing the right dog food is essential for your pet's health and well-being. Consider breed-specific needs, food sensitivities or allergies, and life stage requirements. Pay attention to nutritional needs and select foods with high-quality ingredients. Evaluate the pros and cons of the different types of food — wet, dry, freeze-dried, air-dried, or raw — based on your dog's specific needs.

Before changing your dog's diet, talk to your veterinarian to ensure what is best for your canine companion. A healthy diet means a healthy dog, and a healthy dog is a happy dog. Of course, a happy dog means a happy you!

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