What to Feed Your Dog: A Complete Nutrition Guide

Good nutrition is the foundation of your dog's health. What you put in their bowl affects everything from their energy levels to their lifespan.

Understanding Dog Nutrition

Dogs need a balanced diet containing:

• Protein — For muscle development and repair
• Fats — For energy and healthy skin/coat
• Carbohydrates — For energy and fiber
• Vitamins & Minerals — For overall health
• Water — Often overlooked but essential

Types of Dog Food

Dry Kibble

Pros: Convenient, affordable, good for dental health Cons: Can be less palatable, may contain fillers

Wet/Canned Food

Pros: Highly palatable, good hydration, fewer preservatives Cons: More expensive, spoils quickly once opened

Raw Diet

Pros: Natural, can improve coat and energy Cons: Risk of bacteria, requires careful balancing, expensive

Home-Cooked

Pros: Control over ingredients, fresh Cons: Time-consuming, easy to create nutritional imbalances

Reading Food Labels

Look for:

• Named protein source first — "Chicken" not "meat meal"
• AAFCO statement — Confirms nutritional completeness
• No artificial preservatives — BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin

Avoid:

• Vague ingredients like "animal by-products"
• Excessive fillers like corn and wheat
• Artificial colors (dogs don't care about color!)

How Much to Feed

Follow the package guidelines as a starting point, then adjust based on:

• Your dog's weight
• Activity level
• Age
• Body condition

You should be able to feel your dog's ribs without pressing hard. If you can see them, they're underweight. If you can't feel them at all, time to cut back.

Foods to Avoid

Toxic to dogs:

• Chocolate
• Grapes and raisins
• Onions and garlic
• Xylitol (artificial sweetener)
• Avocado
• Macadamia nuts

Feeding Schedule

Most adult dogs do well with two meals per day. Puppies may need 3-4 smaller meals.

Consistent feeding times help with:

• Digestion
• House training
• Behavior

When to Change Food

Transition gradually over 7-10 days to avoid digestive upset. Mix increasing amounts of new food with decreasing amounts of old food.

Your dog's diet is an investment in their future. Choose wisely, and you'll have a healthier, happier companion for years to come! 🍖