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Do you suffer from information overload in the dog food aisle? We hear you. Pet nutrition is complicated, and whether you’re a new pet parent or you’re looking to change your dog’s current diet, there’s a lot to consider. The good news is that today’s market has loads of good options, so finding a quality food that’s nutritious, tasty, and within budget is definitely feasible.
Brushing up on the basics of dog nutrition will set you in the right direction. In this guide, we’ll walk you through your pet’s dietary needs and explain the different types of dog foods you’ll encounter. With this information in hand, you’ll be prepared to pick a dog food with confidence.
Just remember to loop your veterinarian into your final decision—they can offer expert guidance tailored to your pet, especially if your dog has special dietary needs.
The Nutrients That All Dog Food Needs
Choosing a good dog food starts with understanding canine nutrition—so here’s a breakdown of your dog’s nutritional needs.
Dogs are omnivores who derive important nutrients from both animal and plant-based ingredients. Primarily, dogs rely on proteins and fats for energy, but carbohydrates also play a role in your dog’s diet.
The Association of American Feed Control Offices (AAFCO) has developed nutrient profiles with minimum and maximum requirements for commercial pet foods. There are six basic nutrients that dogs need for a balanced diet:
- Protein supports healthy muscles, skin, hair, and nails. AAFCO recommends at least 18% on a dry matter basis for adult maintenance and 22.5% for the “growth” stage.
- Fat provides energy, promotes vitamin absorption, maintains healthy skin and coats, and helps with inflammation. Adult dog food should have 5.5% on a dry matter basis, and food for the “growth” stage should have 8.5%.
- Carbohydrates supply energy, generate body heat, and provide dietary fiber. There are no minimum requirements as set by the AAFCO, but generally, 20% is recommended for growing puppies and high-energy dogs.
- Vitamins for bone development, eye function, and brain function.
- Minerals make up the body’s organs and tissues. To name a few, dogs need calcium for teeth and bone maintenance, phosphorous for cell growth, and magnesium for optimal metabolism and neuromuscular function.
- Water regulates body temperature, breaks down nutrients, lubricates joints, and protects the nervous system.
Zontica via iStock
What To Look for in a Good Dog Food
In order to make sure your dog’s food is a healthy, nutritionally complete choice, here’s what you’ll want to look for on the package.
- Certification that the food meets AAFCO standards. Look for the phrase “Complete and Balanced” on the label. This means the food contains all of the essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals your dog needs.
- Your dog’s life stage. Dogs require different nutrients at different ages. For puppies, choose a food designated for the “growth” life stage or “all life stages.” Adult dogs need food formulated for “adult maintenance” or “all life stages.”
- A size designation. Nutritional needs also differ based on breed size. Foods developed for giant breeds or toy breeds will also adjust kibble size accordingly.
- Special health considerations. There are many diets that can help manage certain health conditions, from allergies to weight loss.
There are also some important things to watch out for. It’s a good idea to ask your vet whether these types of foods are suitable before you buy:
- Boutique or exotic foods. Unfortunately, it’s common for small boutique brands that feature unusual ingredients to disregard AAFCO standards. It’s advisable to avoid such foods, as they may not have conducted proper research or follow guidelines set by veterinary nutritionists.
- Grain-free diets. More research is needed, but experts are investigating whether there’s a connection between grain-free diets and heart issues in dogs. Grain-inclusive diets are generally recommended unless your dog has a grain allergy or a specific recommendation from your vet.
- Foods marketed as high-protein. While some dogs can benefit from extra protein (active dogs and working dogs, for example), a high-protein diet can be harmful to dogs with liver or kidney disease. Ask your veterinarian before switching to a high-protein food.
- Raw dog foods. Though plenty of dogs are happy and healthy on raw diets, they’re not suitable for every pup, and it’s important to investigate whether you can satisfy food safety requirements. Ask your veterinarian before switching your dog to a raw diet.
Nutritionally complete food vs. supplemental foods
It’s crucial to select a dog food that is labeled “complete and balanced.” This means it’s formulated to provide all the essential nutrients and is meant to be your dog’s sole diet. To receive this label, dog food must meet AAFCO nutrient guidelines and be backed up by feeding studies.
Additionally, you can offer your dog treats and toppers alongside their usual food. These will be labeled as “intermittent or supplementary” and should not exceed 10% of your pup’s daily caloric intake. These foods can add moisture to kibble, entice picky eaters, and serve as motivation during training.
Finding Food that Meets Your Specific Dog’s Nutritional Needs
The nutritional needs of dogs vary based on their age, breed, weight, and activity level. Also, keep in mind your dog’s needs may change over time, requiring dietary modifications as they age.
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| Senior dogs |
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| Large breeds |
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| Small Breeds |
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| Working and active dogs |
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| Sick dogs |
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Puppies
To support their growing bodies, puppies typically need more fat and protein than adult dogs. Choose a puppy food that meets AAFCO standards for the “growth” stage or “all life stages,” which will contain a minimum of 22.5% protein and 8% fat on a dry matter basis.
Your puppy’s breed size also come into play. If they grow too fast, large-breed puppies are at risk of developmental abnormalities, so calcium levels should not exceed 1.5%. And small-breed puppies require more energy-dense food to keep up with their speedy metabolisms. Consider size-specific puppy formulas that have the appropriate kibble size and the right ratios of protein, calcium, and calories.
Seniors
As they age, our dogs’ nutritional needs change. While the AAFCO doesn’t have an official nutrient profile for senior dogs, foods marketed for seniors will usually have less sodium, calories, and carbs and higher protein levels (though, it’s important to avoid high-protein content for seniors with liver or kidney disease). Senior dog food may also contain prebiotics, probiotics, glucosamine, omega-3 fatty acids, and other antioxidants to fight inflammation.
fury123 via iStock
Large breeds
Large breed dogs have slower metabolisms than small dogs, so they require fewer calories per pound of body weight. Since they face a higher risk of joint issues if they gain too much weight, some big dogs may do well on a diet formulated specifically for larger breeds.
Small breeds
Small breeds come with smaller teeth and jaws, so they need small kibble to prevent choking. Small dogs also require more calories per pound of body weight than large dogs. They also tend to experience constipation more frequently, so cereal grains may be preferred over grains from purified sources, like refined flour.
Working dogs
Highly active dogs, canine athletes, and working dogs (e.g., sled dogs, hunting dogs, and herding dogs) need a diet that provides energy and aids in muscle repair and recovery. Some may do well on a high-protein diet. While there is no AAFCO nutrient profile for active or working dogs, foods marketed towards these types of dogs will often have more calories, higher protein and fat content, joint supplements, and lower carbohydrate levels.
Sick dogs
Certain health conditions may be managed with nutrition. However, it’s always advised to check with your veterinarian first, as many overlapping health conditions can have different dietary requirements.
- Dogs with kidney disease often require a low-protein, low-phosphorus, low-sodium diet. These dogs may also benefit from extra omega-3 fatty acids to alleviate inflammation.
- Dogs with liver disease may require a low-protein diet. There is some evidence that plant-based or vegetarian diets may help.
- Diabetic dogs usually need a diet that improves glycemic regulation. Typically, this will be high in insoluble fiber and low in fat. Scheduling meals and food portioning are also important.
- Obese and overweight dogs may do well on a high-protein, low-calorie diet with extra fiber.
- Arthritic dogs often benefit from foods that incorporate omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin.
- Dogs with pancreatitis can benefit from a low-fat, low-fiber diet with moderate protein content and omega-3 fatty acids to reduce inflammation.
The Different Kinds of Dog Food
| Type of Food | Storage | Nutrition | Serving | Cost |
| Dry Food (kibble, air-dried, and dehydrated) | Store in a cool, dry place (<80°F) | May be more digestible and good for dental health | Easy to pour, portion, and clean | Most economical |
| Wet Food (canned) | Store in a cool, dry place (<80°F) | Hydrating, usually contains more protein and fewer carbs | Can be messy (especially with long-haired dogs), has a stronger smell | Usually pricier than dry kibble |
| Fresh Food (gently cooked) | Must be refrigerated or frozen | Often made with limited ingredients, good for allergies and picky eaters | Can be messy & trickier to portion | Expensive |
| Raw Food (freeze-dried, frozen, and high-pressure pasteurized) | Unopened freeze-dried food can be kept in a cool, dark place for 2-3 years. Frozen raw food can last 3-4 months in the freezer. | May be more digestible and retain more nutrients | May need to be thawed or rehydrated with broth or water | Expensive |
Today’s pet parents have an array of food types to choose from. Any food that meets AAFCO standards should be a good and healthy choice for most pets, but each type has its pros and cons you’ll want to consider.
Dry food is a popular option for its convenience and affordability. Once opened, it also has a longer shelf life than canned wet food and is easy to store. However, it tends to contain higher levels of carbohydrates than wet food, which means pet parents who choose dry food should pay closer attention to their dog’s water intake.
Wet canned food, on the other hand, has more moisture and generally fewer carbohydrates than dry food. It can help dogs stay hydrated and is sometimes a good pick for picky eaters or inappetent pups. On the downside, it’s usually more expensive than traditional kibble, and it’s messier to store and serve.
Fresh dog food is one of the newer options on the market. This food is “gently cooked” to eliminate pathogens and then frozen or refrigerated. Typically, fresh dog food contains limited ingredients, which is helpful for dogs with allergies. However, you’ll need to plan on storing it in your fridge or freezer. This type of food also tends to be pricey.
Rover test pups have tried a lot of fresh food, including JustFoodForDogs fresh turkey recipe.
Raw food, which includes freeze-dried, frozen, and high-pressure pasteurized (HPP) formulas, is growing in popularity with pet parents. This is one of the most hotly debated dog diets, and more research is needed to determine whether or not it’s beneficial to our dogs’ health.
There is some anecdotal evidence that raw food promotes better digestion, improves energy, and contributes to healthier skin and coats. However, it’s not recommended for puppies or immunocompromised dogs. Additionally, it tends to be expensive and requires special handling considerations for safety.
Common Dog Nutrition FAQs
Why don’t dogs just eat meat?
They may have descended from meat-eating wolves, but dogs are actually omnivores.
As they’ve lived alongside humans for millennia, dogs have evolved to digest both meat and plant-based ingredients. In order to maintain a healthy diet, dogs require a balanced mix of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
Can I feed my dog “human” food?
Some human foods are safe to share with your dog—others are not. Plain green beans, for instance, provide a boost of fiber, magnesium, and Vitamin A. And carrots are a low-calorie treat that offers a satisfying crunch. Other foods can be toxic to dogs, like grapes and raisins. Additionally, some foods, like milk, can be difficult for dogs to digest.
Is it safe to feed my dog homemade food?
As we’ve learned, dogs have very specific nutrient needs that require precise ratios. Unfortunately, this is difficult to replicate in your own kitchen. In most cases, it’s better to offer your dog a commercially prepared food to ensure their nutritional needs are met. However, if you’re committed to making your dog’s food from scratch, it’s crucial to prepare their menu with input from your veterinarian.
Alternatively, fresh food brand JustFoodForDogs offers vet-approved DIY kits where you supply the ingredients, and they provide a balanced nutrient blend and cooking instructions.
What time should I feed my dog?
It’s generally recommended that adult dogs eat two meals per day, about 10-12 hours apart. You can plan meals around your own schedule, offering breakfast when you wake up and dinner when you get home from work. The important thing is to keep your routine consistent.
For puppies, you’ll want to adopt a more frequent feeding schedule based on their age.
