What Should I Feed My Dog? A Guide to the Basics of Dog Nutrition

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 four-legged friend’s current diet, there’s a lot to consider when deciding what to feed your dog. 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.

UK Pet Food, the industry regulator, states that dogs need 37 essential nutrients in their food. Broadly speaking, these can be broken down into six groups:

• Protein supports healthy muscles, skin, hair, and nails. Association of American Feed Control Offices (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%, according to AAFCO.
• Carbohydrates supply energy, generate body heat, and provide dietary fibre. There are no minimum requirements, 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.

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 UK Pet Food standards. Members of this organisation produce food that meet nutritional needs, legal standards and more. Look for the phrase ‘complete’ 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, some small boutique brands that feature unusual ingredients may not meet industry 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 labelled ‘complete’. This means it’s formulated to provide all the essential nutrients and is meant to be your dog’s sole diet.

Additionally, you can offer your dog treats and toppers alongside their usual food. These will be labelled as ‘complementary 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.

	What to look for:	What to watch for:
Puppies	Higher levels of fat and protein Meets industry standards for ‘growth’ or ‘all life stages’ Appropriate kibble size	Excess calcium is not ideal for large-breed puppies Raw food is not recommended
Senior dogs	Food with less sodium, calories, and carbs Prebiotics & probiotics Glucosamine Omega-3 fatty acids	High protein levels can be harmful for dogs with kidney or liver disease
Large breeds	Fewer calories per pound of body weight than small breeds Glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health	Kibble that’s too small may encourage gorging and increase the risk of bloat
Small Breeds	More calories per pound of body weight than large breeds Smaller kibble size	Kibble that’s too large poses a choking risk
Working and active dogs	Some may benefit from a high-protein diet More calories, higher fat content Joint supplements	Avoid foods that don’t offer enough calories
Sick dogs	Foods formulated to address specific health conditions	Always check with your vet to ensure diet is safe for overlapping health issues Raw food is not recommended

Puppies

To support their growing bodies, puppies typically need more fat and protein than adult dogs. Choose a puppy food that meets UK Pet Food 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. 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.

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

Smaller dogs come with smaller teeth and jaws, so they need small kibble to prevent choking. Small breeds 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 (eg sledge 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. 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 fibre 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 fibre.
• 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-fibre 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 (<27°C/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 (<27°C/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 and trickier to portion	Expensive
Raw Food (freeze-dried, frozen, and high-pressure pasteurised)	Unopened freeze-dried food can be kept in a cool, dark place for two to three years. Frozen raw food can last three to four 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 UK Pet Food 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

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

This 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

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.

Raw food

This includes freeze-dried, frozen, and high-pressure pasteurised (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 fibre, 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.

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.