Dog nutrition decoded: what your furry friend really needs

Feeding your dog should be easy, given the many options available on the market. Then why does it feel so overwhelming?

If you’re new to this, we know it can feel overwhelming. Just remember that it takes time to discover your dog’s true needs, but with guidance from a trusted veterinarian and a bit of trial and error—since your dog also has a voice in this—you’ll have clear options to consider.

Here is what to keep in mind when choosing your dog’s food.

1. Nutrition

The basic needs of a balanced canine diet include protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals.

Proteins are the foundation of your dog’s diet. Your dog will eat things other than protein, but if you skip out on this one, you will see it in its overall health and appearance soon enough. Dogs need protein to build muscle, repair tissues, and support overall growth and health. Solid sources of protein are: chicken, turkey, fish, beef, and eggs.

Carbohydrates supplement a dog’s diet with the necessary fibers needed for good digestion and give them an energy boost. Complex carbs are best; simple ones should be avoided, as they spike blood sugar levels and can cause a range of health issues. Best stick to brown rice, oats, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, apples, bananas, and legumes like lentils and peas.

Fats are essential for dogs, as they help keep their fur shiny, their brains active, and their energy levels up. Salmon oil, flaxseed oil, and chicken fat are excellent sources of unsaturated fats, whereas animal products, beef fat, and dairy products are great sources of saturated fats. Trans fats, such as those found in fried foods, processed meats, and sweets, should be avoided.

Even with this, moderation is key, and if you need to supplement or if your dog is deficient in any way, consult a vet and develop the proper diet.

The same goes for vitamins and minerals. Unless the food you give your dog is rich in vitamins A, C, D, E, K, zinc, and calcium, you might need to supplement. However, this is best left to a veterinarian to advise on. Anything in this area is problematic if it is too little or too much.

2. Understanding Commercial Dog Food

Picking dog food based on the most convincing commercial is as bad an idea as choosing your own food based on that. If you haven’t started reading labels yet, you should.

Many labels feature the ‘complete and balanced’ claim on the package. This indicates that they contain all the essential nutrients listed earlier, in the correct proportions, making the food a comprehensive source of necessary nutrients when choosing that brand of dog food.

If you don’t see this on the package and you find an ‘intermittent or supplemental feeding only’, it means that the product by itself is not considered sufficient to meet the dietary needs of your dog.

Another thing to watch out for is the ingredient list. Yes, it’s not enough that you go through that for your own food; you need to do it for your dog’s food, too.

Avoid vague terms for meat, such as by-product or animal digest. Anything other than chicken/lamb/beef meat should raise a red flag. Look for fillers such as corn, wheat, and soy, and avoid products containing them. Given that ingredient lists are ordered by weight in the product, the higher the filler, the more of it the dog food contains.

Check for hidden sugars and artificial additives, such as colors and flavors. These are harmful to humans who can metabolize them, and even more dangerous for dogs.

Keep in mind that the ingredients listed first are in the largest quantities, whereas the last one is in the smallest amount. Also, it’s always best to choose products with the shortest ingredient lists.

3. How to Choose Your Dog’s Food

Once you understand how to read the ingredient list and which nutrients to look for, it’s time to know what type of dog food to choose based on your dog’s specific needs. These will vary according to your dog’s age, size, and existing medical conditions.

Puppy food is different than adult food and senior dog food. Puppies need protein-rich food more often. Adult dogs need a more balanced diet to maintain their energy levels. Senior dogs need low-calorie food, as obesity in older dogs poses more problems and weight loss is more difficult at an advanced age.

Special needs in nutrition mean allergies, sensitive stomachs, and weight management. Usually, these are indicated on the package, but if a veterinarian identifies your dog’s needs, they might also recommend a brand of dog food and products.

4. What Type of Dog Food to Choose

As a dog owner, you can choose between kibble, wet food, or homemade food. Once again, when in doubt, you can consult your vet to make sure they recommend the best option available. However, apart from good intentions, there is also the issue of access to the right ingredients. Also, choices may vary significantly depending on your budget.

Dry kibble is the most budget-friendly option. However, this type of dog food varies significantly in quality, and you must become an expert at reading ingredient lists. Also, while affordability is its best asset, choosing more expensive brands with better ingredient lists might be the best option for your dog.

Wet food is tastier, but every dog owner knows that once a dog gets a taste of it, going back to dry kibble becomes challenging and puts a severe strain on the budget. This option is better for dogs since its ingredient list may contain fewer fillers and additives and because it also serves as a supplementary source of hydration.

Fresh food and homemade diets are often the healthiest options because you get to choose the ingredients. However, it needs a lot of careful planning, quality ingredients are not cheap, not even when purchased raw, and it spoils easily unless consumed in a timely fashion.

All available options have advantages and disadvantages. See what works best for you and don’t shy away from doing a combination of all three. It might just be the winning ticket.

5. Things to Watch Out For

If you pay attention to what your dog needs and which products on the market contain it, you should be good. But, you should still watch out for:

Quantity

Smaller dogs eat less than bigger dogs. Younger dogs eat more frequently and more than older dogs. Overfeeding can lead to obesity, and obesity comes with a plethora of associated diseases. Apart from that, the older and sicker your dog gets, the harder it is to bring it back to a healthier state.

Human Food

They will beg. And beg. And beg. They will beg relentlessly, especially if they know you will eventually give up. They have nothing but time and patience. But this does not mean you are doing them any favors. Most of the food we feed our dogs, given how it’s processed, cooked, and seasoned, is bad for them. Indulging them with a bite once in a while won’t immediately harm them.

But bite by bite, if it becomes a habit, it will be harmful. Chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, xylitol, alcohol, cooked bones, excessive salt, or fat must be avoided at all costs.

Sudden Food Switches

Keep in mind that your dog might not accept a complete food switch overnight, regardless of how well-meant or medically justified it is. Change it gradually and build acceptance; otherwise, you will have to add a lack of appetite to the list of things you need to solve.

Falling for Marketing Promises

A pretty package and an ad with a happy dog don’t make a product suitable for your best friend. A clean and short ingredient list will.

If any of the above issues have already given you headaches, congratulations! It means you are a responsible dog owner who is truly concerned with your dog’s well-being, and we couldn’t ask for more. We love it when we know dogs are in the care of people who want them to thrive!

So, don’t fret, look at your dog, know its needs, read ingredient lists, ask your veterinarian for some validation on brands and products when you are unsure, and if you can get good, clean, and healthy ingredients – not to mention the time to cook them – sprinkle some home-cooked dog meals into that for love and tender care.