A common question among pet owners is: “What dog food should I feed my dog?” With so many options available, making an informed choice can feel overwhelming. Understanding the nutrients required to support a dog’s overall health and well-being is essential. A suitable diet contributes not only to effective digestion, but also to a healthy coat, strong body condition, and sustained energy levels.
It is important to recognise that every dog is an individual, and dietary needs will vary accordingly. While dogs are primarily carnivorous, they can also digest and benefit from certain plant-based ingredients. Regardless of diet type, all dog food should be complete and balanced to ensure it meets daily nutritional requirements.
Dry Dog Food
Research indicates that dry dog food is the most commonly fed diet, accounting for approximately 71% of the market. With a low moisture content of around 8%, it is typically extruded into pellets, biscuits, or kibble and packaged in bags or boxes. Ingredients such as meat are included in either fresh or dried form.
A key advantage of dry dog food is its long shelf life compared to wet food, which is more susceptible to spoilage.
Wet Dog Food
Wet dog food represents approximately 33% of the market. It has a high moisture content and is usually cooked at elevated temperatures to sterilise the product before being sealed in cans, foil trays, or pouches.
One of its main benefits is that it contributes to a dog’s daily fluid intake, which can be particularly helpful for dogs that drink less water.
Raw Diet
Commercially prepared raw diets account for around 5% of the market. These diets typically consist of raw muscle meat, often including bone, and are stored frozen. Some owners also prepare raw diets at home.
As raw food contains high moisture levels, dogs fed this diet may drink less water.
How Much Food Does a Dog Require?
The amount of food a dog requires depends on factors such as size, breed, and age. Feeding the correct portion is essential, as both underfeeding and overfeeding can lead to long-term health issues.
Rather than relying solely on weight, body condition should be assessed. A healthy dog should have a visible waist and ribs that can be felt without excess fat covering.
Puppies
Nutrition during puppyhood lays the foundation for lifelong health. Puppies require more calories, along with higher levels of protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals to support rapid growth and development. Puppy food is typically formulated for dogs between 4 weeks and 12 months of age, although this can vary by breed.
A careful balance of calcium and phosphorus is essential for proper skeletal development. Diets must be nutrient-dense to support growth while maintaining consistent energy levels between meals. Smaller breeds often require more concentrated nutrients, whereas larger breeds require controlled levels due to their slower growth rates.
Adult Dogs
Dogs generally transition to adulthood between 12 and 18 months of age, depending on breed.
Small and medium breeds often require higher energy diets due to faster metabolic rates, with adequate levels of protein, vitamins, and minerals to maintain health and condition.
Larger breeds typically reach adulthood closer to two years of age. Their diets should contain controlled levels of fat and energy to help prevent weight gain. Balanced levels of protein, calcium, and phosphorus are also important, alongside nutrients such as glucosamine to support joint health.
Senior Dogs
As dogs age, activity levels often decrease, and recovery times may increase. Dogs aged seven years and over are generally considered senior.
Their diets should be adapted to include higher fibre levels and reduced fat content. Supporting joint health is also important, with nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, MSM, and chondroitin playing a beneficial role.
Food Intolerances and Allergies
Food intolerances are often confused with food allergies. Many pet owners mistakenly attribute digestive issues to allergies; however, fewer than 10% of allergic reactions are caused by food.
A true food allergy involves an immune response to a specific protein and commonly presents as skin irritation, infections, or hair loss. In contrast, most allergies in dogs are caused by environmental factors such as fleas, dust mites, or other irritants.
Veterinary professionals can provide testing to help identify the underlying cause.
Foods That Should Not Be in a Dog’s Diet
Not all foods are safe for dogs. The following common household items can be harmful:
Chocolate:
Chocolate is toxic to dogs. Even small amounts can cause vomiting or diarrhoea, while larger quantities may lead to seizures or be fatal.
Onions:
Onions can damage red blood cells in dogs, potentially leading to lethargy, pale gums, and weakness.
Salt:
While small amounts of salt are necessary in a dog’s diet, excessive intake can contribute to high blood pressure and place strain on the heart and kidneys.
Raisins and Grapes:
Both raisins and grapes are highly toxic to dogs and can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and, in severe cases, kidney failure.
Grain-Free Dog Food
Grain-free diets remain a popular trend within the pet food industry. These diets are formulated without grains and are often chosen for dogs with specific dietary sensitivities.
Reported benefits of grain-free dog food include:
- Smaller, firmer stools
- Reduced shedding
- Improved skin and coat condition
- Fewer digestive disturbances
- Reduced itching and scratching
To find out more about how our dry dog food is made at GA Pet Food, please visit our production page..
Emma Hunt
GA Pet Food Partners Pet Nutritionist
Emma has an undergraduate in Animal Behaviour and Welfare and subsequently completed a Masters in Veterinary Public Health at the University of Glasgow. Following this, she worked in the agri-food industry for several years and kept her own sheep flock before joining GA in 2021. Emma enjoys training and competing in strong woman, or spending time with her much-loved collie Lincoln.
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Article written by Kate Steele