Dog Feeding & Nutrition: Choosing a Suitable Diet

Understanding dog nutrition

Feeding and nutrition cover the food, nutrients, energy intake and feeding routine needed to support a dog's growth, maintenance^★ and everyday activity. The starting point for most owners is not a fashionable ingredient list but whether the food is appropriate for the individual dog and labelled as complete when it is intended to provide the whole diet.

A dog's needs can change with age, size, activity, body condition, pregnancy and health. Treats and training food also count as part of overall intake. Fresh drinking water should always be available.

Comparing food types

Dry food is convenient to store and measure. Wet food can suit dogs that prefer a different texture and can be used as part of a suitable feeding plan. Mixed feeding can also be appropriate when the quantities are adjusted rather than simply adding a full portion of each food.

Raw feeding needs particular care. PDSA notes that the benefits of raw feeding over conventional balanced diets have not been demonstrated and highlights risks from bacteria, parasites, nutritional imbalance and bones. Homemade diets can also be difficult to balance, especially over the long term.

Specialist diets may be recommended when a dog has a diagnosed health problem. These should be selected with appropriate veterinary advice rather than because a product is marketed as 'specialist'.

Portions, treats and food changes

Use the manufacturer's feeding information as a starting point, then monitor the dog's body condition and weight. Feeding quantities are not universal. Measuring food is more reliable than estimating by eye, especially for dogs that gain weight easily.

When changing food, introduce it gradually to reduce the likelihood of digestive upset. Treats should be considered within the daily intake. For training, using part of the normal food allowance can avoid unnecessarily increasing calories.

Store food securely, follow package instructions and keep feeding equipment clean. Discard food that is spoiled, contaminated or otherwise unsuitable.

Puppies, adults and older dogs

Puppies need food appropriate for growth rather than an adult maintenance diet. Adult dogs need an intake suited to their size, activity and body condition. Older dogs may need changes because activity, weight or health can change with age.

A medical condition can alter nutritional requirements. Persistent vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, unexplained weight change or difficulty eating warrants veterinary assessment rather than repeated diet changes without diagnosis.

UK considerations and safety

The UK regulates pet food and feed. GOV.UK identifies animal-feed legislation covering pet food and pet treats, including requirements around manufacture, labelling and safety. For raw pet food, government guidance highlights microbiological hazards and the need for appropriate handling and packaging.

Owners should buy from reputable suppliers, check packaging and follow storage directions. Household foods should not be given casually because some foods are unsafe for dogs.

How to choose

Start with the dog's age, body condition, activity and health status. Check whether the food is complete or complementary, read feeding guidance and compare the practical suitability of the format. Avoid choosing solely on words such as premium, natural or breed-specific.

If a dog has a diagnosed condition, is persistently unwell, or if you are considering a homemade or raw diet, involve a vet or appropriately qualified veterinary nutrition professional.