What’s the best diet for your dog?

Just like in humans, your beloved dog’s diet has a huge impact on their general health and wellbeing.

A high-quality, balanced diet can not only prevent your pet from falling unwell due to nutritional deficiencies but will also help to ensure that they remain in optimal body condition, which is associated with improved quality of life and longevity. After all, that’s all we want for our four-legged family members!

Choosing the best diet for your dog can be a little confusing, with lots of different and sometimes conflicting pet food marketing claims being made. Every dog is different, and what suits one pet may not be appropriate for another.

To help clear the confusion, we want to help pet owners digest the do’s, don’ts and details of diets for your furry friend. Let’s go!

Dietary basics for your dog

One of the most important overall considerations for your dog’s diet is ensuring that they’re being fed a complete and balanced diet. Their food should be formulated to meet official pet nutritional guidelines (such as PFIAA), to ensure your pet receives adequate amounts of both high-quality macronutrients (proteins, fats and carbohydrates), and adequate but not excessive amounts of micronutrients (vitamins and minerals).

It’s important to note that some micronutrients, such as calcium and phosphorus, need to be offered in a balanced ratio with each other or else your pet might be at risk of falling ill.

The quantities and ratios of macronutrients and micronutrients your dog requires will depend on their life stage (e.g. growing puppy, adult, senior, or pregnant/lactating female) as well as any other health issues they may have (such as gastrointestinal disease or kidney disease).

It’s very important to monitor your dog’s body condition, to ensure you’re not overfeeding or underfeeding them. A body condition score can be a helpful visual guide, but it’s also a good idea to have your pet’s condition assessed by a veterinarian – just to be sure!

Types of dog food

Dog kibble

Let’s start off with dog kibble (also known as dry dog food or dog biscuits), a convenient and cost-effective way of feeding your pooch. Kibble has a long-shelf life and requires no preparation, which is great for pet-parents with busy lifestyles.

Many of the traditional high quality 'veterinary brand' kibbles have been through extensive feeding trials (as well as being carefully formulated by veterinary nutritionists) to ensure they meet pet nutrition guidelines for being complete and balanced in the long term. That’s exactly what we want to hear!

These types of kibbles come in prescription formulations, which can have additional dental health benefits or help manage common chronic health conditions such as dietary sensitivities, kidney disease, liver disease, or bladder problems.

Now for the downsides – some owners have concerns with the fact that they are technically a processed food. If you find yourself with a picky pooch, they might not always eat their kibble.

Wet dog food

Wet dog food has the same benefits as dry food since it’s convenient, is packed with nutritional benefits (provided it is a high-quality brand designed to be complete and balanced) and has a long shelf life. Additionally, wet dog foods have a high water content, which is a great way to keep your pet hydrated. They also tend to be tastier than dry food to the average pet!

On the other hand, wet foods won’t provide the same dental health benefits as kibble, and they tend to be more expensive. Similar to kibble, they are classed as a processed food type for dogs.

Raw dog food or 'natural' diets

When it comes to feeding your pet, some people go for store-bought cooked 'natural' diets, while others prefer homemade meals – cooked or raw.

All these diets share the likely health benefits of being minimally processed. This is the strong preference of some owners and may be more digestible and tastier for some of our fluffy friends. Some owners also anecdotally report that their pet appears healthier on these diets, maintaining a shinier coat and optimal body condition more easily.

The main downside of commercial cooked 'natural' diets tends to be the price, with the premium complete and balanced brands tending to be the most expensive dietary option for dogs.

The main issues with home-prepared diets is usually the prep time required, and the significant risk of harmful nutrient imbalances. Home-cooked and raw diets should only be fed long-term under the guidance of a board certified veterinary nutritionist, or else they can be commonly deficient in micronutrients.

Lastly, raw diets run the risk of contamination with dangerous bacteria such as salmonella and campylobacter, which can be dangerous to both pooches and their owners. This risk is reduced, but not eliminated, if all meat fed to your pet is fresh, human-grade meat, and you practice rigorous hygiene during the meal storage, preparation and clean up.

Pros and cons

When deciding on the best diet for your pup, it’s best to consult your vet, who can make personalised recommendations based on your pet’s individual health requirements. If in doubt, always ask your vet!

Toxic foods

While this isn’t a complete list, here are some common human foods that can be dangerous for your pet, and should never be fed to them:

• Chocolate
• Grapes and raisins
• Onions and garlic
• Avocado
• Alcohol
• Artificial sweeteners such as xylitol
• Caffeine
• Macadamia nuts
• Cooked bones
• Raw dough
• High levels of salt
• Fat trimmings
• Milk and dairy products (for pets who are lactose intolerant)
• Unripe tomatoes, tomato plant material
• Citrus fruits
• Nutmeg
• Cherries (pits and stems)
• Stone fruit pits
• Raw fish (some types)

If you think that your pet has eaten one of these foods, it’s best to contact your vet or the Animal Poisons Helpline in your state or territory for advice – keep this number handy in your notes app on your phone, or on your fridge in case of emergencies. They will be able to assess your pet’s risk of becoming ill and instruct you on the best course of action, whether it be monitoring or treatment. When it comes to poisoning, early intervention is always best.

Human foods that are safe for your dog

If you want to 'spice up' your dog’s snacks, provided they don’t have any special dietary requirements, it is safe to offer them small quantities of certain human foods such as:

• Carrots
• Apples (without seeds or core)
• Bananas
• Blueberries
• Watermelon (without seeds or rind)
• Pumpkin (plain, cooked)
• Sweet potatoes (cooked, plain)
• Green beans (plain, cooked or raw)
• Peanut butter (unsweetened, without xylitol)
• Chicken (plain, cooked, no seasoning or bones)
• Turkey (plain, cooked, no seasoning or bones)
• Rice (plain, cooked)
• Oatmeal (plain, cooked)
• Cucumber
• Zucchini
• Eggs (cooked)
• Cheese
• Pineapple (peeled, without core)
• Cantaloupe (without seeds or rind)
• Plain popcorn (without butter or salt)

Dog food for puppies: Special considerations for younger dogs

Puppies are normally weaned by around 7-10 weeks old, so by this time they should be reliably eating a complete and balanced puppy food that meets nutritional guidelines for healthy growth and development. Growing pups benefit from higher levels of protein, fat and balanced calcium and phosphorus than what is present in average adult dog food.

While the traditional approach has been to feed fur-babies into a (cute) chubby, potato-like shape, keeping your pup in optimal slim healthy body condition is best for their health. Overfeeding puppies, especially large to giant breed pups, can make them more likely to develop skeletal issues in the future.

While most small to medium puppies thrive on any high-quality puppy food, it can be better for larger breed puppies to eat a specially designed large breed puppy diet, as this will help to sustain the slower, steadier growth than supports healthy musculoskeletal development in these larger pets. Small to medium puppy breeds should be transitioned to an adult diet at 10-12 months old, while large to giant breeds should stay on a puppy diet until 18-24 months old. As always, chat with your vet on the best option for your pooch.

It’s easiest to achieve these safe nutrient balances with premium brand puppy kibble or tinned foods, rather than home-prepared diets. It’s important to note that a raw food diet can be dangerous for young pups, whose immature immune systems may not be able to deal with the bacterial load present. You’re best to avoid this diet if you can!

Dog food for older dogs: Nutritional needs for senior dogs

Like young pups and adult dogs, our more senior furry friends should also be fed a complete and balanced diet. From 8-10 years of age, they may also benefit from a transition to a specific 'senior' formulation. These are designed for older pups with reduced calories, high fibre and quality protein to prevent excessive weight gain as your pet becomes more sedentary, whilst still supporting healthy muscle mass and good digestion. Some premium types also include additional supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids, which can help to support their joint and brain health.

As with puppies, it’s recommended to avoid offering a raw diet to mature dogs, as they may be more at risk of getting sick from potential bacterial contamination.

On the other hand, if your dog has any chronic health issues or has trouble maintaining a healthy weight, it’s best to have a chat with your vet regarding the most appropriate dietary options for them. They may benefit from a prescription diet, such as a kidney health support or weight control diet. A good diet is a key component of supporting your beloved older pet’s quality of life.

How often should you feed your dog?

Some pet-parents are surprised to find out that puppies should be fed three to four times daily up until around 16 weeks old! This is because they need a lot of energy for growth and have less capacity than adult dogs for energy storage.

From around four to 6 months old, puppies can then be transitioned to twice daily feeding to support ongoing growth until adulthood. Whilst some owners then prefer to drop their adult pet’s meal frequency to once daily, twice daily feeding is recommended for larger breed dogs who can be at increased risk of dangerous stomach bloating and twisting after very large meals. Some food-loving pups (and those with delicate tummies) might feel better with two meals a day instead of one.

Is it safe to switch your dog’s food suddenly?

Any changes in diet for your dog should ideally be gradually done over around seven days to help prevent tummy upset:

• On days one and two, offer your pet meals with a ratio of 25% new food combined with 75% of their current diet.
• On days three, four and five, feed 50% the new food and 50% current diet.
• Then on days six and seven, offer your pet 75% new food and 25% current diet before completely switching over to the new food thereafter.

If your dog develops any mild signs of tummy upset (such as soft stools) but otherwise seems in good spirits, keep the food ratios consistent for several more days to see if things settle out, before proceeding with the transition. However, if your dog appears unwell with vomiting, loss of appetite, or significant diarrhoea, it’s best to have them assessed by a vet to see if any treatment is required.

How to know if my dog is allergic to food?

Food allergies or intolerances generally lead to two main types of symptoms in affected pets; tummy upset signs and skin/ear irritation problems.

As a result, dogs having a reaction to a particular ingredient or additive can show a range of symptoms, which may include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Stools containing mucus or blood
• Unpleasant gassiness
• Weight loss
• Recurrent ear infections
• Itchy skin, which could lead to your pet frequently rubbing their eyes or face, licking their paws, or scratching, rubbing or gnawing at other areas of skin on their body

Rarely, true food allergies can lead to symptoms of anaphylaxis, where pets can become weak, vomit, or develop breathing difficulties or pale gums. This condition calls for an urgent trip to the vet.

Offering your dog appropriate amounts of a complete and balanced diet suited to their life stage is a key element in supporting their general health and wellbeing, as well as keeping them looking gorgeous too. And if you can find a food that ticks these boxes whilst also providing them with a delicious flavour experience, your pet really will be living their best life!

Fuelling your pup's health

Your pup’s health starts in their bowl! The right diet fuels their energy, keeps their coat shiny, and supports lifelong well-being. But every dog is different – what works for one might not be best for another. That’s why chatting with your vet about nutrition is so important! Whether it’s kibble, wet dog food or something in between, the right balance makes all the difference.