Nutrition & Health
Keeping your dog safe and healthy
How to Choose a Good Dog Food
Proper nutrition is one of the most important decisions you'll make for your dog's health and longevity. With so many options available, understanding what makes a food suitable for your dog helps you make informed choices.
Types of Dog Food
Dry / Kibble
What it is: Low-moisture complete food in bags.
Convenient, easy to measure, and helps support dental health.
Tip: Choose the correct life stage and transition gradually.
Wet / Canned
What it is: High-moisture food in cans, trays or pouches.
Often highly palatable; useful for dogs with low appetite.
Tip: Portion accurately and refrigerate after opening.
Fresh / Gently Cooked
What it is: Commercially prepared cooked food.
Natural approach to feeding complete, balanced nutrition.
Tip: Verify it is complete and balanced, not simply "fresh."
Home-Cooked
What it is: Food prepared at home.
Full control over ingredients and preparation.
Tip: Long-term recipes should be designed by a veterinary nutrition professional.
What Makes a Food Good?
Complete and Balanced
Look for foods that provide all required nutrients in appropriate proportions for a stated life stage. This is the foundation of good nutrition.
Correct Life Stage & Size
Puppies, adults, seniors and different breeds have varying nutritional needs. Select a formula specifically designed for your dog's age and expected size.
Trustworthy Manufacturer
Choose brands with clear contact details, nutrition expertise, quality control standards and transparent ingredient and nutritional information.
Clear Feeding Guidance
Good foods provide portion guidance that you can adjust based on your dog's body condition, activity level, age and health status.
Good Individual Response
The best indicator of a suitable food is how your dog thrives on it: normal stool, stable weight, healthy skin and coat, good energy and appetite.
Transparent Labeling
Clearly stated protein, fat, fibre and other nutritional analysis helps you make informed comparisons and adjust feeding decisions confidently.
Shortcuts to Avoid
Is it complete and balanced? Is it suitable for this dog's life stage and needs? Is it made with sound quality control?
What is the complete nutritional profile? Is it balanced and suitable for your dog's individual needs?
Is there a veterinary reason for this choice? Is the total diet appropriate and balanced for your dog?
Does the diet actually meet your dog's nutritional needs? How is your individual dog thriving on it?
How to Change Food Safely
Transition Gradually Over 5-7 Days
Unless your veterinarian recommends a different plan, introduce new food progressively. Begin with a small amount of new food mixed into the current diet, then gradually increase the new food while reducing the old food.
- Day 1-2: 75% old food + 25% new food
- Day 3-4: 50% old food + 50% new food
- Day 5-6: 25% old food + 75% new food
- Day 7: 100% new food
- If digestive upset occurs, slow the transition or seek veterinary advice
Practical Feeding Checklist
Adequacy
Choose a food labelled complete and balanced for your dog's specific life stage. This ensures all essential nutrients are present in proper proportions.
Portion Control
Measure meals and adjust portions based on body condition, not appetite alone. Follow manufacturer guidance and modify as needed based on individual response.
Treats & Extras
Keep treats and table scraps modest. They should not comprise more than 10% of daily caloric intake to avoid unbalancing the diet.
Fresh Water
Provide clean, fresh water at all times. Proper hydration is essential for all bodily functions and overall health.
Regular Monitoring
Track weight, stool quality, skin and coat condition, appetite and energy levels. These are practical indicators of whether a food suits your dog.
Professional Guidance
Work with your veterinarian when selecting food. Individual assessment is especially important for puppies, seniors, or dogs with health concerns.
When to Seek Veterinary Advice
Contact your veterinarian if your dog experiences any of the following. These signs can have many causes and should not be diagnosed from the food label alone.
Persistent vomiting or diarrhoea lasting more than a day or two
Unexplained weight gain or loss despite consistent feeding
Poor appetite, excessive hunger, or sudden disinterest in food
Drinking significantly more water than usual
Recurring itchiness, ear problems, or redness
Poor coat quality, excessive shedding, or dull appearance
Unusual tiredness, lack of enthusiasm, or reduced activity
Signs of food sensitivity or adverse reactions
Questions About Your Dog's Nutrition?
Our team is here to discuss feeding options, answer your questions, and provide guidance on keeping your dog healthy and thriving.
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