How to Choose the Right Food for Your Dog
How to Choose the Right Food for Your Dog
Introduction
Choosing the right food for your dog can feel overwhelming. With so many brands, ingredients and marketing claims, it's hard to know where to start, or if you have made the right choice.
The good news is that choosing a quality dog food doesn't have to be complicated. Once you understand the basics, including your dog's age, size, activity level and any special dietary needs, and your budget, finding the right food becomes much easier.
This guide explains what to look for and how to choose a food that will help keep your dog healthy and happy. If you're still unsure after reading this guide, don't worry. We'd much rather help you choose the right food than have you buy something that isn't suitable.
Start with your dog's age
One of the most important things to consider is your dog's stage of life.
Puppies
Puppies need food that's specially formulated to support healthy growth, brain development and strong bones. They require more calories and different nutrient levels than adult dogs.
Adult Dogs
Adult dogs need a balanced diet that provides energy while helping them maintain a healthy weight.
Senior Dogs
As dogs get older, their nutritional needs often change. Senior dog food generally contain fewer calories, added supplements for joint support and ingredients that are easier to digest.
Consider your dog's size
Not all dogs have the same nutritional requirements.
Small breeds often benefit from smaller kibble sizes and foods designed for faster metabolisms whilst Large breeds usually need diets that support healthy joints and controlled growth.
Think about activity levels. Is my dog highly active or more relaxed?
A working Collie that spends hours outdoors every day needs different nutrition to a Cavalier King Charles that enjoys a couple of walks and plenty of naps.
Does your dog have any sensitivities?
Some dogs have sensitive stomachs or food intolerances.
Common signs include:
- Itchy skin
- Excessive scratching
- Ear problems
- Digestive upset
- Loose stools
If that's the case, you may want to consider a sensitive or grain-free food, although we always advise speaking to your vet if symptoms are persistent.
(Links to Grain Free & Sensitive)
Don't get distracted by marketing
Fancy packaging, heavy marketing and higher prices doesn't always necessarily mean better nutrition.
Instead of focusing on marketing claims, look for a food made by a trusted manufacturer with quality ingredients and clear nutritional information. We are particularly happy to work with and supply many high quality Irish made dog foods, including those from Connolly’s Red Mills (Winner, Engage, Leader & Go-Native), GAIN, Feedwell & Naturo
Changing foods
At Mad About Pets, we don’t usually advise a dog owner to change their dog’s food, particularly so, if your dog is doing well on their current food. But if for whatever reason you decide to change your dog’s food, one of the biggest mistakes dog owners make is changing food overnight.
Instead we advise gradually introducing the new food over about a week or so.
For example:
Days 1–2 (75% old food / 25% new food)
Days 3–4 (50/50)
Days 5–6 (25% old / 75% new)
Day 7 (100% new)
How much should I feed?
Every food is slightly different.
Always use the manufacturer's feeding guide as a starting point, then adjust according to your dog's body condition and activity level.
Fresh water should always be available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I feed grain-free food?
Only if it's appropriate for your dog's needs. Grain-free isn't necessarily better for every dog. Most dogs can easily digest grains, and gain valuable nutrition from same. If you do suspect that your dog has a grain allergy, we recommend that you contact your local vet.
It should also be noted that in general Grain Free Dog Food is more expensive than dog food with grains.
Wet or Dry Food?
Choosing between wet and dry dog food comes down to moisture content, cost, and convenience. Dry food (kibble / nuts) contains 3% to 12% moisture, while wet (canned / tinned) food contains 60% to 85% moisture.
Dry Food (Kibble / Nuts) is more affordable / budget friendly, has longer shelf life once opened. Crunchy texture of kibble helps reduce plaque and tartar buildup, and kibble is much more convenient to store.
Wet Dog Food (Tins, Cans, Pouches & Trays) generally has stronger aroma / smell and rich flavour that really appeals to most dogs and fussy eaters. The soft texture of wet dog food is ideal for older dogs or pets with missing teeth and dental pain. Wet dog food is however more expensive per serving and must be refrigerated after opening.
Can I mix wet and dry food?
Yes. Many owners successfully combine the two, as we do ourselves at Mad About Pets
How often should I feed my dog?
Generally:
Puppies: 3–4 meals per day
Adults: Usually twice daily
Senior dogs: Usually twice daily
Our advice
Every dog is different, and there isn't a single food that's perfect for every pet. The best choice depends on your dog's age, lifestyle and individual needs. Some dogs will eat almost anything, whilst others can be fussy. And it may take a little trial and error to find the best food for your dog. This is one of the reasons why we offer many of our dog foods in different size bags.
At Mad About Pets, we're always happy to help you choose the most suitable food for your dog. Whether you're shopping online or visiting us in Kinvara, we'll do our best to point you in the right direction.
(By Declan Connolly from Mad About Pets)
Browse our Dog Food collection by what matters most to your dog:
