Choosing the right food for your dog:
Modern commercial pet foods are designed to meet not only your dog’s caloric needs but also to prevent or address some diseases. These diets are tailored for different breeds, sizes, and activity levels. When choosing a pet food brand, consult resources such as the WSAVA Nutrition Guidelines for expert advice. Most reputable brands offer detailed information on their websites to help guide your decision.
Dietary Recommendations from Your Vet
Once your puppy reaches adulthood, transition to a maintenance or adult-formula diet. This transition should occur over a 2 week period to avoid digestive upset. For healthy adult dogs, a ‘dental’ formula can help reduce plaque and tartar buildup. Senior dogs should be transitioned to diets specifically designed to support their aging bodies. Your veterinarian may also recommend specialized medical diets for conditions like obesity, bladder stones, food allergies, osteoarthritis, or digestive issues (among others).
Homemade Diets
Home-prepared diets typically consist of a mixture of vegetables, carbohydrates, meats, and added vitamins and minerals. However, homemade diets can be complex and challenging to balance, especially for growing puppies. Homemade diets are more commonly used for dogs with severe food allergies or digestive conditions.
If you are considering a homemade diet, it’s essential to consult your veterinarian. While home-cooked meals can be tailored to your dog’s needs, even with supplements, it can be difficult to create a nutritionally complete and balanced diet. Over time, this may lead to nutritional deficiencies. Commercial diets are typically a safer and more reliable option.
Raw Diets
Raw diets, which may include raw meat, organs, bones, grains, fruits, and vegetables, are growing in popularity. However, there is limited scientific evidence supporting the claimed health benefits of raw feeding, and several risks should be considered. These include inconsistent nutrient levels, variations in meat quality, and the potential for bacterial and parasitic contamination. To reduce these risks, strict hygiene practices are essential. For safety reasons, raw diets are not recommended for households with vulnerable individuals, such as young children, elderly family members, or people with compromised immune systems.
Foods to Avoid
Certain foods can be harmful or even toxic to dogs. Never feed your dog bones, as they can cause serious health issues like tooth fractures or intestinal obstructions. Instead, opt for safe chew toys, such as indestructible rubber toys or VOHC®-approved rawhides.
Avoid feeding your dog foods that are toxic to them, including:
- Chocolate, caffeine, and alcohol
- Onions, garlic, leeks, and avocados
- Grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, and xylitol (found in sugar-free gum)
- Pitted fruits and corn on the cob, which can cause gastrointestinal obstructions.
Additionally, treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. Aim for low-fat, low-sodium treats to help keep your dog healthy.