Guide to Dog Nutrition

Proper nutrition does more than fill your dog’s bowl—it fuels their life. From the tiniest cell to the biggest tail wags, nutrition provides energy and key building blocks for every process in your pup’s body. With the appropriate balance of necessary and beneficial nutrients, your dog can experience optimal physical health, enhanced well-being, and greater longevity—essentially, the good life begins with good food.

Understanding Dog Nutrition

Like us, dogs have specific nutritional requirements to ensure their bodies maintain proper function and internal balance. These critical nutrients include protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and water. Complete and balanced dog foods will contain adequate nutrition and don’t require additional supplementation.

The Role of Macronutrients

Macronutrients are those required in larger quantities and include protein, fat, and carbohydrates. These nutrients are necessary for a variety of functions throughout the body.

Protein — Protein is made up of amino acids, also known as “the building blocks of life.” Amino acids play a critical role in virtually every internal process. Perhaps most notably, protein contributes to the development and repair of muscle, bone, ligaments and tendons, cartilage, skin, and hair as well as the creation of hormones and antibodies.
Fat — Dietary fat provides concentrated energy for the body. Fatty acids supplied by dietary fat help provide structure to cells and support the skin and coat. Finally, fat adds flavor to the diet which encourages a healthy appetite.
Carbohydrates — Carbohydrates provide an additional energy source for dogs as well as dietary fiber. Complex carbohydrates can help regulate blood sugar by prolonging the digestive process and promoting healthy intestinal flora (i.e., good bacteria) through fermentation.

Micronutrients: Vitamins and Minerals in a Dog’s Diet

While only small amounts of micronutrients are necessary, they are critical for your dog’s health and function. Micronutrients include:

Vitamins — Your dog requires a variety of vitamins to support everything from their immune function to nutrient breakdown and digestion. However, vitamins must be consumed in precise amounts to prevent deficiencies and toxicity.
Minerals — Minerals are necessary for bone growth and development in puppies and for regulating various processes such as muscle and nerve function, fluid balance, and red blood cell formation. Like vitamins, minerals must be consumed in precise quantities according to your dog’s life stage.

How to Choose the Best Dog Food

Each dog is an individual with unique needs that will vary throughout their life. Recognizing these needs and requirements can ensure you’re always feeding the absolute best dog food for your best friend.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Dog Food

Use the following criteria to guide your search:

age or life stage (puppy, adult, senior)
breed (large or small)
activity level (athlete, couch potato, or in between)
health (pre-existing conditions may require specific nutrition)

Reading and Understanding Dog Food Labels

Dog food packages and labels are adorned with eye-catching buzzwords and complex-looking charts and graphs, but what does it all mean? Here are some tips to keep in mind.

Believe in the ingredients, not the promises — The first ingredients on the label should be recognizable whole foods such as animal protein, vegetables, fruits, or whole grains.
Look for quality statements — Foods bearing a nutritional adequacy statement (e.g., from The Association of American Feed Control Officials [AAFCO]) contain appropriate amounts of nutrients for the listed life stage.
Find the right fit for your dog — Ensure the food is labeled for your dog’s age, size, and activity level.
Check the sources — Responsible ingredient sourcing demonstrates integrity and concern for pets as well as the planet.
Avoid fillers and artificial ingredients — Filler ingredients such as corn, wheat, and soy keep costs low for manufacturers but provide little nutritional value. Similarly, artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors may enhance a food’s look or shelf life but may harm your pup.

Dry, Wet, Raw, or Fresh? Understanding Dog Food Types

Dog food is also available in an increasing number of formulas and variations. To determine what’s best for your dog, it’s important to consider several factors such as:

Nutritional value — Ingredients should be high-quality and recognizable.
Cost — Calculate how much your dog will consume per day, week, and month, and realize that quantities will vary based on which formulation you select.
Palatability — Will this preparation pique your dog’s appetite?
Convenience and safety — Storage and handling are important considerations for perishable diets such as such as fresh, homemade, and raw foods. Homemade food requires additional time to source, prepare, and balance ingredients. Lastly, raw dog food carries the risk of food-borne illness and must be handled with caution.

While wet, fresh, and raw foods naturally contain additional moisture, ensure your pup always has access to fresh clean water.

Puppy Nutrition

Puppies require specialized nutrition until they are at least 12 months old to ensure proper growth and development. Controlled growth is especially important for large- and giant-breed dogs to prevent painful musculoskeletal conditions. In addition to their increased energy needs, puppies benefit from diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids to promote cognitive development and learning. Depending on your puppy’s individual needs, it may be advantageous to feed your puppy a specially formulated puppy food or an all-life stages diet.

Learn: How Much Puppy Food Does My Puppy Need?

Adult Dog Nutrition

Once physical development is complete, puppies can be transitioned to an adult, maintenance, or all-life stages diet. These foods generally contain more moderate calorie amounts, which suits the adult dog’s reduced need for dietary energy. Spaying and neutering further slows the metabolism, therefore many owners must adjust their dog’s meal portions to prevent weight gain. Alternatively, active, athletic, or working dogs often require larger portions to sustain their increased energy needs.

Learn: How Much Food Should I Feed My Dog?

Adult dog foods generally contain a balanced ratio of protein, fat, carbohydrates, and micronutrients to support the overall maintenance and function of their physical well-being.

Senior Dog Nutrition

Aging dogs have unique nutritional needs that reflect their changing body composition, lifestyle, and health. Although many senior dogs are less active and require fewer calories, high-quality protein is still essential to maintain their body condition and muscle mass. Beneficial fatty acids and antioxidants provide a protective boost to the immune system as well as nerve and cognitive function, while increased dietary fiber can promote a sense of fullness and support digestive regularity.

Explore: How to Keep Your Senior Dog Healthy.

Nutritional needs will vary for senior dogs with chronic conditions such as arthritis, kidney disease, diabetes, and cancer. If your pup suffers from a health condition, work with your veterinarian to ensure you’re feeding an appropriate diet.

Dog Treats and Snacks

Treats are a great way to bond with your dog and reward their good behavior, but too many can lead to harmful weight gain New dog owners and veteran dog parents often struggle to find the best dog treat for their dog. Here’s some factors to consider when choosing a dog treat.

Choosing the Best Dog Treat

Look for dog treats made with a limited number of high-quality, whole-food ingredients to ensure you’re providing your pup with something tasty and nutritious. Also, consider the purpose of the treat—training treats are made to serve as quick bite-sized rewards, while chews provide a longer-lasting snack.

Explore: Ollie’s Dental Chews and Dog Treats

Homemade Versus Commercial Treats

Treats don’t have to come in a fancy package to provide a satisfying experience for your dog. Many homemade treat recipes and single-ingredient treats—such as carrots or blueberries—deliver a powerful punch of flavor and nutrition.

Learn: 7 Easy Homemade Blueberry Dog Treat Recipes

Treats for Training and Behavior

Positive reinforcement drives good behavior, meaning that when a dog receives a timely treat reward they’re more likely to repeat the rewarded action. By focusing on what your dog does right, instead of punishing undesirable behavior, you’ll build a closer and more trusting bond!

Explore: Ollie’s Dog Training Treats

Special Dietary Considerations

Your pup’s health can have a significant impact on how their body absorbs and utilizes nutrients. In some instances, otherwise beneficial ingredients can trigger harmful responses such as inflammation, bloating, or a blood sugar spike. If your dog has been diagnosed with a chronic health condition, a specialized nutrition plan or diet may be necessary to ensure their optimal health and comfort.

Conditions requiring customized nutrition include:

Obesity
Diabetes
Kidney disease
Food allergies or sensitivities (e.g., protein or grain allergy)
Digestive disorders (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency)

Feeding Strategies and Best Practices

Appropriate feeding is about more than filling your pup’s bowl at mealtime, but understanding their unique nutritional needs and how to enhance their meal experience for optimal digestion and wellness.

How Much Should I Feed My Dog?

Your dog’s daily food intake will depend on several things, including:

Age and life stage (e.g., puppy, adult, pregnant or nursing, senior)
Breed
Activity level
Nutritional quality
Overall body condition (e.g., under or overweight or ideal)

Portion sizes will change throughout your dog’s life, so keep an eye on these parameters—and your pup’s waistline—to ensure they’re receiving appropriate nutrition.

Create a Feeding Schedule

Puppies should eat several small meals throughout the day to fuel their growing bodies and provide steady energy. Consistent meal times will also help accelerate potty training by helping you anticipate your puppy’s needs.

Adult and senior dogs may be fed once or twice a day but should always be fed at a consistent time for proper digestive health.

Learn: How to Create a Feeding Schedule for Your Dog

Understanding Your Dog’s Unique Needs

In addition to accommodating any health conditions, pay attention to your dog’s meal experience and make necessary adjustments such as:

Using food toys to slow down speed eaters — Gulping food can lead to digestive upset, so use a variety of food puzzles and toys to promote more mindful eating.
Accommodating senior dogs with raised feeders and soft foods — Older dogs may appreciate an elevated food dish, while those with dental disease, missing teeth, or diminished senses may enjoy soft, aromatic, or gently warmed food.
Enticing picky eaters with healthy toppers — Encourage reluctant eaters by supplementing your pup’s dish with healthy fresh foods or tasty toppers.

Vet Tips: What to Do If Your Dog is a Picky Eater.

Food Safety and Risks

Proper nutrition includes recognizing and avoiding potential dangers that could harm you and your pup.

Ingredients to Avoid in Dog Food

Some dog foods contain preservatives, sweeteners, and artificial ingredients that can make dogs sick.

These include:

Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA)
Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)
Carrageenan
Ethoxyquin
Food coloring or dyes
Melamine
Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
Nitrates and nitrites
Propylene glycol

Deep Dive: Vet Explains 8 Harmful Ingredients to Watch Out For in Dog Food

Toxic Foods for Dogs

When it comes to feeding our furry friends, it’s crucial to be aware that not all human food is safe for dogs. Many everyday foods that are perfectly healthy for humans can be harmful or even deadly to dogs.

For instance, chocolate contains theobromine, which dogs cannot metabolize effectively, leading to potential poisoning. Similarly, onions and garlic can cause gastrointestinal irritation and could lead to red blood cell damage. Grapes and raisins, seemingly harmless snacks, have been linked to kidney failure in dogs.

Other foods to avoid include xylitol (a sweetener found in many sugar-free products), alcohol, caffeine, macadamia nuts, and foods high in salt and fat content.

As responsible pet owners, it’s important to familiarize ourselves with these dangers and keep such items out of our dogs’ reach, ensuring our pets stay happy and healthy. Always consult with a veterinarian if you’re unsure about certain foods or if you suspect your dog has ingested something toxic.

💡Vet Tips: Printable List of Human Foods Toxic to Dogs

Preventing Food-Related Health Risks

Always prepare your dog’s meals using basic food handling precautions. Although raw dog food carries the greatest risk, any dog food formula can harbor food-borne pathogens such as salmonella and E.coli, so take diligent precautions such as:

Washing your hands before and after handling dog food
Cleaning all surfaces with a pet-safe disinfectant
Washing your dog’s food and water bowls daily in warm soapy water
Refrigerating or disposing of uneaten food to prevent spoilage
Storing all dog food according to manufacturer recommendations

Managing Food Allergies and Intolerances

Food allergies and intolerances (i.e., sensitivities) can provoke unpleasant signs including skin irritation or digestive disturbances. If your pup struggles with chronic skin or digestive issues, work with your veterinarian to determine possible causes. If food is the suspected cause for your dog’s discomfort, a limited ingredient or novel protein diet feeding trial may be necessary to relieve their clinical signs and identify the trigger ingredient or allergen.

Learn: Common Food Allergies for Dogs and How to Avoid Them

Supplements and Probiotics

You may wonder if supplements are appropriate or necessary to boost your dog’s health and vitality. While a complete and balanced diet should satisfy your dog’s nutritional needs, adding probiotics or supplements can be beneficial for some dogs.

Natural Versus Synthetic Supplements

Although synthetic supplements are often almost chemically identical to their natural counterparts, synthetic preparations may contain additional ingredients and be absorbed differently by your dog’s body. Alternatively, natural supplements—those derived from whole food sources (e.g., omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil)—may provide more bioavailable nutrition.

Introducing Supplements

Work closely with your veterinarian to ensure supplements are safe for your dog and won’t interfere with their current medications or health conditions. With your veterinarian’s approval, introduce supplements slowly, gradually working up to the recommended dose, to prevent digestive upset.

Explore: Ollie’s Dog Supplement Offerings.

Benefits of Probiotics

Probiotics for dogs are beneficial microorganisms (i.e., bacteria) that support a healthy microbiome and aid in the breakdown and absorption of food. Adding probiotics to your dog’s dish can provide immense far-reaching health benefits such as:

Enhanced digestion
Improved gut immunity
Strengthened intestinal barrier
Reduced allergen sensitivity
Reduced anxiety

Explore: Ollie’s Probiotics for Dogs

Dog Nutrition FAQs

What is meant by life-stage nutrition?

Life-stage nutrition implies that a food is designed to meet one or more specific nutritional profiles developed by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Recognized profiles include gestation/lactation, growth (i.e., puppies), and maintenance (i.e., adult and senior dogs). Some foods may carry a statement announcing their suitability for all life stages.

Are there any breed differences in nutritional requirements?

The most significant differences in breed-specific nutrition involve growth and development. Toy and giant breed dogs have distinctly different requirements to ensure each reaches physical maturity in a safe and controlled manner. Additionally, some breeds may have unique requirements based on their predisposition for specific health conditions, so always research your dog’s breed history to ensure your feeding regimen is appropriate.

Is dry or canned food better?

Like other nutritional questions, the answer depends less on the specific formulation than on your dog’s individual needs as well as the quality of the food.

How often should I feed my dog?

Puppies should generally consume three to four small meals per day until they are approximately 6 months old, then be reduced to twice-daily feedings. Around 12 months old, this can be further reduced to once daily if necessary. Healthy adult and senior dogs should be fed once or twice daily at consistent times.

How much should I feed my dog?

The label guidelines on your dog’s food are only that—a guideline. Your dog’s daily food intake depends on their age, breed, activity level, health, and appearance. Monitor your dog’s body condition—ensuring you can see a visible waist from above and in profile, and that there is only a moderate amount of fat covering the ribs—to ensure you are not under or overfeeding your dog. When in doubt, consult your veterinarian.

What should I look for in a dog food?

Look for real meat as the primary ingredient, avoiding by-products and fillers. Whole grains and vegetables should be included for balanced nutrition. Avoid artificial additives, colors, and preservatives. Opt for foods that provide essential vitamins and minerals from natural sources.

What are the nutritional requirements for dogs?

For a comprehensive review of evidence-based canine nutritional requirements, check out the AAFCO Dog and Cat Food Nutrient Profiles and the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) Global Nutrition Guidelines.

Is it true that dogs should only eat raw foods and cannot properly digest cooked foods?

No. While raw dog food is the preferred option for some dog owners, dogs can safely digest and absorb the nutrients from cooked food. Gently cooked foods such as Ollie ensure dogs receive the greatest nutritional value from each ingredient while reducing the potential for food-borne illness associated with raw dog food.

Can dogs digest carbohydrates?

Although dogs do not have a biological need for carbohydrates, nutrient-rich carbohydrate sources provide reliable energy and gut-healthy fiber, ensuring your dog is always satisfied and ready for adventure. Complex carbohydrates can also provide great benefits for diabetic dogs by slowing digestion and supporting stable blood glucose.

As carnivores, do dogs need to eat a meat-based diet?

Unlike cats, dogs are not obligate or strict carnivores but facultative carnivores. This means that in addition to their carnivore-like anatomy (i.e. sharp tearing teeth and a short digestive tract), dogs also have omnivorous tendencies and can thrive on a diet containing both meat and plant matter.

What essential nutrients does my dog need for a balanced diet?

To be considered a complete and balanced diet, dog foods must contain specific quantities of essential nutrients (i.e., those not produced in the dog’s body). According to Tufts University’s Clinical Nutrition Service, essential nutrients for dogs include

Protein — Including amino acids arginine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, cystine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine
Fats and fatty acids — Linoleic acid, alpha-linoleic acid for growth, and EPA and DHA for growth
Minerals — Including calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, chloride, magnesium, iron, copper, manganese, zinc, iodine, and selenium
Vitamins — Including Vitamin A, D, E, K, B Complex, and choline

How do I know if my dog’s food is nutritionally complete?

Check the food label or packaging for a nutritional adequacy statement or claim. This statement will explain whether the food is formulated to meet the nutrient requirements established by AAFCO that define “complete” and “balanced”, which life stage the food is appropriate for, and, when applicable, if a controlled feeding trial was used to confirm nutritional adequacy.