There are many different types of dog food available in pet shops, supermarkets and veterinary practices. Whatever type you choose, it should be labelled as complete dog food.
A complete food contains all the nutrients, vitamins and minerals your dog needs for a balanced diet. Complementary foods (such as mixers or toppers) do not provide full nutrition on their own.
Complete dog food comes in several forms, including dry and wet, so you can choose the option that best suits your dog and your lifestyle.
Some owners choose to feed raw or home-cooked diets made from meat, fish, rice or vegetables.
This is the most complicated way to feed a dog and carries a high risk of nutritional imbalance if not properly formulated. Homemade diets are unlikely to provide all essential nutrients unless carefully designed by a qualified veterinary nutritionist.
Raw diets may also pose health risks due to bacterial contamination.
If you are considering this type of feeding, speak to your vet first.
Some dogs require special diets due to medical conditions such as:
Some therapeutic diets are available in pet shops, but many require a veterinary prescription.
If you think your dog may benefit from a specific diet, consult your vet.
All dogs must have constant access to clean, fresh drinking water.
The correct amount depends on:
Feeding guidelines on the packaging provide a useful starting point. Weighing your dog’s food using scales can help avoid overfeeding.
If your dog is overweight or underweight, feed according to their target weight, not their current weight. Your vet can help you determine a healthy weight.
Puppies need specially formulated puppy food, which contains extra calories and nutrients to support growth and development.
Because puppies have small stomachs, they need multiple small meals each day:
6–12 weeks: four meals daily
12–20 weeks: three meals daily
20 weeks onwards: two meals daily
Start with the lowest recommended amount for your puppy’s age and size. Increase only if they begin to look underweight.
Puppy fat is not healthy. Overweight puppies are more likely to become overweight adults, which increases the risk of long-term health problems.
Large and giant breeds may need to remain on growth diets until 15–18 months of age. If unsure, ask your vet for guidance.
Do not feed puppies milk or dairy products. After weaning, puppies do not need milk and often cannot digest it properly, which may cause diarrhoea.
As dogs age, their nutritional needs change.
Older dogs may:
Keeping senior dogs slim is important, as excess weight can worsen conditions like arthritis.
Your vet can advise on appropriate senior or therapeutic diets.
Always change food gradually to avoid digestive upset.
A typical transition plan is:
Days 1–2: 25% new food, 75% old food
Days 3–4: 50% new food, 50% old food
Days 5–6: 75% new food, 25% old food
Day 7: 100% new food
Monitor for vomiting, diarrhoea or changes in appetite during the transition.
All treats contain calories. If you give extra treats, you may need to reduce your dog’s main meal slightly that day.
Tips for healthier treating:
Treats should form only a small part of your dog’s calorie intake.
Choose a complete, balanced diet suitable for your dog’s age, size and health status. Monitor their weight regularly and seek veterinary advice if you are unsure about what or how much to feed.
Good nutrition is one of the most important ways to support your dog’s long-term health and wellbeing.
