What to Feed Your Dog, A Complete Nutrition Guide for 2026

What dogs actually need

Before discussing food types, it helps to understand the nutritional requirements:

• Protein, the primary building block. Dogs are omnivores but thrive on animal protein. Minimum 18% for adults, 22% for puppies (dry matter basis).
• Fat, energy source and fat-soluble vitamin carrier. Minimum 5–8%.
• Carbohydrates. Dogs don't require them, but they're a usable energy source.
• Vitamins and minerals. Calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D, E, and B-complex are all essential.
• Water, the most critical nutrient. Fresh water must always be available.

The ratio and source of these nutrients is where food types differ significantly.

Dry food (kibble)

The most widely used option. Well-formulated kibble from a reputable brand is nutritionally complete.

Advantages:

• Convenient and easy to measure
• Long shelf life
• Supports dental health (the crunch helps reduce tartar)
• Wide price range

Disadvantages:

• Lower moisture content (dogs should drink more water)
• Quality varies enormously by brand
• Some dogs dislike the taste

How to choose:

• Look for a named animal protein as the first ingredient (e.g. "chicken", not "meat meal")
• AAFCO or FEDIAF nutritional adequacy statement
• Appropriate for your dog's life stage (puppy, adult, senior)
• Avoid artificial colours, flavours, and excessive preservatives

Wet food

Higher moisture content than kibble, closer to a natural diet in that sense. Can be fed exclusively or mixed with dry food.

Advantages:

• More palatable for fussy eaters
• Higher moisture helps hydration
• Often higher protein content

Disadvantages:

• More expensive per serving
• Shorter shelf life once opened
• Can contribute to faster dental tartar build-up

Good wet food has similar ingredient quality markers to dry food, look for named protein sources and a complete nutritional profile.

Raw feeding (BARF and prey model)

Raw feeding has grown significantly in popularity. Two main approaches:

BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food):

• Raw meat, meaty bones, organ meat, vegetables, fruit
• Typically 70–80% muscle meat, 10% raw bone, 10% organ (5% liver), 10% vegetables and supplements

Prey model:

• Mimics whole prey. Muscle meat, bone, organ only
• No vegetables or grains

Advantages:

• Proponents report improved coat, digestion, energy, and dental health
• High palatability for most dogs
• Minimal processing

Disadvantages:

• Requires time and knowledge to balance correctly
• Risk of bacterial contamination (Salmonella, Listeria). Important for households with children, elderly, or immunocompromised people
• Bones carry a choking and internal injury risk if not chosen carefully
• More expensive than kibble

If you want to try raw feeding, research thoroughly or consult a veterinary nutritionist first.

Home-cooked food

Some owners cook meals specifically for their dogs. Lean meat, rice, vegetables, supplemented with calcium and vitamins.

Important: Home-cooked diets for dogs are notoriously difficult to balance. Studies show that the vast majority of recipes found online are nutritionally deficient. If you want to go this route, consult a board-certified veterinary nutritionist for a properly formulated recipe.

Hybrid approaches

Most vets agree that variety isn't inherently harmful. Common hybrid approaches:

• Dry food as the base + wet food topper for palatability
• Dry food Monday–Friday + raw food at weekends
• Kibble with fresh vegetables as treats

Whatever approach you choose, transitions should be gradual: switch over 7–10 days to avoid digestive upset.

Feeding frequency

Avoid feeding once a day for large breeds. It increases the risk of bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus), which can be fatal.

Common feeding mistakes

Overfeeding: The most common problem. Follow feeding guidelines as a starting point, then adjust based on body condition score, you should be able to feel (but not see) the ribs.

Too many treats: Treats should make up no more than 10% of daily calories. Many commercial dog treats are high in sugar and fat.

Dangerous human foods: Grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (in many sugar-free products), chocolate, macadamia nuts, avocado: all toxic to dogs.

Free-feeding: Leaving food out all day makes portion control impossible and can lead to obesity.

Switching food too quickly: Always transition gradually over 7–10 days.

Weight monitoring with PetsyPlanet

Nutrition and weight are directly linked. In PetsyPlanet:

• Log weight monthly on the trend chart
• Track dietary changes in the notes field
• Set reminders for weight checks
• Share with your vet, show the weight trend at every appointment

Catching weight gain or loss early gives you time to adjust before it becomes a health problem.

Summary

The best food for your dog is one that is nutritionally complete, that your dog thrives on, and that you can afford and prepare consistently. There's no single correct answer. Good quality commercial food from a reputable brand is a safe starting point, and adjustments can be made from there.

Consult your vet or a veterinary nutritionist before making significant dietary changes, especially for puppies, seniors, or dogs with health conditions.