What you put in your dog’s bowl doesn’t just fuel their body—it can shape their behavior, long-term health, and even the number of vet visits you’ll need.
Poor-quality food loaded with fillers can contribute to chronic inflammation, digestive troubles, and even hyperactivity, while a well-balanced diet supports a calmer, healthier, and more resilient dog.
With so many opinions on dog food—from vets and breeders to pet owners—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But after diving into the research and working with countless dogs, I’ve put together these key guidelines to help you make the best choices for your pup.
- Check your current food’s rating. Visit DogFoodAdvisor.com to ensure you’re feeding a 4 or 5-star food. This independent site reviews most commercial dog foods and clearly explains its rating criteria, including ingredient quality, safety, and recall history.
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Prioritize fresh, less-processed foods. Diets based on whole, gently cooked ingredients support long-term health, improved digestion, and coat condition. My top tier choices include: Raised Right, All Provide and Evermore. Second tier choices include: The Farmer’s Dog, Nom Nom, My Ollie and Just Food for Dogs.
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Boost kibble or canned food with whole ingredients. Mixing in lean proteins, vegetables, and fruits adds flavor and phytonutrients that aren’t found in ultra-processed diets.
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Keep balance in mind when supplementing. Aim for an 80/20 ratio — 80% balanced commercial food and 20% fresh whole foods. Avoid unsafe ingredients such as onions, grapes, macadamia nuts, or excessive fats.
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Rotate foods for variety and resilience. Dietary rotation helps minimize the risk of nutrient deficiencies, supports microbiome diversity, and can reduce the likelihood of developing sensitivities. Rotate proteins and food formulas as long as your dog tolerates changes well.
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Low-quality foods can take a toll. Diets high in fillers or artificial additives can contribute to hyperactivity, chronic gastrointestinal issues, plaque buildup, and even skin irritation.
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Ensure your dog consumes their entire meal at once. A healthy dog on a balanced, digestible diet should typically eat their full portion at once. If your dog regularly leaves food behind, it may point to overstimulation, anxiety, oral discomfort, or digestive upset. Because diet quality and digestibility directly influence appetite, persistent partial eating is worth addressing.
Remember, there isn’t one brand or way of feeding that is best. The best diet is one that works for your dog—a high quality diet that meets their nutritional needs while also fitting into your lifestyle and budget.
References
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Bosch, G., Beerda, B., Hendriks, W. H., van der Poel, A. F. B., & Verstegen, M. W. A. (2009). Impact of nutrition on canine behaviour: Current status and possible mechanisms. British Journal of Nutrition, 102(S1), 36-39. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114509990772
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Sandri, M., Dal Monego, S., Conte, G., Sgorlon, S., & Stefanon, B. (2022). Raw food diet influences immune system and oxidative stress in dogs. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 9, 1-12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2022.856303
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University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. (2021). First study on human-grade dog food says whole, fresh food is highly digestible. ACES Illinois News. https://aces.illinois.edu/news/first-study-human-grade-dog-food
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Hielm-Björkman, A., Mikkonen, S., & Ruokonen, P. (2023). Early-life diet and gut microbiome influence on canine atopic dermatitis and inflammatory bowel disease. Scientific Reports, 13, 27866. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-55023-4
