Choosing the best diet for your dog – what is the best dog food?

Dog food can be a tricky subject as there is so much choice on offer, so many different products on the shelf, and so many strong opinions out there! Let’s get back to basics… How to choose the best dog food? 

By Greg Steele MRCVS

5 broad principles all about dog food

• Dogs do best with consistency – changing the diet too often is not good for gut health and can cause tummy upsets.
• The type of diet you need will depend on your dog’s life stage – puppies, adults and senior dogs have different nutritional needs.
• Dog diets should include all the essential elements that their bodies need to grow and thrive. Dogs are omnivores, so they need a broad range of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and minerals. 
• Dogs will need a certain number of calories per day, based on their size, activity and lifestyle – just like we do! Obesity is becoming a major problem in UK dogs and so the right number of calories is important to consider – watch those treats!
• Dog food should be safe both for your dog and for all members of your household. Food poisoning bugs can be spread by dogs and dog food. Commercial dog foods are required by UK law to use the same standards as human food and are tightly regulated. 

Commercial vs homemade dog foods

In general, commercial dog foods are recommended over homemade diets. Commercial dog foods sold as “complete” in the UK have to provide all of the right nutrients in the right balance for that type or size of dog. Other foods like treats are incomplete and marketed as “complementary” food. Huge amounts of scientific research and testing go into most good quality commercial dog foods. Homemade meals are often incomplete or unbalanced and this can result in health problems. If you are using a home-cooked diet, it is best to seek specific advice for your dog from a veterinary nutritionist. Importantly for your budget, commercial diets also usually work out cheaper and more convenient. 

Should I choose wet or dry dog food?

Most dogs are just fine with dry dog food, which is typically cheaper, more convenient and just as complete as wet dog food. Wet food has advantages in some situations – such as dogs needing increased water intake or those lacking teeth! A combination is also fine.

What is the best raw dog food?

Raw dog food is a growing trend but is controversial. Supporters argue that dogs are healthier on raw food and that it is more like their diet in the wild. The scientific evidence for these benefits is limited and variable, and it is important to remember that domestic dogs are no longer wolves! We do know for certain that Raw food is more likely to bring foodborne diseases like Salmonella into the house and that raw-fed dogs are more likely to shed these bugs in their poo. For this reason, most vets currently do not recommend raw food. If you do decide to pick a raw food, ensure that your food hygiene is excellent around the house and all family members are on board with it. Make sure you do your research to pick a good quality supplier that ensures that their food is disease-free, always nutritionally complete and avoids large chunks of bone. 

What is the best vegetarian or vegan dog food?

Dogs are omnivores so can be fed a vegetarian diet with caution, but currently, most vets do not yet recommend a vegan diet as the jury is still out as to whether these diets are nutritionally complete enough for dogs. Like raw food, there are some strong supporters, but thorough evidence for safety is still limited. If you choose a vegetarian diet, there are good commercial brands available that must ensure their product is complete for dogs. 

What about diets for dogs with medical conditions?

There is a large range of commercial “prescription” dog foods (that don’t actually need a prescription) for specific medical needs. These can be fantastic elements of your dog’s healthcare but should be discussed with your Vet first. Diet can be important in diseases of the liver, kidneys, skin and gut of course. If your dog needs one of these, it should form all, or at least the vast majority, of the diet – any extras dilute the positive effects of the diet.

What about dog food for dogs with allergies or intolerances?

Dogs suffering from these conditions often benefit from hypoallergenic diets, of which the best ones include “hydrolysed” proteins, rather than regular proteins. In these situations, the problem is usually the protein source, rather than the carbohydrate. Speak with your vets about these first.

What about grain-free dog food?

There is no evidence to suggest that dogs do better on grain-free diets. As above, the problem is usually the protein, not the carbohydrate. In fact, in the US there are links between grain-free diets and heart disease, although these are still under investigation. There are specific situations where some dogs benefit from gluten-free diets (which are different to grain-free) but you should discuss these with your Vet first.

So, what is the best dog food for your dog?

For most owners, the best dog food for your dog is a complete, commercial diet that they enjoy and will eat consistently. Most commercial products in the UK are good quality and highly regulated. There are many brands available and there is no one type of food that will work for every dog. Ideally, it should be based on discussions with your vet as to their needs for the lifestyle and life stage, and factoring in any medical conditions. It’s also great to get recommendations from trusted sources based on their experiences with different foods. Try to only change one thing in a diet at a time and give the change a good 6-8 weeks at least to see the full effects. Good luck!