What dog food is best for my dog?
Your four-legged friends need a balanced diet to keep them happy and healthy, especially when they reach adulthood. But choosing the right food for them can be tricky with so many on the market. We've pulled together this quick guide to get you started on picking the right food for your dog
Once your dog has grown to their full expected size and weight, they’re classed as an adult. At this life stage, they’ll have different nutritional requirements than they did when they were a pup, so making sure they have the best diet is important
There are many kinds of dog food you can buy. There’s dog food made especially to help developing young puppies or support senior dogs. You can also get hypoallergenic food, food for sensitive stomachs, and food for almost any kind of sensitivity or intolerance. You should always prioritise your dog’s health and wellbeing with a diet that suits them
However, if you’re a new dog owner and have no idea where to start, this guide will answer some common questions, such as what dog food you should feed your dog, is dry or wet dog food better, and what foods you should avoid feeding your pooch
WHAT FOOD SHOULD I FEED MY DOG?
There are 6 essential nutrients that your adult dog should be eating at their mealtimes. These are carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, protein, water and minerals. Therefore, when choosing your dog food, you should be picking a range that’s high in all these nutrients
Make sure to consider any special dietary requirements for your dog, as well as the kind of lifestyle they have. For example, more active dogs might benefit from nutrient-dense food that better supports their energy, while less active pooches might be better eating a lower calorie balanced diet
Wet food vs dry food
You might find that your dog has a preference to whether they like dry or wet food more, so you should feed them based on what they enjoy! However, there are also benefits to both kinds
Wet Food
In general, wet dog food has more protein and fats, which makes it even tastier to your furry friend – even if they’re a fussy eater! Additionally, it carries extra water that will help keep your dog hydrated. Dog food brands like Forthglade are a great choice, as they’re made from 75% high quality meat plus rice and vegetables, containing all the proteins, carbs, minerals and vitamins your dog needs to maintain its health and vitality
Dry Food
Dry food is an excellent choice for dogs who tend to eat too quickly, as you can use it with slow feeders or bowls to slow them down. It’s also brilliant for dental health. Since your dog has to crunch the little pieces, it limits the build-up of plaque while also scrapes existing plaque from teeth
A dry dog food like James Wellbeloved adult lamb & rice is carefully crafted for your dog’s health, giving the necessary balance of nutrients. It’s made from natural ingredients, includes one source of protein, and combines vitamins and minerals that are essential for your dog’s needs
Top tip: If your dog has a sensitive stomach, try a grain-free food such as Carnilove Reindeer (Grain and Potato free) and a food with a single protein. This will help you narrow down what’s causing the upset
How often should I feed my dog?
The amount you feed your dog depends on its size, breed and weight. Guidelines to feeding dogs also vary based on each different food variety, so always check the packaging to see the recommended portion sizes for your adult dog’s meals
You should speak to your vet for more information, but as a basic guideline, we recommend the following food intake:
Dogs up to 12 months: feed every 6-8 hours, 3-4 times a day
Dogs over 1 year: feed every 8-12 hours, 2 times a day
Dogs over 8 years (senior dogs): Every 8-12 hours, 2 meals a day
DANGEROUS FOOD FOR DOGS
Remember there are certain foods that your dogs can and can’t eat, so be cautious if your pup is sniffing around the kitchen at mealtimes
The following foods can be extremely toxic to dogs and should be avoided:
Garlic and onions, including leek and chives
Grapes, raisins, sultanas and currants
Chocolate
Avocado
Alcohol or anything containing ethanol
Macadamia nuts
Cooked bones as these can splinter and harm your dog
If you want to give your dog a healthy snack, you can feed them certain fruits and vegetables such as strawberries, apples, tomatoes, cucumbers and carrots. However, you should always feed these in moderation, removing any stems and leaves before doing so
Remember to always ask a vet or do your own research if you're unsure what you can or can't feed your dog