Choosing food for your pet can be confusing.

There's puppy food, adult food, small dog food, large dog food, grain-free food, grain-inclusive food, wet food, dry food, natural food, therapeutic food, and at some point, both you and your dog are staring at the bag, unsure who's supposed to understand what's written there.

So let's bring some order to it.

The best food isn't necessarily the most expensive, the trendiest, or the one with the prettiest packaging. The right food is one that suits your pet: their age, size, activity level, health status, sensitivities, preferences, and your lifestyle.

According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, a complete and balanced commercial diet for dogs and cats is designed to provide the necessary nutrients for the animal, without undesirable deficiencies or excesses. Therefore, it is important to choose a food that is appropriate for the dog or cat's life stage and needs.

First: Age-appropriateness

Puppies

Puppies need food tailored for growth. It is usually richer in energy, protein, minerals, and ingredients that support proper development.

If it's a large breed puppy, it's especially important to choose food suitable for large breed puppies, as their growth rate requires a more precise nutritional balance.

Adults

Adult dogs and cats need food designed to maintain a healthy weight, daily energy, a healthy digestive system, a vital coat, and overall health.

Seniors

Senior pets may require food that is easier to digest, with adaptations for weight, joints, teeth, activity level, and medical condition. Here, it is especially advisable to consult with a veterinarian.

Appropriateness for Size and Breed

A small dog and a large dog do not always have the same needs.

Small dogs usually need smaller kibble, and sometimes more energy-dense food.

Large dogs sometimes need a formula adapted for their joints, weight, and larger body structure.

Even in cats, there are differences based on age, weight, activity level, spaying or neutering, tendency to obesity, and various sensitivities.

Dry Food or Wet Food?

There is no single answer that fits everyone.

Dry Food

Dry food is convenient to store, generally more affordable, easy to measure, and very suitable for daily routines.

Wet Food

Wet food can be tastier for some pets, contains more moisture, and is sometimes suitable for picky animals or those who need encouragement to eat.

Combination of Both

In many cases, dry and wet food can be combined, as long as proper amounts are maintained and calories are not doubled unintentionally.

How to Read a Food Label?

When choosing food, don't just look at the product name or the picture on the bag.

It's worth checking:

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  Which animal the food is intended for: dog or cat
  
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  What age it is suitable for: puppy, adult, senior, or all life stages
  
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  Whether it is defined as a complete and balanced food
  
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  What is the main protein source
  
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  What is the percentage of protein and fat
  
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  What are the feeding guidelines
  
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  Who is the manufacturer or importer
  
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  Is there an adaptation for special sensitivities
  

The WSAVA recommends checking whether the food meets the dog or cat's nutritional needs, its life stage, and how many calories are in a serving or gram of food.

Is the First Ingredient the Most Important Thing?

Not always.

The ingredient list is ordered by weight before processing. Therefore, an ingredient like "fresh chicken" also includes water, while "chicken meal" or "chicken dinner" is a more concentrated ingredient after some of the water and fat have been removed.

This doesn't mean that one ingredient is always better than the other. It means you need to look at the full picture: the quality of the food, its suitability for your pet, its nutritional values, the manufacturer, and your dog or cat's actual reaction.

Grain-Inclusive or Grain-Free?

Not all grain-inclusive food is inferior.

And not all grain-free food is automatically healthier.

For most dogs, grains like rice, oats, corn, or wheat can be a source of carbohydrates, fiber, and nutrients. If there is a proven allergy or sensitivity, the food should, of course, be adjusted accordingly.

The FDA has investigated a possible link between certain diets, especially those containing legumes, peas, lentils, or potatoes as primary ingredients, and DCM, a heart disease in dogs. Therefore, it is not advisable to choose "grain-free" food just because it sounds healthier.

How Do You Know if the Food is Suitable?

The food is probably suitable if your pet:

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  Eats with appetite
  
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  Maintains a stable and healthy weight
  
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  Is active and vital
  
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  Has firm stools
  
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  Has a healthy-looking coat
  
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  Has no unusual vomiting, diarrhea, or itching
  

If there is a decrease in appetite, recurrent diarrhea, vomiting, itching, unusual shedding, weight loss or gain – it is advisable to consult a veterinarian and check if a food change is needed.

How Much Food to Give?

The table on the bag is a starting point, not gospel.

The correct amount depends on age, weight, activity level, health status, spaying or neutering, metabolism, and type of food. Therefore, it is advisable to start according to the recommendation on the packaging, monitor weight and physical condition, and make adjustments gradually.

Petaite's Golden Rule

Don't look for the "best food in the world."

Look for the food that is best for your dog or cat.

One that suits them, tastes good to them, makes them feel good, and you can stick with long-term.

And if you're undecided? That's exactly what we're here for.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best food for a dog?

The best food is one that suits the dog's age, size, health status, activity level, and sensitivities. There is no one food that is best for all dogs.

Is more expensive food always better?

Not necessarily. Price can indicate the quality of raw materials, brand, or formula, but it is not the only measure. It is important to check suitability, nutritional values, and actual response.

Should food be changed periodically?

You can, but it's not mandatory. If the dog or cat is doing well with the food, there's no need to change it. If you do change it, do so gradually over several days.

Is grain-free food better?

Not always. In cases of proven sensitivity, it can be considered, but for most dogs, grains can be a normal part of the diet.

Do I need to consult a veterinarian before changing food?

If it's a healthy pet, not always. If there is illness, sensitivity, obesity, digestive problems, skin problems, or medication - yes, it is recommended to consult.