Feeding Your Dog Right: A Guide to Choosing Food and Supporting Their Health at Every Age

Feeding your dog is one of the most important ways you show them love—but with so many options on the shelves and advice floating around online, it can be overwhelming to figure out what’s actually best. From reading food labels to understanding portion sizes and adjusting for your dog’s life stage, there’s a lot to consider. But don’t worry—we’re here to make it simple and help you feel confident in your choices.

Choosing the Right Food: What to Look For

Not all dog food is created equal. When picking a brand, look for a statement from the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) that confirms the food is complete and balanced. Ingredients should list a quality protein—like chicken, beef, or salmon—as one of the first items. Try to avoid foods that rely heavily on fillers like corn, soy, or meat by-products. Every dog is different, so whether you choose kibble, wet food, or even a fresh or raw diet, it’s important to make sure it meets your pup’s nutritional needs.

Decoding Dog Food Labels

Dog food labels can be confusing, but learning to read them helps you make smarter choices. The guaranteed analysis will show you the percentages of protein, fat, fiber, and moisture. Keep an eye out for words like “with” (e.g., “with chicken” means it only needs to have 3% chicken) vs. “chicken recipe” or “chicken formula,” which means it contains more. Don’t let marketing terms like “natural” or “premium” fool you—those aren’t regulated and don’t guarantee quality. Focus on the ingredients list and the nutritional adequacy statement.

What to Feed at Every Life Stage

Your dog’s diet should change as they grow. Puppies need high-calorie food with extra protein, calcium, and DHA for healthy growth and brain development. Adult dogs require balanced maintenance formulas that support energy without overfeeding. And once your dog becomes a senior (usually around 7 years old), it’s a good idea to look for senior formulas that support joint health, digestion, and weight management. Talk to your vet about the right timing for switching foods as your dog grows.

Establishing a Feeding Schedule

Just like routines help humans stay on track, they can do the same for dogs. Most dogs do best on a consistent feeding schedule—usually twice a day, morning and evening. Feeding at the same times every day can help regulate digestion, prevent begging or scavenging, and even make potty training easier for puppies. It’s also a great way to spot changes in appetite, which can be an early sign that something’s off with your dog’s health.

Portion Control: Not Too Much, Not Too Little

It’s easy to overfeed without realizing it, especially if your dog is extra cute when they beg. But keeping your dog at a healthy weight is one of the best things you can do for their overall well-being. Check the feeding guidelines on your dog’s food packaging, but remember these are just starting points. Adjust based on your dog’s activity level, size, and age. Your vet can also help you figure out the right daily amount if you're unsure.

Treats and Extras—In Moderation

It’s okay to give your dog treats—we all like a little snack! Just be mindful that treats should only make up about 10% of your dog’s daily calories. Too many extras can lead to weight gain and throw off their balanced diet. Instead of giving lots of store-bought treats, you can also use healthy options like small pieces of carrots, green beans, or apple slices (just no grapes or onions—those are toxic!).

Check In and Adjust as Needed

Your dog’s needs may change over time, so it’s always a good idea to check in every few months and see how they’re doing. Are they gaining or losing weight? Do they seem more or less energetic than usual? Is their coat shiny and their digestion normal? These are all signs that their current diet is—or isn’t—working. Your vet is your best partner when it comes to making any changes.

Feeding your dog doesn’t have to be complicated. With a little knowledge and a lot of love, you can make sure your furry friend is well-nourished, happy, and healthy at every stage of their life.

Happy tails ahead! 🐾