How To Choose the Right Food for Your Dog

Diamond's Friends Pet Rescue
Jun 16
5 min read

Feeding your dog may seem as simple as picking up a bag of kibble, but it’s one of the most important decisions you’ll make for their long-term health. With shelves full of options and marketing claims everywhere, it can be tough to know what’s truly right for your dog.

Here's why the right dog food is important and how to choose the best food for your dog based on their age, size, health, and lifestyle.

Why Choosing the Right Food for Your Dog Matters

Your dog's food has a direct impact on their energy, digestion, and behavior. Proper nutrition can help prevent chronic conditions and support longevity.

According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 59% of dogs in the U.S. were classified as overweight or obese in 2023. The American Veterinary Medical Association reports that obesity can reduce a dog’s lifespan by up to two and a half years.

Poor diet can also contribute to behavioral issues in dogs. A dog’s body relies on nutritionally derived serotonin levels. Improper nutrition can lead to lower serotonin levels, potentially causing anxiety and reactivity.

Simply put, food is fuel, and quality contributes to a physically and emotionally healthy pup.

Learn More: Obese and Overweight Dogs

How To Pick Food for Your Dog

Choosing the right food starts with understanding your dog’s unique needs. Here’s what to keep in mind.

1. Consider Your Dog’s Age

Dogs have different nutritional needs depending on their age and stage of development. These include:

Puppies: Puppies need high-protein, calorie-dense food with calcium to support rapid growth.
Adult dogs: Adult pups require balanced maintenance diets with a lower amount of fat and protein than puppy food.
Senior dogs: Seniors often benefit from lower-calorie or joint-supportive formulas.

Look for life-stage labels on food to help ensure your dog is getting the appropriate nutrients for their age.

Learn More: How To Help an Underweight Dog Gain Weight Safely

2. Factor in Breed and Weight

Breed-specific formulas can be helpful, but what's most important is balancing calories and nutrients to suit your dog’s body type and weight.

Things to keep in mind:

Small dogs may need smaller kibble and more frequent meals
Large dogs may need controlled growth (especially as puppies) to prevent joint issues
Overweight dogs may benefit from low-calorie foods for weight control
Underweight dogs may need a higher-calorie, nutrient-rich formula

Ultimately, it’s important to remember that your dog’s size affects their calorie and nutrient needs.

Learn More: Breed Considerations When Adopting a Dog

3. Account for Health Conditions or Allergies

If your dog is constantly scratching, has frequent ear infections, or suffers from tummy troubles, food sensitivities or allergies might be to blame.

Talk to your vet about prescription or therapeutic diets if your dog has:

Arthritis or joint problems
Diabetes
Digestive issues
Food sensitivities or allergies (some dogs are allergic to poultry, wheat, or soy)
Kidney or liver disease
Pancreatitis
Skin or coat problems
Urinary issues

Look for foods with limited ingredients, novel proteins (like duck or venison), or grain-free formulas if necessary.

Learn More: How To Choose a Veterinarian

4. Check the Ingredient List

Dog food labels can be confusing, but understanding a few guidelines can help. High-quality dog food should list:

A real animal protein (NOT by-product meals) like beef, chicken, or salmon as the first ingredient (if you can find a food where the first two ingredients are real animal proteins, that’s even better!)
Healthy fats like fish oil for skin and brain health
No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
Whole grains or vegetables for digestible carbohydrates

Watch out for:

Excess fillers like corn, soy, or wheat as main ingredients
Generic terms like "animal fat" instead of named sources
Meat by-product meals

Labels can be long and extensive, but they are worth reading so you know exactly what’s going into your dog’s body.

5. Look for AAFCO Approval

Always look for a statement from the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). This ensures the food meets minimum nutritional standards for your dog’s life stage.

The AAFCO statement usually reads something like: “Formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles.”

It's not a guarantee of quality, but it indicates that the food meets the established minimum requirements for the essential nutrients your dog needs.

6. Consider Your Budget

You don’t need to break the bank to feed your dog well. There are excellent mid-range brands that offer balanced nutrition without boutique pricing.

That said, try to avoid the cheapest options. They may save money short-term but could cost more later in vet bills.

7. Look at Your Dog’s Lifestyle

A couch-loving lapdog and a hiking-obsessed adventure pup don’t have the same energy needs. Feeding to match your dog’s lifestyle helps support optimal body condition and overall health.

Keep in mind that:

Active or working dogs may need more calories and protein
Less active dogs may need fewer calories to avoid weight gain

Additionally, dogs with access to lots of treats or table scraps may need lighter meals to balance their diet.

Learn More: How To Choose the Right Dog for Your Home

8. Kibble, Canned, Fresh, or Raw?

With many different forms of food, it can be confusing to figure out which style is best. Each option has pros and cons:

Type	Pros	Cons
Kibble	Affordable, long shelf life, convenient, can help with dental health if properly chewed	May be less palatable or digestible
Canned/wet	Tasty, hydrating	More expensive, can spoil quickly, less convenient
Fresh/subscription	Fully customizable, cooked gently to preserve nutrients	Requires time, effort, and balance, subscriptions can pricey
Raw	Natural ingredients, high protein	Risk of bacteria and imbalance if not done carefully

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution here. You could mix a few options for added variety and nutrients.

Word of Caution: Transition SLOWLY

If you know the type of food your dog was eating before you adopted them, keep them on that food and slowly transition them to whatever food you’d like to have them on.

The American Animal Hospital Association recommends the following schedule:

Days 1 and 2: 75% old food, 25% new food
Days 3 and 4: 50% old food, 50% new food
Days 5 and 6: 25% old food, 50% new food
Day 7: 100% new food

Following this schedule can minimize the odds of upsetting your dog’s stomach.

Final Thoughts

Picking the right food isn’t about chasing trends or falling for fancy packaging. It’s about tuning in to your dog’s needs, reading labels carefully, and staying flexible as your dog ages or their needs change.

When in doubt, talk to your vet or a veterinary nutritionist.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended as professional medical advice. It is based on personal experience and online research. Please consult with your veterinarian if you are concerned about your dog's health.