How do I switch my dog to a new food?

Do it gradually over about a week, mixing a little more of the new food in each day. A sudden change can upset your dog's stomach.

Wet food, dry food or both?

Dry food is convenient, good for teeth and easy to store, while wet food is more palatable and hydrating. Many owners mix the two. Choose what suits your dog and your routine.

Should I ask my vet about my dog's food?

Yes, especially if your dog has a health condition, is over or underweight, or has allergies. Your vet's advice is more reliable than any label or listing.

How to Choose Dog Food: A Sensible Owner's Guide…

There’s a bewildering amount of dog food on the shelves, and every bag claims to be the best. The reality is that the “right” food is the one that suits your particular dog and keeps them healthy and happy, and a few simple checks get you there. Here’s how we’d approach it.

The short version

Pick a complete food suited to your dog's age and size, switch gradually over a week, and read the label for quality and a named meat source. For any health issues, your vet beats any bag.

Start with “complete” and the right life stage

The most important word on the bag is complete, which means the food provides all the nutrition your dog needs. From there, choose for your dog’s life stage and size: puppy, adult or senior, and small, medium or large breed. Puppies and seniors in particular have different needs, so this matters.

Read the label, not the marketing

Ignore the pictures and read the ingredients. A named meat source near the top (like “chicken” rather than “meat derivatives”) is generally a good sign. Beyond that, don’t get too swept up in buzzwords; consistency and how well your dog does on a food tell you more than any claim on the front.

Wet, dry or a mix?

Both have their place. Dry food is convenient, stores easily and helps keep teeth cleaner, while wet food is tastier and adds moisture. Plenty of owners feed a mix. It comes down to your dog’s preference, their teeth and your routine.

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Switch foods gradually

When you change food, do it slowly over about a week, mixing in a little more of the new one each day. A sudden swap is the quickest way to an upset stomach, so patience pays off here.

When to ask the vet

If your dog has allergies, a health condition, or is over or underweight, get your vet’s input before settling on a food. Treats and chews count towards their daily calories too, so factor those in to avoid quietly overfeeding.

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As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. This guide is general information, not veterinary advice.