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Vet Recommended Dog Food (2024)

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Top Dog Food Brands Recommended By Veterinarians in 2024

Dogs, like humans and all other animals, need balanced diets and all the necessary nutrients to develop properly. However, not all dogs are the same. Certain breeds suffer from food allergies or sensitive stomachs; thus, consumption of some foods could trigger severe reactions that could even threaten the life of the pet.

Furthermore, different breeds require different food components in their diets, all based on their growth characteristics. For instance, larger breeds, such as Great Dane or Mastiff, require energy-rich and bodybuilding meals, etc., so their diets may differ from those of chihuahuas.

These and many other factors play major roles in choosing the best dog meal for your Fido. The same factors make it extremely difficult for most masters to make the correct choice. Therefore, they end up spending a lot of money in vet consultation. Well, we consulted a veterinary officer who understands what pet lovers, especially new canine owners, go through in choosing the best dog food. Therefore, we have put together helpful information on the top ten best products currently on the market.

These and many other factors play significant roles in choosing the best dog food for your Fido, but they also complicate it. Therefore, many dog owners end up spending a lot of money on a vet consultation.

Well, we consulted a vet who understands what pet lovers, especially new dog owners, go through in choosing the best dog food. Therefore, we have put together a helpful guide of the top best vet recommended dog food available now on the market that will provide your beloved pet with the right nutrition that he will like.

One thing you must understand is that all dogs have unique nutritional needs. It is vital that you consult with your veterinarian before making any choice. This way, you will understand the specific needs of your dog so that you can feed them with the best foods adjusted to those particular requirements. For the purposes of this article, we have created an arbitrary list of the top vet recommended dog food products that are good enough for a vast majority of dogs.

The Top 10 of Vet Recommended Dog Foods

The following are the most delicious, nutritious, balanced and palatable vet recommended dog food brands to check out.

This is one of the best choices if you’re looking for a balanced diet for your adult large breed dog. It’s specially made to keep your furry friend healthy, happy, and active throughout his adulthood. It contains natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin, which are necessary for building blocks, healthy cartilage, and joints. The perfect combination of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients provide your dog with the benefits delivered by antioxidants. It’s a dog food company of high quality and they keep making dogs and dog owners happy.

Hill's Science Diet Adult Large Breed Chicken & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food

Product available from Chewy


Key Features:
  • Crude protein: min. 20%
  • Crude fat: min. 11.5%
  • Crude fiber: max. 4%
  • Moisture: max. 10%
  • with vitamin E, vitamin C, Chondroitin Sulfate, Glucosamine, Omega-6 Fatty Acids
  • Main ingredients: Chicken, Cracked Pearled Barley, Whole Grain Wheat
  • Glucosamine and Chondroitin supports joint health.
  • Vitamin E and Omega-6 fatty acids help to keep your dog’s coat healthy and shiny.
  • High-quality protein maintains lean muscles.
  • Antioxidant blend improves immunity.
  • No artificial colors, preservatives or flavors

Specification:
  • Brand: Hill’s Science Diet
  • Lifestage: Adult
  • Breeds: Large and Giant Breeds
  • Type: Dry Food
  • Size: 10-lb or 35-lb bag

Royal Canin products at Chewy

Royal Canin products at Chewy

If you have a small dog (under 22 pounds) with any type of urinary issues, this food will help you to keep him in better health and mood. It was specially
developed to support the urinary tract and bladder health, which will keep your dog from frequent trips outside and peeing inside the house without making him dehydrated. It’s effective and has a great influence on your dog’s health, that’s why you need your veterinarian’s authorization to buy it. Royal Canin is one of the most trusted dog food brands that keep providing the dogs with nutrition and foods of high quality.

Key Features:
  • Crude protein: min. 18%
  • Crude fat: min. 15%
  • Crude fiber: max. 3.6%
  • Moisture: max. 10%
  • Main ingredients: Brewers rice, corn, chicken fat
  • It manages minerals of which excess can cause bladder stones and crystals.
  • It was developed to reduce ion concentration in urine, which also supports the development of bladder stones.
  • It also supports healthy teeth.

Specification:
  • Brand: Royal Canin
  • Lifestage: Adult
  • Breeds: Small, Extra Small and Toy Breeds
  • Type: Dry Food
  • Size: 8.8-lb bag
  • Veterinary diet

Royal Canin products at Chewy

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets

This dog food developed by Purina Pro Plan can provide your adult canine with all the necessary nutrients to keep him healthy and energized. If you choose it, you can be sure you feed your furry friend wholesome meals that he willy actually like and enjoy. You will stay calm and satisfied, being sure that you keep your dog on a balanced and complete diet. Your Fido will be happy and eager to play, he will stay in shape while also maintaining healthy teeth and a shiny coat.

Key Features:
  • Crude protein: min. 26%
  • Crude fat: min. 16%
  • Crude fiber: max. 3%
  • Moisture: max. 12%
  • with Linoleic acid, Calcium, Phosphorus, Selenium, vitamin A, vitamin E, Ascorbic acid, Glucosamine
  • chicken as #1 ingredient
  • It’s the perfect shredded blend of crunchy kibble and tender meat.
  • The food is enriched with guaranteed live probiotics to help digestive and immune systems.
  • Vitamin A and acids help to maintain healthy and shiny coat.

Specification:
  • Brand: Purina Pro Plan
  • Lifestage: Adult
  • Breeds: Small, Medium and Large Breeds
  • Type: Dry Food
  • Size: 35-lb bag

Royal Canin products at Chewy

Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Dinner Patties

Stella & Chewy don’t lie when they advertise their dog foods as only the good stuff. All recipes are crafted with care to provide your dog with high-quality, cage-free turkey (other, all-natural meats available), organs and bones, and 100% organic fruits and vegetables – just like your dog would eat if he was still living in the wild. This is one of the best choices when it comes to raw dog food, with ingredients as close to their natural state as possible. It will improve your dog’s appetite and digestion while reducing the risk of allergies.

Key Features:
  • Crude protein: min. 40%
  • Crude fat: min. 36%
  • Crude fiber: max. 5%
  • Moisture: max. 5%
  • The main ingredient: 95% cage-free turkey (or another type of meat or poultry)
  • All ingredients are responsibly sourced, all dog foods are made in the USA.
  • There aren’t any added hormones, antibiotics, grains or fillers.
  • It supports appetite and digestion.
  • It helps to keep the skin and coat healthy and shiny.
  • Recommended for healthy teeth and gums.
  • It supports healthy immune system, greater stamina and vitality.

Specification:
  • Brand: Stella & Chewy
  • Lifestage: Adult
  • Breeds: Small, Medium and Large Breeds
  • Type: Freeze-Dried Food
  • Size: 14-oz
  • Limited ingredient diet

Purina PRO Plan at Chewy

Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Dinner Patties

Focus is a Purina Pro Plan’s specially developed line of dog foods made for adult dogs with sensitive skin and stomachs. It will help any dog of a small breed develop properly, stay active and in good shape, no matter how sensitive his stomach is. It will allow you to balance your dog’s diet with both dry and wet dog food to help your dog digest, support healthy joints, and to improve and prolong his mobility while also maintaining his good, healthy looks.

Key Features:
  • Crude protein: min. 28%
  • Crude fat: min. 17%
  • Crude fiber: max. 3%
  • Moisture: max. 12%
  • with Linoleic acid, Calcium, Phosphorus, Zinc, Selenium, vitamin A, vitamin E, Ascorbic acid, Glucosamine, Omega-3 fatty acids, Omega-6 fatty acids
  • salmon as #1 ingredient
  • It’s a highly-digestible formula for small dogs with sensitive stomachs. Prebiotic fiber also supports digestive system.
  • Zinc and Omega-6 fatty acids helps to maintain your dog’s skin and coat healthy and shiny.
  • No corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, flavors, or by-products.

Specification:
  • Brand: Purina Pro Plan
  • Lifestage: Adult
  • Breeds: Small, Extra Small and Toy Breeds
  • Type: Dry & Wet Food
  • Size: 16-lb bag
  • Sensitive skin and stomach diet

Wellness Core Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food

Wellness Core Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food

Wellness Core will make your dog happy and healthy with their 100% grain-free and filler-free meals with optimal levels of the best nutrition – the perfect balance of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Thanks to high-quality animal proteins, the whole meal tastes delicious while providing your canine with a variety of benefits. This dog food will allow you to feed your furry best friend a perfectly balanced diet and keep them away from harmful by-products, wheat, corn, soy, artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.

Key Features:
  • Crude protein: min. 34%
  • Crude fat: min. 16%
  • Crude fiber: max. 4%
  • Moisture: max. 10%
  • with Calcium, Phosphorus, vitamin E, Omega-3 fatty acids, Omega-6 fatty acids, Glucosamine, Chondroitin Sulfate, Beta-Carotene
  • Turkey and chicken as main ingredients
  • Protein ingredients support leaner body mass.
  • Omega fatty acids ingredients help to maintain healthy and good-looking skin and coat.
  • Vitamins, minerals and probiotics improve immune system and overall health of your Fido.
  • No grains, meat by-products, wheat, wheat-gluten, corn, soy, eggs, artificial conservatives, colors, flavors.

Specification:
  • Brand: Wellness Core
  • Lifestage: Adult
  • Breeds: Small, Medium and Large Breeds
  • Type: Dry Food
  • Size: 4-lb, 12-lb or 26-lb bag
  • Gluten-free diet

Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Dog Food

Royal Canin Gastrointestinal

Whatever the breed size, if your dog has problems with digesting fat, this dog food provided by Royal Canin’s special veterinary diets line will be the answer to your worries. The ideal blend of antioxidants will help your friend’s immune system, while the combination of the right proteins and probiotics will maintain the balance of bacteria in his gut. Other necessary nutrients will also help him stay in shape and good mood. It’s a veterinary diet item, which confirms its effectiveness, but also requires a veterinarian’s authorization for you to buy it.

Key Features:
  • Crude protein: min. 6%
  • Crude fat: min. 1%, max. 2.5%
  • Crude fiber: max 2.5%
  • Moisture: max. 76%
  • Water sufficient for processing with the main ingredients being pork by-products, rice flour, corn grits and corn meal.
  • It was specially developed for dogs with digestive problems, especially when it comes to fat. It helps in case of stomach problems, such as vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite.
  • It will help your dog to maintain balance of good bacteria in his gut (thanks to highly-digestible proteins and probiotics).

Specification:
  • Brand: Royal Canin (Veterinary Diet)
  • Lifestage: Adult
  • Breeds: Small, Medium and Large Breeds
  • Type: Wet Food
  • Size: 13.6-ox can
  • Sensitive Digestion, Weight Control, Veterinary Diet

Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Ultamino Dry Dog Food

Royal Canin Veterinary Diet

This time, Royal Canin answers to the worries of all owners of dogs with severe digestion problems. This highly-palatable dog food contains a protein source broken down to an amino acid level to make it possible for all dogs to digest it without any issues. It also helps your dog to reinforce the natural skin’s barrier, keep his skin healthy, and his coat shiny. This product requires veterinary authorization. It’s one of the best dog foods on the market made with care to provide dogs with well-balanced and healthy nutrition.

Key Features:
  • Crude protein: min. 16%
  • Crude fat: 14.5%
  • Crude fiber: max. 4.2%
  • Moisture: max. 10%
  • Main ingredients: Corn starch, hydrolyzed poultry by-products aggregate, coconut oil, soybean oil, natural flavors
  • It’s a dietetic dog food that helps to reduce any food intolerances.
  • It’s a veterinary-prescribed diet that neutralizes free radicals and supports the barrier effect of your dog’s skin.
  • An exclusive fiber blend supports healthy digestion.

Specification:
  • Brand: Royal Canin (Veterinary Diet)
  • Lifestage: Adult
  • Breeds: Small, Medium and Large Breeds
  • Type: Dry Food
  • Size: 8.8-lb bag
  • Sensitive Digestion, Pea-Free, Veterinary Diet

Hill's Prescription Diet Dog Food

Hill’s Prescription Diet Dry Dog Food

If you and your dog are struggling with your Fido’s weight management, Hill’s prescription diet may be the ideal nutrition choice. However, it can only be prescribed by a veterinarian, so don’t implement any changes without consulting one. This dog food was specially formulated to help your canine stay in shape while also providing him with all the necessary nutrients. It works with his metabolism, keeping him full and satisfied between meals, and improves his overall health.

Key Features:
  • Crude protein: min. 24%
  • Crude fat: min. 9%
  • Crude fiber: max. 15%
  • with Calcium, Phosphorus, vitamin C, vitamin E
  • Main ingredients: Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Wheat, Whole Grain Corn
  • A synergistic blend of ingredients was developed by veterinarians and nutritionist to help dogs loose weight and maintain it at the right level.
  • It keeps your dog full, helping him avoid later weight gain.
  • 88% of dogs fed with this food lost weight in 2 months.
  • This special formula also helps to promote a urinary environment to reduce risks of the development of struvite and calcium oxalate crystals.

Specification:
  • Brand: Hill’s
  • Lifestage: Adult
  • Breeds: Small, Medium and Large Breeds
  • Type: Dry Food
  • Size: 7.7-lb bag
  • Weight control, Veterinary Diet


The Selection Criteria For The Best Dog Food Brands

While working on this list of the best dog foods on the markets, I have applied all my knowledge, skills, and experience as a veterinarian. I wanted to create a relevant and helpful list for any dog owner to stop worrying: which is the best dry dog food? What’s it made with? What is the most important nutritional quality? To help you understand my choices and the quality of dog foods better, here are the factors that I took under consideration:

1. The Dog Breed

The most important thing to consider while choosing the best dog foods is the dog breed. There are multiple dog breeds, and each of them has different needs. In general, there are large, medium-sized, and small breeds. Obviously, each of these breeds has specific nutritional requirements because of their characteristics. You have to understand your dog to know what you should feed him.

2. The Age Of Your Dog

Puppies have underdeveloped gastrointestinal systems, and they require dog foods specially formulated to help in growth and development. Very young puppies, e.g., a month-old puppy, may need different meals than a 5-month-old puppy. Adult dogs also differ in their nutritional requirements, which are based on their level of activity, weight, skin and coat condition, and more. In summary, there are special products for puppies, adults, and senior dogs based on the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards and recommendations.

3. The Health Status And Medical History

As I mentioned in the introduction, certain dogs can have food allergies and/or stomach sensitivities. Some ingredients in dog food, such as corn or wheat, may trigger these problems. But there is good news as well: some brands prepare foods specifically designed for dogs with allergy or stomach sensitivity. However, you have to be careful while making a choice, because some dog food brands aren’t exactly truthful while selling their products.

4. FDA Recommendations

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates not only human foods and drugs but also these of animals, both livestock and pets. When looking for the best pet food, you need to take into account the recommendations of the FDA alongside those of the AAFCO. You can read product labels to see if the product is FDA approved and AAFCO compliant.

5. The Reputation Of The Dog Food Company

Do you remember the 2007 melamine pet foods recall and recent Salmonella contamination scares? They affected even some of the biggest brands. This may make it difficult to know which dog food brand is trustworthy, as almost all popular brands had to contend with bacterial infection at some point. Going with the so-called freshly prepared diet or boutique raw diet is not helpful either.

It is difficult to find a spotless brand when it comes to dog foods bacterial contamination. So, some pet owners choose to narrow it down and to contend to brands that have been associated with fewer problems. But it is not good enough. The top commercial dog food brands I have listed in this article are highly reputable, and therefore, you can expect to be provided with safe and healthy meals.


The Top Vet Recommended Dog Food Brands

The following are the most delicious, nutritious, balanced, vet recommended dog food brands to check out:

1. Hill’s Science Diet

The first dog foods brand in my review is the Hill’s Science Diet. Products from this premium dog food brand are specifically designed to meet the specific nutritional needs of all dogs. In fact, the company’s mission is to help enrich and lengthen the special relationship between people and their pets, a job they are doing very well.

The safety standards of the Hill’s Science Diet are modeled after human foods manufacturers. Depending on your needs, the company offers you different versions of pet foods, including “Prescription diet dog food,” “Science diet dog food,” and “Ideal balance dog food.” To underscore the reputation Hill, the company has been a forerunner in quality control and AAFCO nutritional standards since the 1930s.

Also, since the melamine scare of 2007, Hill’s Science Diet has been sourcing its raw ingredients from North America only and manufactures all its products in the United States. For this reason and more, you can be confident that your pet is in the right hands.

2. Royal Canin

Royal Canin is one of the global leaders when it comes to cat and dog food. Compared to the Hill’s Science Diet, Royal Canin is just as good in terms of nutrition and quality. The company prepares unique meals for specific breeds, which can be extremely helpful. All diets are tailor-made for all the nutritional needs of the canine.

For instance, foods for puppies support growth and development, while for adults, you can find diets aiming for preventing weight gain, stomach sensitivity, and food allergies. Furthermore, the company offers its customers more information to help them care for their favorite companions. Royal Canin is perhaps the most widely distributed canine brand in the world.

3. Purina Pro Plan

Purina ProPlan is a trusted brand when it comes to pet food. The company offers a variety of specially-prepared, both healthy and tasty meals for your pet. The brand develops its products through research with over 400 scientists, including veterinarians, nutritionists, and behaviorists. Thanks to that, they deliver high-quality and advanced canine nutrition year after year.

Purina has been active in research for over eight decades, gaining a reputation that most other companies only dream of. Purina’s more premium line of products is favored by both veterinarians and dogs. The company has enjoyed a lot of publicity lately due to its continuous innovation and its genuine drive to satisfy the majority of its customers.

4. Wellness Natural Food For Dogs

Wellness Natural Food for Dogs is one of the most popular brands. I recommend this brand for you if you are a health nut who wants to find affordable yet safe and healthy commercial products, both the best dry, and wet dog foods. The company produces whole-food-based nutrition with the right balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, as well as a good boost of antioxidants and probiotics for healthier digestion.

Wellness brings together carefully sourced natural ingredients. These ingredients are formulated to promote growth, maintenance, and provision for individual needs. Besides, Wellness prepares meals for a healthy weight, for different ages, for food allergies, for a sensitive stomach, and more. It is incredible that this brand is one of the cheapest in the market.

5. Stella & Chewy’s Natural Goodness For Dogs Best Dog Food

Stella & Chewy's Natural Goodness For Dogs Best Dog Food

Stella & Chewy’s is a dog food company that provides our canines with some of the best raw meals on the market. It was founded by a true dog lover who experienced the wonders of putting a dog on a raw diet. Their experts focus on delivering high-quality nutrition to keep our furry friends happy, healthy, and energized. They carefully prepare various meals for dogs, all of them raw, healthy, and approved by veterinarians.

Stella & Chewy’s make the raw diet more palatable and convenient for pets and their loving owners.
They offer a variety of products, types of dog foods and treats, but you can be sure that they are all made with natural, safe ingredients and of high quality. It’s worth mentioning that the company has recently gone green, transitioning its packages to recyclables ones, which is supposed to be the first step to sustainability.

Conclusion

This list of the top 10 best vet recommended dog food brands doesn’t contain all the products that are worth buying, but I believe it has given a head start if you have been looking for the best diet to put your pet on. No matter your choice, just ensure you seek the opinion of a qualified, licensed, and experienced veterinary officer before buying anything. If you notice any unusual behavior or reaction in your dog while on any diet, please, consult with the vet as soon as possible.


The Buyer’s Guide

Which dog food should you choose to feed your furry friend? It’s not at all easy to choose. That’s why we come to the rescue; our team of veterinarian and pet lovers has gathered all the necessary information and tips to walk your through the research up to the moment of successful and satisfying purchase, both for you and your dog. Here’s everything you need to know to choose the right dog food, and to provide your Fido with the best nutritions.

What’s the best dog food?

Our list includes 10 of the best dog food brands available on the market right now. Of course, not every dog needs the same, and there aren’t any universal products. You should always bear in mind your pet’s specific needs, health, and requirements, plus, stay in contact with your veterinarian who knows your dog’s medical history and all his health issues; then, you are the one who knows your canine’s preferences. With all that in mind, you will be able to find the best possible option – vet recommended dog food. Our list is only suggestions, or inspiration, for you to learn all about the dog food and to start looking.

Things to look for in dog food

There are many things to consider while looking for the right dog food. Apart from your dog’s specifics needs and preferences (he has to like what he eats, or it will be pointless), there are some general criteria that you should keep in mind while working on the perfect nutrition plan. Here are things that you will find in every vet recommended dog food:

  • Lots of named animal protein. Ingredients are listed by weight, so you should look for those products that have animal protein at the top of the list. What’s more, it should be a named animal protein. If you only see “meat,” it will probably be of low quality. Look for beef, chicken, lamb, and so on and never buy “meat meals.” When there’s fresh or frozen meat first on the list, there should also be a source of animal protein in the first 3 (or so) ingredients, as fresh and frozen meat contains too much water to be rich in protein.
  • Whole vegetables, fruits, and grains. It’s best when as many ingredients as possible are fresh and unprocessed, as it allows them to keep their nutrients. There may be some “fractions” in the food you choose, but not many and not high on the list of ingredients.
  • The expiration date. The fresher, the better, and the more nutritional value. Ideally, you should buy products with a best-by date 10 or 11 months away. It’s not always possible, but try to keep it at least 6.

Things to avoid in dog food

There are also ingredients and processes included in the manufacturing of dog foods that should be avoided at all costs; none of these things can be found in vet recommended dog food. These include:

  • By-products. These should always be avoided in dog foods, especially when it comes to meat by-products. They usually aren’t stored as carefully as high-quality ingredients (that is, kept clean and cold).
  • A too generic fat source. Just like in the case of the source of protein, the source of fat should be more specific. You should avoid products that include “animal fat” and look for “chicken fat,” “duck fat,” and so on. “Animal fat” may mean everything, even used restaurant grease or fat derived from roadkill.
  • Sweeteners. There are real sweet teeth among dogs as well, and eating too much sweet food may persuade them to eat mainly grain fragments that aren’t too healthy.
  • Artificial colors, preservatives, flavors. You probably try to avoid them in your own food as well. Natural preservatives may not preserve food as long as artificial ones, but they are much healthier for your dog.

What nutrients do dogs need?

Just like humans, dogs need a variety of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to develop properly and stay happy and healthy at all times. What are some of the essential nutrients that your dog absolutely needs?

Vitamins and Minerals that are important for dogs

  • Vitamins. In order to develop properly, dogs need the same vitamins that people do: vitamin A to control their weight and keep their eyes and skin healthy, vitamin B to help their cells grow and develop, vitamin C to support their immune system, vitamin D to strengthen teeth and bones, vitamin E for its antioxidants, and vitamin K, as blood-clotting keeps bones strong.
  • Minerals. Calcium and phosphorus help your dog’s blood coagulation, muscle growth, and nervous system, but too much of them may lead to problems with bone density and strength. Magnesium is needed to absorb calcium, plus, it supports muscle and bone development. Dogs also need potassium, sodium, and chloride to keep their body cells, hearts, nervous system, and muscles working and healthy. Apart from that, chloride supports the production of stomach acids, sulfur influences the looks of dogs’ skin, coat, and nails, and iron and zinc support the immune system. Iron also helps to oxygenate the red blood cells. Iodine is important for metabolism, and copper supports bone growth and supports the use of iron.

Other essential nutrients

  • Proteins. They can be found in body tissues and are vital to their health. However, your dog’s body is able to produce only 13 of 23 amino acids that are proteins’ building blocks. The rest needs to be provided in food.
  • Fats. They keep dogs active, happy, and energized, plus, they keep their hair and skin healthy. The most important are linoleic acids, omega-3, and omega-6, and they can’t be made by your dog’s body only.
  • Carbohydrates. They come from plants, like grains and vegetables, and provide your dog with the necessary sugars, starches, and fiber. They power the tissues and keep your dog’s intestines healthy.
  • Water. This is what all living creatures need. Your dog may lose half of his body fat or protein, and he will survive. But he won’t survive when he looses as little as 10% of his water. So make sure your dog stays hydrated.

Food for sensitive stomach

A sensitive stomach and food allergies may be a characteristic of a particular breed, or something specific to an individual. Whatever the case, it’s important to choose the best food to make sure that your dog isn’t struggling with pain and discomfort while digesting. If you notice vomiting, loose stools, or excessive gas, it may be caused by a variety of things (the type of protein, insufficient fiber, excess fat), but almost all of them can be managed by putting your dog on the right diet.

If the symptoms are continuing, you should consult with your veterinarian to be absolutely sure that it’s the diet that causes it all. To immediately help your dog, consider switching to a bland diet, of course, only temporarily. It contains boiled, plain chicken and rice, canned pumpkin, etc. Your veterinarian will probably prescribe a probiotic that you will need to add to your dog’s food.

Then, it’s time to research dog foods for sensitive stomachs. Luckily, there are many types and variations available on the market, and most of them are also incredibly delicious. They are usually high in fiber ingredients (e.g., psyllium or beet pulp), low in fats, and contain probiotics. Always look for the best food with a label saying that a product meets AAFCO nutrition standards.

 

FAQ

Here, our experts answer some of the most frequently asked questions by pet owners on the topics of pet food, the best nutrition plans, various diets, etc.

What’s the safest way to switch my dog to new food?

There may be multiple reasons for which you may need to switch your dog to some different food. Most often, it is linked to a newly-discovered health condition or an allergy, but it can also depend on the dog’s age, breed, size, etc. However, even when you’re changing to the right diet, you may do some harm if you don’t think this through.

It is important to do it gradually, step by step, to avoid upsetting your dog’s stomach or unsettling the dog. Day by day, decrease the amount of old food and increase the amount of new food. Remember always to feed your dog the proper amount, and not to get confused while mixing.

If you want to switch a puppy to adult food (generally around the time they turn one-year-old), talk to your veterinarian first to be sure that the dog receives all the necessary nutrients and calories.

When should I switch my dog to senior dog foods?

There’s no one true answer to this question, as it depends on your dog’s overall health condition, breed, and size; for some dogs, it’s 7-years-old, while others become biologically old at the age of 15. It’s best to stay in contact with your veterinarian and to do regular checkups; do not switch diets if it has not been recommended. Then, you can rest assured that your vet will tell you when there’s time for you to feed your dog like a senior. There are also many different foods for older dogs, so it’s essential to provide your furry friend with the right nutrition plan.

What’s safe for my dog to eat?

It’s best for a dog to stick to their carefully-chosen dog food, but from time to time, most human foods shouldn’t do them any harm. However, there’s a list of human foods that your dog should avoid at all costs. It includes grapes and raisins, chocolate, anything with caffeine, garlic and onion, larger amounts of salt, macadamia nuts (all nuts should be avoided, but macadamia nuts are especially dangerous), avocado, xylitol, nutmeg, lemons and limes, raw yeast dough, and anything with even traces of alcohol.

Can I prepare home-made dog food?

If you don’t mind cooking for your dog regularly, just like you cook for yourself or even the whole family, you can feed him with dog food made by you – he will certainly like it. However, you need to be sure that you provide your best friend with everything he needs to stay happy and healthy and to develop properly. So, start learning all about dogs food. Once again, it will all depend on your dog’s individual needs and requirements, but among all the possible ingredients, there are three that are essential: muscle meat, raw meaty bones and offal (animal organs), and vegetables. If you do it right, your dog will be eternally grateful for the meals made by you.

1 Comment
  1. Is Pedigree. dog food a good dog food.Have a small dog and buy roasted chicken or roasted beef but seems to be gaining weight

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