Dante Carrillo
Dogs have evolved to use proteins and fats as their primary energy sources, but they can also derive energy from carbohydrates. As a result, a dog's diet should include a combination of plant and animal foods. A well-balanced diet is vital to a dog's health and well-being and should include proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. While there are commercial dog foods available, some veterinary nutritionists recommend home-prepared diets that are deemed complete and balanced. It is important to note that not all human foods are safe for dogs, and treats should be limited to 10%-15% of a dog's diet.
Characteristics of a Healthy Dog Diet
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Diet type | Commercial, home-prepared, raw, or fresh/human-grade |
| Macronutrients | Protein, fats, and carbohydrates |
| Protein sources | Meat, offal, eggs, and plant-based |
| Fat sources | Omega-3 fats from fish |
| Carbohydrate sources | Grains and other complex carbohydrates |
| Micronutrients | Vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids |
| Vitamin sources | Colourful vegetables, kelp, and fish oil |
| Mineral sources | Calcium, zinc, selenium, and magnesium |
| Amino acid sources | Meat and eggs |
| Fatty acid sources | Fish |
| Treats | No more than 10%-15% of the total diet; low-calorie options like carrots, snap peas, blueberries, and celery |
| Dietary restrictions | Chocolate, onions, and grapes are toxic to dogs |
| Individual considerations | Age, weight, health status, and dietary sensitivities |
| AAFCO guidelines | Commercial dog food should meet AAFCO standards for complete and balanced nutrition |
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What You'll Learn
Whole foods
Muir also notes that dogs' daily diets should contain moderate amounts of quality animal protein – from meat, offal or eggs – as well as omega 3 fats, a rainbow of vegetables, and some whole foods dense in vitamins and minerals, such as kelp. He recommends avoiding canned and ultra-processed food like kibble, and prioritising whole foods instead.
Lyka uses high-quality, locally sourced ingredients to create wholefood meals. Customers can input details about their dog's life stage, breed, activity level and health needs, and Lyka will create a customised meal plan to suit.
Many veterinary nutritionists advise caution when it comes to home-prepared diets for dogs, as it is critical that the recipe is deemed complete and balanced to make sure that your dog is getting everything it needs. For dogs with health conditions, a custom diet designed by a veterinary nutritionist is often the best plan.
It is important to note that not all foods that are safe for humans are also safe for dogs. Chocolate, onions and grapes are examples of foods that could make your dog sick.
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AAFCO standards
AAFCO, or the Association of American Feed Control Officials, has established nutritional guidelines that form the general basis for the nutritional content of commercial pet foods. AAFCO guidelines are trustworthy and science-based, and they are used by states to determine pet food labels.
AAFCO does not directly test, regulate, approve, or certify pet foods to make sure that they meet the standard requirements. Instead, they establish guidelines for ingredient definitions, product labels, feeding trials, and laboratory analyses of the nutrients that go into pet foods. Pet food companies then use third-party testing agencies to analyse their foods according to AAFCO guidelines. AAFCO also outlines specific protocols for conducting feeding tests for each life stage. For example, “adult maintenance” feeding trials for dogs must include a minimum of eight healthy dogs that are at least 1 year of age, and the trial must last 26 weeks.
Nutritional adequacy standards established by the AAFCO must be met or exceeded for a pet food to be marketed as “complete and balanced” for a certain life stage. Any product that doesn’t meet either standard must be labelled “for intermittent or supplemental feeding only”. These foods are not deemed to be complete and balanced and should not be fed as your pet’s primary diet. Common AAFCO-compliant brands of dog food include Hills®, Eukanuba™, Purina®, and Royal Canin®.
AAFCO certification ensures that pet food has met standards of nutrition established by feeding trials. If a pet food contains more than one ingredient, that named ingredient cannot be less than 3% of the total product by weight. For example, dog food “with beef” on the label must contain at least 3% beef.
To meet their energy needs, dogs have evolved to use proteins and fats as their primary energy sources, but they can also use carbohydrates for energy. Dogs can meet their nutritional needs by eating a combination of plant and animal foods. A well-balanced diet must include an appropriate amount of minerals, vitamins, certain essential amino acids (from proteins), and specific essential fatty acids (from fats).
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Human-grade foods
Human-grade food is a term used to describe pet food made with ingredients fit for human consumption. This type of diet for dogs has gained popularity in recent years, with many dog owners believing that a diet based on whole, unprocessed, and recognisable ingredients is the key to
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Home-prepared diets
Dogs are omnivores and require a balanced diet of plant and animal foods. A dog's diet should include proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. The source of these nutrients is less important than their quality and digestibility. For example, while dogs can digest complex carbohydrates more easily once they have been cooked, raw diets can carry risks for dogs and people in the home, especially young children or those who are immunocompromised.
Dogs require animal protein, which provides essential amino acids. Animal protein sources include meat, offal, and eggs. Eggs should always be cooked to avoid the risk of salmonella. Fish, especially salmon and sardines, are also rich in protein and amino acids and are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. Sardines are the only fish that can be fed to dogs with the bones still in them; all other fish bones should be removed to prevent choking. Meat sources can also be used as treats, such as cold or frozen carrots for teething puppies, or celery for overweight dogs.
Veterinary nutritionists can help you prepare a home-cooked diet that is nutritionally adequate for your dog.
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Treats
When choosing treats for your dog, it is important to consider their health and dietary needs. For example, if your dog is overweight, green beans are a great option as they are low in calories and fat but still provide fibre and vitamin C. Similarly, celery and cucumbers are low-calorie, low-fat, and sodium-free options that provide a good source of vitamins. Cauliflower is another healthy treat option, packed with nutrients like fibre, antioxidants, folate, and various vitamins and minerals. However, it can make your dog gassy, so it's best to give it in small amounts.
Carrots are a great low-calorie treat option, but they can be a choking hazard for young dogs, so be sure to cut them into small pieces. Cold or frozen carrots can also help soothe teething puppies' discomfort by giving them something safe to chew on. Eggs are another healthy treat option, providing protein and various vitamins, but be sure to cook them to avoid the risk of salmonella.
Fish, especially salmon and sardines, are excellent sources of protein, amino acids, and omega-3 fatty acids. Sardines are unique because their soft bones provide a valuable source of calcium. However, it is important to fully cook fish before feeding it to your dog and limit their intake to no more than two servings per week.
It is important to note that not all human foods are safe for dogs. Chocolate, onions, and grapes, for example, can be toxic to dogs. Always consult a veterinarian if you are unsure about a particular food item.
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Frequently asked questions
The healthiest diet for a dog depends on its individual health, age, and dietary needs. A well-balanced diet is vital to a dog's overall health and well-being. Dogs require a combination of plant and animal foods, including proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
A dog's diet should include moderate amounts of quality animal protein, omega-3 fats, and a variety of colourful vegetables. Good sources of animal protein include meat, offal, and eggs. Fish, especially salmon and sardines, are rich in protein and amino acids, as well as omega-3 fatty acids. Vegetables such as carrots, celery, and cucumbers are healthy low-calorie treats.
It is important to note that not all human foods are safe for dogs. Chocolate, onions, and grapes are examples of foods that can be toxic to dogs. Raw eggs should also be avoided as they may contain salmonella. In addition, an all-meat diet would be unbalanced and would not meet a dog's nutritional requirements.
Some signs that your dog's diet may not be balanced include coat quality and inconsistent stool consistency. If your dog experiences chronic diarrhea or stomach upset, it is recommended to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to determine any underlying causes.
