When it comes to choosing a dog food, you might find yourself overwhelmed with the number of types available. With so many brands and formulas, deciding which is the best dog food can be difficult. But there are certain things to look for when determining the best option for you and your dog.
The old adage, "You are what you eat" holds true for dogs, so it's important to remember that nutrition is essential. Adequate nutrition helps your dog grow, stay strong, maintain a healthy coat and immune system, and provide energy for playtime. When breaking down nutrition and choosing a food, there are some key factors to consider.
Balanced Nutritional Formula
When choosing the best dog food for your pup, the nutritional value of the food is the first factor you should inspect. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) has established guidelines for regulators to govern claims a pet food company can make on its label. A balanced food should contain healthy ingredients, such as protein from an animal source, vegetables, whole grains and micronutrients like omega-3 fatty acids.
When it comes to individual ingredients, it's important to note that foods said to contain a single ingredient must include at least 95 percent of said ingredient, not counting water. For instance, if the formula claims to be made solely of beef, beef makes up 95 percent of the food. Another idea to consider is the food type. Phrases and the labels "dinner," "platter" or "entree" require that the food contains at least 25 percent of the named ingredient. So a chicken dinner might actually only contain 25 percent chicken.
There are wet foods, dry foods, dehydrated foods and even frozen-thawed foods that are available to your dog. You'll have to decide which offers the best nutritional value for your particular pup and make sure that your dog enjoys eating it. For example, freezing food changes the taste of canned wet food, so there's a chance your dog won't be a fan of it.
Once you know how to identify the ingredients you want in your dog's food and which you'd prefer to avoid, you can use your dog's opinion to decide which is the most flavorful delivery. The best dog food is a completely balanced food that your dog will enjoy!
Age and Lifestyle
Your dog is unique and needs to be treated as such. This means that the best dog food for one dog might not be so great for another. First, consider the size of your dog. A Great Dane and Chihuahua are going to need very different amounts of nutrients and different amounts of food altogether. There may be various sizes of kibble and cans that are geared toward the size of your dog.
Next, evaluate your dog's age. A puppy is still growing and is going to need different nutrients than a sedentary senior dog. Puppies generally need vitamins and minerals that encourage healthy growth and development, while seniors need fewer calories and added supplements to help their aging bones and joints. Again, a Great Dane puppy is going to need nutrition that supports a very large, quickly growing body while a Chihuahua puppy will likely need a more steady intake throughout his life.
Pregnant and lactating females require a special formula to sustain their and their puppies' bodies. For example, because she's expending a lot of energy sustaining her puppies, a pregnant dog needs a calorie-rich food. Special nutrients, like protein and DHA, are needed to promote healthy puppy development. If you have a pregnant and lactating dog, be sure to ask your veterinarian what dog food you should be feeding her.
Your dog's lifestyle determines the amount of food and nutrition needed as well. Working dogs such as police dogs and search and rescue dogs are constantly on the go. Their hard-working bodies are going to need a lot of nutrition for active energy to keep up with them. They'll need a lot more food that your average couch potato dog won't need.
The less your dog moves around, the fewer calories he needs, says PetMD. You want to prevent obesity and maintain a healthy weight and body condition throughout your dog's life, so tailored nutrition is key.
Tasty Tips
Ailments and Illnesses
Certain ailments and illnesses require a change in food or a new food altogether. In fact, there are many foods made for dogs suffering from specific conditions, such as diabetes and renal failure. These foods were developed by veterinarians and scientists to make up the ideal nutritional content for dogs living with these diseases. They contain ingredients known to assist in the recovery and management of said ailments and ensure that your dog is getting the right nutrition at the right time. Sometimes you might need to have your dog on a special food after a procedure or during a short-term recovery before you switch back to his regular food. (Remember, if you're switching from one food to another, do so gradually.) Other times, this special food may be the staple for the rest of your dog's life. Whichever is best depends on your dog, the condition and your veterinarian's expert opinion.
What Is the Best Dog Food?
So, is there a one-size-fits-all dog food that is the best? The answer: no. It all depends! Every dog is different. Before choosing a dog food, take stock of your pup's age, lifestyle and medical conditions to find the best one. One of the biggest things to take into consideration when choosing the best dog food is the care that goes into crafting it. Does the company spend lots of time on research and nutritional advancement? Do they employ active veterinarians and pet nutritionists qualified to determine a food's nutritional efficiency for your pup? Do they source their ingredients from reputable suppliers, and adhere to strict quality and safety standards? There is a lot more that goes into choosing a dog food that is best for your pup than understanding the ingredients that go into it.
Finally, never fall victim to fads and trends that you see from non-reputable, non-qualified sources. This includes human food trends and applying your food preferences to your pet. In this day and age of information, you have ample ability to do research on each food you are considering. Do your own dog food comparisons, looking at things like nutritional value, price valuation, ingredient comparisons, manufacturing and quality standards, industry experience and more. You know your dog the best, and you want to do best by him, so make sure to do your due diligence when deciding. If you're still not confident, consult your veterinarian. Not only can they give you recommendations, they can inform you on the exact nutrition your pup needs to be his healthiest. Take their input and apply your own research, to make the best decision for your pooch.
If you have any questions about Hill's products, do not hesitate to use our web chat feature and speak to a Hill's representative.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small & Mini Savory Stew with Chicken & Vegetables Dog Food
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet Small & Mini dog food
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Large Breed Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
Supports controlled bone & joint growth. Promotes healthy brain, eye, muscle & immune system development
Hill's Science Diet Perfect Digestion Large Breed Chicken, Brown Rice & Whole Oats Recipe Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome. Delicious food in a large bite size
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Vegetable Entrée dog food
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous coat
Hill's Science Diet Adult Healthy Mobility Small Bites Chicken Meal, Brown Rice & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Advanced nutrition to support hip & joint health from day 1
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Adult Light Small Bites with Chicken Meal & Barley Dog Food
18% lower calories vs. Science Diet Adult
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Savory Stew with Beef & Vegetables Dog Food
A delicious complement to the superior nutrition of Science Diet dry dog food
Hill's Science Diet Adult 6+ Large Breed No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe dog food
Supports energy & beautiful coat. Helps keep immune system, joints, heart & kidneys healthy
null Hill's Science Diet Adult Healthy Cuisine Hearty Beef, Carrots & Peas Stew Dog Food
Delicious braised beef paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
Hill's Science Diet Puppy No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
Supports healthy brain, eye, muscle, bone & immune system development in growing puppies
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Chicken & Rice Recipe Dog Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Grain Free Chicken & Potato Recipe dog food
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Grain Free dry dog food is gentle on stomachs. Nourishes skin & promotes a lustrous coat.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Large Breed
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Large Breed dry dog food is gentle on stomachs while nourishing skin & promoting a lustrous coat. In a delicious large bite size for large breed dogs.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small Bites Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful coat
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small & Mini Savory Stew Can Variety Pack Dog Food
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet Small & Mini dog food
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Hearty Vegetable & Chicken Stew dog food
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small & Mini Chicken & Barley Entrée Dog Food
Chicken & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy.
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Small Bites Chicken Meal, Barley & Rice Recipe Dog Food
Supports energy level & beautiful coat. Helps keep immune system, heart & kidneys healthy
Related articles
Why Does My Dog Eat So Fast?
It's common for dogs to eat faster than humans, but learn why exactly some dogs might eat too fast and any health issues that can come up because of it.
Is My Dog Sick? How Can I Tell?
If your dog is behaving strangely and you suspect something is wrong, learn some common behaviors they may be exhibiting to show they're not feeling well.
My Dog Is Coughing: 6 Possible Reasons Why
Learn about common conditions that lead to dog coughs, signs to help determine why they are coughing, and treatment options your vet might suggest.
Ringworm in Dogs: How to Treat and Prevention Tips
While ringworm in dogs is common, this highly contagious skin infection is preventable and treatable. Learn these tips to help you keep it from spreading.
The Science Behind a Dog IQ Test
Curious to know how smart your dog is? Learn about the different types of dog intelligence and see how trainable he is with an IQ test.
My Dog is Acting Lethargic: Causes & How to Help
Discover reasons why your dog might be acting lethargic or not enjoying play & exercise like he used to, as well as when you should consult his vet.
Dominant Paws: Is Your Dog a Righty or Lefty?
Learn if dogs have dominant paws like humans have dominant hands, and discover how you can determine if your dog has a paw preference.
Bronchitis in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Learn helpful info about bronchitis in dogs, including what causes this condition, typical symptoms, why it can become chronic and treatment options.
Changing Dog Food for Your New Pup
Changing dog food isn't something you should rush into. Learn how doing so slowly can help your dog avoid digestive problems and adjust to his new home.
Teaching Your Dog to Fetch
Discover easy and effective methods for teaching your dog to play fetch, including commands to use and how rewards can help him learn the game.
Overcoming Obesity in Small Dogs
Learn how to properly feed and treat your little or small breed dog to keep their weight under control to avoid any weight-related health issues.
Can Dogs Get Tetanus?
Learn how tetanus can affect dogs, including signs & symptoms they might experience, how serious it is and what to do if you suspect an infection.
Leaving a Dog in the Car: Hot & Cold Temperature Concerns
Learn why cars can be a very dangerous place to leave your dog, including how quickly temperatures can get too hot or cold & alternatives to leaving them.
How to Keep Dogs Safe (and Cool) in Summer Weather
Learn tips for keeping your dog safe in warmer summer weather, as well as some fun activities to keep your pup active (and cool), even in the summer heat.
Pulmonary Hypertension in Dogs: What You Need to Know
Learn how to recognize the signs of pulmonary hypertension in dogs and complications that you should take care to avoid if he suffers from this condition.
Tips to Prepare Your Home for a Puppy
Learn how to puppy-proof your home. Safety is critical when you adopt a new puppy, so learn how to make your home a safe-haven for your young canine.
Can My Dog Eat Spicy Food?
Find out if you can feed your dog spicy food or add some spicy flavor to his dog food, and any health implications of doing so.
Should You Allow a Dog to Give You Kisses?
Wondering if dog kisses are safe for you & your family? Learn the facts about how clean your dog's mouth is and when you can enjoy a smooch from your pup.
Getting Rid of Your Dog's Ear Mites
Ear mites in dogs can cause your pup irritation & pain. If you think his ear scratching might mean he has mites, learn what to do for treatment.
Starting a Training Schedule with Your Puppy
Learn the benefits of starting to train your puppy at an early age, preventing a wide variety of problems and promoting good behavior.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.