Quick take
- There’s no one “perfect” diet – choose what suits your dog’s age, health and lifestyle
- Complete and balanced matters more than brand hype
- Change foods slowly over 7–10 days to protect tummies
- Some human foods are dangerous – when in doubt, leave it out
- Supplements can help, but only as add-ons to a solid base diet
Choosing the right food for your dog can feel like a game of fetch with too many balls in the air. Dry, wet, raw, what’s best? And what about breed quirks, sneaky no-go human foods, or those shiny supplement tubs? Don’t worry – we’ve sniffed out the facts so you don’t have to.
How to choose: dry vs wet vs raw
Dry food (kibble)
Pros: convenient, usually better value per serve, easy to store, can be used in puzzle toys for enrichment.
Cons: some dogs drink less with dry diets; quality varies widely.
Good for: most healthy dogs when you pick a complete and balanced formula matched to life stage.
Wet food (cans or trays)
Pros: high moisture for hydration, strong aroma for fussy eaters, softer texture for seniors or dental issues.
Cons: cost per serve is higher, opened packs need refrigeration, can be messy.
Good for: dogs needing extra water in their diet or a palatable topper on dry food.
Raw or fresh-prepared
Pros: very palatable, minimal processing, high moisture.
Cons: food safety and storage risks if mishandled; balancing calcium, phosphorus, vitamins and trace minerals is tricky without a formulated recipe; bones can fracture teeth or cause blockages.
Good for: households able to follow a properly formulated plan with excellent hygiene. If you go raw, consider boneless, balanced recipes and discuss bones and risks with your vet.
Takeaway: Pick the format you can feed safely and consistently. A complete and balanced diet for your dog’s life stage beats any single feeding trend.
Breed and life-stage nutrition needs
Size matters
- Toy and small breeds burn energy fast – they often do well on energy-dense, small-bite formulas
- Large and giant breeds need controlled calcium and steady growth to support joints. Look for large-breed puppy diets and, later, joint-friendly adult formulas
Life stage and lifestyle
- Puppies: choose a complete growth diet until skeletal maturity
- Adults: maintain body condition with an adult formula that matches activity
- Seniors: look for diets with higher quality protein, joint support and easy-to-digest fibres
- Working or very active dogs: higher calories and omega-3s can help recovery
- Couch potatoes: lower-calorie, high-fibre options support weight control
Takeaway: Match food to size, age and activity – then watch body condition and adjust portions, not just the label.
How to read a dog-food label
- Look for “complete and balanced” with a clear life stage
- Ingredients list is by weight – fresh meats include water, so placement can be misleading
- Crude protein and fat give the big picture; fibre helps gut health
- Feeding guides are a starting point – adjust 10–15% based on your dog’s body condition score
- Short ingredient lists aren’t automatically “better” – balance matters more than buzzwords
Takeaway: Marketing is loud, but the nutrition panel tells the real story.
Human foods dogs should never eat
- Chocolate and cocoa
- Grapes and sultanas
- Onions, garlic and chives
- Xylitol sweetener (often in sugar-free gum or peanut butter)
- Alcohol and uncooked bread dough
- Cooked bones and fatty trimmings
- Macadamias
If something is new or you are unsure, skip it. Stick to pet-safe treats and keep portions small.
Supplements: do they help?
Supplements can be the cherry on top of a solid base diet. They are not a fix for poor nutrition.
Joints
Glucosamine, chondroitin and fish-oil omega-3s are commonly used for joint support. Many senior or large-breed diets already include these, so check before doubling up.
Skin and coat
Omega-3s from fish oil can help coat quality. Start low to avoid tummy upset. Coconut oil is trendy, but adds calories with limited proven benefit.
Digestion
Probiotics and prebiotic fibres may support sensitive tummies. Choose products made for pets and introduce slowly.
Calming or “all-in-one” powders
Be cautious with blends that promise the world. Look for clear ingredients, pet-specific dosing and quality control. If your dog is on medication, always check for interactions.
Takeaway: Add supplements when there’s a specific need and evidence – and only after you’ve nailed the basics.
Portion sizes, transitions and tummy care
- Weigh food for accuracy – cups can be inconsistent
- Change diets over 7–10 days: 25% new every 2–3 days until fully transitioned
- Watch the poo: very hard or very loose stool suggests you should slow the change or review the diet
- Keep a simple feeding routine – same time, same place, calm environment
Final thoughts
Best food? It’s the one your dog thrives on, that you can feed safely and consistently, and that suits your budget and lifestyle. Keep it complete and balanced, watch body condition, change slowly and keep treats modest. Your furry mate will thank you with bright eyes, a shiny coat and plenty of zoomies.
Even with the best diet, life can toss a curveball. With Buddy Pet Insurance, you can spend less time worrying about the what-ifs and more time enjoying mealtimes, walkies and snoozes.
FAQsFrequently Asked Questions about choosing dog food
Hungry to know more? We have answers to the most commonly asked questions about pet food.
Is dry or wet food better for my dog?
Both can be great. Dry is convenient and budget-friendly, wet boosts hydration and palatability. Many Aussies feed a mix. Choose complete and balanced, then tailor to your dog’s needs.
Do I need a breed-specific formula?
Not always. Size and life stage are usually more important than breed. If your dog has breed-linked issues, a targeted formula may help, but watch results and body condition, not just the label.
Can I home-cook or feed raw safely?
It’s possible, but balance and hygiene are critical. Use a properly formulated recipe and follow food-safety steps. If bones are on the menu, understand the risks and discuss options with your vet.
How do I know if a food suits my dog?
Healthy skin and coat, good energy, comfortable digestion and consistent, well-formed poo are good signs. If you see itchiness, vomiting, diarrhoea or weight changes, review the diet and talk to your vet.
Are supplements necessary if I feed a premium diet?
Often, no. Many quality diets already include joint and skin nutrients. Add supplements for specific goals, and introduce one at a time so you can see what actually helps.
21 Nov 2025