The range of dog food is enormous: kibble, wet food, grain-free, fresh, organic... as a dog owner, you can quickly lose sight of the forest for the trees.
However, choosing the right food is one of the most important decisions you make for your dog's health.
In this blog, we explain what to look for when choosing the best dog food, which ingredients are really important, and how you can tailor the food to your dog.
Why good dog food is so important
Dogs, like humans, get their energy and nutrients from food. A poor or unbalanced diet can lead to:
- dull coat or hair loss
- digestive problems
- less energy
- behavioral changes
Good dog food not only ensures a healthy dog, but also a happy dog.
Choose food that suits the age and life stage
Each life stage requires a different nutritional balance. For example, puppies benefit from more protein, fat, and calcium for growth. Adult dogs need a balanced diet that provides energy without causing excess weight. Senior dogs, on the other hand, need fewer calories because they use less energy. Older dogs, on the other hand, need more fiber and nutrients that support joints.
Look at the main ingredients
The best dog food lists an animal protein source like chicken, beef, lamb, or fish as the first ingredient. Avoid foods that list "grains" or "corn fillers" first. These are often cheaper fillers with little nutritional value.
You can recognize good ingredients by:
- clear meat sources (e.g. "chicken meat" instead of "meat and animal by-products").
- added omega fatty acids (for skin & coat)
- natural preservatives
- a short, clear list of ingredients
Kibble, wet food or fresh food – what's best?
There's no "one size fits all." Each type of food has its advantages:
- Chunks: easy, long-lasting and good for the teeth
- Wet food: tastier and helps with extra fluid intake
- Fresh food: close to natural food, but requires more preparation
Many owners choose a combination. For example, they feed kibble in the morning and wet food or meat in the evening.
Read labels critically
Marketing slogans such as “premium”, “natural” or “with real chicken” often say little.
Rather pay attention to:
- nutrient analysis (protein, fat, fiber)
- clarity about origin
- it complies with the FEDIAF guidelines (the European standard for animal feed).
Vary flavors and textures
Many dogs eat the same food for years. But just like with people, this can lead to food fatigue or nutrient deficiencies. Therefore, vary your dog's food regularly.
Regularly varying between flavours (for example chicken, beef, salmon or lamb) keeps food interesting and healthy.
At Tailtaste, we believe every dog deserves a variety of flavors, so we offer a variety of dog food subscriptions so your dog can enjoy something new every week!