Dog Feeding Guide: All You Need To Know About Your Dog's Diet

Every dog deserves nutritious food and providing the right type and amount is essential for their health and well-being. A well-balanced diet is key to keeping your dog happy, energetic and in good shape.

Overfeeding can lead to obesity, while underfeeding may result in nutritional deficiencies. Similarly, offering food which doesn't suit your dog's age, breed or particular needs might mean they're missing out on vital nutrients.

With so many diets and feeding regimes to choose from, it's understandable to feel overwhelmed. That's why we've created this guide, in order to provide you with all the information you need to correctly feed your dog and ensure they thrive.

What factors impact a dog's diet?

While feeding a high-quality, complete diet is essential, nutrition isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. Numerous factors influence not only how much food your dog needs but also the type of food which is best suited to them:

• Breed: Different breeds have specific nutritional requirements. For example, large breeds may require specifically formulated diets to support their joints and overall growth, while small breeds might benefit from complete diets with a smaller kibble that's easier for them to chew.
• Age: A dog's nutritional needs change as they age. Puppies need food designed to support growth and development, while senior dogs often benefit from formulas tailored to keep them active, healthy and mentally sharp as they age.
• Weight: A dog's weight plays a significant role in determining their dietary needs. Overweight dogs may require reduced-calorie diets to help them shed excess pounds, whereas underweight dogs might need more calories and nutrient-dense foods to reach a healthy condition.
• Activity levels: If your dog leads an active lifestyle, such as going on daily runs or hikes, they'll likely need more calories to fuel their energy expenditure. Conversely, less active dogs may need fewer calories to maintain a healthy weight.

How much should I feed my dog?

As mentioned, the amount of food your dog needs depends on several factors, including the type of food you're feeding them. Start by using the feeding guidelines or chart provided on the packaging as a baseline. If your dog needs to lose or gain weight, adjust their portions to align with their target weight rather than their current weight.

High-quality commercial diets often have higher nutritional density, meaning you may need to feed smaller portions compared to lower-quality options. This is particularly important for dogs with specific needs, such as growing puppies, highly active dogs or elderly dogs who may struggle to get sufficient nutrition.

The most accurate way to guarantee your dog is receiving the right amount of food is by weighing their daily portions. This not only helps maintain consistency but also allows you to make precise adjustments if their activity levels or weight change over time.

How often should I feed my dog?

The frequency of your dog's meals depends on their age and development stage. Here's a general guide:

• Young puppies: Puppies have small stomachs, so it's best to start with 4 small meals a day.
• At 4 months old: Reduce to 3 meals per day
• At 6 months old: Reduce further to 2 meals daily
• At maturity: You can choose to feed your dog once or twice a day, depending on their preference and lifestyle

Establishing set mealtimes is likewise recommended for the majority of dogs for select reasons. Namely, regular mealtimes promote healthy digestion, help maintain a consistent weight and make it easier to monitor your dog's eating habits.

In most cases, it's not advisable to leave food out all day, as this can lead to overeating. This practice, known as free feeding, is generally only suitable for highly active dogs or those who struggle to maintain a healthy weight.

Wet vs. dry dog food, or both?

When you understand your dog's nutritional needs, you'll likely find that foods are available in both wet and dry forms. While both options can provide the same essential nutrients, each has its own advantages and disadvantages. So, how do wet, dry or a combination of both compare?

Dry dog food

Dry dog food is economical, convenient to measure and practical for dogs that eat slowly, as it doesn't spoil when left out during the day. It's a clean option and, although firmer than wet food, kibble designed for specific breeds comes in appropriate sizes to suit your dog's mouth. Dry food also offers dental benefits, as chewing kibble may help reduce tartar build-up on teeth. Lastly, it stores well and can double as a handy treat.

On the other hand, dry food lacks the moisture content of wet food, which can be a concern for older dogs, unwell pets, or during hot weather when hydration is critical. Its lack of aroma can make it less appealing to picky eaters. While dry food may contain slightly less animal protein than wet food, the focus should be on the quality of the protein rather than the quantity.

Wet dog food

Wet food contains a significantly higher water content, making it a great option for pets who are reluctant to drink enough on their own. Its soft texture is easier for dogs with dental pain or difficult chewing and its stronger aroma often makes it more appealing to unwell or picky eaters.

However, the strong smell of wet food can be unpleasant in the house and may create more mess during mealtime. Wet food also has a shorter shelf life once opened and typically comes in smaller packages, making it less economical than dry food. Moreover, wet food tends to stick to teeth, which can contribute to poorer dental health in dogs fed exclusively on a wet diet.

Mixing wet and dry dog food

Feeding your dog a combination of dry and wet food can offer the best of both worlds, but it's essential to ensure they're receiving the correct overall amount. To make this easier, consider using the same brand for both types of food. Many brands provide feeding guidelines that specify the appropriate portions for combining their dry and wet products, helping you achieve the right balance.

How should I change my dog's diet?

Changing your dog's diet should always be done gradually to avoid upsetting their stomach or causing them to reject the new food. Transitioning from one food to another should take at least 7 to 10 days.

Start by replacing a small portion of the old food with the new food in their bowl. Gradually increase the amount of new food each day while reducing the old, until the transition is complete.

How many treats can I give my dog?

If your dog is already eating a complete and balanced diet, extra treats aren't necessary to meet their nutritional needs. In fact, overfeeding treats can disrupt this balance and may lead to obesity, which is associated with a wide range of health problems.

If you use treats as rewards during training, make sure they are safe for dogs, age-appropriate and don't exceed 10% of your dog's total daily diet. Alternatively, you can measure out your dog's daily portion of dry food and set aside a portion to use as treats throughout the day.

Is raw feeding good for dogs?

Raw feeding or the BARF diet (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food), consists mainly of raw meat, bones and sometimes organs. It has gained popularity as an alternative to commercial dog food. Despite how raw diets can offer high levels of protein, they come with some notable risks.

Raw meat can harbour harmful bacteria, which pose health risks to both humans and animals. Additionally, bones can cause choking or become lodged in a dog's digestive system. And, while raw diets are protein-rich, protein is just one component of a balanced diet. As such, long-term raw feeding can lead to nutritional deficiencies, given that these diets usually lack the variety of nutrients dogs need for optimal health.

For those considering a raw diet, pre-prepared commercial raw foods, often sold frozen, can be a safer option compared to homemade raw meals. That said, these still carry a higher risk of bacterial contamination than normal diets.

Why feeding your dog the right diet is important?

A balanced diet is crucial for providing your dog with the nutrients they need to stay healthy at every stage of life. Nutrition impacts every part of your dog's body and the process of digesting, absorbing and distributing nutrients involves many vital systems. This is why the right diet is a cornerstone of your dog's overall health and well-being.

Feeding a well-balanced diet can help prevent a variety of health issues, including:

• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Heart disease
• Joint disease
• Urinary problems
• Digestive issues
• Dental issues
• Diabetes
• Breathing difficulties
• Heat exhaustion and heatstroke
• Skin conditions
• Certain types of cancer

At Millbry Hill, we understand that your dog is a beloved member of your family. It's for this reason why we stock only the highest quality dog food for all life stages, whether wet or dry and for unique needs such as working or sporting dogs. We also have an extensive range of Millbry Hill Super Premium and Grain-Free dry dog food and treats available in a selection of delicious flavours.

In addition to premium nutrition, we offer a wide range of collars, leads, harnesses and grooming and healthcare supplies, ensuring your dog has everything they need to live a happy, healthy life.