Deciding What To Feed Your Dog

Have you ever stood in the pet food aisle at a store looking at the vast amounts of food options- kibbles, toppers, cans- and wondering what to feed your dog? We've all been there and it's one of the most common questions I get asked as a nutritionist. The truth is, there's no single answer on what to feed your dog. Every dog is 100% different and what may work well for one, may not for another.

Things like weight, breed, age, and activity level play a big role in choosing the proper food. For example, German Shepherds are predisposed to bad joint health. Because of this, adding foods and supplements like fish oil, green lipped mussels, and glucosamine will greatly help. Overweight dogs can benefit from adding supplements that help with joint support, and underweight dogs can benefit from adding foods with higher calories. Puppies and high-energy dogs require more calories, while adults and low energy breeeds may not. All these factors matter, and I'll be diving into more breed specifics in another blog post.

Another key factor is balance. It's not just about filling the bowl, it's about making sure the bowl is nutritionally complete. Whether you feed kibble, raw, fresh, or homemade, a nutritionally balanced diet is very important. It helps make sure your dog is getting the proper amount of protein vs fiber, and so on.

And while there’s no need for guilt around what you’re currently feeding, it’s worth asking: is my dog surviving, or truly thriving? Dull coat, skin issues, frequent stomach upset, or low energy can all be signs that it’s time for a change. The goal isn’t just keeping your dog fed—it’s helping them feel their absolute best.

So where to go from here? You can use the form in my website under the "Contact Us" page to start the conversation. There's many different routes to go and I'm here to help in whatever path you choose. Whether that be designing a new meal plan, generating a diet plan for over or underweight dogs, or just asking questions.

This is just the start of the conversation. In future posts, I’ll be breaking down each option—raw feeding, homemade diets, fresh food, and kibble—so you’ll have all the information you need to make confident choices for your pup.