how it plays in to behaviors and overall well-being
So many of my clients, friends and family ask me questions about dog food, and sometimes I find myself diving into an impromptu lesson when I see something worth addressing. After years of working in dog boarding and pet nutrition, I’ve developed an eye for kibble brands—I can usually identify the brand just by looking at the food. This has helped me predict and correct behavior issues and why certain medications are needed for dogs. It all comes back to food. Most chronic illnesses can be prevented by feeding your pet the proper diet.
My journey into pet nutrition began at a small independent pet store, where I spent years learning about different products from the sales reps that would come in, pitch their products, and educate us on how to recommend them. This gave us the knowledge to share with to help them choose the right foods for their pets. Eventually, I worked for an amazing pet food brand, where I gained even deeper insights into how commercial dog food is made, marketed, and sold. Some brands were excellent, while others leaned heavily on buzzwords and flashy marketing. From this I also learned, you should always do your own research.
Fresh is Best
When it comes to nutrition, the same rule applies to dogs as it does to humans: Fresh is always best. Homemade diets or fresh, whole food options provide more bioavailable nutrients, fewer fillers, and better overall health outcomes. While commercial dog food can be convenient and affordable, it often sacrifices quality for shelf life.
AND Yes, it is not always sustainable to feed a 100% fresh diet. So I want to make sure you have all the information and resources to do what's best for your lifestyle and your pet!
Understanding Commercial Dog Food
Here’s the thing about commercial dog food: the ingredients list and numbers don’t lie. If something seems too good to be true, flip the bag over and start reading the label critically. Here are a few tips I’ve picked up over the years:
Ingredients After Salt Are Less Than 1%:
Salt is a threshold ingredient in dog food. Anything listed after it makes up less than 1% of the formula. If the "good stuff" (like blueberries, spinach, or salmon oil) is listed after salt, it’s not enough to make a real impact.
Avoid “Meal” After a Protein Source:
Ingredients like "chicken meal" or "beef meal" can sometimes be lower-quality rendered products. While some meals are better than others, whole food sources like "chicken" or "beef" are more reliable. However, keep in mind that "meal" as a first ingredient can sometimes indicate a more protein-rich formula than whole meats due to their water content.
Use the Carb Calculator:
According to The Forever Dog, a balanced diet for healthy adult dogs typically consists of 40% protein, 30% fat, and 20% carbohydrates. Unfortunately, most kibble is far higher in carbs.
To calculate the carbohydrate content in kibble:
Add the percentages of protein, fat, fiber, moisture, and ash listed in the guaranteed analysis.
Subtract the total from 100.
If ash isn’t listed, use an average of 6%.
You can also google "dog food carb calculator" for a quick and easy formula.
Prioritize Species-Appropriate Nutrition
What This Means: Dogs are facultative carnivores, meaning their digestive systems are designed primarily for meat but can process some plant matter.
Why It Matters: A diet high in fresh, animal-based protein supports muscle development, strong bones, and healthy organ function. Carbohydrate-rich foods (like kibble containing grains, potatoes, or legumes) can lead to obesity, diabetes, and inflammation, contributing to behavioral issues and poor overall health.
Recommendation: Look for foods with animal protein as the first ingredient, ideally making up 75% or more of the protein content.
2. Choose High-Quality, Whole Ingredients
What This Means: Opt for food made with whole, identifiable ingredients rather than heavily processed by-products.
Why It Matters: Whole foods are less processed, which means they retain more nutrients and enzymes. This supports gut health and improves digestion, reducing issues like gas, bloating, and diarrhea. A healthier gut leads to better nutrient absorption, directly affecting energy levels, coat quality, and behavior.
Recommendation: Choose foods that list whole meats (e.g., fish, beef, turkey) and organ meats (e.g., liver, kidney) instead of generic meat meals or by-products.
3. Avoid High Carbohydrate Content
What This Means: Many commercial dog foods are packed with fillers like corn, soy, wheat, potatoes, and peas to increase bulk.
Why It Matters: High carbohydrate diets can cause blood sugar spikes and crashes, which may lead to hyperactivity followed by lethargy. Over time, this can contribute to weight gain, insulin resistance, and chronic inflammation. Behaviors like restlessness, excessive chewing, and poor focus can often be linked to sugar highs and crashes.
Recommendation: Opt for foods with low carbohydrate content (less than 20%) and avoid kibble that relies on fillers like corn or peas as primary ingredients.
4. Incorporate Fresh, Raw Foods Where Possible
What This Means: Incorporate fresh foods like raw or lightly cooked meats, vegetables, and bone broths into your pup's diet.
Why It Matters: Fresh foods are rich in live enzymes, vitamins, and antioxidants that are often lost during processing. Adding even a small percentage of fresh food can boost immune function, improve coat quality, and support a balanced gut microbiome, leading to better overall behavior and mental clarity.
Recommendation: Add fresh toppers such as raw eggs, sardines, bone broth, or fresh vegetables like pumpkin or spinach to enhance your pup’s diet.
5. Look for Minimally Processed, Limited-Ingredient Foods
What This Means: Avoid foods that are highly processed or contain a long list of synthetic additives, preservatives, or colorings.
Why It Matters: Artificial additives can trigger food sensitivities, allergies, and digestive issues, leading to discomfort, skin problems, and behavioral changes (like itching, licking, or aggression). Foods with fewer, high-quality ingredients are easier to digest and less likely to cause issues.
Recommendation: Choose limited-ingredient diets or freeze-dried raw options that are closer to a natural state.
6. Pay Attention to Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acid Balance
What This Means: Look for food rich in omega-3s (found in fish oil, krill oil, or flaxseed oil) and balanced with omega-6s (from poultry fat or sunflower oil).
Why It Matters: Omega-3s are anti-inflammatory and support brain development, eye health, and coat quality. An imbalance (too many omega-6s, which are pro-inflammatory) can lead to joint pain, poor skin health, and even anxiety or aggression due to chronic inflammation. So foods that are chicken based are going to be more inflammatory. Especially when they are highly processed (I.E. Kibble)
Recommendation: Supplement with high-quality fish oil or choose food that includes wild-caught fish ingredients.
7. Consider Your Dog’s Life Stage and Breed Needs
What This Means: Puppies, adult dogs, and senior dogs have different nutritional requirements, as do large and small breeds.
Why It Matters: Large breed puppies need controlled calcium levels to support proper bone growth and prevent joint issues, while small breeds may require calorie-dense foods due to their fast metabolism.
Recommendation: Choose a puppy-specific formula and adjust based on your dog’s growth rate and activity level. For raw feeders, ensure a balanced ratio of muscle meat, bone, and organs (80-10-10 rule).
The Link Between Nutrition, Behavior, and Overall Well-Being
Nutrition plays a direct role in a dog’s behavior, temperament, and cognitive function. Here’s how:
Gut-Brain Axis: The gut microbiome influences brain health. A balanced diet supports good gut bacteria, reducing anxiety and improving mood and behavior.
Energy Levels: A diet that stabilizes blood sugar helps maintain consistent energy, reducing hyperactivity and lethargy cycles.
Cognitive Function: Essential nutrients like DHA (found in fish oil) support brain development in puppies, aiding in training, focus, and problem-solving skills.
Skin and Coat Health: A nutrient-dense, balanced diet prevents itchy, dry skin and coat issues, reducing stress and excessive grooming behaviors.
Reduced Risk of Chronic Diseases: Feeding a diet aligned with a dog’s natural needs reduces the risk of obesity, diabetes, arthritis, and cancer, all of which can lead to behavioral changes and decreased quality of life.
Choose Fresh, Whole, and Balanced
Whether you opt for high-quality commercial food or a balanced raw diet, the key is to focus on fresh, whole ingredients with high-quality protein and minimal fillers. Your puppy’s food choice lays the foundation for their lifelong health and well-being, influencing everything from their physical condition to their emotional and behavioral stability.
Pros and Cons of Different Dog Food Types
1. Dry Kibble:
Pros: Convenient, affordable, long shelf life, available everywhere.
Cons: Often high in carbs and fillers, heavily processed, less moisture content.
2. Canned Food (Wet Food):
Pros: Higher moisture content, often more palatable for picky eaters, lower in carbs than kibble.
Cons: Expensive, shorter shelf life after opening, may lack fiber.
3. Fresh Food (Homemade or Store-Bought Fresh):
Pros: Best for overall health, customizable, fewer preservatives.
Cons: Requires preparation, can be more expensive, and needs proper balance (consult a vet or nutritionist).
4. Raw Diets:
Pros: High protein, low carb, natural, promotes dental health, fewer allergens for some dogs.
Cons: Can be expensive, more time consuming, requires careful handling to prevent contamination, and may not be suitable for all dogs.
5. Freeze-Dried or Dehydrated Food:
Pros: Convenient, minimally processed, better nutrient retention.
Cons: Expensive, requires rehydration, can be harder to find.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right food for your dog takes time, research, and often a bit of trial and error. If you go the commercial food route, be a savvy consumer—check the ingredient list, calculate the carbs, and don’t fall for buzzwords on the front of the bag. And remember, fresh and balanced food is always the gold standard when it’s practical and within your budget. Whether you’re feeding kibble, raw, or a combination, the key is finding what works best for your dog’s individual needs and lifestyle.
Leave us a comment for a list of brands I recommend checking out!
I would love to see your recommended brands list!