What makes a balanced dog food?
A balanced, complete diet contains everything a dog requires to live a healthy, happy life. This means it must provide the appropriate amount of energy and make sure all nutritional requirements for health are met.
What are the legal requirements for dog food in the UK?
Pet food in the UK is highly regulated to ensure safety, quality and hygiene. Guidelines are outlined by the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF) and regulated by the Food Standards Agency. It’s important to note that all material of animal origin used in pet food also has to be fit for human consumption[1]. However, pet food is made up of animal material that is either surplus or not generally eaten by people in the UK. Therefore, marketing gimmicks relating to ‘human-grade’ pet food do not automatically translate to product superiority.
Types of dog food
Complete vs. complementary
Complete foods contain everything your dog needs, which means they are suitable to make up their whole diet. By comparison, complementary dog food does not include everything your dog needs nutritionally and is intended to be given alongside a complete diet. Examples of this are mixers, toppers to increase palatability, or the addition of raw chicken wings.
Dry food
Dry dog foods can be either complete or complementary, and are typically the most common dog food type in the UK. This is primarily due to convenience and ease of storage. Dry dog food can be produced in several ways, including extrusion, baking, cold-pressing, air-drying or freeze-drying.
Wet food
Wet food can be complete or complementary, and comes in the form of pâté, paste or chunks in jelly. Wet foods contain more water than dry pet foods, making them a good choice for dogs that do not drink well. However, this water content does mean you’ll generally need to feed your dog more to meet the same nutritional intake as a dry counterpart, making them a more expensive option.
Raw diets
There has been a considerable increase in the popularity of raw diets for dogs in recent years. When it comes to raw feeding there are commercial options available, but some owners choose to home-prepare their dog’s diet (see below). Some producers of raw commercial diets do not include synthetic vitamins or minerals, which can mean they do not always adhere to the FEDIAF guidelines for a complete food[2].
Studies have found an increased risk of infection, diarrhoea, salmonella and campylobacter in dogs themselves and of bacterial transmission to owners when dogs are fed raw food[3]. As a result, good hygiene is essential, including handwashing after petting your dog. It’s not advisable to raw-feed your dog if you have young children or immunocompromised people (such as those going through chemotherapy) in the household.
‘Fresh’ food
Several companies are now making fresh, complete diets – the equivalent of a home-cooked diet. As these diets do not have preservatives added, they need to be refrigerated and tend to have a short shelf life.
Probiotic dog food
There has been an enormous increase in awareness of the gut microbiome in recent years – and in products claiming probiotic benefits. When looking at a dog food with probiotics, check the types of bacteria they contain – alongside evidence of their probiotic effect and viability to the end of the shelf life. An effective probiotic product will have proof to show the clinical efficacy and tell you the number of bacteria present at the end of its shelf life.
Can I make my own balanced dog food?
Commercial pet foods are closely regulated to meet your pet’s nutritional needs, and fortified with the essential vitamins and minerals they need to stay healthy. It’s not usually recommended to make your own diet at home for your dog, but if you’re thinking of doing so it should only be done after consulting a board-certified veterinary nutritionist to make sure it meets the same standards.
Outside of veterinary medicine, the field of canine nutrition is not closely regulated, with many substandard qualifications available. Additionally, many people self-certify as ‘canine nutritionists’. Due to the extremes in opinion regarding canine diets, it’s essential to carefully research the advice you are taking to check it’s based on evidence. Remember: a large social media following does not necessarily indicate factual content! Instead, make sure you’re working with a veterinary nutritionist who has been certified by the European College of Veterinary and Comparative Nutrition.
Feeding human food to dogs
When it comes to a home-prepared diet, or even just treating your dog, it’s essential to remember they are not miniature humans. We enjoy certain foods that may be toxic to them, such as grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, chocolate and onions, among others. Always double-check whether something is harmful before giving it to your dog for the first time.
How to read dog food nutrition labels
When buying a new pet food, it’s vital to check the label[1]. The information it covers will include:
Type of pet food: complete vs. complementary
Composition: the ingredients in descending order. These may be broad categories (meat and animal derivatives, cereals) or individual (chicken, carrots etc.)
Additives: such as fortified vitamins, preservatives and flavourings. Additives undergo rigorous safety evaluation under EU law
Analytical constituents: this information relates to nutritional analysis in terms of protein, fat, fibre and ash (mineral content). If the product has a moisture content over 14%, this will also be listed. Carbohydrate content is not often listed, but can be assumed to be whatever percentage is not accounted for
Feeding guidelines: to give you an idea of how much and how often to feed your dog
How much should I feed my dog?
The amount of food your dog needs is dependent on several factors. These include breed, age, activity level and current weight, and the type of food you’re feeding them. Commercial dog foods will have feeding guidelines on the packaging, which makes a great starting point. But remember, they are just guidelines!
Aim to find the daily amount of food your dog needs to keep them at a healthy bodyweight, instead of just giving the amount listed on the packet. It may take some time or guidance from your vet to find the right amount. At a healthy bodyweight your dog should have a clear waistline when viewed from above, and their ribs should be easy to feel but not to see. If you need clarification on your dog’s weight and diet, chat with your vet.
How often should I feed my dog?
There are several factors to consider. The first is age. Young puppies should be fed several small meals throughout the day. Similarly, large or giant-breed dogs (such as Great Danes) should be fed their daily food allowance in smaller portions spread throughout the day. This is because they are at risk of a condition called bloat, which can progress to a life-threatening disorder called gastric dilation and volvulus (GDV).
You may choose to feed your dog at strict mealtimes or allow them to graze through the day. Using your dog’s daily food allowance to create puzzles or enrichment toys can also significantly improve their mental wellbeing. The important thing is to be consistent with your chosen method.
Don’t let your dog have too much of a good thing!
While the occasional treat to reward good behaviour isn’t a problem, habitual use can quickly lead to problems with obesity. Typically, dog treats are high in calories, as are some popular human foods used as treats, such as cheese. Make sure your whole family is limiting treats to prevent unwanted weight gain. If you have tiny humans too, factor in the extra calories your dog may be hoovering up beneath the high chair!
Many dogs will happily take a piece of fruit or vegetable as a treat, which can be a better low-calorie option. But remember to check whether they are toxic before you give them! Carrot pieces are good, but still shouldn’t be given ad hoc. You’ll still need to reduce the amount of your dog’s normal diet to take into account the extra calories from treats to avoid unwanted weight gain.
Final thoughts
Commercial diets tend to be the easiest way for pet owners to ensure they meet their dog’s nutritional needs because of the regulations surrounding their manufacture. For pet owners who prefer to home-prepare, it’s always advisable to speak to a board-certified veterinary nutritionist to formulate a safe diet tailored to your pet’s individual needs and ensure there are no unintentional dietary deficiencies. Whichever route you choose, understanding your dog’s dietary needs and staying on top of what they’re eating can help them live a happier, healthier life.
Sources
Food Standards Agency (2020) Pet Food Available at https://www.food.gov.uk/business-guidance/pet-food
Choi. B et al (2023) Nutritional evaluation of new alternative types of dog foods including raw and cooked homemade-style diets. Journal of Veterinary Sciences. DOI 10.4142/jvs.23037
Davies. R et al. (2019) Raw diets for dogs and cats: a review with particular reference to microbiological hazards. Journal of Small Animal Practice. DOI 10.1111/jsap.13000
