2026-10-28
A healthy dog starts in the bowl. Whether you feed kibble, wet food or home-cooked meals, every diet has to deliver the same six groups of nutrients in the right balance. Here is what each one does and what to look for.
Protein supplies the amino acids dogs use to build and repair muscle, skin, coat, nails and the enzymes and hormones that keep the body running. Dogs can make some amino acids themselves, but around ten are essential: they must come from food.
Good sources: chicken, beef, lamb, fish, eggs and other animal proteins, which are complete and easy to digest.
What to look for: a named animal protein near the top of the ingredient list.
Signs of too little: a dull coat, weight loss and low energy.
Fat is the most concentrated source of energy in a dog's diet, with more than twice the calories of protein or carbohydrates per gram. It also carries the fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K) and makes food taste good.
Omega-6 fatty acids (such as linoleic acid) support healthy skin and coat.
Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA, found in fish oil) play a role in the brain, eyes and joints.
Balance matters: too much fat leads to weight gain, so match it to your dog's activity level.
Dogs have no strict requirement for carbohydrates, but digestible carbs such as rice, oats or sweet potato are a useful source of energy and spare protein for its main jobs.
Fibre deserves its own mention. Moderate amounts, from sources like beet pulp, pumpkin or vegetables, help keep digestion regular and feed the good bacteria in the gut.
Vitamins are needed in small amounts but take part in almost every process in the body.
Vitamin A: vision, immune system and skin.
Vitamin D: calcium balance and bones. Dogs cannot make enough from sunlight, so it must come from food.
Vitamin E: an antioxidant that protects cells.
B vitamins: turning food into energy and supporting the nervous system.
More is not better: vitamins A and D in particular can be harmful in excess, so avoid adding supplements on top of a complete food unless your vet recommends them.
Minerals build bones and teeth and keep nerves, muscles and fluids working.
Calcium and phosphorus: work together to build and maintain bones and teeth. Getting the balance between the two right is just as important as the amounts, above all for large-breed puppies that are still growing.
Zinc: keeps skin and coat in good condition and helps wounds heal.
Iron: helps the blood carry oxygen around the body.
Potassium, sodium and magnesium: keep nerves sending signals and muscles working properly.
Water is the nutrient most often forgotten and the most important. It makes up most of a dog's body and is involved in digestion, temperature control and removing waste. A dog can survive far longer without food than without water.
Keep fresh water available at all times, and offer more on hot days, after exercise and if your dog eats mainly dry food.
Look for "complete and balanced". A complete food is formulated to provide every nutrient your dog needs on its own; a "complementary" food or treat is not.
Match the life stage. Puppies, adults, seniors and pregnant or nursing dogs have different needs.
Read the first ingredients. They make up the largest part of the recipe.
Watch your dog. A shiny coat, steady weight, good energy and firm stools are good signs the diet is working.
Every dog is different. Age, breed, size, activity level and health all change what the ideal diet looks like, so if you are unsure, or planning a home-made or special diet, talk to your vet before making changes.