Nutrition: Feed Better, Feel Better — For You and Your Dog

What you and your dog eat shapes energy, mood, recovery, and long-term health. A surprising number of pet problems start with food—skin issues, weight gain, low energy. The good news? Small, consistent food choices make big differences. Below are clear, useful rules you can use today.

Quick dog nutrition basics

Think in terms of balance. For most dogs, a diet needs quality protein, healthy fats, digestible carbs, fiber, and the right vitamins and minerals. Look for an AAFCO statement on commercial food—that means the formula meets basic nutrient standards. Use the feeding guide on the bag as a starting point, then adjust for your dog’s age, activity, and body condition.

Watch portion size. Free-feeding breeds weight gain in many pets. Measure meals, check body condition weekly, and cut or add calories slowly. Transition foods over 7–10 days to avoid tummy upsets: start with 25% new food, then 50%, then 75%, then full.

Know dangerous foods. Never give chocolate, grapes/raisins, onions, garlic, raw yeast dough, xylitol (found in some peanut butters and gum), alcohol, or caffeine. Keep nuts like macadamia and foods high in salt or fat out of reach. When in doubt, call your vet or a poison helpline.

Special needs matter. Puppies need more calories and higher protein. Seniors often do better on lower-calorie, joint-supporting diets. Working or sporting dogs require extra calories and electrolytes. Talk to your vet before adding supplements—many are unnecessary or can interfere with medications.

Practical tips for busy mornings and snack time

For you: make breakfasts that last. Oats with nuts and berries, Greek yogurt with fruit, or scrambled eggs and whole-grain toast give steady energy and protect heart health. Prep overnight oats or egg muffins once a week to save time.

Smart snacks help both of you. Choose almonds, carrot sticks with hummus, apple slices with a smear of peanut butter (xylitol-free), or plain popcorn. For your dog, use small training treats, pieces of cooked chicken, or slices of apple (no seeds). Treats should be under 10% of daily calories.

Hydration and storage matter. Keep fresh water available for your dog at all times. Store kibble in a cool, dry place in an airtight container to prevent spoilage. Freeze-batch homemade meals or human leftovers to avoid waste and keep portions consistent.

Read labels and ask questions. If an ingredient list is full of vague terms like “meat by-product” or long chemical names, ask the brand what those mean. Pick whole-food ingredients when you can. And if your dog has unexplained symptoms—weight change, itching, loose stools—food is often the first thing to check.

Small changes add up. Measure, read labels, avoid known toxins, and tailor feeds to age and activity. Those steps will keep both you and your dog more energetic, calm, and healthier every day.