Dog Nutrition

Our domesticated canine friends have evolved as a pack animal from the grey wolf. The grey wolf would hunt down prey in an organised pack as a main food source. They would also scavenge for short periods on plant matter, eggs from nests and potentially fruits. As such, they are classed as omnivorous carnivores.

So, keep in mind that your domesticated mongrels have evolved from meat eating ancestors. This means that animal-based proteins are the most important dietary component for each species. Ultimately, meat is what is most natural to them and their bodies.

Animal-based proteins are the most important dietary component for each species. Ultimately meat is what is most natural to them and their bodies.

Choosing the Right Variety

Picking the perfect diet for your dog can be a daunting task. There are many different varieties and types of food to choose from. There are foods designed for certain ages and sizes of pooch, so trying to narrow your nutrition choices down can seem difficult. Sometimes the wording on dog food can also make it all feel a bit bewildering, as the terminologies used are not found on human products. To give you a helping hand in really understanding dog food, we have explained all the commonly used terms below.

Which Size?

Many dog foods will have small, medium or large breed specifically listed. These labels have a purpose in helping to direct you towards a more suitable diet for your pet. There are hundreds of different breeds, from the smallest Chihuahuas to the greatest of Great Danes. The specific sized diet will benefit that breed in optimal ways.

Small Breed

Often made with little kibbles to suit tiny mouths. Small dogs also have a higher metabolic rate (use more energy) than their larger cousins. This means a small breed diet should have more meat and be extra palatable to stop any fussiness.

Large Breed

Large breed diets are made with much bigger kibbles to enable dogs to chomp down properly on the biscuits. Plus, the highest quality large breed diets will contain added joint cares to help support and protect their hardworking limbs.

Some foods will label themselves as designed for ‘medium breed’ dogs. These are generally made with standard size kibbles to benefit average weight dogs.

While there are specific sizes, this isn’t to say that you must stick with a size if it isn’t working. Many owners with medium size dogs opt for bigger kibble to help benefit dental health.