What is the best food for my dog?

Choosing the best food for your dog is one of the most important decisions you will make as a pet owner. There is no single "best" food — the right diet depends on your dog's age, size, breed, and health status. That said, a few evidence-based principles apply to every dog.

Look for AAFCO-complete food

In the US and many other countries, look for a statement from the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) confirming the food is "complete and balanced" for your dog's life stage. This is the baseline minimum standard.

Protein should come first

Dogs are omnivores with a strong requirement for animal protein. Check the ingredient list: a named meat source (chicken, beef, salmon, lamb) should be the first ingredient. Avoid foods where the first ingredient is a grain, starch, or by-product meal with no named animal source.

Types of commercial dog food

- Dry kibble — convenient, affordable, long shelf life, and supports dental health through mechanical action. Quality varies enormously between brands.
- Wet/canned food — higher moisture content (good for hydration), often more palatable for picky eaters or older dogs with dental issues. More expensive per calorie.
- Raw diets (BARF) — growing in popularity. Potential benefits include a shinier coat and better digestion, but raw diets carry risks of bacterial contamination (Salmonella, Listeria) and nutritional imbalance if not properly formulated.
- Home-cooked — gives full control over ingredients but requires careful planning with a veterinary nutritionist to avoid deficiencies.

What to avoid

Avoid foods with artificial preservatives (BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin), excessive fillers (corn syrup, artificial colours), and vague by-product meals with no named animal source. Also avoid foods with "natural flavour" as the only source of animal protein.

Flovvi tip

Use the Flovvi app to log your dog's weight alongside diet changes. If you switch foods, track body condition score weekly — weight gain or loss over 2–4 weeks is the clearest signal that portion size or food choice needs adjusting.