Every dog is different. Just as with we human beings, no two dogs are the same. With so many options to choose from, it’s important to find the right food and the right feeding method for your individual dog. Read on to learn more about “What’s the best way to feed a dog?”

The following are some of your feeding options and dietary choices for your individual dog.

Fresh food diet

Both raw and fresh food diets can be healthy options for dogs, but they differ in preparation. Raw food diets consist of uncooked meat, bones and organs. Fresh food diets on the other hand are gently cooked to retain nutrients. Fresh food diets offer a balance of nutrients with virtually no risk of foodborne illness such as is common with commercial dog food.

• Raw dog food: studies show it can lead to a shinier coat, healthier skin, better digestion and increased energy levels.
• Fresh dog food: gently cooked to retain nutrients and free of fillers and preservatives.

Homemade diet

A homemade diet for dogs can be a great option if it’s properly balanced to meet their nutritional needs. It involves preparing meals from fresh, whole ingredients, ensuring a diet rich in protein, carbohydrates, fibre and essential fats, along with necessary vitamins and minerals. It’s crucial to consult with a dog nutritionist to tailor a diet plan specific to your dog’s needs though, and to consider factors like age, breed, activity level and any health conditions.

Key considerations for homemade dog food:

• Nutritional balance: a balanced homemade diet should include appropriate amounts of protein, carbohydrates, fibre and fat, along with vitamins and minerals.
• Protein sources: good protein sources include cooked chicken, turkey, fish, lean beef, lamb as well as a great many further ‘novel’ options.
• Carbohydrates: carbohydrates like rice, pasta, quinoa or potatoes can provide energy and fibre.
• Fibre: vegetables like carrots, green beans or peas can contribute to fibre intake.
• Fats: include healthy fats from sources like vegetable oil or fish oil.
• Supplements: dog-specific vitamin and mineral supplements are sometimes necessary to ensure a complete and balanced diet.
• Avoid harmful ingredients: be aware of foods that are toxic to dogs. Such foods include chocolate, grapes, onions and macadamia nuts.
• Consult with a professional: It’s highly recommended to work with a specialist canine nutritionist to develop a safe and effective homemade diet plan.

Tips for homemade dog food preparation:

• Cook thoroughly: ensure all meat is cooked to eliminate any risk of bacterial contamination.
• Control fat content: remove excess fat from meat and avoid overly rich or fatty cuts.
• Avoid bones: never feed a dog cooked bones.
• Consider digestive issues: some dogs may have sensitivities to certain ingredients, so introduce new foods gradually.
• Portion control: homemade food can be more calorie-dense than commercial food, so adjust portion sizes accordingly.

The BARF diet

The BARF diet for dogs, which stands for “Bones and Raw Food” or “Biologically Appropriate Raw Food,” is a raw food diet intended to mimic the diet of dogs’ wild ancestors. It typically includes raw meat, bones and organs, as well as fruits, vegetables and sometimes other additions like eggs, yogurt, nuts or seeds. Proponents of the BARF diet promote it because it can improve a dog’s health by providing more nutrients and protein than commercial dog food.

What is the BARF diet?
The BARF diet is a type of raw food diet, which is a way of feeding dogs food in its raw, uncooked form. The BARF diet specifically focuses on providing a diet based on what dogs would have eaten in the wild, which includes:

• Raw meat: this can include muscle meat, organ meat and fatty tissues.
• Raw bones: bones are a key component, providing calcium and other essential nutrients.
• Raw fruits and vegetables: these can be added to provide a range of vitamins and minerals.
• Other additions: some BARF diets may also include additions like eggs, yogurt, nuts or seeds.

Benefits of the BARF diet

• Improved digestion: Many pet parents report that their dogs have better digestion and fewer digestive issues on a BARF diet.
• Reduced allergies: raw food diets may help reduce allergy symptoms in some dogs.
• Weight management: BARF diets can help dogs maintain a healthy weight.
• Increased energy levels: some pet parents report that their dogs have more energy on a raw food diet.
• Shinier coat and healthier skin: raw food diets can contribute to a healthier coat and skin.

Important considerations

• Consult with a canine nutritionist: before switching your dog to a BARF diet, it’s crucial to consult with a qualified canine nutritionist to ensure the diet is appropriate for your dog’s individual needs and to discuss potential risks.
• Proper preparation and hygiene: it’s essential to follow strict hygiene practices when preparing raw food, such as washing hands and surfaces thoroughly and using separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meat in just the same way as when you prepare raw meat for yuor own family.
• Gradual transition: if you decide to transition your dog to a BARF diet, it may be best to do it gradually, introducing new foods slowly to avoid digestive upset, especially if your dog is not used to eating fresh food.
• Monitor your dog: carefully monitor your dog’s health and behaviour after switching to a BARF diet, and consult with your canine nutritionist if you notice any changes or have any concerns.

The ancestral diet

An ancestral diet for dogs emphasises feeding them food similar to what their wild ancestors consumed, primarily raw meat, bones and organs, with a smaller portion of fruits, vegetables and other plant material. This approach aims to provide a more species-appropriate diet, potentially leading to improved digestion, reduced food sensitivities and a healthier coat.

Here’s a more detailed look at the components of an ancestral dog diet:

1. Protein-rich meats: the bulk of the diet (63-65%) should consist of muscle meat from various sources like beef, chicken, lamb or turkey. Raw meaty bones (10-12%) provide calcium and phosphorus, crucial for bone health. Organ meats (10%) are vital for providing a wide range of nutrients. This includes liver (5%) and other secreting organs like kidney, spleen or pancreas.

2. Seafood: fish (10%) is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, beneficial for skin, coat and overall health.

3. Fruits and Vegetables: a small amount (5%) of fruits and vegetables can be included to provide fibre and various vitamins and minerals. Examples include blueberries, apples, spinach and broccoli.

4. Other Considerations:

• Raw feeding: ancestral diets are typically raw, meaning the food is not cooked.
• Nutrient balance: It’s important to ensure the diet is balanced in terms of protein, fat and other essential nutrients.
• Individual needs: consider your dog’s breed, age and activity level when tailoring the diet.
• Dog nutritionist advice: consult with a canine nutritionist before making significant changes to your dog’s diet.

The prey model diet

A dog’s natural diet, particularly in the wild, consists mainly of prey animals. This includes a variety of small animals like rodents, rabbits and birds, as well as larger prey hunted in packs. Dogs are also scavengers and will consume carrion, rotten fruit and even the contents of prey animals’ stomachs.

What dogs eat in the wild:

• Small animals: mice, voles, rabbits, birds and other small mammals are a primary food source.
• Larger prey: dogs will hunt larger animals like deer or kangaroos, especially when in packs.
• Offal: organs like liver, kidneys and spleen are rich in nutrients and are consumed from prey.
• Bones and skin: dogs consume bones for calcium and other minerals, and skin for fat and texture.
• Fur/feathers: while not palatable to humans, fur and feathers provide fibre for digestion.
• Scavenged food: dogs will also eat rotten fruit, vomit, faeces and decaying flesh as opportunistic scavengers.

Prey model options include:

• Prey model raw (PMR) feeding: 80/10/10 ratio. A common guideline for PMR is to feed a diet consisting of 80% meat, 10% bone and 10% organ meat, mimicking the proportions found in prey animals.
• Whole prey: some owners choose to feed their dogs whole prey animals like rabbits, quail or day-old chicks to closely replicate a natural diet.
• Species-appropriate nutrition: PMR aims to provide dogs with the most natural and species-appropriate nutrition possible.
• No plant matter: a key distinction of PMR is the exclusion of plant matter, such as fruits, vegetables and grains.

Benefits of a prey-based diet:

• Improved dental health: chewing on bones helps clean teeth and maintain oral hygiene.
• Better digestion: fibre from fur, feathers and other undigestible parts of prey can aid in digestion.
• Nutrient-rich: prey animals offer a wide range of essential nutrients, including protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals.
• Healthier coat and skin: a diet rich in animal-based fats and nutrients can improve coat and skin health.

Commercial diet

Commercial dog food is readily available in various forms like dry kibble, wet canned food and even raw or homemade options. While convenient, most commercial diets, especially dry food diets, largely comprise fillers and low-quality ingredients so may not be the best option for many dogs.

Factors to consider when choosing a commercial diet include your dog’s age, size, activity level and any specific dietary needs. It’s important to choose a nutritionally complete and balanced diet, and to gradually transition to any new food to avoid digestive upset.

Types of commercial dog food:
Dry dog food (kibble): the most common type, known for its convenience, long shelf life, debatable quality and unhealthy, highly-inflammatory ingredients.
Wet canned food: offers higher moisture content than dry dog food which, for that very reason, is more palatable for the vast majority of dogs.
Raw food: both commercially prepared and home prepared raw diets are much closer to a dog’s natural, ancestral diet than dry dog food. Both are also infinitely healthier than kibble.
Homemade diet: along with raw food, the most natural way to feed a dog because it uses natural rather than the synthetic ingredients found in kibble.

Factors to consider when choosing a commercial diet:

• Life Stage: puppy, adult and senior dog foods are formulated with different nutritional needs in mind.
• Breed size: small, standard and large breed formulas cater to specific size and energy needs.
• Activity level: active dogs may require a diet with higher calorie and protein content.
• Specific dietary needs: dogs with allergies, sensitivities or health conditions may benefit from specialised diets.
• Ingredient quality: look for diets with high-quality protein sources and minimal fillers.
• Nutrition advice: consult with a canine nutritionist for personalised recommendations, especially when considering homemade or specialised diets.

Potential concerns with commercial diets:

• Fillers and by-products: the vast majority of lower-quality commercial foods contain excessive amounts of grains, fillers and by-products.
• Nutritional deficiencies: if not carefully formulated by a qualified canine nutritionist, homemade diets can lead to nutritional imbalances.
• Potential carcinogens: research suggests that some commercial pet foods may contain carcinogens, though the extent of the risk is still being studied.
• Allergies and sensitivities: some dogs may be sensitive to certain ingredients commonly found in commercial food.
• Pet food recalls: Every year there are a large number of pet food recalls because of carcinogens found in commercial dog food.

Transitioning to a new diet:

• Gradual introduction: when switching to a new commercial diet, introduce it gradually over a period of several days to avoid digestive upset.
• Monitor for reactions: watch for signs of digestive upset, such as vomiting, diarrhoea or loss of appetite.
• Adjust portions: adjust feeding amounts based on your dog’s individual needs and activity level.

By considering these factors and consulting with a qualified canine nutritionist, pet parents can make informed decisions about their pet’s commercial diet and ensure they are receiving the nutrients they need to thrive.

Mixed feeding

Mixed feeding for dogs involves combining both wet and dry dog food in their diet to offer a variety of textures, flavours and potentially increase water intake. This approach can be particularly beneficial for fussy eaters or dogs needing extra hydration. When mixed feeding, it’s crucial to ensure the total food provided is complete and balanced for the dog’s age and activity level.

Benefits of mixed feeding:

• Variety and palatability: wet food can entice picky eaters with its stronger aroma and softer texture, while dry food provides a satisfying crunch although carries with it a great many issues including increasing the possibility of gum disease.
• Increased hydration: wet food has a higher moisture content than dry food, which can help dogs stay hydrated, especially in hot weather or for dogs with a history of urinary tract issues.
• Nutritional balance: when using complete and balanced wet and dry food options, you can ensure your dog receives all the necessary nutrients, although bear in mind these are minimum and not ideal levels of nutrients.
• Cost-effectiveness: wet food can be more expensive, but using it as a topper for dry food can add variety without significantly increasing costs.

How to approach mixed feeding:
1. Determine portion sizes:
Consult the feeding guidelines on both the wet and dry food packaging to calculate the appropriate amount based on your dog’s weight and activity level.

2. Gradual introduction:
Introduce new food gradually to avoid digestive upset. Start by mixing a small amount of wet food with your dog’s usual dry food and slowly increase the proportion over a few days.

3. Consider different approaches:
You can mix the food together in the same bowl, alternate between wet and dry food meals, or offer them at different times of the day.

4. Consult with a qualified canine nutritionist:
If you have any concerns about your dog’s diet or specific health conditions, it’s always best to consult with a qualified canine nutritionist. If ever you find yourself asking, “What’s the best way to feed a dog?” a qualified dog nutritionist is always the best person to consult with.

Food-limited feeding

Limited feeding for dogs means providing controlled mealtimes rather than free-feeding, where food is always available. This helps with digestion and behaviour and prevents overeating. It’s important to monitor your dog’s appetite, energy levels and body condition to adjust portion sizes and ensure it is getting the right amount of food.

Why limited feeding is beneficial:

• Improved digestion: controlled mealtimes can aid in proper digestion and help prevent digestive issues like bloating or upset stomach.
• Weight management: limiting food intake helps prevent overeating and maintains a healthy weight, reducing the risk of obesity-related health problems.
• Behavioural issues: free-feeding can sometimes lead to begging or scavenging behaviour. Controlled feeding can help establish a more predictable routine and reduce these issues.
• Nutritional balance: It ensures your dog is getting the appropriate amount of nutrients based on its individual needs, which can vary based on age, breed, activity level and other factors.

How to implement limited feeding:
1. Choose a high-quality food:
Select a food that meets your dog’s nutritional needs based on its age, breed and activity level.

2. Consult with a qualified canine nutritionist:
Get advice from a dog nutritionist about the appropriate portion sizes for your dog’s specific needs. They can help you determine the right amount of calories and nutrients.

3. Monitor and adjust:
Keep an eye on your dog’s weight, body condition and energy levels. Make adjustments to the feeding amount as needed based on its individual needs.

4. Consider feeding schedule:
Divide the recommended daily food amount into two or more meals per day. For puppies, a more frequent feeding schedule (3-4 times a day) is necessary.

5. Remove food after a set time:
If your dog doesn’t finish its meal within a reasonable time (eg 15-20 minutes), remove the food to prevent overfeeding and establish a clear feeding routine.

6. Provide fresh water:
Always ensure your dog has access to fresh, clean water.

When to consult with a qualified canine nutritionist:

• If you are unsure about how much to feed your dog.
• If your dog is experiencing weight loss or gain.
• If your dog has any underlying health conditions that require dietary management.
• Whenever you find yourself asking “What’s the best way to feed a dog?”

By implementing limited feeding with careful monitoring and adjustments, you can help your dog maintain a healthy weight, improve its digestion and establish a positive feeding routine.

Time-limited feeding

Time-limited feeding involves offering your dog food for a set period (eg 10-15 minutes) once or twice a day, rather than leaving food out all day. This method can help manage weight, establish a routine and potentially improve digestion.

However, it may not be suitable for all dogs, especially puppies or those with specific dietary needs, and should be discussed with a qualified canine nutritionist.

Here’s a more detailed explanation:
What is time-limited feeding?

• Restricted access: instead of free-feeding (leaving food out all day), time-limited feeding provides a specific timeframe for your dog to eat.
• Portion control: this method helps manage how much a dog eats as the food is removed after the allotted time.

Two main approaches:

• Timed feeding: a common method is to offer food twice a day, allowing the dog 10-30 minutes to eat, and then removing the bowl.
• Intermittent fasting: this approach involves a longer fasting period, mimicking the eating patterns of wild dogs and wolves.

Potential benefits:

• Weight management: time-limited feeding can help prevent overeating and obesity, especially in dogs that tend to overindulge.
• Improved digestion: scheduled feeding can encourage more efficient digestion and reduce the risk of digestive issues.
• Routine and predictability: a set feeding schedule can provide a sense of security and structure for your dog.
• Potential health benefits: some studies suggest that time-restricted feeding might be associated with better health outcomes, including cognitive function and reduced risk of certain diseases.

Considerations:

• Not for everyone: puppies, small dogs and some breeds might not be able to consume enough food in a short time.
• Individual needs: consult with a canine nutritionist to determine the appropriate feeding schedule and portion sizes for your dog’s age, breed and health condition.
• Transitioning: if switching from free-feeding, transition gradually to avoid digestive upset.
• Monitor your dog: pay attention to your dog’s body condition, appetite and energy levels to ensure it is thriving on the new schedule.

Time-limited feeing is both more natural, and healthier for a dog than free feeding.

Free-choice feeding

Free-choice feeding, also known as free feeding or ad libitum feeding, is a method of feeding where a dog has constant, unrestricted access to food throughout the day. This means the dog’s food bowl is kept full, and the dog can eat whenever it chooses.

Here’s a more detailed explanation:

• Constant access: the core concept is that the dog’s food is available at all times, rather than being offered at scheduled meal times.
• Self-regulation: this method relies on the dog’s ability to regulate its own food intake, consuming what it needs based on its appetite and activity level.
• Convenience: free feeding is often favoured by pet owners with busy schedules or those who are not home during typical mealtimes.
• Dry food preferred: it’s generally recommended to use dry food for free-choice feeding as it’s less likely to spoil or attract pests when left out all day.
• Potential downsides: while convenient, free feeding can lead to overeating, obesity and difficulty monitoring a dog’s eating habits, which can be a sign of illness, according to some pet health sources. It can also mask changes in appetite that could be a sign of underlying health issues.
• Alternative to scheduled meals: free-choice feeding is an alternative to scheduled meals, where food is offered at specific times.
• Not for all dogs: while some dogs may thrive on free-choice feeding, it’s not recommended for all dogs, particularly those with a tendency to overeat or those with certain health conditions.

If you’re still asking yourself “What’s the best way to feed a dog?” continue below to learn more about finding the best feeding method for your individual dog.

Rotational feeding

Rotational feeding, in the context of pet diets, refers to regularly changing the food your pet eats, rather than feeding the same food every day. This could involve switching between different protein sources, food types (like kibble, wet food or raw), or even different brands.

Here’s a more detailed explanation:

What it is:

• Variety in food: instead of sticking to one type of food (eg chicken-flavoured kibble), rotational feeding involves introducing different flavours, textures and even food types into your pet’s diet.
• Different proteins: this could mean rotating between chicken, beef, fish, lamb, etc or using different combinations of proteins.
• Different food types: you can rotate between dry kibble, wet food, raw food or even toppers like freeze-dried raw.
• Different brands: it can also mean switching between different brands of pet food.

Why do it?

• Nutritional variety: just like humans, pets can benefit from a wider range of nutrients that different foods offer.
• Taste fatigue: pets can get tired of the same flavour, and rotational feeding can make mealtime more exciting.
• Reduced risk of allergies and intolerances: introducing different proteins and ingredients can help reduce the chances of developing allergies or sensitivities to a single food.
• Improved gut health: a varied diet can lead to a more diverse gut microbiome, which is associated with better digestion and overall health.

How to do it:

• Start with proteins: if you are switching between proteins within the same brand line, you may not need a transition period. However, if you are switching to a different brand, it may be necessary to transition over 10 days to avoid digestive upset.
• Transitioning: when switching to a different brand, you can introduce the new food gradually, mixing it with the old food over a period of time, like 25% new food on day one, 50% on day three, and so on.
• Consider your pet’s preferences: pay attention to what your pet enjoys and adjust the rotation based on their preferences.
• Consult with a canine nutritionist: if your pet has any health conditions, it’s always best to consult with a dog nutritionist before making significant changes to its diet.

Seasonal feeding

Have you ever noticed that you need more food in the winter than during the summer? That you begin to crave warmer, more calorie-dense foods when the temperature starts to drop? That’s because when the weather is colder, you need more calories to keep you warm. That’s why you’re happy eating salads all summer long but turn to broths and stews when the temperature dips. That essentially is seasonal feeding although you may not necessarily think of it in those terms. So what about dogs and seasonal feeding?

Dogs and human beings have more in common than most people realise. In fact the extent to which we’re similar is quite uncanny. So what if, given the choice, your dog would actually prefer lighter meals during the summer, and more calorie-dense foods during the winter? Particularly a dog who traditionally suffers from the cold like a Greyhound or a French Bulldog, a Chihuahua or a Pug. And what if, in addition to keeping your dog warmer during the winter months, feeding your dog seasonally was actually better for its health? Welcome to the concept of dogs and seasonal feeding.

Feeding your dog seasonally involves feeding ingredients, primarily fruits and vegetables, when they are naturally ripe and at their peak. Essentially that means feeding locally and in-season. This practice aligns with the natural harvest times of the year, focusing on produce that thrives under specific climatic conditions. It often means feeding a dog foods that are grown closer to home. Reducing the need for long-distance transportation and potentially lowering the carbon footprint associated with food production.

The same very often applies to protein sources, certainly in terms of proteins such as pheasant, partridge and deer, all of which are generally hunted ‘in season.’

Protein rotation:

Rotating your dog’s protein has many benefits, whatever the season. First and foremost, it stops your dog developing allergies through overexposure to a single protein. There’s also the fact that different protein sources contain different amounts of nutrients, so varying your dog’s protein makes its diet more complete.

Spring or summer, autumn or winter, as a canine nutritionist I recommend you regularly rotate your dog’s protein.

Why you might want to feed your dog seasonally

• Freshness and flavour: seasonal foods are typically at their peak ripeness and flavor when harvested, as they haven’t spent extended periods in transit or storage.
• Nutritional value: nutrient retention in fruits and vegetables can decline over time due to factors like storage conditions, with water-soluble vitamins like Vitamin C and B vitamins being particularly susceptible. Feeding your dog seasonally can ensure it is consuming produce with higher nutrient levels.
• Environmental impact: by focusing on locally grown, seasonal produce for your dog, you can reduce the environmental impact associated with food transportation and storage.
• Cost-effectiveness: in-season produce is often more readily available and can be more affordable than out-of-season imports.
• Variety: feeding your dog seasonally encourages you to explore a wider range of fruits and vegetables throughout the year, as different crops are in season at different times.
• Supports local farmers: purchasing seasonal produce often means supporting local farmers and communities.

Considerations for feeding your dog seasonally:

• Nutritional deficits: It could be argued that relying solely on seasonal foods might lead to nutritional gaps if certain nutrients are not naturally available at certain times of the year. But it’s important to remember that dogs and their ancestor the grey wolf, always eat seasonally. They had no choice. They ate whatever food was available according to the seasons. As a result, their bodies naturally adapated to storing nutrients when they were available, and drawing on the reserves of those nutrients during leaner times.
• Frozen foods: frozen fruits and vegetables can be a viable option for seasonally feeding your dog. They are often flash-frozen soon after harvest, preserving their nutrients, and not uncommonly making them more nutrient-dense than poorly stored fresh fruit and vegetables.
• Individual needs: it’s important to consider individual dietary needs and preferences when planning your dog’s meals and choosing seasonal produce.

How to feed your dog seasonally

• Consult seasonal guides: use online resources or local guides to determine which fruits and vegetables are in season in your area.
• Visit farmers’ markets: farmers’ markets are great places to find fresh, locally-grown produce.
• Grow your own: If you have space, consider growing your own fruits and vegetables.
• Preserve seasonal produce: learn how to preserve fruits and vegetables (canning, freezing, dehydrating) so your dog can enjoy them throughout the year.

Dogs naturally eat seasonally
As previously mentioned, dogs have always eaten seasonally. It’s perfectly natural for them. The are genetically programmed to eat more in the winter and less in the summer. This reflects a natural seasonal eating pattern. This is due to a combination of factors, including changes in activity levels, temperature and metabolism.

• Winter: dogs may eat more in the winter to generate more body heat and maintain their activity levels in colder temperatures. Increased calorie intake helps them stay warm and active during the winter months.
• Summer: conversely, dogs tend to eat less in the summer. They may be less active due to the heat and may have a slower metabolism, which can lead to a reduced appetite.
• Normal fluctuations: it’s normal for dogs to experience changes in appetite based on the season and other factors like activity level and temperature. They are genetically programmed that way.
• Adaptation: Dogs have adapted to eating according to the seasons, with periods of abundance in spring and summer and leaner times in autumn and winter.

Given all the above, it’s important to pay attention to your dog’s individual needs and adjust its diet accordingly. Always ensuring they have access to fresh water and adjusting food portions based on their activity level and the season.

Want to learn more about “What’s the best way to feed a dog?” If you need any help, please contact the canine nutritionist for specialist advice.