What is good dog nutrition?

Good nutrition is feeding your dog the building blocks and energy components that allow them to grow, develop to their potential and stay active throughout their life. There are many ways to feed your dog and hundreds of diets to choose from. Most people tend to use dry and canned dog food for convenience and cost. However, for owners who are open minded about their dog’s diet, there are alternatives to dry and canned dog food that may offer better nutrition for your particular dog.
At Seven Hills Veterinary Hospital, Inc, we have spent decades educating pet owners about proper dog nutrition for dogs of all ages, breeds, conditions and lifestyles. Because canine nutrition ultimately plays a large part in the quality of your dog’s life, we want to share some veterinary insight with you about proper dog nutrition, whether you are looking for puppy food recommendations, or adult and senior dog nutrition advice.

The keys to canine nutrition

The following dietary components represent the fundamental keys to canine nutrition:
  • Proteins: Proteins are complex molecules made up of amino acids, the building blocks of cell growth, maintenance and repair. In companion animals like dogs, one of the biggest demands for protein comes from the maintenance of fur and hair, which can use up to 30 percent of a dog’s daily protein intake.
  • Fats: Fats provide the most concentrated source of energy in the canine diet. They also supply the fatty acids that are important building blocks for important substances and essential to maintaining normal, healthy cells.
  • Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates can be broken down by the digestive system and converted to glucose which can also be a source of energy. Carbohydrates in the form of whole grains can furnish iron, minerals and fiber, as well as other beneficial nutrients.
  • Vitamins: Vitamins are organic substances, or synthetic derivatives thereof, required for normal body functioning. They are also important in the conversion of calories to energy, the boosting of immunity and other body processes.
  • Minerals: Minerals are inorganic nutrients that make up less than 1% of a dog’s body weight but are essential to many important functions, such as growth, strong bones and healthy teeth.
The combinations and amounts of these components are based entirely on a dog’s age, weight, physical and/or medical condition, and lifestyle. This is why there are many kinds of dog food for each phase of your canine companion’s life.

What is the right puppy food?

Puppy food is specifically formulated with nutrition for dogs that are still growing into adulthood in mind. Puppies need about twice as many calories per pound of body weight as an adult dog of the same breed.
Puppy food is best given in multiple, well-spaced meals 2–3 times daily. In general, all puppies under 10 pounds should be fed 3 times a day and those above can be slowly weaned to twice a day feedings.
Puppy breeds vary tremendously with size, rate of growth, tendencies to overeat, etc. There are so many variables in making the correct choices when it comes to nutritional and caloric needs of puppies that we highly recommend seeking the advice of one of our veterinarians.

What is the best dog food for an adult dog?

Each dog is unique and therefore there is no one dog food which works for all dogs. In general, feeding a premium brand such as Hill’s Science Diet is a safe bet for all dogs.
  • Timed Feeding: Food is available for a limited time and then removed.
  • Meal Feeding: Feeding a specific amount twice a day. This is most commonly recommended.
  • Free-Choice Feeding: Food is available at all times. This is rarely recommended.
Middle-aged dogs have greater risks of gaining excess weight than puppies. Therefore, choosing a balanced and nutritious adult dog food and implementing responsible feeding protocols decreases adverse health effects.

Choosing the right senior dog food

Generally, we consider a dog senior after 8 years. Every senior is different in aging and nutrition needs.
  • Small breeds (under 20 lbs): 8 years
  • Medium breeds (21–50 lbs): 8 years
  • Large breeds (51–90 lbs): 6 years
  • Giant breeds (91+ lbs): 5 years

Dog food recommendations for overweight dogs

  • Diabetes
  • Arthritis
  • Joint pain
  • Exercise intolerance
  • Low energy
  • Correct your dog’s diet
  • Increase exercise
  • Modify feeding habits

Fats your dog needs

Fats help maintain healthy skin, fur, eyes and cognitive function.
  • Linoleic acid (Omega 6)
  • Linolenic acid (Omega 3)
  • Arachidonic acid

Do dogs need carbohydrates?

Carbohydrates provide an alternate source of energy and can supply fiber, antioxidants and minerals.

Vitamins for dogs

Most dogs receive adequate vitamins from a balanced, high-quality diet. Always discuss supplementation with your veterinarian.

Table scraps or adding human food

We recommend keeping added human food to no more than 20–25% of your dog’s diet.

Home cooked diets

Home cooked diets are acceptable if they are well balanced. We can work with a veterinary nutritionist to help formulate a plan.

Make an appointment to discuss a nutrition plan for your dog

Since 1985, our veterinarians and veterinary support staff have helped educate dog owners. If you would like to discuss canine nutrition, please contact us to schedule an appointment.