Dog nutrition is incredibly important, but it’s something that’s easy to neglect if you don’t know where to start. Before you begin feeding your dog, consider this closer look at dog nutrition and dog food. The knowledge you gain may surprise you!

The Nutritional Needs Of Dogs

All dogs, regardless of their breed or size, need to consume a healthy amount of nutrients every day. This includes calories, protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals. For example, small dogs (like Chihuahuas) have a smaller surface area from which to receive heat from their bodies’ core. They also tend to eat more quickly than larger dogs do — meaning they expend less energy digesting food in comparison with their large-breed peers. All of these factors mean that smaller dog breeds require different levels of daily nutrition than larger breeds do; to ensure optimal health for your pet over his or her lifetime, it's important that you provide them with enough calories based on their weight as well as required amounts of other necessary nutrients, more on that below.

Types Of Dog Food

There are lots of different types of dog food on today’s market, each with its own nutrient profile. If you want to feed your dog what’s best for him or her, you need to understand which options are available. Dog foods range from moist (wet) to dry kibble (pieces). Moist food is often called canned food; it comes in cans and pouches that must be opened with a can opener. Some people find it a pain because they have to remove as much air as possible before feeding their dogs, while others love it because they feel like their dogs enjoy softer meals.

Finding The Right Dry Dog Food For Your Pet

When selecting a dry dog food, you'll want to read ingredients lists carefully. Higher-quality foods will usually have meat, fish or poultry listed as their first ingredient (with grains, such as rice or barley, coming second). While many dogs love nibbling on treats, these items are not considered part of your pet's overall diet. They should be used sparingly—even healthy snacks like carrots can cause bloat in some dogs if they are consumed in excess. Instead of giving your dog an entire meal’s worth of calories every time he gets a treat, give him one snack-size portion every few days as a reward for good behavior or obedience training sessions.

What To Look For In Wet Dog Food

It’s best to opt for dog food that includes an animal protein (typically chicken or lamb) as its first ingredient. This means that it's made of mostly meat, rather than meat meal (which is just cooked meat). That said, there are plenty of options out there that look great on paper but end up not being so hot when you check out their fat and calorie content. And if your dog is a picky eater, try switching between brands with different proteins in them; some dogs will be more likely to eat foods with different flavors.

How Often You Should Feed Your Dog?

We all know dogs have a voracious appetite, but you should feed your dog 3-4 small meals per day rather than one or two large ones. This ensures that their food gets digested properly, which prevents a variety of stomach issues. It also keeps them feeling fuller for longer periods of time so they're less likely to beg while you're not home. Additionally, even if they still beg when you’re away, smaller meals will keep them from eating too much in one sitting.

How Much Do I Feed My Dog?

If you’re worried about your dog’s weight, don’t give in to unhealthy temptations like lowering their daily food rations or filling their bowls with empty calories. Dogs should eat between 1⁄4 to 1 cup of food per 10 pounds of body weight each day. Try adding a mid-morning or mid-afternoon walk around your neighborhood to help burn off some calories. Just be sure to supervise them when they are outside because dogs can get into things like garbage cans, which may affect your pup's health in different ways (such as poisoning).

Puppy vs Adult Dog Food

They may be cute, but a puppy’s nutritional needs are different from an adult dog’s. If you feed your puppy dog food meant for adults, she could develop digestive problems. And remember that puppies can eat up to four times as much as adult dogs because their metabolisms are so fast. Before serving up some kibble, think about your dog’s size and her activity level when deciding what to put in her bowl—you don’t want to overfeed or underfeed her.

Five of the Best Brands of Dog Food

When considering dog food, it's important to choose a brand that fits your dog's age, size, and health. For example, small dogs typically have a higher metabolism than larger dogs, so they may need food with extra calories to keep them going. If you're concerned about your dog's diet or if you want to make sure he's getting everything he needs in his food, here are five of our favorite brands for dog nutrition:

1. Premium Choice Dog Food
2. Natural Balance
3. Blue Buffalo Natural Dog Food
4. Purina Pro Plan 
5. Hill's Science Diet

What About Dog Bowls?

In addition to looking for dog food that’s specifically formulated for their unique nutritional needs, you may also want to consider an elevated pet bowl. Elevated bowls make it easier for older dogs or pets with arthritis or other mobility issues to access their food comfortably without having to bend down too much or strain themselves. Even healthy dogs can benefit as elevated dogs bowl help with digestion & prevent them from moving a floor level bowl around. We like the Brave Bark Wood & Metal Feeder.  Its elevated & equipped with two slots for two included stainless steel bowls. Plus it comes in FOUR different sizes to fit any size dog or cat! The combination of the wood top, stainless steel bowls & black iron base will be sure to complement any home's décor. 


Dog nutrition can play a big role in your pet’s health. The diet you feed your dog plays a crucial role in his or her quality of life, both mentally and physically. The right dog food can give your pup all they need to have an elevated quality of life. Speaking of "Elevated", be sure to check out out the Brave Bark Wood & Metal Feeder, your home's  feeding area will get at facelift & your furry friend will thank you!