How to Choose a Healthy Dog Food
Your dog’s diet plays a major role in their health, happiness, and longevity. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose a dog food that’s truly good for them—and not just cleverly marketed?
If you’ve ever found yourself staring at ingredient labels, wondering what’s actually healthy vs. just filler, you’re not alone. The good news? We’ve done the research for you.
Here’s everything you need to know about picking a nutritionally balanced, high-quality dog food—including what to look for and what to avoid at all costs.
Prioritize Real, High-Quality Ingredients
Just like humans, dogs thrive on real, whole foods. The first ingredient on any good dog food label should be a high-quality protein source, not an artificial substitute.
What to look for:
-Real meat like chicken, beef, fish, turkey, or lamb
-Healthy fats like salmon oil, chicken fat, or flaxseed
-Wholesome carbohydrates like sweet potatoes, brown rice, or oats
What to avoid:
-Generic “meat by-products” or “animal digest” (these are mystery meats, and you don’t want them in your dog’s bowl)
-Low-quality fillers like corn, soy, or wheat gluten
-Artificial colors, preservatives, and flavorings
A great rule of thumb? If you wouldn’t eat it yourself, your dog shouldn’t either.
Beware of Fillers & Artificial Additives
Not all dog foods are created equal. While some brands focus on nutrient-dense, high-quality ingredients, others use cheap fillers and artificial additives to bulk up their food—without adding real nutritional value.
Here’s what to watch out for in ingredient lists:
Low-Quality Fillers:
Corn, wheat, soy – These are commonly used to “fill out” dog food but provide little to no nutritional benefit.
Rice bran & rice hulls – These are rice-processing leftovers with minimal nutrients.
Cellulose – Often sourced from wood pulp, this is not a digestible fiber for dogs.
Artificial Preservatives & Colors:
BHA & BHT – These preservatives have been linked to potential health risks.
Ethoxyquin – A chemical preservative that’s also used as a pesticide—yikes.
Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 2 – Artificial dyes that serve no purpose other than to make food look more appealing to humans.
Unhealthy Meat By-Products:
Meat & bone meal – A catch-all term for ground-up animal parts that may not always be fresh or safe.
Poultry by-product meal – Contains leftover parts like beaks, feet, and feathers.
Animal digest – A processed “meat flavor” made from questionable sources.
If the ingredient list reads more like a chemistry experiment than a grocery list, it’s time to move on.
Balance Is Key: How to Keep Your Dog’s Diet Nutritionally Sound
A healthy diet isn’t just about what’s in the food, but also how it’s fed. Dogs, like humans, need variety and balance to stay in peak condition.
Here’s how to keep their diet balanced over time:
Rotate Proteins – Switching between chicken, fish, and beef can help prevent allergies and ensure a full range of amino acids.
Add Fresh Whole Foods – Supplementing kibble with carrots, blueberries, pumpkin, and lean meats can boost vitamin and fiber intake.
Mind Portion Sizes – Overfeeding leads to obesity, while underfeeding can cause deficiencies. Stick to the guidelines on the packaging and adjust based on your dog’s size and activity level.
And if you’re not sure what’s best for your dog’s breed, age, or health condition? Our pet experts can help.
Spotting Common Food Allergens
Not all ingredients agree with every dog. Food allergies and sensitivities are more common than you might think, leading to issues like itchy skin, digestive upset, and ear infections.
Most common dog food allergens:
Grains – Some dogs struggle with wheat, corn, and soy.
Dairy – Milk, cheese, and yogurt can cause stomach problems for lactose-intolerant dogs.
Chicken & Beef – Surprisingly, these common proteins can trigger allergies in some dogs. If your pup is having issues, try duck, venison, or fish-based diets.
Artificial additives – Preservatives, dyes, and flavor enhancers can cause long-term health concerns.
Not sure if your dog has food allergies? Try an elimination diet—cut out potential allergens for a few weeks, then gradually reintroduce ingredients to identify the culprit.
Final Thoughts:
Choosing the Best Dog Food for a Happy, Healthy Pup
A great diet sets the foundation for a long, vibrant life. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Look for real meat as the first ingredient
Avoid fillers, artificial preservatives, and mystery meat by-products
Incorporate healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins from natural sources
Rotate proteins and add fresh, whole foods for variety
Watch out for common allergens and artificial additives
And if you’re still unsure which food is best for your pup, we’re here to help.
Want expert advice on your dog’s diet? Our professional pet groomers can assess your dog’s needs and recommend the best food for their breed and lifestyle.
Your dog deserves the best—let’s make sure they get it.
