What to feed your dog: a simple guide

Feeding your dog well doesn't need to be complicated. Whether you've got a bouncy pup, a couch-loving adult or a grey-muzzled old mate, the same few basics cover most of it.

1. Start with a complete and balanced food

Your dog's main meals should come from a food labelled complete and balanced for their life stage. In Australia, look for a statement that the food meets the Australian Standard for pet food (AS 5812). "Complete" means it contains all the nutrients your dog needs, so you don't have to work it out yourself.

Treats, chews and table scraps aren't complete foods. They're extras.

2. Feed the right amount

The feeding guide on the pack is a starting point, not a rule. Every dog is different, and how much they need depends on size, age, activity and even the weather.

• Check their shape. You should be able to feel their ribs easily without seeing them, and see a waist from above.
• Weigh them every month or so and adjust portions if they're gaining or losing.
• Split it into two meals for most adult dogs. Puppies usually need three or four smaller meals a day.

3. Treats: keep them to about 10%

A good rule of thumb is that treats should make up no more than about 10% of your dog's daily food. If you give more treats on a particular day, trim their dinner a little to balance it out.

Choose treats that earn their place. A hard-baked dental biscuit gives your dog something to really chew on, which helps scrape away soft plaque as part of a daily routine. Our Bakers Bites dental biscuits include a feeding guide by dog size on the box.

4. Fresh water, always

Clean water should be available all day, every day. Dogs fed mostly dry food drink more, and so do active dogs and dogs in hot weather. Wash the bowl regularly.

5. Foods to keep away from your dog

Some everyday foods are dangerous for dogs. Keep these out of reach:

• Chocolate, coffee and anything with caffeine
• Grapes, raisins, sultanas and currants
• Onion, garlic, chives and leeks (raw, cooked or powdered)
• Macadamia nuts
• Xylitol, a sweetener found in some sugar-free gum, lollies and peanut butters
• Cooked bones, which can splinter
• Alcohol

If your dog eats something on this list, call your vet straight away.

6. Change foods gradually

Switching foods suddenly can upset your dog's stomach. Mix the new food in over about a week, starting with a small amount and increasing it each day until you've fully swapped over. The same goes for new treats: introduce them slowly.

7. Feed for their age

• Puppies need a puppy food, as they're growing fast and need more energy and the right balance of minerals for their bones.
• Adults do well on an adult maintenance food, with portions adjusted to how active they are.
• Seniors often need fewer kilojoules and may find hard food tougher on older teeth. Softening a biscuit in a little warm water or broth can help.

8. Know when to ask your vet

See your vet if your dog has a sudden change in appetite, weight or thirst, ongoing tummy upsets, or trouble chewing. Your vet can also help if your dog has allergies or a health condition that needs a special diet.

The short version

Complete food for the main meals, the right amount for their shape, treats in moderation, water always on hand, and nothing from the danger list. Get those right and you've covered the big stuff.

Made with love, for your best friend. 🐾