How to feed my dog correctly ?

If they have the choice, dogs cover about one third of their energy requirement with protein and less than 15% with carbohydrates (or sugars)* ! Like their cousin, the wolf, dogs fundamentally remain carnivorous animals. To correctly feed one’s dog consists above all in respecting it’s carnivorous physiological needs. At each age and each physiological stage corresponds a specific diet : do not feed a just weaned puppy the same diet as a neutered dog or an ageing dog…

A high protein diet is beneficial to your dog’s health at many levels : proteins promote muscle development, they help to control your dog’s weight, promote proper kidney function, favorize the beauty of the skin and coat, participate in the maintenance of immunity…etc.

If your dog maintains good musculature and weight, he will also be less likely to experience joint pain when he gets older, especially if he is a large dog.

Dogs have adapted to the presence of wheat or corn in their diet, but their capacity to digest starch from cereals (the main digestible carbohydrate) remains limited. In puppies (and many adult dogs), digestion is disrupted when the level of food starch is too high. Furthermore, excess in carbohydrates can promote weight gain.

Despite the diversity of dog breeds, all dogs share the majority of their genes with the wolf, and like him, remain omnivirous animals ! If your dog is very active, a high-fat food will allows him to replenish his energy reserves. However, if he is rather sedentary (and / or sterilized), help him ‘keep fit’ by limiting superfluous fats !

Buying food from your vet is a guarantee of quality :he is the first concerned by your pet’s health and is the best placed to offer you the food that will suit him best among those available on the market.

Take a look at our best dog food range

* Hewson-Hughes AK, Hewson-Hughes VL, Colyer A, et al. Geometric analysis of macronutrient selection in breeds of the domestic dog, Canis lupus familiaris. Behav Ecol 2013; 24: 293-304.