How to Choose the Best Dog Food

It is easy to become overwhelmed by the sheer variety of dog food available today, especially when you want to ensure that your dog has the best! 

At Pet Drugs Online, we care about your dog almost as much as you do. That’s why we’ve put together this helpful guide on how to choose the best possible dog food by taking into consideration a number of factors, including:

• Diet-Specific Dog Food
• Size-Specific Dog Food
• Age-Specific Dog Food
• Condition-Specific Dog Food
• Dog Food Brands
• Dog Food FAQs
• Need More Advice?

Diet-Specific Dog Food

We will start with the basics and look at the different types of diets available to your dog and the differences between them. 

Dry dog food is probably the most popular option when it comes to a dog's diet because it’s so widely accessible and affordable, and it can be kept for longer. Dry dog food combines meat and grains, grinding and baking them to produce the kibble. This process makes the starches in the food easier for dogs to digest while also destroying any toxins in the ingredients. Dry food has a lower water content (about 10%), so it doesn’t need to be refrigerated, giving it a much longer shelf life. 

There are also a few other benefits of choosing dry dog food for your dog, including: 

• It does not spoil—Dry food can be left out all day for picky eaters.
• Versatile—Dry food can be used in puzzles, enrichment toys, or as low-value dog treats.
• Encourages chewing for dogs that eat too quickly.

While some dogs may benefit from eating only wet, or a combination of wet and dry, dog food, dogs can live perfectly healthy lives on dry dog food alone. Plenty of big-name brands offer a range of dry dog foods including, Purina, Royal Canin, and more!

Another option for your dog’s diet is wet dog food. Unlike dry food, wet dog food can have a moisture content of up to 78%, depending on the brand. This is because wet dog food is made by grinding all the protein or meat ingredients together with a gravy or jelly that’s packed full of vitamins and minerals. Then, grains are added to the mix before the food is cooked, sterilised, and canned. 

There are several benefits to your dog living on a wet food diet, including: 

• Being more appetising to your dog’s sense of smell and taste. 
• Being softer and easier to chew. 
• Dogs eating wet dog food tend to feel fuller for longer.

While any dog can live off a wet food diet, it is especially good for older dogs or dogs with dental problems as it’s easier for them to chew. 

For some, the preferred option is to give their dog the best of both worlds with a mixed-food diet. As the term suggests, a mixed-food diet is when you mix both wet and dry food together. This way, you can be sure that your dog is getting all the required nutrients while also experiencing different tastes and textures. 

The mixed dog food diet is especially good for fussy eaters who need the aromas to coax them into eating and for people who want to transfer their dog from either wet or dry food to the other.

Breed-Specific Dog Food

There are 222 dog breeds currently recognised by the Kennel Club*, each of which has its own unique characteristics. Your dog’s breed determines not only how your dog looks, but can also affect their temperament, how easy they are to train, what medical conditions they are more predisposed to, and so much more. Plus, there are likely thousands of other crossbreed dogs (think Cockerpoos, Puggles, Pomskys and more) that may inherit the traits or characteristics of one or both of their parents, which can make finding the one perfect dog food a challenge.

Now, brands like Royal Canin® have developed a range of breed-specific dog foods specifically formulated to feed the unique aspects of particular dog breeds with added ingredients to support their individual needs. Considering how many dog breeds there are, unfortunately, there can't be a food available for every single breed, crossbreed, and mutt. That said, they do offer ranges for some of the most popular dog breeds in the UK, which we explore below:

Labrador Retrievers (commonly referred to as just Labradors or Labs) are a large, friendly, and high-spirited dog breed. They are sturdily built and worked initially as duck retrievers and fishermen's mates before becoming one of the most popular family dogs today. 

A typical lab can grow between 21.5 and 24.5 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 55 and 80 pounds. They have a dense coat that is either yellow, black, or chocolate (although fox-red and silver labradors are becoming more common now), and they have a tapered ‘otter tail’ that always wags. Labradors are extremely energetic and enthusiastic, so they require a lot of exercise to keep them physically and mentally fit.

As far as their health goes, Labradors can be prone to several issues, especially as they age. Hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, and issues with their muscles and joints are the most common health risks. To keep your lab as healthy as possible, we recommend feeding a specific Labrador food like the Eukanuba Breed Specific Labrador Retriever dry food.

The smallest of the sporting Spaniels, the Cocker Spaniel, is one of the world’s most loved dog breeds. They were initially developed as hunting dogs because of their sturdy, well-balanced body, speed, and durability. 

Cocker Spaniels are known for their luscious ears and coat, which come in various colours and markings. However, a Cocker will require extra grooming to keep it looking prim and proper when in full coat. Standing between 14 and 15 inches, a Cocker Spaniel is big enough to be sporty but small enough to be portable, which makes them a popular companion. They’re also eager playmates, making them the perfect choice for a family dog. 

Cocker Spaniels are a relatively healthy breed, so long as they are appropriately cared for. Their coats can be prone to matting, which may cause skin issues, and those big floppy ears also need to be cleaned regularly inside and out (speak to a vet on the proper cleaning procedure).

The benefits of feeding a Cocker Spaniel-specific food, such as the Royal Canin Cocker Spaniel Adult Breed Health Nutrition Dog Food, are that they are formulated with this breed specifically in mind, so include added nutrients to help keep your dog’s skin nourished and healthy, including borage oil, vitamin A, and Omega-3 fatty acids.

Another highly popular breed is the German Shepherd. Commonly used as working dogs, these loyal dogs have high intelligence and are popular companions for families and single owners alike. They stand between 22 and 26 inches high and can weigh anywhere from 65 to 80 pounds when fully grown. 

Their ability to learn a variety of commands makes them extremely popular as working dogs, including being a part of K9 Units and even mobility assistance jobs. Thanks to their active lifestyles, German Shepherds need the appropriate diet to keep them fit and healthy. The Royal Canin® German Shepherd dry dog food is packed full of nutrients to help keep your dog happy, including glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate for healthy joints and mobility, as well as probiotics to promote optimal digestion, as this breed is also prone to bloat.

The Boxer has long been a popular dog breed thanks to its loyalty, affection, and intelligence. Its patient and playful nature also makes it good with children, so it makes a great family pet. Plus, these stunning dogs are very upbeat and will take their role as family guardians ‌seriously. 

These stocky dogs can grow between 21 and 25 inches tall and weigh 65 to 80 pounds. While they are a strong dog breed, they are predisposed to several health issues, including hip dysplasia, heart conditions, thyroid deficiency, degenerative myelopathy, and certain cancers. Feeding your Boxer the best possible diet is a great way to support them throughout their life and keep them happy and healthy. 

If you are looking for a complete and balanced dog food for your Boxer, we recommend the Royal Canin Boxer Adult Breed Health Nutrition Dog Food. It is tailor-made for Boxers’ short jaws and also encourages sufficient chewing. 

While there isn’t yet a breed-specific food for all the various dog breeds out there, that’s not to say you can’t still find a tailor-made diet that will suit your dog's needs. Some dog breeds will share the same health concerns as breeds with a specific food, or you can choose size-specific dog food. 

Size-Specific Dog Food

When it comes to size-specific food, you’ll find that there’s a lot more scope regarding which dogs they’re suitable for. Instead of singling out a single breed, size specific dog food can be given to any dog that fits within the parameters of that ‌size group, the key ones being small dogs, medium dogs, large dogs, and extra large or giant dogs. 

Small dog food is predominantly intended for any dog breed that, when fully grown, is still under 20 pounds in weight. This included plenty of popular dog breeds, including Pugs, Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, and more. 

Small dog food is made in the same way as large breed food, but the kibble is made smaller and the wet food is more ground up to help their smaller mouths chew. Small dog breeds also have a much faster metabolism than bigger breeds, so small-breed dog food is much higher in calories, so they get all the nutrients and energy they need without increasing their serving or overfeeding. 

If you’re looking for a complete, small dog breed-specific food, then the Purina Pro Plan OptiBalance Small & Mini Dog Food is a great choice. 

A medium-sized, specific dog food is a safe middle ground. It encompasses any dog between 21 and 50 pounds, including English Bulldogs, Border Collies, and even Greyhounds. 

Medium dog breeds don’t need more or less nutrients than other breed sizes, so a good medium-sized dog food will offer your dog the perfect amount of nutrients for their size without affecting the amount they eat. We have found that a good all-around medium dog food is the ROYAL CANIN® Medium Adult Dry Dog Food, which offers high-quality protein and a balanced supply of dietary fibre to support heart health and lean muscle mass. 

Large dog breed food is formulated for dogs that weigh between 51 and 100 pounds. Since these dogs tend to have much more growing to do, the food is packed with added nutrients, such as glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM, to support healthy bones and joints.

Large-breed dog food is also made with a larger kibble to help encourage chewing for dogs that need encouragement to chew their food before swallowing. Many large dog breeds are also predisposed to sensitive stomachs and bloat, which can have serious ramifications for their health if they’re not properly cared for. 

Much like medium-sized dog breeds, there is a vast variety of large dog breeds, including Australian Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and Doberman Pinschers. Various manufacturers offer plenty of high-quality, large dog breed foods, like Hill's Science Plan Large Breed Adult Dog Food for Healthy Mobility.

Age-Specific Dog Food

Just like how dogs need different diets depending on their breed and size, they also have different nutritional requirements for each of their life stages. The general life stages for dogs are puppy, junior, adult, and senior. 

During their earliest weeks, puppies need all the nutrients they can get to grow into healthy dogs. 

Up to 8 Weeks Old

From birth, puppies are raised on milk from their mothers, which has the exact nutritional composition to help them develop physically and socially. 

The earliest a puppy should be separated from its mother is at 8 weeks old. This is typically when they have weaned off their mother’s milk and can go to their new homes. However, some specialists recommend that puppies stay with their mothers until they are 12 weeks old, especially large or extra-large breeds. 

There may be some instances where a puppy is left without a mother, or another can’t feed her large litter as effectively. In these cases, it may be necessary to use an appropriate dog milk substitute like Royal Canin Baby Dog Milk. 

These substitutes are made with carefully selected and ultra-digestible proteins with a lactose content similar to a mother's milk. They’re also enriched with DHA to help the continuing nervous system development and vitamins E and C, lutein, and taurine to support their still-developing immune systems.

While dog milk substitutes are not as good as the real thing, puppies raised on a milk substitute can and do still grow up to be happy and healthy dogs. 

8-16 Weeks Old

By this time, puppies should be mostly weaned off of their mother’s milk or any milk substitutes and should be eating solid foods designed to support skeletal growth. That means regulated amounts of calcium, phosphorus, and Vitamin D. Puppies at this age should be fed between 3-4 times per day to keep them satiated without overfeeding. 

At this stage, puppies can also be introduced to unmoistened dry food if that’s your preferred dog food, although wet puppy food may be easier to chew (even if it can get a little messy).

16 + Weeks Old 

At this age, puppies begin building body mass. When feeding puppies, it is important to aim for optimal growth rather than maximum growth. This means allowing your puppy to eat at scheduled times and not through free feeding. 

The number of times you feed your puppy at this age should have decreased, and they should be eating food with plenty of high-quality protein that’s easy to digest, like the James Wellbeloved Puppy/Junior Grain Free Turkey Dog Food.

As your puppy continues to adulthood, they still need additional support for their joints, especially large dog breeds, because as their muscles fill out, it can pressure their skeleton. 

When a dog is considered an adult depends a lot on their breed. To be considered an adult, a dog’s body must have finished growing and completely matured. For some smaller breeds, this can happen as soon as seven months, whereas larger or giant breeds may not be fully grown until as late as 18 months. 

The key difference between adult and puppy food is the reduction in calories. Adult dogs who stay on puppy food for too long are at a much higher risk of becoming obese, which ‌can lead to health issues later on.

It’s also important to remember not to switch your dog from puppy to adult dog food immediately, but to introduce the change gradually to avoid severe stomach upsets. This is why some owners choose to employ junior dog food.

Remember, when transitioning between foods, slight stomach and digestive upset is common and is not cause for concern. However, if you are ever worried about a dog's health or want more advice on changing your dog’s diet, speak with your vet. 

As with transitioning from puppy to adult, the age at which a dog is considered senior will depend on its breed and size. Smaller dog breeds grow quicker in their youth and have a longer lifespan than larger breeds. So, while some large and giant dog breeds can be considered senior between 5 and 7 years old, smaller dog breeds may not be senior until they are 10-12 years old. 

As your dog ages, they may become more prone to certain health conditions and even allergies. The most common health concern is obesity, as older dogs tend not to move as much. As such, senior dog food has less fat in order to help them maintain a healthy weight and lean muscle mass. 

Some senior foods, like the Purina Pro Plan OptiAge Dog Food for medium and large dogs, have added nutrients, such as medium-chain triglycerides to aid brain function and vitamins to support immune systems and energy levels.

Condition-Specific Dog Food

No matter their breed or age, some dogs may develop — or even be born with — certain medical conditions that may affect what they need from their diet. This can be anything from a predisposition to obesity, or even allergies to certain ingredients in common dog food. 

That’s why there is also a range of condition-specific dog food available to buy to suit your dog’s needs. These foods are tailored for specific conditions, including, but not limited to:

• Gastrointestinal issues
• Chronic kidney disease
• Urinary Tract Diseases
• Joint Issues 
• And more. 

These specific foods may even have been prescribed by your vet, along with certain supplements. 

Many dog foods contain grains such as wheat, corn, rye, oats, rice, or millet. While most dogs live perfectly healthy lives with grain in their diets, it is possible for a dog to develop an allergy to these ingredients. Signs of allergies in your dog include: 

• Itchiness
• Excessive hair loss
• Bald patches
• Inflamed skin
• Sores and scabs

In these instances, you may need to switch your dog to a grain-free or hypoallergenic dog food. You can also learn more about dog food allergies and intolerances in our blog. 

Dog Food Brands

There are a number of high-quality dog food brands available to buy from us at Pet Drugs Online, each of which comes highly recommended by vets and dog owners alike. Here are some of the top brands to consider:

Founded in 1968, Royal Canin is one of the leading manufacturers of healthy pet food for dogs and cats. They strive to understand the complete needs of both cats and dogs and create nutritious foods that meet all of their needs. 

All of their research is pet-focused and doesn’t follow trends in human nutrition or the owners' preferences. This is how they can create various fantastic dog food formulas catering to specific breeds and health condition requirements. Some of the breed-specific foods they offer include:

• Beagle
• Chihuahua
• Dachshund
• French Bulldog
• Great Dane
• Jack Russell Terrier
• Shih Tzu
• And more! 

As for conditions, they have taken dog health science research to whole new levels and offer condition-specific foods and supplements for:

• Bone/joint support
• Dental health
• Liver health
• Skin/coat
• Sport/working
• Urinary health
• Heart health
• And more! 

James Wellbeloved has been keeping pets happy, healthy and full of life for thirty years, and they’re not looking to stop anytime soon. Their recipes are simple and full of goodness, offering your dog a complete and balanced meal from only the best that nature has to give. 

They offer a great range of free-from and grain-free dog foods, and all of their foods are made without using any dairy, soya, eggs, artificial preservatives or cheap bulking ingredients. The James Wellbeloved dog food range is available for all breeds, sizes, and ages and can be bought as either wet or dry food. Browse our full range of James Wellbeloved foods here. 

Hill’s was founded by Dr Mark Morris, an exceptional vet who believed that we as owners should care as much for our pets’ health as we do our own. Now, Hill’s are dedicated to pet health and ensuring we get to spend as much time as possible with our beloved pets. 

Hill’s offers an extensive range of dog foods full of science-led ingredients that veterinarians trust. They even provide their own veterinary foods, in the Hill's™ PRESCRIPTION DIET™ dog foods range to support a range of conditions, including:

• Weight management 
• Kidney support
• Digestive care
• Skin and coat health
• Urinary health

You can browse our full range of Hill's™ SCIENCE PLAN™ dog foods here.

Purina is one of the most well-known names in pet food, and for good reason. For over 125 years, they have worked hard to provide quality pet foods for all ages and lifestyles. 

They believe that quality nutrition should be available for all cats and dogs and that the basis of great nutrition starts with understanding nutrients, not ingredients. They recognise that pets' nutritional requirements are unique and work hard to provide quality food for a number of conditions to help us better care for our pets. 

Not only does Purina dog food provide quality everyday food for your dog, but they also offer a range of Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets to aid dogs with:

• Brain Function
• Convalescence
• Dermatosis
• Diabetes
• Joint Mobility
• Renal Function
• Liver Failure
• Probiotic
• And more! 

Since 1993, when pet food pioneer and veterinary surgeon John Burns founded Burns, the Company has been providing high-quality pet food specifically designed with natural ingredients to manage common health problems in both cats and dogs. 

Not only do they offer amazing pet food, but Burns also has its own pet rescue and fights to ensure that every pet gets to grow up happy, healthy, and well-cared for. All of its foods are vet-developed, hypoallergenic, and ethically sourced to ensure the health of pets and the planet. Burns dog food is available for all dog breed sizes and life stages and can be bought as wet food, dry food, and even treats. 

‘Nutrition without compromise’ has been the guiding philosophy for the family-run pet food brand, Arden Grange, since its creation in 1996. The two founders, Graham and Wendy Stephens, are experienced dog breeders who have been showing their highly acclaimed Ardenburg German Shepherds for years. They even have their own boarding kennels.

Arden Grange dog food specialises in providing great quality for all dog breed sizes, life stages and even lifestyles with a range of foods specifically for: 

• Pregnant and lactating Dogs
• Show dogs
• Working and sporting Dogs

They also offer a range of dog foods for those with allergies and sensitivities.

Need More Advice?

If you have any more questions about your dog’s diet or need help choosing the right food, please don’t hesitate to contact us here at Pet Drugs Online or speak with your vet and see what food they recommend.

If you're looking for new dog food, you can browse our full range below, including foods from some of the top brands in the industry, like Hill's™ Science Plan™, Purina Pro Plan®, and Royal Canin®.

This post is an opinion and should only be used as a guide. You should discuss any change to your pet’s care or lifestyle thoroughly with your vet before starting any program or treatment.