Quick Facts
AAFCO recommends at least 18% protein for adult dogs and 22.5% for puppies, but beyond 40%, there's no proven benefit for healthy dogs.
Dogs need at least 5.5% fat (adults) and 8.5% (puppies) for energy, coat health, and brain function, but excessive fat (>20%) can lead to weight gain.
Most dogs thrive on 18 - 30% protein. Too much (40%+) can strain the kidneys and liver in dogs with pre-existing conditions.
Dogs CAN Digest Carbs. While they don't need carbs to survive, most commercial dog foods contain 30–50% carbohydrates, which provide fiber, energy, and help prevent muscle breakdown.
95% of homemade diets are nutritionally unbalanced. Most lack calcium, zinc, vitamin D, or taurine, putting dogs at risk of deficiencies.
The FDA is investigating a potential link between grain-free dog food and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a life-threatening heart condition.
Studies show that raw food praised as "ancestral," can increase the risk of Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria, which can harm both dogs and their owners.
Expensive Dog Food Isn't Always Better. Some budget-friendly brands meet the same AAFCO standards as premium brands
Quick Navigation
The answer isn't as simple as picking the most expensive brand or following the latest pet food trend. A dog's nutritional needs depend on their age, size, activity level, and even breed. That means a one-size-fits-all approach will not work.
What Makes a Dog's Diet Balanced?
Protein – Essential for muscle growth, repair, and overall health
Fats – Critical for energy, skin, and coat health
Carbohydrates – Provide fiber and energy (yes, dogs can digest carbs!)
Vitamins & Minerals – Support immune function, bone health, and metabolism
Protein, Fat and Carbs: What is the Right Balance?
Fats: At least 5.5% fat is required for energy and coat health, but too much fat (>20%) can lead to weight gain in inactive dogs.
Carbs: While dogs don't need carbs to survive, digestible carbohydrates (30–50%) provide important fiber and energy, and they help prevent protein from being used as a primary energy source.
Breed, Size and Life Stage
Small Breeds (Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Yorkies) – Have higher metabolism per pound, needing more calories relative to body weight.
Puppies – Need higher protein & fat intake for rapid growth (22.5%+ protein).
Senior Dogs – May require higher protein (~25%) to prevent muscle loss and support joint health.
Protein in Dog Food: How Much is Too Much?
Adult dogs need a minimum of 18% protein in their diet.
Puppies and pregnant/lactating dogs require at least 22.5% protein for proper growth.
A common myth is that higher protein equals a better diet, but this isn't always true. Let's look at what science says:
❗ Excess protein is not stored as muscle but instead it gets converted into energy or excreted as waste.
❗ Very high protein intake can stress the kidneys and liver in dogs with pre-existing conditions.
For active dogs and working breeds: 25–30% protein is ideal.
For average adult dogs: 18–25% is perfectly sufficient.
For senior dogs: Higher protein (~25%) may help maintain muscle mass.
For dogs with kidney or liver disease: Lower protein (~14–18%) is often recommended under veterinary supervision.
Protein Quality Matters More Than Quantity
✔️ Animal-based proteins (chicken, beef, fish, turkey, lamb)
✔️ Eggs (highest biological value of any protein)
✔️ High-quality plant proteins (peas, lentils, soy, though not as complete as animal proteins!)
❌ Meat by-products (low digestibility)
❌ Corn gluten meal, wheat gluten (incomplete amino acid profile)
Can Too Much Protein Harm Your Dog?
▫️ Dogs with kidney disease struggle to process excess nitrogen from protein.
▫️ Liver disease requires controlled protein intake.
▫️ Overweight dogs may gain more fat if eating excess protein without exercise.
Kibble, Raw, or Fresh? Comparing Dog Food Types
Some swear by raw food, claiming it's the most "natural" option. Others say fresh, home-cooked meals are the healthiest. And then there's kibble, which is the most common choice but often criticized for being too processed. So, what's actually best for your dog? Let's break it down.
Kibble (Dry Dog Food)
Easy & Affordable – No meal prep, long shelf life, and budget-friendly.
Nutritionally Balanced – Most commercial kibble meets AAFCO standards.
Dental Benefits? – Some claim kibble helps clean teeth, but studies show mixed results.
Lower moisture content – Dogs on kibble need plenty of water.
Quality varies – Some brands use cheap fillers instead of high-quality ingredients.
Protein: ~18–26%
Fat: ~10–15%
Carbohydrates: ~45–55%
Moisture: ~10%
Raw Diets (Including BARF & Prey Model)
High in Protein – Mimics the diet of wild canines.
Whole-food ingredients, no fillers.
Many owners report improved coat and digestion.
Bacterial Contamination – Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria are real concerns.
Nutritional Imbalances – Most homemade raw diets lack key vitamins and minerals.
Not for Every Dog – Immunocompromised dogs (and humans in the household) are at higher risk.
Protein: ~40–50%
Fat: ~20–30%
Carbohydrates: Minimal
Moisture: ~60–70%
Fresh-Cooked Diets (Homemade or Commercial Fresh Food)
Easier to Digest – Great for sensitive stomachs
Highly Palatable – Dogs go crazy for it.
Can Be Customized – Adjusted for allergies, weight, or health conditions.
More Expensive – Costs significantly more than kibble.
Short Shelf Life – Needs refrigeration or freezing.
Requires Proper Formulation – Many homemade diets lack essential nutrients.
Protein: ~25–35%
Fat: ~15–25%
Carbohydrates: ~30–50%
Moisture: ~60–70%
Marketing Tricks: What's Real and What's Not?
Buzzwords That Sound Good But Mean Nothing
Human-Grade: Unless the food is made in a USDA-certified human food facility, this term is meaningless.
Ancestral Diet: Just because wolves eat raw meat doesn't mean modern dogs need a raw diet. (Dogs have evolved alongside humans!)
Superfoods: Kale, blueberries, and chia seeds might be trendy, but they don't replace the core nutrients dogs actually need.
The Grain-Free Myth: Helpful or Not?
Most dogs digest grains just fine. In fact, whole grains (like rice, barley, and oats) provide fiber, energy, and essential nutrients.
Grain-free does NOT mean carb-free. Many grain-free foods replace grains with potatoes, peas, or lentils, sometimes in excessive amounts.
Studies suggest a link between grain-free diets and heart disease (DCM) in dogs. While the FDA is still researching, it’s a risk worth considering.
The High-Protein Hype: Do Dogs Really Need 40%+ Protein?
More protein isn't always beneficial. Most adult dogs thrive on 18–25% protein. Going over 40%? No proven benefits for the average dog.
High protein = high calories. If a dog doesn't burn off the extra energy, it can lead to weight gain.
Too much of certain proteins can stress the kidneys and liver in dogs with pre-existing health conditions.
"Premium" Doesn't Always Mean Better
Some budget-friendly brands meet the same AAFCO nutritional standards as expensive brands.
Many "premium" brands charge more for marketing, fancy packaging, and boutique ingredients rather than superior nutrition.
The most expensive brands aren't always the best. A $60 bag of food with buzzwords might be less balanced than a well-formulated, affordable option.
But for now, let's look at something very important as well: how to spot nutritional deficiencies in dogs.
Signs of Nutritional Deficiencies in Dogs
▫️ Dull, brittle fur? Often linked to low protein intake or zinc deficiency.
▫️ Excessive shedding? Could be tied to low biotin, vitamin A, or essential fatty acids.
▫️ Vomiting after meals? Might signal digestive enzyme deficiencies or food intolerance.
▫️ Excessive gas? Often caused by low-quality proteins or trouble digesting certain carbs.
▫️ Losing muscle or having trouble maintaining weight? Might be a sign of too little protein.
▫️ Weakness, trembling, or poor coordination? Can signal low magnesium or potassium.
▫️ Delayed growth or fragile bones? Might be a calcium-phosphorus imbalance (common in homemade diets).
▫️ Large breed puppies at risk? Too much or too little calcium can cause bone deformities.
▫️ Dull eyes, poor vision, or night blindness? Could mean low vitamin A.
▫️ Recurring skin infections or allergies? Sometimes linked to low omega-3s or selenium deficiency.
PetRadar's Dog Food Label Decoder
So instead of relying on fancy packaging, focus on what really matters: the ingredients, the nutrients, and your dog's specific needs.
AAFCO Nutrient Profiles (2023)
FEDIAF Nutritional Guidelines (Europe)
National Research Council (NRC), Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
UC Davis Veterinary Nutrition Study
Merck Veterinary Manual
U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA)
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
Tufts University Veterinary Nutrition
Written by
I’ve gained a deep understanding of the challenges and emotions that come with searching for a missing pet, and I’m here to provide guidance, support, and a little bit of hope along the way. When I'm not helping reunite lost pets with their pet parents, you’ll likely find me spending time with my own furry companion, Valla - a curious gray tabby with a **very** independent spirit.
