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What to Feed Your Dog: A Plain-English Guide

Groomers see it every day: a dull, flaky coat or constant shedding can have as much to do with the food bowl as with the brush. This guide covers the basics of choosing a food. It is general information, not veterinary advice, so talk with your vet about your own dog, especially if they have allergies or a health condition.

Start with the nutritional adequacy statement

In the US, look for a statement that the food is "complete and balanced" for your dog's life stage according to AAFCO nutrient profiles or feeding trials. Puppy, adult and "all life stages" foods differ, and large-breed puppies have specific calcium needs.

Read the ingredient list, but know its limits

Ingredients are listed by weight before cooking, so a fresh meat listed first may contribute less once water is removed. Named proteins ("chicken," "salmon meal") are clearer than vague terms. Marketing words like "premium" or "holistic" have no official meaning.

Check the guaranteed analysis

The guaranteed analysis lists minimum protein and fat and maximum fiber and moisture. To compare a wet food with a dry food fairly, convert both to a dry-matter basis.

Fats and the coat

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids support skin and coat. If your groomer notices dry skin or heavy shedding, it is worth asking your vet whether diet could be a factor.

Feed the right amount

Feeding charts are a starting point. Adjust based on your dog's body condition, and remember treats count. Extra weight makes grooming and Florida heat harder on dogs.

A tool for decoding labels

If you want help making sense of a specific food, Label to Bowl breaks down dog food labels in plain language so you can compare ingredients and nutrition before you buy.

Switching foods

Change foods gradually over about a week, mixing more of the new food in each day, to avoid upset stomachs.

Ocala Dog Grooming is a free referral service, not a grooming salon. We do not groom pets ourselves. Requests are passed to independent groomers and mobile grooming vans in the area that set their own prices, do the work and are fully responsible for it. Ask any groomer about pricing, vaccination requirements and how they handle nervous or senior dogs before you book.