21 Dog Food Nutrition Facts Every Pet Owner Should Know

This post shows you 21 Dog Food Nutrition Facts Every Pet Owner Should Know!

There is so much information online about what dogs should eat, what they should avoid, how to choose good dog food, and so much more! So, I gathered the most important dog food nutrition facts you should know using material from official vet guidelines and my dog nutritionist exams!

General dog food nutrition facts

Dogs need protein and fat and some healthy carbs. They usually don’t need extra vitamins since they get most nutrients from their dog food, but there are ways to make healthier choices and boost their nutrition. Let’s get into it!

1 Dogs need a balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates.

Protein is essential for dogs, as it’s a building block for their muscles and gives them the energy they need. Some of the best protein sources are lean meats, but dog kibble is also an important source of protein.

Dogs also need fat, especially omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids. These can be found in dog food but also in fatty fish and eggs.

Lastly, dogs don’t need carbs to live, but eating carbs has so many health benefits! They are a great energy source for active dogs, and carbs provide glucose to the brain.

While fiber is not an essential nutrient, it’s great for digestion, so most brands add both soluble and insoluble fiber to dog food. Some great sources of fiber are whole grains and light, hydrating vegetables that most dogs love!

2 Protein is the most important macronutrient for dogs.

Protein is the most important macronutrient for dogs of all the essential nutrients! They need high-quality animal proteins from dog food and other sources.

Some of the best sources of protein for dogs are chicken, turkey, and lean beef, followed by fish and eggs. Dairy can also be a good source of protein, but only for dogs who are not lactose intolerant. There are some plant-based sources of protein, like lentils and chickpeas, which can also be good but only in small amounts, as they often cause gas.

So, why do dogs need protein so much? It’s because protein supports muscle growth and repair, so puppies, adult dogs, and senior dogs all need high-quality protein.

In addition, animal protein helps with tissue repair, provides energy to the body, and is important for overall health.

3 Fat provides essential fatty acids for skin, coat, and energy.

Believe it or not, after protein, fat is the second most important nutrient for dogs!

The best types of fat are fatty acids, like omega-3 and omega-6. Dogs can’t produce these fatty acids on their own, so they need to get them from food.

Fat not only gives dogs energy but also supports brain function. It helps with cognitive functions, memory, and healthy aging.

Fat is also important for amazing, glowing skin and a shiny coat!

4 Carbohydrates are optional but can provide energy and fiber.

While carbs are not essential, and dogs can live without them, they are almost always included in dog kibble! There’s a good reason for that, too.

Dogs don’t need carbs to survive, but they are a great source of energy (glucose for the brain and overall body), and they are also a great source of fiber.

Fiber from good sources like sweet potatoes and pumpkin can help with digestion. It’s recommended to give dogs an extra dose of fiber from these sources when they’re dealing with constipation or diarrhea.

For diarrhea, choose a soluble fiber that turns into a gel-like substance in the digestive tract, making the stools less runny.

Good sources of soluble fiber are:

• pumpkin
• sweet potato
• oatmeal
• apples
• carrots

For constipation, choose an insoluble fiber that adds bulk to the stool, so your dog can poop more easily.

Good sources of insoluble fiber are:

• broccoli
• green beans
• spinach

5 Calorie needs vary by age, breed, and activity level.

Every dog is unique, and their calorie needs depend on factors like age, size, breed, weight, and activity level.

You should choose dog food and kibble tailored to their specific needs and breed.

Feeding your dog the right amount of food is crucial for keeping them healthy and preventing obesity.

Active dogs need more calories, large dogs need more calories, while a small couch potato needs only a handful of kibble per day!

Here’s a general guideline for daily calorie requirements for different types of dogs. Keep in mind that these are rough estimates, and you need to figure out the right amount for your dog!

Dog Type	Weight Range (lbs)	Weight Range (kg)	Calories (Per Day)
Small inactive dogs	10–20	4.5–9	250–400
Small active dogs	10–20	4.5–9	400–600
Medium inactive dogs	30–50	13–22	700–900
Medium active dogs	30–50	13–22	900–1,400
Large inactive dogs	60–100	27–45	1,000–1,500
Large active dogs	60–100	27–45	1,500–2,500
Puppies	Based on age and size	Based on age and size	2x to 3x adult maintenance levels

Tips to avoid overfeeding

Dog food nutrition facts — decoding dog food labels

There are many third parties that check and approve the quality of dog food. You can learn more about those on every dog food manufacturer’s website.

One of these is the AAFCO, a non-governmental organization. AAFCO stands for the Association of American Feed Control Officials. While AAFCO doesn’t regulate or test pet food, its guidelines ensure manufacturers produce foods that meet minimum nutritional requirements for pets at different life stages.

6 Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight.

When you buy dog food, you need to look at the ingredients to understand if it’s a well-balanced formula or an overpriced filler.

One key thing to remember is that ingredients are always listed in descending order by weight. This means the first ingredient on the list is the most dominant in the formula.

Pay close attention to the first few ingredients, as they tell you a lot about the quality of the food. High-quality dog food will often list a named protein source like beef or fish (even the type of fish) as the first ingredient.

If you see corn as the first ingredient, then that food will have more corn than protein! But that doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s a bad formula or that it won’t provide a balanced combination of nutrients.

Here’s an example:

In this image, the primary nutrients are carbs, followed by proteins and fats. Protein in the form of “meat and bone meal” is considered a low-quality protein since it doesn’t specify the type of meat and bones. Is it chicken, fish, or beef? We don’t know.

However, the food still contains essential minerals, vitamins, carbs for energy, and beef fat, which is a healthy fat source. It’s always better to see specific animal names like chicken, beef, or salmon instead of generic terms like “animal meal.”

7 Look for a named protein source as the first ingredient.

A named protein, like chicken or salmon, should be the first ingredient on the dog food label.

For example, if a food lists chicken as the first ingredient, it’s a great source of lean protein. Chicken-based foods are ideal for active dogs or those needing muscle support. They’re high in protein and low in fat.

A food with salmon as the first ingredient offers a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids. Salmon-based foods are especially good for dogs with sensitive skin or allergies, as they are easier on the stomach and have anti-inflammatory benefits.

Avoid foods that start with generic terms like “meat” or “meat by-product,” as they don’t specify the protein source and may include lower-quality ingredients.

8 “Meal” can be a concentrated source of protein.

Named meals, like chicken meal or beef meal, are nutrient-dense and provide high-quality concentrated protein. They are made by cooking down meat to remove fat and water, leaving behind a protein-rich ingredient.

9 Beware of generic terms like “meat by-products.”

Named meals are much better than generic “meat meals,” which are unnamed sources that can include almost anything. These often come from mixed animal sources and low-quality ingredients.

When you see a named meal in the ingredient list, such as “chicken meal” or “beef meal,” it’s a sign of good-quality dog food. This is not the same as generic by-products or unnamed sources like “meat meal,” which often include lower-quality and less specific ingredients.

10 AAFCO-approved foods meet basic nutritional standards.

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) sets the standard for pet food nutrition in the U.S. If a dog food label states that it’s “AAFCO-approved” or meets “AAFCO nutrient profiles,” it means the food meets basic nutritional requirements.

It also means that it has been tested to meet specific life-stage requirements, such as for puppies, adult dogs, or senior dogs.

There are two ways foods can meet AAFCO standards:

Here are some practical tips to help you:

While AAFCO approval is a great baseline, it doesn’t guarantee premium ingredients. For that, you’ll need to use what you’ve learned in the sections above!

Dog food nutrition facts — how to identify high-quality dog food

I think, from all dog nutrition facts, the most important ones are that you need high-quality dog food that’s reasonably priced and that you need to avoid artificial additives, unnecessary fillers, and potential allergens.

11 Avoid artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors.

As you can see in the image above, some generic dog foods contain artificial colors like Yellow 6 or Blue 2.

These artificial colors and flavors serve no real purpose other than making the food look good, but dogs don’t care about how their food looks!

Artificial flavors are used to enhance taste, but dogs don’t need these either.

When it comes to preservatives, they are absolutely necessary to prevent dry dog food from getting moldy or spoiling. However, there are natural preservatives like Vitamin E that can keep the food fresh without the use of harmful chemicals.

12 Whole grains and legumes are better than fillers.

When you’re buying dog food, look for brands that use whole grains.

Whole grains like oats, barley, and brown rice are excellent sources of energy, vitamins, minerals, and fiber that dogs need. They support digestion and provide sustained energy.

These are high-quality nutrients, unlike fillers such as corn, soy, or refined wheat. That said, some nutritious dog foods may include corn or soy, but these are often listed further down the ingredient label, meaning they are not the primary ingredients.

Legumes, like lentils, chickpeas, and peas, are also great options. They are plant-based proteins that provide fiber and minerals, making them a good addition to a balanced diet.

13 Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are important for skin and coat health.

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are essential because they support brain function and development, and help your dog maintain healthy skin and a shiny coat.

Omega-3 is particularly important for reducing inflammation, improving joint health, and supporting cognitive function. You can boost your dog’s intake of omega-3 by feeding them foods like salmon, sardines, and flaxseed.

Omega-6 plays a key role in maintaining a shiny coat and healthy skin. Good sources of omega-6 include chicken fat and sunflower oil.

The ideal ratio for these fatty acids is typically between 1:4 and 1:5. This means for every one part of omega-3, there should be about four to five parts of omega-6.

But isn’t omega-3 healthier, so why do dogs need more omega-6? Well, it’s because of their biological needs. Omega-6 is essential, but too much of it without enough omega-3 can lead to inflammation, so that’s why they need a balance!

14 Probiotics support digestive health.

Probiotics are the good bacteria that maintain a healthy gut.

They are important for dogs because they improve digestion and enhance the absorption of nutrients. Probiotics also help with issues like diarrhea, gas, bloating, and constipation, restoring balance in the gut’s bacteria.

Look for dog foods with added probiotics, which are often listed as live cultures or strains like Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium.

15 Excess sodium or sugar can be harmful.

High levels of sodium or sugar in dog food are not good for your dog.

Too much sodium can hurt your dog’s kidneys and cause dehydration and other health problems, such as heart disease. This is especially important for puppies and older dogs, who are not able to handle high sodium levels.

Sugar, on the other hand, offers no nutritional value and provides only empty calories. Excess sugar can cause serious issues like obesity and diabetes. Dogs don’t need sugar in their diet at all, so it’s best to avoid foods with added sweeteners.

Dogs don’t need extra sodium, and they don’t need sugar at all.

16 Puppies, seniors, and pregnant dogs have different needs.

Dogs at different life stages and life events require different nutrients.

Puppies need high-protein diets to support growth and development. They also require more omega-3 fatty acids for brain and joint development.

Senior dogs need fewer calories, as their activity levels are usually lower, but they benefit from added glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health and alleviate pain as they age.

Pregnant and lactating dogs require diets rich in protein, fat, and calcium to support their increased energy needs and milk production.

Always choose food labeled specifically for your dog’s life stage. For example, foods labeled “puppy” or “growth” meet the needs of young dogs, while “senior” or “mature” formulas are designed for older pets. AAFCO-approved “all life stages” foods can also work, but you should ensure they suit your dog’s specific needs.

Some special considerations about dog food nutrition facts

These are some common dog food nutrition facts that I really want to emphasize.

17 Dogs with allergies may need limited-ingredient diets.

Dogs with food allergies or other health issues need to be put on a special diet.

You can’t do this on your own, so you need to talk to your vet first! Special foods for allergies have fewer ingredients, which makes it easier to avoid potential allergens.

Some of the most common allergens in dog food are chicken, dairy, wheat, and soy. A good alternative for dogs with allergies is food made with salmon and legumes. If your dog doesn’t have allergies, it’s not beneficial to put them on a special diet. Please keep this in mind before switching to grain-free, gluten-free, or other specialized diets—you could do more harm than good.

Grain-free is not always better!

18 Grain-free diets are not necessary for most dogs.

Grain-free diets have become very popular in the last few years, but they are unnecessary for most dogs.

Grains like rice and barley are excellent sources of energy, nutrients, and fiber. There’s no need for your dog to avoid grains unless they have a medical condition or diagnosed allergies.

However, allergies to grains are very rare. Recent studies suggest that grain-free diets may cause more harm than good for most dogs. The FDA has warned of a potential link between grain-free diets and heart disease, especially when these diets rely heavily on peas and legumes.

Unless your dog has a specific reason to eat grain-free, stick with regular dog food and consult your vet if you’re unsure.

19 Overfeeding is the main cause of obesity in dogs.

Obesity is one of the most common health issues in dogs in the United States, and overfeeding is the main cause. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention’s 2022 survey, approximately 59% of dogs in the U.S. are classified as overweight or obese.

Many dog owners think they’re spoiling or treating their dogs by giving them lots of tasty food, but this just adds unnecessary calories that can lead to weight gain. Obesity increases the risk of serious health problems like heart disease, diabetes, and joint issues.

Follow the feeding guidelines on your dog’s food label, limit treats, and control portions to keep your dog healthy.

Surprising dog food nutrition facts

You probably know this, but some human foods are toxic to dogs! In addition, everything else in this article—from protein to essential fatty acids—is less important than water. Water is the most crucial part of dog nutrition!

20 Some human foods are toxic to dogs.

Don’t give your dog table scraps or share your meals with them, as some human foods can be toxic.

Onions and garlic are highly dangerous for dogs. Grapes are toxic to dogs. Chocolate is another common toxic food—it contains theobromine, which can harm your dog’s heart and nervous system.

One of the most dangerous ingredients is xylitol (sugar substitute). Most zero-carb and low-carb treats have xylitol, so it’s not safe to share that kind of food with your dog.

If your dog eats any of these foods, call your vet immediately.

21 Fresh water is the most important part of nutrition.

Your dog needs fresh, clean water available at all times. Water is the most essential part of your dog’s diet and supports every major function in their body.

Without enough water, dogs can become dehydrated, which can lead to serious health issues, including kidney problems.

Make sure your dog always has access to fresh water, and don’t forget to wash and refill their water bowl daily to prevent bacteria buildup.

What are your favorite dog nutrition facts? Let us know in the comments!

Make sure to pin this post so you’ll always have this guide handy.

Love, life, and fur forever!

This article showed you 21 Dog Food Nutrition Facts Every Pet Owner Should Know.

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