COMPLETE GUIDE TO DOG DIETS

Proper nutrition is essential for maintaining the health and well-being of dogs. Are you aware of the many options for feeding your furry friend? In this article, we'll explain the different types of diets available for dogs.

What is the best diet for my dog?

Unfortunately, there is no single answer to this question, as the “right” diet varies depending on each dog's individual needs. Factors such as size, breed, age, activity level, and overall health will influence the type of food you choose.
Dogs are omnivores, eating both meat and vegetables, so they need a balanced diet that includes protein, fats, fiber, minerals, and vitamins.

How to choose the right food for my dog?

When choosing your dog's diet, it's important to look at the composition of the product. Meat or fish should be the main source of protein in the first place, as they are the main sources of protein. Avoid products that include terms like "animal derivatives," "flours," or "cereals" as the first ingredients listed, as they indicate that the food is of lower quality.

Types of dog diets

1. COMMERCIAL DIET

Commercial diets are prepackaged foods that can be either cooked or natural, such as the BARF diet. These options are easy to administer and offer balanced menus that can cover all of your dog's nutritional needs.

ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
  • Easy to store and serve.
  • Ready-to-eat meals.
  • Variety of flavors and options.
  • May contain artificial preservatives, colors, and additives.
  • Typically have a higher price tag.


2. COOKED DIET

The cooked diet is based on preparing home-cooked foods, such as meat, rice, vegetables, and other natural ingredients.

ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
  • Fresh, natural ingredients.
  • Total control over food preparation and quality.
  • Ideal for dogs with specific dietary needs.
  • Requires time and effort to prepare.
  • It can be difficult to achieve proper nutritional balance without expert help.
  • Supplementation is necessary to ensure proper balance.


3. DEHYDRATED DIET

The dehydrated diet consists of dehydrated natural foods (meat, fish, fruits, vegetables and cereals) that are rehydrated with water before being served.

ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
  • High quality ingredients without additives.
  • Easy conservation and Long shelf life.
  • Fresh food with greater durability.
  • More expensive than other types of food.
  • Requires time to rehydrate before serving.


4. BARF DIET

The BARF diet is based on offering raw foods, such as meat, bones, fish, offal, fruits, and vegetables. This diet is designed to mimic the natural diet that dogs would eat in the wild, without processing the food.

ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
  • Fresh, natural food with no additives.
  • Improves digestion, energy, and overall health.
  • Promotes a shinier coat and stronger teeth.
  • Stimulates your dog's mind through a variety of foods.
  • Requires in-depth knowledge of canine nutrition.
  • More labor-intensive preparation and handling.
  • Risk of bacterial infections if raw foods are not handled properly.


5. DRY DIET

Dry food is the most common commercial dog diet option. It is formulated to provide balanced nutrition and is available in a variety of options depending on each dog's needs.

ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
  • Easy to store and serve.
  • Helps keep teeth clean due to its crunchy texture.
  • Inexpensive and widely available.
  • May Contain low-quality fillers and by-products.
  • Not as appetizing as other options.
  • Low water content.


6. WET DIET

Wet food usually comes in cans or pouches and contains a large amount of water. This diet is often used in postoperative processes and is especially useful for dogs with chewing difficulties or digestive problems.

ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
  • Hydrates the dog due to its high water content.
  • Greater palatability.
  • Easy to digest.
  • Lower nutrient concentration compared to dry food.
  • Provides a feeling of less satiety.


7. NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS

Supplements are complementary products that can be added to all types of dog diets to improve their health. They can include vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, probiotics, among others, and are often used to treat nutritional deficiencies or specific health problems, such as joint health or digestion.

ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
  • They help treat nutritional deficiencies or health problems.
  • They can improve overall well-being and quality of life.
  • They can be tailored to the dog's individual needs.
  • They may be unnecessary if the dog is already on a balanced diet.
  • Some supplements may be ineffective or even harmful.

 

Here's an information table with a summary of the above information:

At Kunkay, we know how important the well-being of your furry friend is to you, and that's why we are dedicated to offering products that really make a difference in their health and quality of life.

Our nutritional supplements are formulated with natural ingredients to help keep your dog happy, healthy, and full of energy.

Whether your dog needs support with their daily nutrition or has special needs due to their age, activity level, or health condition, our products are designed to adapt to every stage of their life and any specific requirements.

If you want to know more about the foods that dogs can eat, you can consult our article: Foods That Dogs Can Eat (Guide)

REFERENCES

Adiestramiento, L. (2023, November 23). Types of dog food. LealCan Adiestramiento. https://lealcan.com/tipos-alimentacion-para-perros/

Elogia, D. (2024, April 14). Natural cooked diet for dogs: discover fresh, unprocessed nutrition. Flippo. https://flippo.es/blogs/news/dieta-natural-cocinada-para-perros-descubre-la-nutricion-fresca-y-no-procesada?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwm7q-BhDRARIsACD6-fWpp1Tgzi8XHMsGe3dEyy6-DMrRhFsvd8cGjG00ec9LOITNfl6CnogaApF6EALw_wcB 

Natuka. (2023, September 4). BARF vs. Cooked Diet: Discover Which Is the Best for Your Dog or Cat. Natuka. https://natukabarf.com/blogs/news/barf-vs-cooked-diet-discover-which-is-the-best-option-for-your-dog-or-cat

Your Complete Guide to Canine Nutrition. (February 27, 2024). Medivet.UK. https://www.medivetgroup.com/es-es/cuidado-de-mascotas/consejos-sobre-mascotas/guia-de-nutricion-para-perros/

Do you have any questions?