How to Pick the Best Food for Your Adult Dog in 2025

Choosing the right adult dog food isn’t just about filling your furry friend’s bowl—it’s about fueling their vitality, supporting their immune system, and ensuring they live their happiest, healthiest life possible!

As a devoted dog parent, you’ve probably stood overwhelmed in the pet food aisle, staring at hundreds of colorful bags and cans, each promising to be the “best” choice for your companion. The truth is, I have been there as well with my two cats. It took me doing a couple years of research and budgeting math to see what I would pick for them both. With the right knowledge about nutritional requirements, ingredient quality, and your dog’s specific needs, you can confidently select a diet that will keep your kiddo thriving for years to come.

Before doing a deep dive into this article, ask yourself these questions:

1. If money and time was not an issue, what food would I most prefer to feed my dog? Dry, canned wet food, freeze dried or raw.

   I was talking to my boyfriend when he asked me this question for our two cats (Kani and Jace).

2. Why would I prefer this option?

   I initially chose fully wet canned food diet for my cats. I chose this option because cats are carnivores and have a mostly or all meat diet is very healthy for them. The moisture content for wet canned food is very good for cats, and my cats do love their wet food.

3. Can we afford this option, right now?

   At the time, the answer was no. But this did not stop me from spoiling my cats with wet food. We decided to do two small dry meals (one in the morning and one in the evening) then one wet food meal in the afternoon. Our schedule at the time did allow us to feed them 3 times a day and they were excited for each meal. We also made it a goal to afford to feed them all wet food one day and we have now succeeded. Although we decided to go with branded raw food instead.

Go over these questions by yourself or with your partner. You can write them down or make a mental note.

Understanding a Dog’s Nutritional Needs

Macronutrients vs. Micronutrients

Macronutrients are nutrients the body needs in large quantities while micronutrients are nutrients that the body needs in smaller quantities.

Essential Macronutrients Dogs Require

Protein: This is a Chicken, turkey, salmon, tuna, mackerel, beef, lamb, eggs, rabbit, duck and venison (amino acids from animal meat and tissue- Arginine, Histidine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Threonine, Tryptophan, Valine). Protein is essential for muscle growth, tissue repair and overall body maintenance.

Fats: This is a very energy rich nutrient for dogs (but not as much as cats). It serves as a transport molecule and conducts nerve impulses, helps skin and coat health, helps wound healing, helps with decreasing inflammation and brain function (Fatty acids- omega-3 and omega-6; healthy fatty food- salmon, chicken, liver and beef)

Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are a quick energy source for dogs. Dogs do need it more than cats as it helps with a dog’s fiber intake and digestive health. Carbohydrates that are dog safe are rice, oats, sweet potatoes, peas and specific legumes.

Essential Micronutrients Dogs Require

Amino acids are provided by animal meat and tissue. The list of amino acids cats need are as follows:

• Arginine

• Histidine

• Isoleucine

• Leucine

• Lysine

• Methionine

• Phenylalanine

• Threonine

• Tryptophan

• Valine

Fatty acids are provided through fish, chicken fat and dog-safe fish oil supplements. They include omega-3 and omega-6.

Important Vitamins and Minerals:

• Calcium

• Phosphorus

• Sodium

• Potassium

• Magnesium

• Chloride

• Iron

• Zinc

• Copper

• Iodine

• Selenium

• Vitamins A, B, C, D, E and K (fat- soluble and water-soluble)

Calorie Adjustments Needed for Small and Large Dogs

For dogs, calorie intake is based individually on activity level, but also significantly by size. Smaller dogs usually have a higher metabolism due to their smaller body sizes (like cats), whereas larger dogs may have a slower metabolism than smaller dogs. Metabolism can vary based on age, activity level, spay/ neuter status, genetics and predispositions.

Understanding AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy Statements

I have attached the AAFCO nutritional requirements for dog food below for you to see a more legal and exact reference:

Dog Nutrition: Guide to Dog Food Nutrients | PetMD

AAFCO DOG AND CAT FOOD

Decoding Dog Food Labels and Ingredients

What “Complete and Balanced” Really Means

Complete and balanced means the product contains all necessary nutrients for a dog’s health and in correct proportions for specific life stages stated on the product’s label.

*Look for AAFCO for “puppy”, “adult”, or “all life stages” label*

How to Read Ingredient Lists Effectively

Ingredients are listed in order by weight, therefore, the first 3-5 ingredients are most important.

For dog food, look for named animal proteins (chicken, salmon, beef, rabbit, turkey). If you are looking for more quality food it is best to avoid “protein flavor” (ex: chicken flavor) or “with protein” (ex: with chicken).

It is best to try to avoid food with lots of fillers that are labeled early in the list. This includes corn, wheat gluten, soy, rice, beet pulp, and animal-by products.

Whole food ingredients are better than heavily processed ingredients if you are looking for quality food. A good rule of thumb is, it is good if you can read and understand the words you are reading (unless you are highly knowledgeable in food chemicals or chemistry).

Understanding Guaranteed Analysis Panels

Guaranteed Analysis panels is used mostly for pet food. It tells you the minimum protein, minimum fat, maximum fiber and maximum moisture their product contains. I have attached the link for AAFCO Guaranteed Analysis minimum and maximum requirements for dry and wet dog food.

AAFCO DOG AND CAT FOOD

Recognizing Marketing Tricks

“High protein”, “premium”, “gourmet” are commonly labeled on the front of the food label and are all not indicative of better food quality or health benefits. Look at the ingredients and food label and follow previous guidelines stated above of what to look for.

“Grain-Free” is technically true but hides the use of other processed carbohydrates.

“Human-Grade” has no significant meaning in pet food.

“Natural” means no artificial or manufactured ingredients; says nothing about overall healthiness of product or ingredients’ origins.

Keep in mind the meat content on the front of the label and in the ingredient list on the label. “Chicken Flavor” means about 0-3% chicken; “with chicken” means about 4% chicken; “Chicken” (as the first ingredient) means at least 26% chicken.

Quality Protein Sources vs. Fillers

"Meat-by-products” or “meat digest” means the product includes non-edible parts of animals that are left over after the meat was processed. This includes:

• Bones

• Skin

• Feathers

• Hooves

• Organs (such as liver, kidneys, spleen, etc)

• Blood

By-products are generally safe for dogs to consume in moderation. They can be a good source of protein, vitamins and minerals. They mimic a dog’s diet if they lived in the wild. It is also a cost-effective way to provide your kitty nutrition. I would keep in mind that meat-by-products can vary widely in quality as certain by-products can be low in nutrients and contain toxins and contaminates. There is also potential risk for dogs to be allergic to a specific animal(s) by-product due to your kiddo’s genetics or the amount of toxin or contaminates in the by-product. With that, look for AFFCO logo on the label or brand’s website.

Main Ingredients to Look for in Quality Dog Food

Quality Animal Protein Sources

Chicken and turkey are the most popular, affordable and most digestible sources of protein.

Tuna, salmon, mackerel are wonderful sources of protein and omega-3 fatty acids for healthy coat and brain function. You can also supplement other sources of protein with dog safe fish oil supplements.

Beef and lamb are reliable for iron especially lean cuts.

Eggs and egg whites are a good source of protein add on to other sources of protein.

Organ meats (certain by-products) highly digestible and contain certain sources of protein, vitamins and minerals.

Rabbit, Duck, Lamb and Venison are the best sources of protein for dogs with sensitivities and food (protein) allergies. These are called “novel protein” sources. They are not an owner’s typical first go-to due to these sources of protein being more expensive.

Prebiotics and Probiotics for Digestive Health

Typically sourced from legumes, chicory root, bananas, pumpkin, sweet potatoes and oats that support their digestive tract. Owners like to add small amounts of plain yogurt or kefir to their daily diet as a treat or snack. You can use a dog safe supplement especially if your dog has a sensitive stomach or IBS. Pre and probiotic foods are usually already added to most dog foods, but sometimes not all so it is good to have a pre and probiotic.

Quality Carbohydrate Sources

Carbohydrates that are dog safe are:

• Rice

• Oats

• Sweet potatoes

• Peas

• Carrots

• Green Beans

• Specific legumes

Quality Fat Sources

• Dog safe fish oil supplement

• Fish (Tuna, Salmon, Mackerel- make sure fish does not contain mercury)

Antioxidant-Rich Fruits and Vegetables That Boost Immunity and Fiber

• Broccoli

• Spinach

• Cabbage

• Cucumber

• Green beans

• Brussel sprouts

• Pumpkin (If you choose canned, needs to be 100% puree with no addatives)

• Carrots

• Beetroot

• Zucchini

• Celery

• Sweet potatoes

• Potato

  These are also great snacks, treats, and additives to their meals.

Red Flag Ingredients to Avoid in Dog Food

Artificial Colors and Flavors

• BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole)

• BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene)

• Ethoxyquin

• Artificial colors (Yellow 5, Red 40)

Indigestible Processed Ingredients for Dogs:

• Grains and Fillers: Corn, wheat, and soy are often difficult for dogs to digest.

• Artificial Additives: Artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives can irritate a dog's digestive system and be potential risks for negative reactions to food.

• Dairy Products: Many dogs are lactose intolerant, and dairy can cause gastrointestinal issues such as gas and diarrhea. More safe dairy options in small amounts are plain Greek yogurt and kefir.

• High-Fat Foods: Fatty foods can be hard to digest and may lead to conditions like pancreatitis.

• Spicy Foods: Human foods seasoned with spices can irritate a dog's digestive tract.

• Low-quality protein meals and by-product concerns

• Excessive fillers that provide little nutritional value

• Artificial colors and flavors that serve no health purpose

• Common allergens that may trigger food sensitivities

Wet Food vs Dry Food vs Raw: Pros and Cons

• Benefits and drawbacks of kibble for dental health and convenience

• Wet food advantages for hydration and palatability

• Raw diet considerations: benefits, risks, and preparation requirements

• Combination feeding approaches for optimal nutrition

• Cost analysis and storage considerations for each option

Choosing Based on Your Dog’s Specific Needs

• Small breed versus large breed nutritional requirements

• Active dogs versus sedentary pets: adjusting for activity levels

• Senior dog considerations and joint health support

• Dogs with food allergies or sensitivities: limited ingredient diets

• Weight management formulas for overweight dogs

Popular Dog Food Brands: What Veterinarians Recommend

### H2: Budget-Friendly Tips for Quality Dog Food Selection

• Finding the best value without compromising nutritional quality

• When to invest more and when generic brands suffice

• Buying in bulk and proper storage techniques

• Subscription services and auto-delivery savings opportunities

• Homemade dog food supplements to enhance commercial diets

Types of Prescription Diets

### H2: Transitioning to New Adult Dog Food Safely

• The importance of gradual food transitions over 7-10 days

• Step-by-step mixing ratios for successful transitions

• Signs to watch for during food changes

• What to do if your dog experiences digestive upset

• When to consult your veterinarian about dietary changes

Common Dog Food Mistakes to Be Aware of

Selecting the perfect adult dog food is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your four-legged family member. Remember, the “best” food isn’t necessarily the most expensive or heavily marketed option—it’s the one that meets your dog’s individual nutritional needs while fitting your lifestyle and budget.

Start by examining the ingredient list and guaranteed analysis, prioritize high-quality proteins, and consider your dog’s age, size, and activity level. Don’t forget that every dog is unique! What works wonderfully for your neighbor’s Golden Retriever might not be ideal for your Beagle.

Take action today by evaluating your current dog food against these guidelines. Your pup’s wagging tail, shiny coat, and boundless energy will thank you for making an informed choice that supports their long-term health and happiness.