Dog Nutrition and Feeding: The Complete UK Guide
Dog Nutrition and Feeding: The Complete UK Guide
By the Manor House Dogs team
Dog nutrition is about feeding your dog a complete, balanced diet in the right amounts for their age, size, breed and activity level. The right food supports a healthy weight, strong joints, a shiny coat, good digestion and plenty of energy, while the wrong diet or portions can lead to obesity and other health problems. This guide explains how to choose a dog food, how much and how often to feed, what to do about treats, which foods to avoid, and when to ask your vet for advice.
What Does a Balanced Dog Diet Include?
Dogs need a mix of nutrients to stay healthy:
Protein for muscles, skin, coat and repair
Fats for energy, brain function and a healthy coat
Carbohydrates and fibre for energy and digestive health
Vitamins and minerals for bones, teeth, immunity and overall function
Water available at all times
The easiest way to meet these needs is to feed a food labelled complete, which means it contains everything your dog needs when fed in the correct amount. Foods labelled complementary are designed to be fed alongside other food and are not a full diet on their own.
How to Choose the Right Dog Food
There is no single best food for every dog, so look for one that suits your dog as an individual:
Life stage: puppy, adult and senior dogs have different needs. Puppies need food made for growth, and large-breed puppies often do best on a large-breed puppy formula so they grow at a steady rate.
Size and breed: small, medium and large dogs have different energy needs, kibble sizes and joint-care considerations.
Activity level: a working or highly active dog needs more energy than a quiet companion.
Health needs: dogs with allergies, sensitive digestion, kidney disease or other conditions may need a prescription or specialist diet from your vet.
Quality and transparency: look for a clear ingredient list with named meat or fish sources, and a manufacturer that explains where and how its food is made.
You can browse our recommended dog food and wider range of luxury dog products for everyday feeding and training rewards.
Types of Dog Food: Dry, Wet, Raw and Home-Cooked
Dry food (kibble): convenient, easy to store and often cost-effective, with a long shelf life.
Wet food: more palatable and moisture-rich, which some dogs prefer, though it often costs more and spoils faster once opened.
Mixed feeding: many owners combine dry and wet food, as long as total daily calories stay balanced.
Raw diets: some owners choose raw feeding, but it carries risks from bacteria and requires careful balancing, so speak to your vet before starting.
Home-cooked diets: can work if properly formulated, but it is easy to create nutritional gaps, so ask a vet or a qualified canine nutritionist to help.
Whatever you choose, consistency and a complete, balanced recipe matter more than the label on the bag.
How Much Should You Feed Your Dog?
Start with the feeding guide on the food packaging, which gives amounts by weight. Treat it as a starting point rather than a rule, as individual dogs vary. If your dog is gaining or losing weight, adjust the portion and check in with your vet.
A simple weight check at home: you should be able to feel your dog's ribs easily under a thin layer of fat, and see a defined waist from above. If you can't feel the ribs, your dog may be overweight. Being overweight puts extra strain on joints and is linked to a range of health problems, so keeping your dog lean is one of the best things you can do for their long-term health. Our dog health and wellbeing guide covers this in more detail.
How Often Should You Feed Your Dog?
Young puppies: typically three to four small meals a day, reducing to two meals as they grow
Adult dogs: most do well on two meals a day, though some manage on one, so check with your vet
Senior dogs: often benefit from smaller, more frequent meals, depending on health
Try to feed at consistent times each day, and avoid vigorous exercise straight after a meal. If you are going away, give your dog sitter clear written feeding instructions, or use a trusted dog sitter or boarding provider who can stick to your dog's routine.
Changing Your Dog's Food Safely
Switching food suddenly can upset your dog's stomach. Instead, change over gradually across about 7 to 10 days, mixing a little more of the new food into the old each day. If your dog develops ongoing vomiting or diarrhoea, speak to your vet.
Treats and Training Rewards
Treats are useful for training, but they add calories quickly. Many vets suggest keeping treats to around 10 percent of your dog's daily food intake. Use small, soft, high-value treats for training, and reduce meal portions slightly on heavy training days.
Food-motivated dogs are often the easiest to train, and a good dog trainer can show you how to use food rewards effectively without overfeeding. Learn why positive reinforcement dog training works so well.
Foods That Are Dangerous for Dogs
Some everyday foods are toxic to dogs. Keep these out of reach and call your vet immediately if your dog eats any of them:
Chocolate (especially dark chocolate)
Grapes, raisins, sultanas and currants
Onions, garlic, leeks and chives
Xylitol, an artificial sweetener found in some sugar-free products and some nut butters
Macadamia nuts
Alcohol, caffeine and cooked bones
Be careful with fatty leftovers and table scraps too, as these can cause stomach upsets and, in some cases, serious conditions such as pancreatitis.
Food Allergies, Intolerances and Sensitive Stomachs
Signs that food may not suit your dog include itchy skin, recurring ear problems, ongoing diarrhoea, vomiting, gas or a dull coat. These symptoms can have many causes, so see your vet rather than guessing. A vet-guided elimination diet is the most reliable way to identify a true food allergy.
A healthy diet also supports a healthy coat, so pair good nutrition with regular care. Read our guide to dog grooming and coat care for more.
Feeding Puppies, Adults and Senior Dogs
Puppies
Puppies need food made for growth, fed in several small meals. Do not rush to switch to adult food, and follow your vet's advice on timing, particularly for large breeds. Training and good socialisation go hand in hand with feeding routines, so see our guide to dog behaviour and socialisation.
Adult dogs
Adult dogs need a steady, balanced diet matched to their activity level. Adjust portions for changes in exercise, and keep an eye on weight throughout the year.
Senior dogs
Older dogs often need fewer calories but still need high-quality nutrition. Some benefit from foods that support joints or kidney health, but always check with your vet before changing diet, and monitor weight and appetite closely.
Food, Weight and Exercise Work Together
Diet is only one side of the picture. Regular exercise burns calories, keeps muscles strong and supports mental wellbeing. Safe, comfortable equipment such as a well-fitted dog harness and a reliable dog lead makes daily walks easier, and a vetted dog walker can help when your schedule is tight. For dogs that need gentle, low-impact exercise to manage weight or recover from injury, ask your vet about dog swimming and hydrotherapy.
You can also explore our wider dog health care directory for trusted specialists.
Learn More: Canine Nutrition Courses
If you want to understand canine diet in more depth, or are considering a career in the pet industry, our directory of canine nutrition courses and qualifications lists recognised UK options. You may also find our dog training courses useful.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best food for dogs?
There is no single best food for every dog. The best choice is a complete, balanced food that suits your dog's age, size, activity level and health needs, ideally from a transparent, reputable manufacturer.
How much should I feed my dog?
Start with the feeding guide on the packaging, then adjust according to your dog's weight, body condition and activity. Your vet can help you work out the right amount.
How often should I feed my dog?
Puppies usually need three to four small meals a day, while most adult dogs do well on two meals a day. Ask your vet what suits your dog.
Is dry or wet dog food better?
Both can provide complete nutrition. Dry food is convenient and long-lasting, while wet food is more palatable and moisture-rich. Many owners feed a mix.
Which foods are toxic to dogs?
Chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol and macadamia nuts are among the most dangerous. Contact your vet straight away if your dog eats any of them.
How do I switch my dog to a new food?
Change gradually over 7 to 10 days, mixing increasing amounts of the new food with the old, to avoid stomach upsets.
Find Trusted Dog Services Near You
Manor House Dogs makes it easy to find vetted local professionals, from dog trainers and groomers to walkers, sitters and secure dog fields.
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