Check the meat content first
A named meat ("chicken", "salmon") should be the first ingredient, and the higher the meat or fish percentage, the better — premium foods often sit well above supermarket levels. Be wary of vague terms like "meat derivatives", which tell you little about quality.
Watch for fillers and grains
Cheaper foods bulk out recipes with wheat, maize or soya. Some dogs tolerate grains perfectly well; others are sensitive. Note that grain-free isn't automatically "better" — it simply suits some dogs more than others, so follow your vet's guidance if in doubt.
Single protein helps with sensitivities
A recipe built around one named protein makes it far easier to pin down what your dog does and doesn't react to. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, a single-source, high-meat recipe is a sensible starting point.
Match the food to life stage and size
Puppy, adult and senior formulas differ for good reason, and portion sizes should be matched to your dog's weight — overfeeding even a great food undoes the benefit.
Switch foods gradually
When you change food, transition over roughly 7–10 days, mixing an increasing proportion of the new food with the old. A sudden swap is the usual cause of an upset tummy.
FAQs
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