What I feed my dogs: A Guide to Less Processed Feeding
As a dog trainer, I’m always asked about what I feed my dogs. Though I’m not a nutritionist, I’m passionate about giving my dogs the best life possible, which includes understanding their nutritional needs. Here’s what I’ve learned through years of research, trial, and error.
Proper nutrition is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT for the health, longevity and behavior of your dog. Many health and behavioral issues are rooted in bad nutrition and putting your dog on good, high quality food makes a world of difference.
Currently I am feeding my dogs a mostly fresh food diet. This includes both raw and cooked options with a small amount of kibble given occasionally as treats or when I need a more convenient option on vacations.
The Importance of Rotational Feeding I believe in rotational feeding, which means offering my dogs different types of food, brands, and protein sources. Why? Because variety ensures they get a wider range of nutrients that a single diet might lack. While some may worry about switching dog food brands too often, it's usually a tactic by food companies to keep you loyal. Your dog’s natural diet in the wild would consist of various foods. Once their digestive system is accustomed to different ingredients, switching becomes easy and beneficial. If you feel uncomfortable switching between brands, try switching flavors within the same brand.
Raw Feeding When it comes to raw, I keep it simple! Raw food can sometimes intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. I choose complete and balanced premade raw options to save time while ensuring my dogs get all the nutrients they need. These brands make feeding raw simple—just defrost and feed. Some of my trusted go-tos include Viva Raw (use WNWH20 for 20% off your first order), Primal Pet Food, We Feed Raw, Green Juju, and Smallbatch. Just remember, handling raw food with proper hygiene is key! Make sure to feed out of metal bowls and wash them with warm soapy water after each meal.
Cooked Fresh Food If raw isn’t for you, there are great cooked options. I use pre-made cooked meals from The PetStaurant, Just Food For Dogs, and Open Farm which take the guesswork out of meal prep. The cooked food options I get are also "complete and balanced" so I don't have to look up recipes and curate all the ingredients myself.
I am fully aware that these options are not cheap, however the money saved in vet visits and my dogs' overall wellbeing are worth it to me.
Feeding Kibble? No Problem! If kibble works better for your lifestyle, that's okay! Just make sure you're choosing high-quality kibble that doesn’t contain fillers like corn, wheat gluten, or artificial dyes. I like Open Farm, Farmina, and The Honest Kitchen. An easy way to improve kibble is by soaking it in water or bone broth to make it easier for your dog to digest. Adding fresh food toppers like blueberries, pumpkin, or eggs can boost nutrition. You can also add extra nutrition by providing high quality chews like the ones from Real Dog Box (enter WHWH to get a freebie with your first order). Just remember that toppers, chews and treats should only make up 10% of their daily caloric intake to maintain the right balance.
Keep Your Dog at a Healthy Weight The number one thing that makes the BIGGEST difference in a dog's well being and longevity is to keep them at an ideal body weight. DO NOT OVERFEED YOUR DOG!! Overfeeding—even with the best food—can lead to health problems. You are shortening your dog's life by letting them be overweight. It's tempting to indulge them, but our dogs rely on us to make the right choices. There is NO EXCUSE for having an overweight dog. Just because the bag of kibble is telling you to feed a certain amount, doesn't mean it is set in stone. That is just a guide to give you an idea of how much to feed and it is usually more than your dog should actually be eating (because the more they eat the more bags of food you need to buy). Each dog is an individual and requires a custom amount of food based on their body condition. I make sure to keep an eye on my dogs and change their food amounts accordingly. If I notice that they are getting a little "fluffy" I will cut back a little on their food. If they are looking a little slim or had a particularly active day, I will give them a little more. Adjust food portions based on their activity level, and don't forget to factor in treats and chews, as these add calories too
I hope this post gives you some fresh ideas on how to feed your dog. What are you feeding your pup right now? Have any questions about your dog’s diet or how to make improvements? Leave a comment or reach out—I’d love to help!"
