FAQ: Food for dogs

The usual approach is to mix the new food with the old and increase its share gradually over about a week. If your dog has digestive or health problems, ask a vet.

Usually per kilogram, but not always — which is why products are sorted by price per kilogram. Also consider how long it will take you to use the pack.

Dry food contains about 10% moisture, so it has more calories per gram, stays fresh longer once opened and is usually cheaper per kilogram. Wet food is about 75–80% water, smells stronger and tastes better, but spoils quickly once opened.

Yes, as long as it is a complete food suited to the dog's age and size and fresh water is always available. Plenty of dogs eat nothing but dry food all their lives and stay healthy.

Yes, if the pack says the food is complete. Feeding a large dog on wet food alone is fairly expensive, and an opened pack has to be used within 1–2 days.

Usually part of the dry food is replaced with wet food, and the daily amount is worked out from both packs' tables so the dog doesn't get too many calories. For example, if half of the day's energy comes from tins, give half the usual amount of dry food.

Yes: soaked food suits puppies, old dogs and dogs with sensitive teeth, and it also adds fluid to the diet. Soak it in lukewarm water and throw away anything not eaten within a few hours, as moist food spoils quickly.

Ordinary kibble does little for the teeth, as dogs often swallow it without chewing. There are dental diets with larger kibble of a special texture, but they don't replace a toothbrush.

Small dogs get small kibble that is easy to chew, while large dogs get bigger pieces so they chew rather than gulp. Food made for your dog's size usually already has the right kibble size.

Mainly the packaging and portion size: tins are often bigger and cheaper per kilogram, while pouches and trays are handy for a single meal and for small dogs. The recipe depends on the specific product, not the type of pack.

They are different textures: pâté is smooth and mixes easily with dry food, while chunks in gravy or jelly smell stronger and fussy dogs often prefer them. They differ less in nutrition than in recipe, so check the label.

Much of wet food is water, so the dog needs several times more of it than dry food to get the same energy. When comparing prices, look not only at the price per kilogram but also at how much food your dog needs a day.

At room temperature, wet food should be left out for no more than about 2 hours, and for less on a hot day. Throw away any leftovers and wash the bowl before the next meal.

Cover the opened tin with a lid or film and keep it in the fridge, usually for up to 2–3 days unless the maker says otherwise. Let it come up to room temperature before serving, as cold food smells less and the dog may eat it reluctantly.

Yes, if the dog eats in moderation and doesn't gain weight, but most dogs are better fed at set times. Free feeding makes it harder to notice changes in appetite and encourages overeating.

A complete food contains all the nutrients a dog needs and can be its only food. A complementary food, such as most treats and some tins, is only meant to add to the diet, so a dog can't live on it alone.

The pack should say ‘complete feed’ or similar. If it says ‘complementary feed’, the product has to be combined with a complete food.

Semi-moist food has more moisture than dry food but less than tinned food, and it usually comes as soft pieces. It smells appealing and is convenient, but often contains more sugars or humectants, so read the ingredients carefully.

Unlike people, dogs don't need their food changed often, as a complete food covers all their needs. Some owners rotate foods, but changes should be gradual, especially for dogs with sensitive digestion.

You can add unsalted broth cooked without onion or garlic to make the food smell more appealing. Stock cubes made for people aren't suitable for dogs because of the salt and seasonings.