FAQ: Food for dogs

Small breeds have a faster metabolism, so their food is often more energy-dense per gram and has smaller kibble. Such kibble is easier to chew with a small jaw.

Large-breed food often has fewer calories per gram to make weight control easier, bigger kibble and added joint-friendly nutrients. For puppies it is especially important because of controlled growth.

The kibble may be too big to chew, and the food's energy density may not match a small dog's needs. It isn't dangerous for an adult dog, but food made for its size is more practical.

Some makers offer breed-specific foods with specially shaped kibble or an adapted recipe. They aren't necessary; what matters most is that the food suits the dog's size, age, activity and health.

Medium dogs of roughly 10–25 kg are often catered for by ‘medium’ foods with mid-sized kibble. If there isn't one, a general adult food works too; adjust the amount to weight and activity.

Giant breeds weighing more than about 45 kg do well on foods made for them, with large kibble, controlled energy and joint-support nutrients. It is worth splitting the daily amount into two or more meals.

Hypoallergenic food is designed to reduce the risk of an allergic reaction by using hydrolysed proteins or protein sources that are new to the dog and rarely used. A vet can confirm a true food allergy and help choose the right food.

It is food that uses only one animal protein source, such as lamb or duck. It helps when you want to avoid a specific allergen, but check that the ingredients contain no other animal proteins or fats.

In hydrolysed foods the proteins are broken into pieces so small that the immune system usually doesn't recognise them as allergens. These are usually veterinary diets used for an elimination trial after talking to a vet.

It is a period of several weeks of feeding only a novel or hydrolysed protein source, with no other treats, to identify a food allergy. It should be done under a vet's supervision, as even a small amount of other food ruins the result.

Dogs with sensitive digestion often do well on easily digestible foods with a single protein source, moderate fat and prebiotics. If digestive problems keep coming back, a vet should find the cause first.

Light food has fewer calories and less fat and more fibre, so the dog feels full while taking in less energy. It is important to feed the amount stated for weight control, not the usual amount.

A weight-loss plan is best made with a vet, who will set a target weight and daily calorie intake. A weight-control food, weighing the food precisely, fewer treats and more exercise usually help.

After spaying or neutering, a dog's energy needs often drop, so it gains weight more easily. Foods for neutered dogs are lower in calories, but you can also simply reduce the portion of the usual food while watching the weight.

They are special foods for specific conditions, such as kidney, liver, urinary or digestive problems. They should only be fed when a vet prescribes them and under their supervision, as the wrong diet can do harm.

Many veterinary diets can technically be bought online, but they are designed for specific conditions and may not suit a healthy dog. Before buying, a vet should make the diagnosis and choose the diet.

For a diabetic dog, a steady routine and a food with more fibre and a consistent carbohydrate content usually matter, but the exact diet and feeding times must be set by a vet alongside the treatment. Don't change such a dog's food on your own.

For chronic kidney disease, vets often recommend a renal veterinary diet with reduced phosphorus. A vet should prescribe it and monitor the dog's condition.

Such foods help maintain the right urine pH and mineral levels so fewer crystals or stones form. If your dog already has crystals or stones, a vet chooses the type of diet according to their kind.

A food with more omega-3 fatty acids and a single protein source can help, but itching, hair loss or skin inflammation can also be caused by parasites, infections or allergies. So a vet should find the cause first.