🥣 Dog nutrition: kibble, wet food, or home-prepared meals?

Kibble, wet food, or homemade diet (“home-prepared ration”)? And if you choose kibble, which ones should you pick?

Faced with a very wide range of products and an extremely broad price spectrum, it can be hard to find your way. Here are a few guidelines to help you make the right choice and recognize a balanced diet.

🦴 The basics of good canine nutrition

A balanced diet must meet the dog’s energy, protein, mineral, and vitamin needs according to its age, size, activity level, and health condition.

🍖 Kibble

• Animal proteins listed as the first ingredient
• 25–35% protein for an active adult dog
• High-quality fats (omega-3 and omega-6)
• Little or no added sugars or artificial colorings

🥩 Wet food

More palatable and hydrating, ideal for senior dogs or those that drink little, but more expensive and less convenient to store.

🍲 Home-prepared diet

Natural and customizable, but demanding: it must be calculated with a veterinarian to avoid deficiencies or excesses.

🧭 Signs of a good diet

• Stable weight
• Shiny coat and healthy skin
• Consistent energy levels
• Well-formed stools

💬 My experience

I have tried several feeding methods depending on my dogs’ age and needs. The key is to observe your dog and adjust with the help of a veterinarian: every dog is unique, and so is its bowl.

🍽️ In summary