Complete Dog Food Guide — Dry, Wet & Age-Specific Nutrition

Choosing the right food is a common concern for dog owners. Here is a practical guide to food selection fundamentals.

Identifying Complete and Balanced Food

Foods labeled "complete and balanced" (sogo eiyoshoku) provide all necessary nutrients with water alone, based on AAFCO standards.

Check packaging for: - "Complete and balanced" label: Required for main meals - Target life stage: "Puppy," "adult," or "all life stages" - Dog size: "Small breed," "large breed," etc. - Feeding guidelines: Weight-based portion recommendations

Foods labeled "complementary," "treats," or "snacks" are supplementary only.

Feeding by Dog Size

Toy to Small Dogs (under 10 kg) - **Calorie density**: Small stomachs need nutrient-dense food - **Kibble size**: Choose small-sized pieces for small mouths - **Hypoglycemia risk**: Feed puppies 2-3 times daily

Medium Dogs (10-25 kg) - Use "medium breed" or "all sizes" formulas - Adjust portions based on activity level

Large to Giant Dogs (25+ kg) - **Joint support**: Choose formulas with glucosamine and chondroitin - **GDV risk**: For breeds like Great Danes, split daily food into 2-3 meals and avoid vigorous exercise after eating - **Growth rate control**: Large breed puppies need specific formulas to prevent excess calcium, which can cause skeletal abnormalities

Portion Guidelines Package recommendations are starting points. Adjust to maintain ideal body condition (ribs palpable but not visible).

Nutrition by Life Stage

Puppies (under 1 year; large breeds up to 2 years) Need higher protein, energy, calcium, and phosphorus. Use "puppy" or "all life stages" food. Large breed puppies specifically need large-breed puppy formulas.

Adults (1-7 years) "Adult" food is appropriate. Prevent obesity by maintaining ideal weight through controlled portions.

Seniors (7-8+ years; small breeds 10+ years) Reduced protein, phosphorus, and sodium are recommended as kidney function declines. Transition to "senior" food. If kidney disease is diagnosed, use veterinary-prescribed therapeutic diets.

Food Allergies

Symptoms: Skin itching, redness, hair loss, digestive issues (diarrhea, vomiting).

Common allergens: Beef, dairy, chicken, wheat, soy, eggs.

Response: - Elimination diet: Switch to hydrolyzed protein or novel protein food for 8-12 weeks and observe - Eliminate all other food sources including treats during the trial - Always work under veterinary guidance

Homemade Food Considerations

Without proper nutritional calculation, homemade-only diets risk specific nutrient deficiencies or excesses.

Toxic foods: Onions, garlic, chocolate, xylitol, grapes/raisins, macadamia nuts, avocado.

If incorporating homemade food: - Consult a veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist - Identify nutrients requiring supplementation (e.g., calcium) - Start by combining homemade food as a topper with complete commercial food

Safe Purchasing on Bri-Choku

Optimal food varies by breed, size, and health status. Bri-Choku lets you ask breeders about the food they actually use and what suits the breed.