Established in 2017, it is a relatively new brand but is already giving older and more expensive brands a run for their money.

Find out why American Journey Dog Food is quickly becoming an American favorite and learn which dog food is the best for your fido!

Quick Top Picks: Best American Journey Dog Food Recipes in 2021

What makes dog food great? Is it the price point? The quality ingredients?

For us, it’s the nutritional value that your dog gets. One great thing about American Journey is that they never use any by-products in their dog food, and the first ingredient is always high-quality animal protein.

American Journey dry dog food has been making its rounds as trustworthy and lacking in fillers, but we’ve scoped out the complete range and have decided on these as the winning formulas:

IMAGE	PRODUCT
Best Overall	American Journey Limited Ingredient Diet Lamb & Sweet Potato Canned Dog Food Best value for money Filled with real protein. Formulated with limited ingredients, which makes it an excellent choice for dogs with food sensitivities	Check Price
Best Budget	American Journey Grain-Free Lamb & Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food Fortified with glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate for better joint mobility Naturally occurring omega-3 fatty acids for healthy coat and eyes Suitable for all dog breeds.	Check Price
Best for Puppies	American Journey Puppy Lamb & Sweet Potato Grain-Free Dry Dog Food Optimum levels of calcium and phosphorus to support healthy joint development Arachidonic (ARA) and Docosahexaenoic (DHA) for cognitive growth Fortified with antioxidants for a strong immune system	Check Price
Best for Adult Dogs	American Journey Healthy Weight Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food Added L-Carnitine for metabolizing fat and developing lean muscles Glucosamine and Chondroitin inclusive for joint health Suitable for picky eaters	Check Price
Best for Senior Dogs	American Journey Senior Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food Includes coconut oil with medium-chain triglycerides for cognitive health Contains antioxidant blend for a strong immune system Blueberries and mineral-rich marine algae give your dog naturally sourced nutrition	Check Price

Reviews of the 8 Best American Journey Dog Food Formulas

We have broken down American Journey’s best dog food for all life stages, and all dog breeds below.

Best Puppy Food for Small Breed

It might be surprising for you to learn that small dog breeds need more calories than large breed puppies. Due to their tiny stomachs, this means that the kibble has to be calorie-rich in every bite.

1. American Journey Puppy Lamb & Sweet Potato Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Best for Small Puppy

Top Ingredients: Deboned Lamb, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Peas, Chickpeas.

Boasting 30% protein and 12% fat, your puppy should have all the nutrition they need in order to grow steadily. Fiber is also important to a small breed puppy’s digestive system, and you can be assured that this formula has 5% fiber.

At 380 kcals a cup, your small breed puppies should have no trouble chowing down on the small round 10 x 5 millimeters kibbles.

Price:

Our Rating:

Buy On Chewy

Pros:

• Dogs with sensitive stomachs have thrived on this formula
• Include omega fatty acids such as DHA for healthy eye and brain development
• Fiber, phytonutrients, and antioxidants sourced from whole fruits and vegetables

Cons:

• Fiber is slightly higher than the recommended 2 - 4%
• Includes peas which aren’t the best for sensitive digestions

Small Breed Puppy Food Runner’s Up:

• American Journey Puppy Grain-Free Dry Dog Food Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe
• American Journey Active Life Formula Puppy Dog Food Chicken, Brown Rice & Vegetables Recipe

Best Puppy Food for Large Breed

Large breed dogs are especially prone to hip dysplasia and require specific levels of calcium to phosphorus ratios to grow well.

Larger dogs are also prone to scarfing down their kibble, which isn’t great for their teeth or digestive system, so larger kibble that encourages chewing is recommended.

2. American Journey Large Breed Puppy Grain-Free Dry Dog Food (Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe)

Best for Large Puppy

Top Ingredients: Deboned Salmon, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Peas.

Salmon is the first ingredient in this pet food, offering quality amino acids for the development of lean muscles.

Salmon oil is also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids. With kibbles measuring 1 centimeter in size at 352 kcals a cup, this dog food has a higher protein and fat content at 32% and 14%, respectively.

Price:

Our Rating:

Buy On Chewy

Pros:

• Optimum levels of calcium and phosphorus to support healthy joint development
• Arachidonic (ARA) and Docosahexaenoic (DHA) for cognitive growth
• Fortified with antioxidants for a strong immune system

Cons:

• Does not include probiotics which can aid immature digestive systems
• Fiber is slightly higher at 4.5% than the recommended 2 - 4%

Large Breed Puppy Food Runner’s Up:

• American Journey Large Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food Puppy Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe
• American Journey Active Life Formula Large Breed Dry Dog Food Puppy Salmon, Brown Rice & Vegetables Recipe

Best Dry Dog Food for Small Adult Dogs

Small breed adult dogs could also benefit from small-sized kibble. However, now that they are older, their metabolic rate will have slowed down.

3. American Journey Grain-Free Dry Dog Food (Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe)

Top Ingredients: Deboned Salmon, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Peas.

Being on the higher end of the price spectrum, we have the Salmon formula suitable for all dog breeds, including your small adult dog.

A grain-free recipe with no corn, wheat, or soy and featuring 32% protein, 14% fat, and 5% fiber. At 390 kcals per cup, it’s a wonderful option for high-performing dogs that lead an active lifestyle.

Price:

Our Rating:

Buy On Chewy

Pros:

• High-quality amino acids and omega-3 from salmon
• Feature fiber-rich complex carbs for longer satiation
• Contains prebiotics for healthy digestion

Cons:

• Contains pea protein which is considered a low-quality ingredient

4. American Journey Grain-Free Lamb & Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food

Best Budget

Top Ingredients: Deboned Lamb, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Peas, Chickpeas.

If you’re looking for an affordable and high-quality kibble for all dog breeds, you should give this a try. Similar to the salmon formula, it has a nutritional value of 32% protein, 14.0% fat, and a maximum of 5% fiber.

It also contains 390 kcals a cup and includes nutrient-dense ingredients for sustainable weight maintenance.

Price:

Our Rating:

Buy On Chewy

Pros:

• Fortified with glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate for better joint mobility
• Naturally occurring omega-3 fatty acids for healthy coat and eyes
• Kibble size suitable for small jaws

Cons:

• May not be suited for dogs with skin allergies as it contains chicken meal and chicken fat

5. American Journey Healthy Weight Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Best for Adult Dogs

Top Ingredients: Deboned Salmon, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal, Peas, Sweet Potatoes.

At 315 kcal per cup, this option is specially crafted for dogs that require a little less.

Although the calories are reduced, the formula doesn’t skimp on animal-based protein, which many low-fat dog food does. You will find 30% protein, just 9% fat, and higher levels of fiber at 9% in this formula.

Price:

Our Rating:

Buy On Chewy

Pros:

• Added L-Carnitine for metabolizing fat and developing lean muscles
• Glucosamine and Chondroitin inclusive for joint health
• Suitable for picky eaters

Cons:

• May increase bowel movement due to high fiber content

Best Dry Dog Food for Large Adult Dogs

Large dog breeds should have considerable levels of glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints. Depending on their activity level, they should also be getting adequate nutrition instead of empty calories.

6. American Journey Large Breed Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food (Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe)

Best for Large Adult Dogs

Top Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Peas, Chickpeas.

This highly rated dog food is well-loved by many furry companions, meeting the nutritional requirements for large breed dogs at 30.0% protein, 12% fat, and 5% fiber.

It also has optimum levels of calcium and phosphorus to ensure the continued development of healthy joints.

Price:

Our Rating:

Buy On Chewy

Pros:

• Highly recommended by owners of picky eaters
• Long-chain DHA, omega-3, and 6 fatty acids for shiny coats
• Naturally occurring glucosamine and chondroitin

Cons:

• Kibble sizes could be bigger
• Might not be suitable for dogs with food sensitivities

Large Breed Adult Dog Food Runner Up:

• American Journey Active Life Formula Large Breed Dry Dog Food Salmon, Brown Rice & Vegetables Recipe

Best Wet Dog Food for Adult Dogs

Wet dog food is likely to excite every dog because it’s much more palatable than dry kibble. It’s also easier on the stomach, less saturated with fillers, and protein-rich.

7. American Journey Limited Ingredient Diet Lamb & Sweet Potato Canned Dog Food

Best Overall

Top Ingredients: Lamb, Lamb Broth, Lamb Liver, Sweet Potatoes.

Formulated for all breeds, this pate-type wet food will whet any dog’s appetite and at 9% protein, 7% fat, and 1.5% fiber, which translates to 40.91% protein if converted to dry matter.

However, at 460 kcals per can, you might need to use it sparingly with less active dogs.

Price:

Our Rating:

Buy On Chewy

Pros:

• Easy to open lid
• Filled with real protein
• Formulated with limited ingredients, which makes it a great choice for dogs with food sensitivities

Cons:

• Some owners noted it needs more gravy

Wet Adult Dog Food Runner’s Up:

• American Journey Grain-Free Canned Dog Food Beef & Chicken Recipe
• American Journey Stews Grain-Free Canned Dog Food Beef & Vegetables Recipe in Gravy

Best Dog Food for Senior Dogs

Senior dogs do best on low-fat diets with slightly higher fiber to aid their digestion. Protein should be sourced from real meat.

In addition, regardless of whether they are a large or small breed, they will benefit from heart, brain, and joint-supporting supplements.

8. American Journey Senior Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Best for Senior Dogs

Top Ingredients: Deboned Salmon, Sweet Potatoes, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal, Peas.

Boasting 30% protein and 12% fat, your puppy should have all the nutrition they need in order to grow steadily.

Fiber is also important to a small breed puppy’s digestive system, and you can be assured that this formula has 5% fiber.

Price:

Our Rating:

Buy On Chewy

Pros:

• Includes coconut oil with medium-chain triglycerides for cognitive health
• Contains antioxidant blend for a strong immune system
• Blueberries and mineral-rich marine algae give your dog naturally sourced nutrition

Cons:

• Kibble size isn’t all-breeds friendly
• Might cause weight gain in sedentary pets

Senior Dog Food Runner’s Up

• American Journey Active Life Formula Senior Dry Dog Food Chicken, Brown Rice & Vegetables Recipe
• American Journey Senior Grain-Free Dry Dog Food Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe

American Journey Dog Food Recipe Comparison

American Journey Dog Food Review Buying Guide

Whether you’re searching for a brown rice recipe with high protein content or if you’re on the lookout for novel proteins such as venison or large breed salmon, American Journey has all the quality protein and complex carbohydrates under one roof.

An Overview of the American Journey Dog Food

You won’t find American Journey on Amazon. American Journey products are only listed on Chewy and PetSmart. Being able to cut out the middleman ensures that they can keep their products at an affordable price.

American Journey Company Information

American Journey is owned by Chewy, Inc – an American company dedicated to providing affordable and quality products to their customers.

Who Makes American Journey Dog Food and Where is it Produced?

American Journey’s pet food is all manufactured in the United States and headquartered in Kansas, MI.

Why Choose this brand?

Aside from having an exceptional nutrition profile, it’s also easy on the wallet and convenient to purchase from Chewy. There is also a wide range of products suitable for just about any dog, lifestyle, and budget.

CHECK PRICE ON CHEWY

What formulas does American Journey have?

The majority of American Journey’s dog food is catered to adult dogs. There are various formulas, ranging from weight control, gluten-free, grain-free, limited ingredient, and high-protein.

American Journey Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Limited ingredient recipes are the perfect option for dogs with food sensitivities. There are close to zero fillers in limited ingredient formulas, and it can also help you determine what your dog is allergic to.

American Journey Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

While grain-free food has gotten a bad rep recently, it’s primarily due to the use of excessive legumes in the recipes in an attempt to replace grains.

Therefore, it’s essential to clear with your veterinarian before starting your dog on any diets with peas and chickpeas, which is a common ingredient in American Journey dog food.

American Journey Grain-Free Canned Dog Food

AJ’s wet food doesn’t have the same controversial ingredients, despite also being grain-free.

Catered to sensitive doggos, American Journey’s canned dog food is a great choice for all dogs as it’s the closest thing to the natural diet of a wild dog.

American Journey Landmark

Landmark by American Journey is specially catered to high-activity dogs. With zero carbohydrates, your dogs will be sourcing all their energy from protein.

This diet is rich in protein and contains a premium blend of vitamins and minerals.

American Journey Active Life Formula

Active Life offers a high-protein recipe at an affordable price. A well-rounded diet for dogs of all sizes and ages. Rich in antioxidants and wholesome whole grains.

American Journey Dog Food Ingredients Breakdown

The USA-based company understands how important pets are to their families and want to offer nothing but the best with the help of wholesome fruits and ingredients to support your dog’s health.

However, there has been some controversy surrounding two of their more popular ingredients: dried plain beet pulp and pea protein.

While it is a source of natural dietary fiber, dried plain beet pulp is believed to be an inexpensive filler. Reasonable amounts of beet pulp are acceptable in dog food, especially since it also proven to be beneficial to health.

While pea protein might not be as essential to dogs as amino acids, it can boost protein to dogs that are allergic to common animal protein.

It is also one reason why they feature menhaden fish meal and grain-free options for dogs that need a special diet.

American Journey also employs superfoods like kelp, flaxseed, and cranberries in their formulas while rejecting the use of artificial sweeteners, flavorings, and preservatives.

American Journey Dog Food Guaranteed Analysis

The general caloric breakdown of American Journey Dog Food is made up of 36% carbs, 33% fat, and 31% protein.

American Journey Dog Food Recall History

As far as we are concerned, American Journey has never been recalled, something that has happened to giants like Blue Buffalo or Hill’s Pet Nutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much is American Journey dog food?

All American Journey dog foods offer a good value for the price. While it’s not the cheapest brand out there, we believe you get what you pay for. American Journey only uses high-quality ingredients, and all products are made in the USA.

For American Journey’s dry dog foods, the average price per cup ranges from $0.90 to $1.67.

While the average price per canned/wet food ranges from $1.07 to $1.28, and the average price per can is $1.75. Do note that this calculation is based on an adult dog’s nutritional needs.

We selected American Journey Grain-Free Dry Dog Food (Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe) which is $42.99 for a 24 lb bag to represent the other AJ dry dog food for the calculation below.

Take a look at our table below for a better idea of how much dog food your furbaby would consume:

What do customers say about American Journey?

“My pups are picky eaters, and they love this one! They come running for it! I love American Journey. You can tell the ingredients are great. #ChewyTeamRated” – Jenny, Chewy.com

“Our dog loves this food more than any other brand we’ve tried. Our SIL recommended this food to us because her dog trainer said it was the best.

We are on our third large bag and plan to continue purchasing in the future. We’ve even decided to switch our cat to the American Journey brand as well.” – Shantel, Chewy.com

Watch how these two pups gobble down their American Journey dog food:

What do other people dislike about American Journey?

“My dog refuses to eat it until he’s super hungry right before he goes to bed. I hate writing bad reviews, but my dog eats literally anything. Except this food.” – Pancho, Chewy.com

“The ingredients seem fine, but my dog isn’t a fan. The food sits for hours before she’ll try it.” – KCRL, Chewy.com

How about vets? Do they recommend American Journey?

Dog owners have been warned about the dangers of feeding a high-legume and grain-free formula to their dogs by vets.

However, unless your dog has an actual allergy to grain, there’s no reason to risk putting a dog on a grain-free diet due to the complications that it may cause.

Aside from that, we haven’t seen any vets disapprove of American Journey dog food.

Which types of dogs might do better with a different brand?

Small dog breeds might do better on a different brand, especially puppies.

While the nutrition provided by American Journey satisfies the FDA’s recommended nutritional profile, small dog breeds require more calories, which American Journey has neglected to provide in their small breeds formula.

Verdict: Is American Journey a good dog food brand?

Affordable and made with real meat, which is more than you can say for many dog food products, there isn’t anything to nitpick about American Journey.

It’s a quality dog food that pet owners on the hunt for a new doggo diet should try. You can go for their Active Life formulas for high-performance dogs or their grain-free dog food for pooches with grain sensitivities.

On a scale of one to five, American Journey is a solid 4.5 for quality ingredients and being great value for money.

The only downside is that while they have an extensive range of products, they still have some room to grow!

Good news! Essence Pet Foods is a new brand that you can stick with due to the healthy options it provides for you and your dog.

Where is Essence Dog Food made?

Essence is an expansion brand made by Pets Global, Inc. in North America. Pets Global is a family of brands that also founded pet foods such as Inception, Fussie Cat, and Zignature.

They created recipes that would mirror the ancestral diet of canines. Each recipe contains at least 85% fish or animal protein that is sourced from different parts of the world, but they have their own facilities located in Minnesota and South Dakota.

Although it has healthy ingredients such as pumpkin, chia seed oil, and red lentils, Essence can also be an ingredient elimination type of diet. Not only can you choose the right kind of protein that your dog requires, but it’s also free of potential allergens for canines such as grains, flax seeds, potatoes, alfalfa, peas, and sunflower oil.

Essential ingredients in Essence Dog Food recipes

When searching for the right dog food for your fur baby, don’t rely on popular commercial names and pretty packaging. Whether it’s dry kibbles, wet or canned, or raw food, you must be aware of the contents of what you’re feeding your pet.

Since it will benefit the well-being of your pooch, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients of Essence’s recipes.

More than once source of protein

Both their dry kibbles and wet food comes with at least 85% of fish or animal protein, which is presently the highest offered amount on the market.

Protein should be the first ingredient of your dog’s food for their body to create essential amino acids. For crude protein, a growing pup should have about 22.5% of it, while adults need at least 18%.

Most of the premium pet foods you’ll find in the market today contain protein levels that are high enough to meet the required amount by the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials). The guaranteed analysis of Essence Pet Foods’ crude protein is 38%.

You can choose which recipe to give your dog as they contain varying types of protein. The point here is, your pet will get more protein benefits with Essence.

Good fats are a must

As opposed to what others think, not all fats are unhealthy. Good fats come from animal fats and olive oil that’s always been included in a canine’s diet.

In Essence recipes, your dog will get his source of fat, not only from olive oil but also from chia seed oil.

The fats in olive oil have a lot of benefits. It breaks down fat cells, gives essential fatty acids that contribute to the health of your pet’s skin and coat, and it also helps to maintain or lose weight for those dogs who need it.

Chia seed oil is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, as well as minerals like copper, manganese, and zinc.

Carbs and Fiber

Let’s not forget about carbohydrates. Since all the Essence recipes are grain-free and gluten-free, they stick to carbs that are low-glycemic and provides valuable fiber, such as garbanzo beans.

Another great source of fiber that’s a reoccurring veggie in all the Essence Pet Foods is pumpkin. It’s packed with vitamins and minerals, helps in keeping your dog’s digestive system regular, and beneficial for his eyes, skin, and coat.

Aside from garbanzo beans, red lentils are also utilized in all of the recipes of Essence. They’re an excellent source of iron and fiber. They also contain lots of essential vitamins like Vitamin A, B, C, and E for keeping your canine friend healthy while giving their immune system a boost.

Vitamins & Minerals

By choosing Essence Pet Foods, your dog will have a source of essential nutrients with every meal. Vitamin E can soothe and restore the health of his skin and coat due to its high anti-inflammatory potential.

B3 (Niacin) is also found in the meats and vegetables in each Essence recipe. It’s an additional supplement that helps in breaking down fatty acids for proper digestions and healthy skin. They also contain Vitamin A acetate, D-calcium, pantothenate, riboflavin, Vitamin D3, and Vitamin B12 supplements.

Minerals such as iron, copper, manganese, and zinc proteinate, calcium iodate, and selenium yeast will also benefit your dog in many ways. Just like zinc proteinate is crucial in the cell membranes’ structure and in supporting your pet’s response to illnesses.

GOOD TO KNOW: All the kibbles and canned food of Essence are AAFCO-approved for all life stages of canines – whether it’s for pregnant sires or lactating females, puppies, adults, and senior dogs.

Essence Pet Food Recipes

These recipes are available in wet and dry formulas for your pets. It’s especially suitable for canines who would love to enjoy more than one type of protein.

If you’re a pet owner looking for a clean-formula product with specific ingredients that you can add or change in your dog’s daily diet, here are the recipes that you should check out.

1. Essence Air & Gamefowl Recipe

Essence Air & Gamefowl Grain-Free Dry Dog Food 4lb

Highlights:

• Carbohydrate-limited and grain-free
• The source of dietary fiber is pumpkin
• Designed to nourish dogs based on the meat-based diet of their ancestors

Price:

Our Rating:

Buy On Amazon

Description:
Your dog will love the range of proteins that Essence Air & Gamefowl recipe offers. It includes guinea fowl, turkey, chicken, and duck. Not to mention the healthy vegetables, such as pumpkin, to help balance out the nutrients. This is a daily meal that’s really packed with all the essential vitamins and nutrients!

2. Essence Ocean & Freshwater Recipe

Essence Ocean & Freshwater Dog Food 4lb

Highlights:

• Perfect for canines with sensitivities to grain, poultry, and red meat.
• Rich in iron and minerals.

Price:

Our Rating:

Buy On Amazon

Description:
Does your canine buddy prefer fish? Whether it’s his personal choice or a dietary need, this recipe will surely be his favorite!

It comes with sardines, salmon, mackerel, and herring, then rounded out with vitamin and mineral supplements.

3. Essence Ranch & Meadow Recipe

Essence Ranch & Meadow Dog Food 4lb

Highlights:

• Free of fish, poultry, and grains
• Additional fiber and nutrition from pumpkin and lentils

Price:

Our Rating:

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Description:
This recipe is packed and loaded with powerful proteins due to the pork, goat, lamb, and boar in its ingredients. It’s also suited to dogs who are allergic to certain dog food contents such as poultry and grains.

4. Essence LIR Recipes

If your canine pal needs a simpler diet, all the three dog foods mentioned also come in Essence Limited Ingredient Recipes (Essence LIR).

Although it still includes 85% of protein content, it’s more controlled as utilizes two meat or fish ingredients, followed by two meals, then two sources of fiber. No need to worry because it’s also free of gluten and legumes, and have lower calories.

Choose from the available Essence LIR recipes in Ocean, Ranch, and Landfowl.

IMAGE	PRODUCT
	Essence Pet Foods Limited Ingredient Recipe Ocean Dry Dog Food Two fish ingredients, two meals, and two sources of fiber Always free of legumes, never contains gluten	BUY ON AMAZON
	Essence Pet Foods Limited Ingredient Recipe Ranch Dry Dog Food Free of legumes, never contains gluten Provides 85% animal protein ingredient	BUY ON AMAZON
	Essence Pet Foods Limited Ingredient Recipe Dry Dog Food 85% poultry protein ingredients Free of legumes, never contains gluten Unique fiber and other wholesome ingredients	BUY ON AMAZON

Aside from being suitable for puppies, adults, pregnant or lactating females, even for dogs with health issues, you’d only have to worry about how much to feed your dog.

The amount of food to give your pet should depend on size, age, and activity level.

Another great thing about Essence is they provided every single detail you should know. They didn’t only provide the ingredients in your dog’s food, but also the daily feeding amount based on your canine’s weight.

What is the average Essence Dog Food price?

Not only will you have an option to pick a suitable diet for your dog, but also the size of the bag!

Essence Dog Food comes in a 4 lb (1.8 kg) pack that costs $15.99, then the 12.5 lb (5.7 kg) bag is sold at the price of $46.99.

The biggest bag, which is 25 lb (11.3 kg), costs $89.99. Aside from these dry kibbles, wet or canned foods weigh 13 oz with a price of $3.49 a can.

If you’re wondering where to buy Essence Pet Foods, they’re available exclusively through their nationwide independent carriers and retailers. You can simply look for a store near you by simply typing in your location.

Do you want to try and see if your dog would love these Essence recipes? Pets Global will send a complimentary or free sample!

Is Essence Dog Food good?

With more than one protein source, great for all life stages of any dog, and you’ll have options in your pet have specific dietary needs or food allergies, Essence Pet Foods should be on the top of every paw parent’s brand list.

Is your dog picky and can’t eat poultry? Just choose between Essence Ocean & Freshwater or Ranch & Meadow. No need to go through other products or names with different ingredients that make picking out dog food such a chore!

All the Essence recipes or formulas are also suited for working and active canines. It can surely satisfy dogs from different walks of life.

One more thing to consider is that Pets Global has never had a recall due to ingredient issues. We’re sure you can’t say the same for popular brand names.

Essence Dog Food is a true embodiment of Superior Pet Nutrition. Has your pooch tried out one of the best dog food yet?

Huskies are, therefore, quite singular in the way their metabolism works as well as how much appetite they have, which affects the caloric amount they need to eat.

My main top 7 picks of the best dog food for Siberian Huskies in 2021:

How many calories does my Husky dog need?

Huskies are medium-sized dogs with an athletic build (which isn’t surprising – they are the athletes of the dog world!), and they are usually high-energy.

The max weight of the Siberian Husky is 50 lb (23 kg), so this is the weight I have used to calculate how many calories your Husky needs in his food.

This number is likely to be lower for female Huskies, however, as they tend to weigh less than males.

1000 Calories – Senior/Neutered/Inactive Huskies
1200 Calories – Typical Adult Huskies
1700 Calories – Active/Working Adult Huskies

*These calculations are worked out using Dog Food Advisor. You should consult your veterinarian to get a better idea of the specific caloric needs of your Husky dog.

How to make sure your Husky gets her calorie intake from husky diet

Bred for endurance and survival in freezing temperatures where food is scarce, Siberian Huskies have an efficient metabolism – a little food can last them a long time. This means that Huskies tend to eat small amounts of food for their size.

While it depends on your dog’s activity levels, a typical Husky will eat 2 ½ cups of food a day.

Many owners consider Huskies “easy keepers” because of this. However, given that they eat less, they need energy-dense foods, which pack more calories into small amounts. This way, she will still be able to get her daily calorie intake.

Higher quality dog foods for huskies usually offer food rich in calories (most high-calorie dog foods have between 400 – 500 calories or over per cup). While they do usually cost more, it is worth it to ensure your Husky nutritional needs are met in her diet.

So, in order to reach 1200 calories a day, if she eats 2 ½ cups a day, we need to find a dog food for huskies that contains about 480 calories a cup.

Common health problems in Huskies and how dog diet can help your husky

The majority of Huskies are healthy, but they are susceptible to some serious health conditions, which are all hereditary. Main health problems concern her hips and her eyes.

Eye diseases

1. Corneal dystrophy: Non-inflammatory clouding of the cornea, or the outer surface of the eye. Usually, it occurs in both eyes, and in severe cases, the Husky dog can become blind.
2. Progressive renal atrophy: Disease of the retina that causes progressive loss of vision and eventually, the blindness of Husky.
3. Juvenile cataracts: Opacity that clouds or blocks vision, which usually starts before Husky is 2 years old.

There are some fruits and vegetables that contain key nutrients that can help your Husky’s eyesight. Here’s what to look out for in the food for Huskies:

• Blueberries: contain carotenoids, phytonutrients, and flavonoids, which prevent muscular degeneration.
• Broccoli: contains beta-carotene, which protects the retina from free radical damage.
• Carrots: contain a wealth of nutrients, including Vitamin A and beta-carotene, which support eye health of your Husky.
• Coldwater fish like salmon and sardines: rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which are important in the health of eye cells for Huskies.
• Eggs: contain lutein and zeaxanthin (the only carotenoids found in the eye), which, according to the American Optometric Association, when added to your Husky diet protect and maintain healthy eye cells. Eggs also contain sulfur compounds that are particularly good to protect from cataracts
• Sweet potatoes: contains beta-carotene and anthocyanin, which contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Kale: contains lutein and zeaxanthin.

Hip dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a genetic disease that causes the head of the thighbone to fit poorly into the hip socket. It is more commonly found in large breed dogs like German Shepherds, however, it can occur in Huskies, too.

You can help your Husky by keeping her at a healthy weight*, as any extra weight puts a strain on your Husky dog’s joints.

You can also opt for the best dog foods that contain chondroitin and glucosamine, which are natural substances found in healthy cartilage. Chondroitin helps to neutralize destructive enzymes in the joint, while glucosamine is key in rebuilding damaged cartilage.

Calcium is also important to support your Husky’s bone and joint health. According to AAFCO, an adult Husky dog should get a minimum of  0.5% in her daily diet.

*A male Husky typically weighs between 45 – 60 lb (20 – 27 kg), while a female weighs 35 – 50 lb (16 – 23 kg).

Hypothyroidism

In a study conducted by Michigan State University, out of 140 dog breeds tested for hypothyroidism, Siberian Huskies ranked 27th.

This condition causes low thyroid hormones, causing skin problems, weight gain, and lethargy in Huskies. It can be managed well with medication.

Diet can also play an important role. Nutrients that can help this condition in Huskies include iodine (found in fish, kelp, and seaweed) and Omega-3s (found in fish oils).

If your Husky suffers from thyroid problems, it is vital that she gets a diet rich in vitamins and minerals from high-quality dog food and diet that includes fruits and vegetables. This is especially important because most of Huskies (and any other dogs) with this condition are lacking in the basic nutrients and minerals they need to stay healthy.

Importance of the best husky diet that covers Macronutrients required for Siberian Huskies

Protein

18% is the minimum protein requirement for an adult Husky dog. Most good quality dog foods and diet contain more than this (over 25%) to provide the best nutrition for your Husky dog.

As Huskies are highly energetic and consume a lot of calories quickly, they need a protein-rich diet and should receive between 25-35 % protein. Working Huskies will need at least 35% or more protein in their diet.

Say ‘no’ to by-products and unspecified main ingredients like ‘meat meal’ or ‘animal meal,’ as these are low-quality sources of protein.

Fat content in the diet for best dog food for Huskies and diet

Since they have medium or long, thick coats, and burn a lot of energy quickly, I think that anywhere between 15 and 20% of fat is suitable for a Husky. Dry dog food usually contains about 16% of fat.

If your Husky is a working dog (especially in cold temperatures), a higher-fat dog food (more than 20% fat) will be a good option, as she will need more fat to use as energy.

Just as I advise with protein, make sure your Husky gets good sources of fat! Look for specific fats, like chicken fat. Fish oils and flaxseed are also very good sources because they also provide your dog with Omega-3 fatty acids for her skin and coat health.

Carbs

I believe that it is always better to choose a dog food or a diet that focuses on high protein and low carbohydrates, as Huskies don’t require a lot of carbs, and too many can cause stomach upsets and weight gain.

While Boxers need grain-free dog food, Huskies are not as susceptible to allergies or skin problems. So, it is not necessary to go out of your way to get grain-free food. However, if you prefer grain free food, there is no harm in feeding her this diet.

I would still advise you to avoid common allergens in your Husky diet like soy, corn, wheat, and yeast, and opt for whole grains like brown rice and barley.

Lots of fruit and veg

As I outlined in the ‘Health’ section, the best dog food for Siberian Huskies should have plenty of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support her thyroid function, eyesight, and immune system.

The easiest way for your Husky dog to get these nutrients is from best dog foods for huskies that contain a variety of fruit and vegetables.

Foods to avoid for Husky Dogs

Siberian Husky may be better with grains than other breeds, but some owners say that Huskies find it difficult to digest lactose.

It is probably to be safe than sorry and avoid dog foods or diet with dairy products. That means no milk or cheese, and remember to look out for milk by-products, such as skim milk powder and whey powder.

Best dog food for Huskies reviewed

Finally, we are ready to show you our recommendations. We narrowed it down to 7 of what we think are good choices of high-quality dog food for Huskies.

Here they are:

#1 The Honest Kitchen Grain-Free Beef Dry Dog Food

The Honest Kitchen is a brand that seems to be well-loved by its customers, many of whom claim that their dogs can’t get enough of it! This brand prides themselves on their use of ‘human-grade’ dog food, which is free of chemicals, preservatives, and their meats are antibiotic and hormone free. Now that’s what I like to hear!

This dog food recipe contains a good amount of protein for Huskies, at 31%, which is sourced from beef. They go on to throw in some fruits and vegetables, including sweet potatoes (great for her eye health), and flaxseed (providing Omega-3 for her thyroid and coat). There is also a source of thyroid-supporting iodine in the form of potassium iodide.

The fat content is perfect for the typical Husky, at 16%. However, I wouldn’t recommend this dog food if your Husky is a very active or working dog, as she will use a lot of this fat as energy, and may not have enough to keep her skin and coat healthy.

While it contains a good amount of Calcium at 1.1%, there are no additional ingredients for joint health. I, therefore, don’t highly recommend this dog food for Huskies with joint problems.

Finally, it provides 514 calories a cup, which makes this a good food for Huskies who don’t eat large amounts, as you’ll only need to feed her 2 1/3 cups a day unless she requires more than the typical amount of calories.

The Honest Kitchen is a good option if you are looking for the best dog food for Huskies at an affordable price.

What’s Good

• Quality ingredients at a low price
• High-quality protein source
• Contains some fruit and veg
• Good for Huskies who don’t eat large amounts
• Contains ingredients that support eye and thyroid health

Top Cons

• Doesn’t contain glucosamine or chondroitin
• Not good for highly active Huskies

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#2 Orijen Original Adult Dog Dry Dog Food

Orijen is a brand I recommend again and again. I love their high-quality, varied recipes, which use many ingredients that are fresh and local.

This recipe contains an impressive 38% protein from a range of meats, including turkey, chicken meal, flounder, mackerel, herring, and sardine. The use of fish meal here gives your Husky a good dose of Omega-3 for her eyes and thyroid as well as skin and coat health.

The fat content is just fine at 18%. As I said with The Honest Kitchen, if your Husky is a very active or working dog, you should look at other brands that contain at least 20% fat.

Another thing I like about Orijen is that they never fail in the nutrient department in their dog foods. They use a whole bunch of fruits and vegetables, which are all fresh. This recipe contains carrots, kale, and blueberries, which are great for her eye health, as well as kelp, which gives her a little kick of iodine to support her thyroid.

So that’s her thyroid, her eyes, and now for her hips. Orijen doesn’t fail there either, as they add glucosamine and chondroitin into the mix to give her joints some help. To top it off, there is also a very good amount of Calcium (1.4%) to keep your Husky’s bones and joints strong. I highly recommend this food for Huskies with hip problems.

The only downside to this dog food recipe is that it provides just a little under the calorie content I recommended for an average Husky who eats 2.5 cups a day, at 470 calories a cup. That means she would have to eat just a tad over 2.5 cups a day to get her daily intake, but the difference is just 0.05-cup.

Another point I want to make is that Orijen dog food is very costly, which is why it didn’t make the #1 spot. If you can afford it, I think it’s a great dog food option for your Husky.

What’s Good

• High-quality ingredients
• High-quality, varied protein content
• Contains a wide range of fruit and veg
• Contains ingredients that support thyroid, eye and joint health

Top Cons

• Expensive dog food
• Just a little under 480 calories per cup

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#3 EVO Turkey & Chicken Formula Large Bites Dry Dog Food

EVO is a brand that develops their dog foods formulas specifically for active dogs, using the ancestral diet approach. That means 82% meat, 18% fruit and vegetables and 0% grain.

This recipe sources its protein from 5 types of meat, which are the first 5 ingredients. It’s not surprising, then, that this dog food contains a highly substantial amount of protein, at a whopping 43.9%. The fat content is also high as 23.77%. This recipe is, therefore, ideal for very active or working Huskies.

EVO also adds quite a few fruits and vegetables into this dog food, including carrots to support your Husky’s eye health. They also add eggs to the recipe, which we have seen, help maintain healthy eye cells and protect against cataracts.

There are plenty of added vitamins and minerals, too, including iodine and Omega-3 for her thyroid, and a high level of Calcium (2.6%) for Husky bones and joints. Though, unfortunately, there is no glucosamine or chondroitin for Husky dogs with hip dysplasia.

A letdown with this dog food recipe is that they include cottage cheese. While cottage cheese is fairly low in lactose, it could cause an allergic reaction in some Huskies.

This dog food provides the most calories of all four, at 516 calories per cup. To provide your Husky with 1,200 calories means feeding her 2.3 cups a day, so this food is perfect if your Husky doesn’t eat large amounts.

If your Husky is a working dog and requires 1,700 calories, however, she will need about 3.5 cups a day.

What’s Good

• High-quality, varied protein content
• Contains some fruit and veg
• Includes ingredients that help eye and thyroid health
• Good for Huskies who don’t eat large quantities
• Good for highly active or working Huskies

Top Cons

• Doesn’t contain glucosamine or chondroitin for joint health
• Contains cheese, which could be an allergen for some Huskies

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#4 Blue Buffalo Wilderness Dry Dog Food

I have chosen this dog food for its quality ingredients, as well as its tried and tested popularity. It has over 800 reviews at Chewy, 84% of which gave 5 stars. So apparently many dogs and owners alike are more than satisfied with it!

It is also the most affordable of all four, so if you are on a budget but still looking for a quality dog food for your Husky, Blue Buffalo Wilderness is a good option.

This recipe is rich in protein, at 34%, containing varied meat sources including deboned salmon, which gives her Omega-3s to keep Husky dog’s coat, eyes, and thyroid health.

It is fairly low in fat, at 15%, so it is better for Huskies who are less active or a little overweight.

This formula adds in a nice array of fruits and vegetables, including carrots, sweet potatoes, and blueberries, which support her eye health. They also include glucosamine in the dog food recipe, but, unfortunately, do not go that bit further and add chondroitin. Therefore, it will help your Husky’s joints somewhat, but not as much as Orijen’s recipe.

The downside with Blue Buffalo (which is why I had to rate it much lower than the rest) is that the calorie content is low for Huskies; it only has 410 calories a cup, so this is a food for Huskies who eat more. A typical Husky (weighing 53 lb) would need just under 3 cups a day of this dog food.

What’s Good

• Quality ingredients
• The best price of all options listed here
• Over 800 reviews on Chewy (84% are with 5 stars)
• Range of fruits and vegs
• Includes ingredients that help eye, thyroid and coat health

Top Cons

• Low-calorie content for average Huskies

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#5 Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Grain Free Adult Dry Dog Food

It’s a very popular dry dog food which suits Huskies very well. First five ingredients of it are salmon, potatoes and sweet potatoes, peas and ocean fish meal.

I like Taste of the Wild because their dog food recipes are made to satisfy the instinctual appetites of dogs. This means only real meat and fresh fruits and vegetables are used.

Despite kibble, it’s also available in the canned formula.

This particular recipe features salmon as its main protein source. With 25% protein content, this is good dog food for active Huskies, though not quite enough for working Huskies.

Aside from its good protein content, this dog food also includes 15% fat, which is enough to support the Husky’s high energy levels. Omega fatty acids will keep your Siberian Husky dog’s lush coat always shiny.

With ingredients like blueberries, raspberries, and tomatoes, this dog food recipe is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamins D and E, zinc, and taurine. Chelated minerals ensure that your Husky can absorb all these helpful nutrients.

Zinc is especially helpful in diets for Huskies, as the mineral helps support normal thyroid function. Huskies must also have adequate levels of zinc in their diet because the breed is prone to a skin abnormality called zinc-responsive dermatosis.

I recommend feeding active Huskies with this dog food, but racing or working Huskies may need something with more protein.

Note: For Husky puppies, go for the Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Grain-Free Dry Puppy Food Formula

What’s Good

• Salmon is a high-quality protein
• Easier for dogs to digest
• Fruits and veggies included
• Zinc helps Huskies avoid breed-specific diseases
• Prebiotic support for your Husky

Top Cons

• Lower caloric content

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#6 Nutro Grain-Free Adult Lamb, Lentils & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food

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Nutro crafts menu-inspired dog food recipes that feature only the highest-quality ingredients that are non-GMO, if that matters to you.

The main ingredient in this Nutro Ultra recipe is grass-fed lamb, which gives this dog food a protein content of 25%. This is perfect for the high energy levels and fast metabolism of your Husky.

The recipe’s 15% fat content, from chicken fat and sunflower, will help fuel your Husky’s energy, too, while keeping his skin healthy and coat shiny.

Supplements and vitamins and minerals from real vegetables and fruits, including split peas, sweet potatoes, and lentils, can help improve the immune system of your Husky.

Carrots, blueberries, and Omega-3 fatty acids are particularly beneficial, as the Husky dog is prone to eye problems. Feeding her the fatty acids can also help in countering hypothyroidism.

At 457 kcal per cup, this dog food’s caloric content is a little low for Huskies, so you might have to adjust serving sizes accordingly.

Overall, this is good dog food for Huskies that are house pets rather than racing dogs.

What’s Good

• Just the right protein content for active Huskies
• Omega-3 fatty acids to reduce the risk of hypothyroidism
• Carrots and blueberries support eye health of your Husky
• Supplements, vitamins, and minerals included

Top Cons

• Doesn’t contain chondroitin or glucosamine
• Caloric content is a little low for the Husky’s needs

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#7 Wellness CORE RawRev Grain-Free Original Recipe with Freeze-Dried Turkey Dry Dog Food

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Wellness CORE offers a wide variety of dog food recipes to fill the different nutritional needs of dogs. The brand’s RawRev line, for instance, includes freeze-dried meats for an additional protein boost.

With 36% protein, this particular dog food recipe has deboned turkey as its main meat. Turkey provides high-quality protein and fatty acids, which is beneficial for active Huskies. Freeze-dried turkey increases the recipe’s protein content, making this dog food a good choice even for a working Husky.

Glucosamine and chondroitin are also included in this dog food, so it can improve the joint strength of your Husky.

This recipe also has a good fat content of 16% from chicken fat, salmon oil, and ground flax seed. Fatty acids from these ingredients help keep the Husky’s coat shiny and healthy.

This dog food packed with vitamins and minerals, thanks to chicken liver, broccoli, carrots, blueberries, and kale. These ingredients help boost eye health, reducing the risk for eye problems for your Husky.

Though it’s on the low end for the protein requirements for a working Husky, I recommend this dog food recipe for more active Huskies. It’s a little more expensive than most of the other dog food options listed here, but all that nutrition is worth the investment.

What’s Good

• Freeze-dried turkey bits for added protein
• Glucosamine and chondroitin for Husky’s joint strength
• Chicken liver is rich in vitamins A and D
• Broccoli, carrots, sweet potatoes, and kale for eye health
• Rich in omega-3 and 6 fatty acids keep the coat shiny

Top Cons

• More expensive compared to other brands

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Conclusion

My top recommendation for the best dog food for Siberian Huskies nutritionally is Orijen Dry Dog Food. However, it is very pricey, so if you are looking for a quality dog food that is more affordable, go with The Honest Kitchen.

Blue Buffalo is also a great option if you are on a budget, but bear in mind that your Husky will need to eat 3 cups to get her daily calorie intake.

EVO is another good choice (with a mid-range price), but it does contain ingredients that may cause an allergic reaction in some Huskies.

best dog food for huskies

Tell us about what do you think is the Best Dog Food For Siberian Huskies ?

is OR Top Dog Food Brand for Siberian Huskies? What do you feed your Siberian Husky? Leave a comment below!

As owners and breeders, you’d want to do right for your new furball. One of the most important and best ways to do that is by keeping your pet healthy.

Luckily, you have control over something that will help your pup stay in tip-top shape – feeding.

Related:
Best Puppy Food to Feed Your New Pup

Prioritize proper nutrition when feeding a puppy

You’ll be setting up a great foundation for the puppies’ development by making sure they are getting proper nutrition. That’s why it’s important to know that puppies need food that’s specifically formulated for them.

Puppies grow rapidly and their food provides complete and balanced nutrients so that they grow happy and healthy.

Food made for adult dogs doesn’t give the essential nutrients a growing puppy needs.

Look for a puppy dog food that is rich in protein to help support those growing muscles. Carbohydrates will supply the needed energy for their playtime and stay active. For those developing bones and teeth, calcium is very important.

Fatty acids such as DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) that are commonly found in fish oil, will improve the memory and learning of canines!

Basically, younger dogs require higher levels of nutrients.

Keep in mind that there is an ideal window, though. If puppies don’t get enough essential nutrients, then it can lead to deficiencies. If they get too much of some, then it may cause complications.

What to feed newborn puppies?

For breeders, even first-time puppy owners, we know that the litter would be feeding straight from their mom. But there are times where a puppy (or more) would need help from us during their first week or so.

Since we mentioned “foundation”, the best start for puppies is to get colostrum during their 12 to 48 hours of life.

Colostrum from their mother’s milk will give the puppies immunity to germs and diseases that they may encounter during their first few weeks. This transfer of antibodies occurs only until their intestine develops the ability to screen out large molecules.

The change in the intestine occurs very quickly in the first few hours of life, that’s why the puppies should nurse right away and continuously.

Feeding a newborn pup on your own

What if one of the pups (or more) is too weak? Then you, as an owner, would have to step in.

There’s often the possibility that a puppy has trouble latching or nursing. Some of those reasons can be:

• The dam has a poor appetite or not drinking enough fluids
• The mother dog has poor milk let down
• Puppies born via cesarean or C-Section
• Slow development in the puppies
• The dam has a fever
• A runt or fading puppy

Since those little furballs need your help, you would have to get milk directly from their mother.

Before handling and feeding a newborn puppy, make sure you washed your hands thoroughly or sanitized.

Some would use their finger to feed the puppy to see if they’d drink it and to hint that it’s feeding time. If yes, then you can use a dropper or syringe. Since a bottle would seem more natural to use for them to feed so they can also suck, here’s a video on how to feed newborn pups.

Don’t forget to remove a weak pup or runt from the whelping box. Make sure the little doggo has its own and the best crate to stay in while you take care of her back to recovery.

Keep your pup in a place where there’s heat source (like a lightbulb or heating pad), feed, and gently stimulate the puppy to urinate and defecate.

For those whose dog has a large litter, you can avoid draining and damaging the bitch by supplementary feeding the puppies. It will also help prevent eclampsia (hypocalcemia). It’s a health issue that is always a worry when female dogs give birth to a large litter. It happens anywhere between 2 to 3 weeks before and after whelping.

Using Milk Replacers for feeding puppies

If nursing from the mother dog or getting milk from her is not an option, then you would have to look for a replacement.

DON’T use formulas made for human infants, or even cow’s or goat’s milk. Every species’ milk is uniquely tailored for their growing young’s needs.

It’s best to choose alternative nourishment that is specifically made for puppies. If ever your pup is not allergic to these kinds of milk, doesn’t get an upset stomach, or can simply tolerate it, still incorporate products designed for a puppy.

Supplemental ingredients will help make up for what the milk you’re using lacks compared to puppy milk.

To start your search, here are the top milk replacement for pups:

1. Esbilac Puppy Milk Replacer Powder
2. Nutri-Vet Milk Replacement for Puppies
3. Goat’s Milk Esbilac
4. PetLac Milk Powder for Puppies
5. Manna Pro Nurse All Non-Medicated Milk Replacer

Feeding puppies using a tube – yay or nay?

Our say on this – nay!

It’s understandable that tube feeding is a faster and easier method when it comes to dealing with a puppy or a whole litter. This is assuming that you are certain you’re getting the tube in the esophagus leading to the stomach, and not the trachea which leads to their lungs.

So we advise you not to tube the lil doggos if nursing isn’t an option at all, because it’s deadly. Not unless it’s the only way to feed a puppy due to a medical condition or the pup is just too weak to suck.

Just like this video where a puppy has a cleft palate and is fed using a tube.

But did you know, that when we eat, the process of eating stimulates waves of contraction throughout our entire GI (gastrointestinal) tract?

Those waves of contraction are called peristalsis, and the reaction of the puppies when they nurse is to defecate.

So if a puppy won’t nurse or it doesn’t have a good sucking reflex, peristalsis will not happen. Meaning, we force milk in them using a tube and it will just sit in their tummy. Once the tube is removed, the milk forces itself back up the esophagus into the trachea and ends up in the lungs.

Even if you put in the tube right, a puppy’s stomach is not that big. So what should you do instead?

We give the puppies sugar in salt water, which is the solution used for IV therapy. It’s known as subcutaneous (subQ) dextrose and saline.

After all, everyone in the litter needs warmth, sugar, and water. It’s these three things that they require as soon as they are born and for an additional few days, if necessary.

If your vet or breeder already taught you how to administer the subQ fluid at home, but you want to see it one more time, just watch this video:

If you’re wondering how much fluid you should give to a weak puppy, provide enough to satisfy the current dehydration debt. That includes providing a cushion for an hour or two in the future. Generally, it’s enough when you refill the syringe with dextrose and saline, and the last 10cc injection you’ve given hasn’t already disappeared.

Remember, if the puppy is already dehydrated, the fluids you provide will disappear quickly.

Weaning newborn puppies from milk

Whether the puppies are nursing from their mother or you’re the one feeding them milk through a bottle or syringe, they eventually have to stop.

Gradually reducing a puppy’s dependency on their mom for food and care will help the little one do things on its own.

When to wean puppies?

You can begin weaning a puppy or litter around 3 and 4 weeks old. You would notice that they’re more independent by the time they turn 7 to 8 weeks of age. We emphasize that this process should be done gradually, meaning it would happen over several weeks.

The growing little dogs need time to incorporate the important traits they got from their littermates and mother with what they’re currently learning.

But weaning brings stress to the mother dog and her pups, so not only should it be gradual, but it should also be supervised.

How to start weaning a litter

The first thing to do is have the pups move out from the whelping box.

Take this time to introduce the furballs to a pan or bowl where they can eat and drink on their own.

Remember, everything should be a slow process, that includes the frequency and amount of food, as well as length of separation. This is not a race.

As the pups become self-confident and independent, there will be no trouble for them to spend more time away from mom.

If a puppy hesitates on drinking or eating on their own, just dip your finger in the milk and then let them suck or lick it.

You should never force their face and nose into their bowl or pan.

The type of food to use when weaning puppies

You can only use puppy food moistened with milk replacers or warm water during this process.

Create an appealing meal for their sensitive palates – a soupy gruel. You may need to encourage those puppies during the first few feedings, but most of the time, they quickly learn on their own.

Always take into consideration the breed size of the litter when choosing the type of puppy food. If you need help in making sure that the pups are progressing normally, bring them to the vet.

Different types of dog food to feed your weaned puppy

There are a lot of options for best puppy food out there and that can be overwhelming.

The important factors that you would have to consider are overall nutrition, breed size, and age, as well as the type of food.

Dry dog food for feeding puppies

Kibbles are the most common kind of food for canines. Not only are they economical, but almost all of them also offer a complete and balanced diet for dogs of all ages and sizes.

You can also feed dry food exactly as it is instructed in its bag.

Not only is it convenient for feeding and storage, but you can leave it out for your puppy to enjoy at its own pace without fearing of waste or spoilage. You can even use kibbles as a treat once you start training.

It is also said that hard kibble has an oral hygiene advantage due to the friction produced. It helps keep teeth and gums of our friendly canine healthy!

Dry kibbles can be moistened with water or mixed with canned food. It’s not really necessary but it will make your dog’s food tastier.

If you decide to combine dry and wet food, still follow the recommended daily caloric intake for your puppy. In most cases, a 3-ounce can of dog food has 90 calories which are approximately equal to a ¼ cup of dry dog food. Find specific information on the packaging or the website of the brand of your choice.

A veterinarian may help you create a plan on how to properly feed your puppy. Just remember not to overfeed to keep your pet in an ideal condition while growing up.

If your dog is showing symptoms of allergies from feeding her your first pick of puppy food, there are grain-free kibbles, too. Check out these brands:

• Wellness Complete Health
• Merrick Dog Food
• Blue Buffalo
• Zignature
• Victor Super Premium Dog Food

Make sure you have your little dog checked first so you’ll know the next best dry dog food to get. It will also help you find out what ingredients to avoid.

Feeding palatable wet food for your pups

You’ll find this type of yummy meals in single-serving packets, pouches, and cans.

Semi-moist food is the most expensive way to feed your dog, but it’s worth it since your furry friend will find this tastier than dry kibbles.

Since wet food has a higher moisture content, it can help keep your pup hydrated. After all, not all pets are the same, and some of them don’t drink enough water as they should. It also means that your puppy can enjoy larger meal portions without additional calories, especially if your pup or litter are good eaters.

This type of dog food is also a great choice for canines who lost some of their olfactory senses since wet puppy food has a richer flavor and scent.

If you’re taking care of a weak puppy, wet food will help assure that she’s getting vitamins, proteins, and minerals that they require in order to stay healthy during development. They’re also perfect for dogs with smaller mouths, poorly aligned jaws, and deformities.

Unlike dry kibbles, wet food isn’t as economical. It can’t be left out for a long time, so it’s prone to getting spoiled once it’s opened.

Don’t waste your money by making sure you store leftovers or opened cans in a closed container and place it in the refrigerator.

There are dogs that are more prone to dental issues like plaque when eating wet food. So if you decide to stick with this kind of dog food, you would have to brush your pet’s teeth on a regular basis. Dental chews can be of great help in reducing tartar build-up.

Would it be worth it to buy expensive food for your puppy?

Although it would mostly depend on your budget, the answer is YES. Major dog food companies heavily invest in developing their products and research. They’re constantly upgrading their formulas in order to keep up with all the competition.

A lot of those premium puppy foods have higher nutritional density, which means you can feed your pet less than feeding regular kibbles.

So you’d be on the cutting edge of dog nutrition by choosing premium food.

They may have ingredient profiles that are stable, but bargain brands’ composition varies per batch. You just have to read the packaging to ensure that it covers what your pet needs.

You’ll surely be able to find a puppy food of quality that’s within your price range and remember to buy in small amounts at a time.

Raw feeding: is it good to start feeding your puppy with this food?

No matter the breed, size, or age, puppies can have raw food but a lot of adjustments should be made. You would want to make sure that the diet you’ve chosen will provide the recommended allowances for essential nutrients.

A BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) or RMB (Raw Meaty Bones) diet is becoming more popular in the canine world.

This diet would normally consist of the animal proteins and meaty bones, vegetables, and may even include grains. But it would be best if you include these raw ingredients every week or two:

• Tiny quantities of liver
• Lungs, heart, and kidney
• White fish
• Oily fish
• Chicken back, neck, wings, and feet
• Eggs
• Pigs trotters
• Ribs of a lamb or beef that has plenty of meat

Although, if you believe and choose to feed your puppy raw food, you have to follow the basic rules and principles involved. As with all kinds of food out there and since no one dog is the same, there are certain risks. Good news is, you can minimize those threats.

If this is your first time trying raw food for your pet, start with natural meals that are sold off-the-shelf. But most raw feeders prepare their dog’s food at home.

You can check out our article for the pros and cons of a raw food diet, as well as proper feeding practices. We also provided links for food recipes and a calculator as a guideline based on your dog’s weight!

Here is the top leading raw puppy food:

FROZEN

1. Nature’s Variety Instinct Frozen Raw
2. Steve’s Real Dog Food
3. Tylee’s Human-Grade Frozen Dog Food
4. Primal Pronto Raw Frozen
5. Nature’s Logic Raw Frozen Dog Food

FREEZE-DRIED/FROZEN & DEHYDRATED

1. Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Chewy’s Meal Mixers
2. Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
3. TruDog FEED ME Freeze-Dried Raw Food
4. Primal Pet Foods Freeze-Dried Nuggets
5. Canidae Grain-Free PURE Ancestral Red Meat Formula Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Dry Dog Food

Puppy Feeding Schedule: How often to feed a puppy

At some point, those little fur babies will be ready to step up from milk.

They don’t stay puppies for too long that milk replacers or colostrum from their mom wouldn’t be enough to support their development.

That’s why once you’ve decided on which kind of food to give them, your next question would be: How often should I feed a puppy?

First 3 Months

Ensuring that puppies get enough milk during their first few months is critical.

Although most people get their dog or puppy once they’re weaned, there are breeders and owners out there that know how important this is. But it’s possible for some pups to be able to try and eat semi-solid or moistened food as early as 3 weeks.

Plus, dogs can often regulate their own intake at this stage. So you can try to place a few amounts of food for the puppy to graze on throughout the day.

Don’t forget that you can’t let out moist or wet puppy food for too long.

If you notice that the little doggos are overeating, try a different strategy with their food. Give them smaller meals at frequent intervals. Generally, it’s suggested to feed puppies of 1-3 months old 4 times a day.

Make sure you’re using puppy food to feed puppies or else you’re robbing the chance for the pup to get essential nutrients.

You can try to stop soaking puppy food or dry kibbles with water or milk and feed it to large-sized dogs by the time they’re 9 or 10 weeks of age. For smaller breeds, that would be around 12 or 13 weeks old.

4 Months to 6 Months

Those huge potbellies should be starting to disappear gradually, as well as their pudginess by 12 weeks of age. You can continue feeding the pup at 4 times a day or decrease it to 3, as long as the puppy isn’t all roly-poly.

If they’re looking kind of round, then continue with the puppy-size portions until her body type matures.

What’s most important during this stage is monitoring the puppy’s weight. They can easily get fat when overfed, especially large breeds. They have a predisposition toward bone problems.

Even if you think that a chubby pup is cute, you’re putting her health at risk.

On the other hand, if a puppy isn’t gaining weight despite getting to eat the right amount of food, there might be an underlying medical condition. At this period, puppies can get parasites, congenital issues, and other health issues that can affect their appetite.

Between 4 to 6 months, puppies still chow down a lot of food. It’s about twice as much per pound when you compare it to an adult canine of the same weight.

6 Months to 12 Months

You can finally start feeding your little furball twice a day! This is the stage where this frequency should generally suffice.

Most canines who are 6 to 12 months old start eating adult food.

Although small breeds can transition by the time they’re 7 to 9 months, larger breeds get to switch between 12 and 14 months of age.

Don’t worry as it’s better to have your pup longer on puppy food than not long enough.

For large to giant breeds, you’d want to give them food that has controlled amounts of calcium. There are commercially made dog foods that are appropriate for the growth of large-sized puppies.

1 Year Old and onwards

By now, that puppy of yours is more or less a grownup. What most owners do is give half-portions of adult dog food together with puppy food as a standard on a daily basis. The only difference when they turn one is if your pup turned into a couch potato.

If the puppy seems to be getting chubby, you may have to deal with it by continuing to feed her twice a day but with reduced portions.

Again, size is a big factor when feeding. So the larger the size of an adult dog, the longer their growth period extends. An example would be the Great Dane, where they may continue to grow even at the age of two.

Even if their growth rate slows down, it’s advisable to continue feeding larger breeds with puppy food to make sure they get the essential nutrients.

As we mentioned earlier, small to medium-sized dogs usually switch to adult dog food before they turn one. Whether it’s dry or wet food, as long as it’s an “all life stages’ food”, you can stick with it.

All throughout, portion control and consistency are the keys to maintaining the ideal weight and body structure.

If you want to avoid your dog being a picky eater, stick to a routine and provide regular amounts of food. Don’t leave it down for your pup for more than 10-20 minutes.

To know what is that ideal weight, take a look at these tables to know the average weight for common small and large breed dogs:

Common Small & Medium-Sized Breeds

Common Large-Sized Breeds

Once you have an idea of how much your pet weighs, then you can refer to this basic guideline of how many cups you should give her.

Puppy Feeding: Small Breeds VS Large Breeds

Using size-specific formulas, milk replacers, or dog food will benefit certain breed sizes.

Those puppies who will grow to an adult dog that is less than 20 lbs (9 kg) are considered small breeds.

Small-sized dogs grow quickly and as we mentioned, may reach maturity or adulthood earlier than larger breeds, which is around 9 months of age. Purchase small kibbles to help them chew their food easily. Specific-size food for dogs also has all the nutrients that small canines need.

Smaller breeds have higher metabolic rate compared to larger dogs. It means these small but terrible canines need food that will provide higher energy and is more nutrient-dense.

Large-sized puppies, those who will grow up to be 20 lbs and above grows more slowly. Only a few of these larger breeds reach their full size and maturity anywhere from 15-24 months. So they’d need food and additional nutrients while they continue to grow. Especially since they need help to support their size.

Puppy Feeding Chart: how much to feed a puppy

We’ve done the first step of determining the predicted average weight of your puppy once she’s an adult. You can use this chart to know how much food (in cups) to feed your puppy, but remember that the indicated numbers are only a guideline.

*Note that this is just a general idea of how many cups of kibbles can be given to your puppy based on their age and weight. It’s still best to check the instructions at the back of the packaging of your pet’s food or consult the vet.

It is also said that, if you want to promote normal growth for your puppy or litter, they need to be fed with the same number of calories and food. It’s best to do this during their early stage of development, which is around 4 to 12 months of age.

Besides, the cup recommendations of a dog food brand are completely different from the others.

So here’s a chart showing how many calories you should feed your pup every day. It’s based on their weight and includes the daily caloric needs for the different kinds of food you can give her.

*The values you see here are for canines with activity levels that are average. It can vary depending on your dog’s activity level.

If you’re going to ask help from your vet or breeder with regards to your puppy’s food intake, we recommend that you log her weight and growth.

Although there are lots of information that are available online and in print, it’s way better to have a weekly record of her progress. Then you can compare your puppy’s numbers to the breed-appropriate weight tables and charts.

It will help you adjust your pet’s meals and food intake in order to achieve the proper or average rate of her growth.

You can weigh your dog if you have a scale at home.

Weigh yourself first, then do it again the 2nd time while holding the puppy. Subtract the difference and that would be the little pup’s weight. Don’t worry about an extra ounce or two because either way, no dog (even within the same breed) are built the same.

How long to feed puppy food and when to stop it?

Generally, you can expect the transition from puppy food to adult dog food between 1 to 2 years of age.

Just like with puppies switching to other kinds of food, do it gradually to avoid digestive upsets.

You can talk to your breeder or vet to determine which adult dog food is best for your pet. They can also help you determine the right time to do this change, as well as tips on how to make it easier for the pup to switch.

Puppy feeding and treats?

Whether you just want to spoil your pup or you’re doing training where you motivate and reward her with treats, adjusting her meals is necessary.

It may be hard to resist those puppy dog eyes and treats do make a very effective training tool, but keep the 90/10 rule in mind.

Adjust the amount of food you feed your furry baby by keeping her daily calories around 90%, which should come from her balanced and complete puppy food. Treats are what occupies the other 10%.

This rule will help avoid your puppy from gaining too much weight, as well as other health problems once she’s an adult.

You’re training and building your dog while taking care of her health, so don’t give in whenever she begs.

Table scraps or people food

No matter how lovingly your puppy looks at you, let’s not kid ourselves by saying, “it’s just sometimes” when we toss her a french fry or a strip of bacon. You’ll be surprised that out of nowhere, your dog obese and is crowding you off from the bed or couch!

Not only that, giving your pup table scraps on a daily basis or every meal can create a nutritional imbalance. And there are certain spices or ingredients that can upset your puppy’s stomach.

Don’t be fooled by your dog’s pleading gaze. It’s not a test of your love for her and it’s not an emotional crisis. Believe it or not, it’s the canines’ way of scamming us without knowing the fatal and harmful effects it will have on them.

Not only are you rewarding your pet’s undesirable behaviors that will eventually be hard to break, but there are also human foods that are toxic to dogs. Some of those are:

• Xylitol which is found in gum, baked goods, candy, toothpaste, and some diet foods that use this to sweeten them. It can cause a drop in your dog’s blood sugar and liver failure. Watch out for symptoms such as coordination problems, lethargy, vomiting, or even seizures.
• Avocados have persin and when eaten excessively by your canine, it may cause diarrhea or vomiting. If you want to give your puppy some fruit, small portions of apple chunks and carrots are low-calorie snacks that most pets love.
• Alcohol. Even a little wine or beer can harm your dog really bad. It can cause coordination problems, breathing problems, vomiting and diarrhea, coma, and death. The smaller the dog, the results are much worse.
• Garlic and onions. Whether it’s raw, cooked, dehydrated, or powdered, keep it away from your pet. Excessive consumption can cause poisoning and can kill red blood cells which will lead to anemia. Bring her to the vet once you notice symptoms like vomiting, weakness, and breathing problems.
• Caffeine. Keep anything that has caffeine away from puppies such as chocolate, colas, cocoa, and energy drinks. It’s also found in some painkillers and cold medicine. If your dog ingested even small amounts, take her to the vet.
• Raisins and grapes. Fruits are commonly given to pets as a treat, but not these two as they can cause kidney failure. Even a small amount can make canines sick where they’d vomit over and over. Within the same day of eating a grape or raisin, your dog would noticeably seem depressed and sluggish.
• Dairy. You might think it’s cute and helpful when you share your ice cream with your pet, but milk-based products can cause digestive issues. It can also trigger food allergies.
• Chocolate. The specific problem with this human food is theobromine that’s found in all kinds of chocolate. Unsweetened baking chocolate and dark chocolate are considered the most dangerous. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, heart problems, and death.
• Raw Eggs. If you prefer feeding your puppy a raw food diet, most veterinarians think it’s not a good idea to include uncooked eggs in your dog’s meals. There’s a possibility that she’d get food poisoning due to bacteria like E-coli or salmonella.
• Salt. Don’t be tempted to toss or pass those salty chips or pretzels to your canine friend. Having too much salt will make your pet extremely thirsty and could also lead to sodium ion poisoning. You’d know your dog had too much salt when she’s vomiting, having diarrhea, depressed, getting seizures, high temperatures, or even death.

Additional puppy feeding guidelines and advice

It’s best if you’re feeding your puppy with the same schedule as your mealtimes such as breakfast, lunch, and dinner. If you’re feeding her twice a day, give the pup her meals in the morning and an hour or so before her bedtime.

Giving her time allowance will let her do her business before getting some shuteye.

Don’t give food to your puppy the moment you get home as you may encourage separation anxiety. Groom or play with her whenever you say hello.

You can buy dry or canned prescription diets from vets when medically necessary. It’s often used to feed dogs who suffer from diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, and other serious health concerns.

If you’re going to use vitamins or mineral supplements, it may do more harm than good if it’s utilized incorrectly. So before making any change in your puppy or dog’s diet, consult with a veterinarian first.

For your puppy’s liquid intake, fresh and clean water should always be available for her. Wash her water bowl every day to avoid bacteria. If it gets hot in your area, have multiple water stations inside and outside the house.

And to make sure all these works, have everyone in your home to follow the program.

If there’s anyone in your household who has a soft spot when it comes to dogs, your pet will find and exploit it. One slip up can undo all the hard work and good that you’re trying to do.

There should only be one alpha in every pet owner’s home, YOU.

The bottom line about puppy feeding

Always remember that puppies are different. Setting and following charts or guidelines when it comes to feeding your puppy will help you monitor her growth to make sure she grows up healthy and happy.

Explore your options when choosing the right food for your puppy until you find that tasty diet she’ll love!

And if you have any questions about you feeding your puppy, her nutritional health, or feeding schedule, don’t hesitate to talk to your breeder or veterinarian. After all, that’s what they’re here for.

What puppy food does your pet love? Do you have any advice or opinion to help new dog owners? Type it all in the comment box below!

One of the things we can do to make that happen is by providing a balanced nutritious diet.

But aside from canned dog foods and dry kibbles, there’s another form of pet food that’s been a controversy for a long time – raw dog food diet.

What’s a raw dog food diet and when did it start?

Sled dogs and Greyhounds used for racing are the ones who started to use the raw food diet.

But in 1993, Ian Billinghurst, an Australian veterinarian, pioneered this diet and called it BARF. It stands for Biologically Appropriate Raw Food.

The diet that generally contains organ and muscle meat, crushed or whole bones, vegetables, fruits, raw eggs, and some dairy, would benefit all dogs, as per Billinghurst. Especially since this is how canines ate before they got domesticated.

He claimed, together with his supporters, that dogs who have this diet would get healthier skin and shinier coat, cleaner teeth, more energy, and smaller stool.

But a lot of vets, along with the FDA and American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) didn’t agree with the BARF diet.

Dangers of the Raw Food Diet for Dogs

There’s a reason and backed up research on why the AVMA and FDA are opposing the use of raw dog food in feeding canines.

Although Billinghurst and raw diet advocates gave some insight about its benefits, this kind of diet poses a lot of serious health problems not only for dogs but also people.

All owners must know that opting for a BARF, raw, or home-cooked diet for your dog is time-consuming. It requires meticulous care when handling, preparing and sanitizing.

It’s also more expensive. Costs of the raw dog food diet would greatly vary with their ingredients and the way it’s prepared.

Aside from that, raw or uncooked meat contains deadly pathogens that can make your dog sick. If not, he can possibly carry and transfer them to your other pets or people he comes in contact with.

That is why this type of feeding is not advisable to be tried in homes with immunocompromised individuals and small children. Raw food can be contaminated with bacteria such as E-coli, listeria, and salmonella.

Another concern is the obstruction of bones or other solid food that can cause choking or even intestinal damage to your pet.

It’s a common thing to see dogs and puppies enjoying a bone. It serves as their entertainment, and also appropriate for their teeth and muscles of mastication. But keep in mind that a bone shouldn’t be eaten. It’s only to gnaw on and play with.

So a good bone is one that can’t be fractured and consumed. It also shouldn’t have a fatty marrow or tissue remains that can harbor bacteria.

Some teething pups may not be too keen on a bone in one try, but after a few hours, toss it out and give him or her a new one.

Another concern comes from the veggie lovers.

While dogs are classified as omnivores, but so are bears, and you wouldn’t think that a bear would eat everything that a herbivore does.

It’s understandable for humans to manage their own nutrition and health by being vegetarians. The problem is, you can’t do this with dogs. Don’t try to burden your dog with your own emotional responses. They don’t have any moral or ethical objection to having a slice of good red meat.

As owners, we have to stop thinking that dogs are an extension of ourselves, preferences, or that they can be experimental systems. Don’t just try things on your pet just to see if it would work or not.

If your dog has been thriving on grocery store dog food – as most do – the old adage ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ should leap to mind.

Dry Kibbles VS Raw Food: What’s the best for my dog?

Not unless you’re a veterinarian or a nutritionist, always talk to a professional about your dog’s dietary needs before changing it. They’d be the only people to help you figure out what’s best suited for your canine’s lifestyle, exercise, and health while providing all the nutrition he needs.

Just like how working canines, such as hunting dogs, may have different caloric specification than a typical household pet.

Dry Kibbles

The ingredients for dry dog food will vary by brand, but they offer nutritional balance. As a matter of fact, the nutritional value, calories, and content of commercially prepared dog food are regulated by law.

It would usually contain proteins such as fish, beef, poultry, and eggs, as well as cereals, grains, antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins.

Those who are firm believers of dry dog kibbles claim that the benefits to this are:

• Cost-effectiveness
• healthier gums
• lesser dental plaque
• easier storage
• avoid spoilage
• reduces the risk of bacteria.

By choosing dry dog food, all you have to do is read the label to help you find one that’s suited for your canine’s breed size.

In fact, there are also dry kibbles that are specifically made for puppies and senior dogs. They even have dry food that can help dogs with health issues, such as joint problems.

The first ingredient on the list is the most prevalent. The best dog food would have one, novel source of protein like salmon, chicken, and lamb. If you’re worried about grains, like corn, causing allergies to your dog, just choose an alternative to fill in the carbohydrates your dog needs such as oats and rice.

Essence Pet Foods is a new brand for those paw parents who prefer dry kibbles or canned food for their fur babies. It provides a lot of meal options and is suitable for canines in different stages of life.

Also, you shouldn’t buy excessive amounts of dog food. Always read the labels and the “best by” date since the shelf life of dog foods can be affected.

You should pay attention to portion control which may help your dog live longer and healthier.

Raw Dog Food Diet

Aside from being time-consuming, expensive, and more likely to carry bacteria, the raw food diet doesn’t have balanced nutrition.

Generally, dogs would need food that has water, carbohydrates, fats, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Not only that, their nutritional needs will change as they go through different stages of life.

Although you can mix in different ingredients into his raw food diet, you won’t be able to properly balance the adequate levels of vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus, which are essential for the development of your dog.

You may be following home-made diets from a recipe book. Sure, they’re automatically true, correct, authentic, and well-researched. That is why they’re published.

But do all pet owners have a lab-quality balance to measure every ingredient they include in their dog’s diet? And to check the nutritional analysis of each meal?

An unbalanced diet or nutrition would put your dog at severe risk for a lot of health issues.

For example, if your dog has a high blood phosphorus level – is it because of kidney disease or due to a BARF diet? Your female dog (bitch) isn’t getting pregnant.

Is she hormonally challenged, bred at the wrong time, infected, or were you adding estrogen-like compounds to her diet?

Diagnosis and treatment of health issues would be more difficult since we have to factor in all of the variables that these raw, BARF, and home-cooked diets may cause.

But what if your dog is showing skin problems or hair loss while trying the raw food diet?

The only thing you can do is try switching to high-quality dog food which almost always improves any dog’s situation.

If you’re really into the raw food diet, find a vet who’s familiar with this type of feeding.

After all, they’re the only ones who can give you guidelines and tips on how to implement it while preventing health problems.

Common mistakes when switching to a raw dog food diet

Are you an advocate of the raw, BARF and homemade diet for dogs? Or do you want to see if your pet would gain or lose weight, or even have fewer health issues if you go for this kind of feeding?

Well, switching your dog’s diet is never a simple task. Here are some mistakes you should avoid before trying to change things up.

Lack of understanding or knowledge about the basics of nutrition

When we say “raw”, it doesn’t mean that you would get any animal part and just give it to your dog.

One of the biggest problems with this type of feeding is there are no established vitamin or mineral standards. That is why it’s important to talk to a vet or professional instead of just throwing your dog a slab of uncooked steak.

Aside from how different the meaning of raw is from any pet owner to a professional’s, it’s more about considering what is a balanced diet for your dog.

Not complimenting the meat with other ingredients

A raw diet for dogs has uncooked meat and a few additives – bone, organ meat, fruit, and even supplements. It can even have cooked veggies or rice. Some owners would use or mix in freeze-dried dog food which contains raw meats with vitamins and minerals.

You can throw in some seafood like cooked oysters or mussels. Getting the proper balance of omega 3:6, you would need to cover the minerals and vitamins with a variety of ingredients.

Other kinds of dog food even have all the necessary “extras”!

Let’s use a popular example. A patty that is BARF-based has 50% raw meat and the other half with an assortment of ingredients like raw eggs, cheese, cod liver oil, and salt. If you wish to add vegetables, know that dogs have a harder time digesting them. So make sure that veggies are cooked, juiced, or minced.

Fruits are also a great addition to a raw diet. Not only are they a great source of vitamins, but also flavor and variety. Just keep it below 30% as a dog’s nutrition should mostly come from meat.

Why not add some berries for its antioxidant content? Then give slices of watermelon and apples as treats!

But not all fruits should be given to your pet. Don’t even try feeding him raisins or grapes since it they can cause kidney problems. And don’t give those sugary canned fruits, as well.

Overlooking supplements

Not one dog is like the other. Just like any individual, each pet is unique. So it’s possible that one canine would need a complement for their diet.

Calcium is an important nutrient that you have to make sure your pooch gets enough of it in their meals. The good thing is it’s easy to add. A premade raw dog food diet already have essential additives like calcium to make sure it’s balanced.

If you prefer homemade, you can ground oyster shells or eggshells that can give that dietary boost in calcium.

For omega 3 fatty acids and anti-inflammatory benefits, add flaxseed oil into your dog’s raw diet. Looking for other sources of minerals? Try seaweed and kelp. It will all depend on what your pet needs.

If your dog needs more vitamins or joint supplements, then you can mix it in his or her food.

You worry too much about safety concerns

This is a normal reaction, especially if the FDA is warning pet parents about the risks of handling and feeding your dog raw meat. We get how scary it can be as it won’t just affect animals, but humans too.

But as long as you follow the proper way of how to handle food, then it’s basically the same as preparing raw burgers or steak.

Doing everything you can to keep bacteria at bay poses fewer health issues for most pets. But if any human in your home has a compromised immune system, then this type of diet is not suitable for your dog.

The number one issue when shifting food or diet is gastrointestinal problems. And that includes diarrhea since most dogs have an intestinal tract that’s sensitive. But it’s not a permanent problem for canines. You can battle with this by adding one new ingredient or mixing in digestive enzymes to help your pooch with the transition.

Practicing safety for your dog’s raw food diet

For those who believe that this is the healthiest feeding option for your pet, here are some guidelines that the FDA recommends. It can help reduce risking your dog’s health and everyone else in the house.

• First of all, only purchase any raw meat from a trusted butcher or source, and use it within 3 days while bacteria level is still low. Keep it in freezing temperature until the time you’re going to use them.
• Always thaw raw meat in the fridge or microwave. Don’t let it sit in room temperature in your countertop or sink. Also, avoid all raw juices from running and spreading anywhere.
• While you’re handling raw food for your fur buddy, make sure you don’t touch anything with your hands, especially your mouth.
• Once you’re sure that you won’t be holding any raw meat, wash your hands and arms thoroughly with soap and water.
• You should also clean and disinfect the area where you prepared your dog’s raw food. The FDA’s advice is to wash all surfaces with soap and water, then use a cleaner with a mix of 1 tbsp. of bleach and 1 quart of water.
• If your dog wasn’t able to finish his meal, you either refrigerate it right away or dispose of his leftovers carefully.
• Generally, whichever diet your dog has, avoid letting your pet lick your face, especially kiss your mouth.
• If your dog licked your fingers, hand, or arm, wash it right away.
• It’s good to use gloves if you don’t want to wash all the time. But use disposable ones, because washing it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s not going to harbor any bacteria. Using disposable plates to feed your dog is a great idea, too!

Did you know that your dog’s stool is also a possible source of contamination that came from raw food?

Be sure to safely collect and dispose of your pet’s excrement. And avoid coming into contact with it. And again, wash your hands with soap and water.

Helping your dog transition from dry food to a raw diet

Switching your pet to a new diet should be a slow process to help him or her adapt to the change. So here’s a basic plan that you can base on how to do it.

This is a schedule that you can follow, but you have to observe your dog every day from the moment you started changing his or her meals. Does your pooch look like he or she feels sick or having a tummy ache? Then that means you have to use a much slower pace during the transition.

If half a serving of raw diet seems too much for your pet, then try to go back to serving only ¼ of the new food. Do it for a day or more before switching to a bigger portion again.

Opting for a homemade, raw, or a BARF diet means you have to calculate the portion or amount to serve a puppy or adult canine. You can even compute how much to feed for pregnant or nursing dogs!

How much raw dog food should you feed to your pet

No matter what you feed your dog, you need to consider a lot of factors to know how much raw food you can give him or her.

So there’s no general number that can be provided or applied to all dogs.

But you have different options to figure out the quantity of raw dog food to feed your pet. Either by calories or using the body weight percentage of your pooch.

Body Weight Percentage Method

This option is used, not only by those experienced raw feeders but also by new owners trying this diet. It’s simple and also the most often way recommended for newbies, to begin with. But how does it work? Is there a formula?

Calculate the amount of raw food to give your dog by feeding him or her about 2 to 3 percent of your dog’s ideal body weight (adult) every single day.

Let’s say your dog’s ideal weight is 20 lbs. He or she would then need about 0.6 to 0.9 lbs or raw dog food.

Never rely on the current weight of your dog as it can cause significant gain weight.

The goal here is to improve the overall health of your pet and reach a target weight. If you need help in determining all the exact numbers, bring your canine to the vet.

But remember, not one dog is conditioned like the dog that’s in perfect health. Factors such as the dog’s activity level, if he or she is too thin or overweight, or maybe obese, then adjustments have to be made.

The Caloric Approach

Although some experts would choose this method, it can be confusing.

Calculating the serving size of raw dog food using calories is more tedious and not all feeders of this diet execute it. It’s not really easy to find the calorie count for raw meaty bones (like chicken necks and feet), Less popular offal and organs (like spleen, pancreas, kidney), some exotic meats.

It will be very difficult to count the calories if you don’t know and can’t find the nutrition data for the ingredients.

How much raw food can you give puppies?

Since pups need more food and fuel because their bodies are developing, they are an exception to the rule.

If you’re going for the raw diet for your pup throughout his or her life, then start right away with this type of feeding. It’s best to do it when he or she is weaning from the mom’s milk. You wouldn’t want your puppy to have stomach and digestion problems, or worse, developmental issues.

Determine the amount of food your puppy needs by giving him or her 2 to 3% of his or her ideal weight as an adult.

You can also feed the pup with 10% of his or her current weight every day. We recommend that you record the puppy’s growth. Once he or she reaches the ideal adult weight, then stick to the 2-3% method.

Speaking of portion, don’t forget to divide your dog’s meals throughout the day.

How often should you be feeding your dog with raw diet?

This is a different topic. It’s important that you know that the calculations you made to know how much raw dog food to give your pet is for the whole day.

It’s generally recommended for owner’s to split or divide their dog’s meals into smaller servings.

The ideal feeding is one in the morning and once at night. If you give your dog his daily meal in one serving, he or she may start feeling lethargic before dinnertime the following day.

Splitting meals throughout the day can also help avoid the chances of health issues such as bloating.

Recipes to try to start a raw dog food diet

Before trying out any recipes from a book or online, consult with your vet first as the required nutritional balance for dogs would vary based on their size and breed.

Ingredients:

• Ground beef (2 ½ lbs)
• Chicken livers (4 oz)
• 1 Carrot (chopped)
• 1 Small apple (cored)
• Baby spinach (½ c)
• 2 Eggs (whole, including shell)
• Plain yogurt (½ c)
• Flaxseed (1 tbsp, ground)
• Olive oil (1 tbsp)

Directions:

1. Place the apple, spinach, and carrot in a food processor and finely chop.
2. Mix and process the other ingredients, except the beef.
3. Place the processed mixture in a bowl, add the beef, and mix it well.
4. Divide it into portions and make patties or sausages using your palm. Place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment (to avoid contact with other surfaces).
5. Transfer to a storage container and keep it in the freezer.
6. If you’re planning to feed it to your dog the next day, place the raw food into the fridge to thaw before going to bed.

If you want to create your own recipes, you should be aware that there are some foods or ingredients that you should never feed your dog.

Raw food diet meal plan

To get you started and give you an idea of what you can prepare for your dog, here’s a sample of a raw dog food daily menu that is planned out for the week.

This is based on a daily raw dog food plan for a canine that’s been on this diet for quite some time. If you’re starting out, you can use poultry. But once you get used to raw feeding and you can afford it, it’s best to balance your pet’s meals with bone and meat.

Most owners feed their dogs with fish oil. But did you know that even the high-quality kind can quickly turn rancid and even cause inflammation? Besides, it’s not friendly for the environment and it’s also a heated, processed product. If you want fish to be included in your dog’s diet, then use fresh, whole fish.

Sardines, mackerel, herring, and smelts are great examples but do it only once or twice per week. Balance out the fats in his diet by sticking to 5% fish in your pet’s total diet.

You can also try other homemade recipes for dogs if you prefer cooked food instead of raw.

The verdict about raw food diet for dogs

Not one type of feeding works for all dogs, even those who have a good appetite.

While the raw dog food diet is becoming popular, not everyone can switch their dog to it. It can be due to health issues or food sensitivities. But before doing any dietary change for your pet, talk about it with a trusted vet to know your dog’s specific needs.

And always observe how your dog reacts. If there’s any change with the way he acts, sleep, eat, or drink water. Shifting to a new kind of food can almost always cause stomach pain.

If your fur baby gets sick, take him to a veterinarian right away.

Remember, be patient all throughout the process. Eventually, you’ll be way more comfortable with the new diet for your pet. You’d also see an improvement in your dog if the type of feeding you’re giving him or her is the right one. You will notice less stinky breath, better and shinier coat, and even fewer health problems.

What are your opinions about the raw dog food diet? Do you have any ingredients or recipes to share? What type of feeding works for your pet? Share with us and the other readers all about it!

To save 30% on dog food plus get free shipping you’ll need to do a few things…

It all goes down something like this.

1. You see a recommendation of ours that you think you want to purchase.
2. You click on the link – just like this one – and it takes you to that product on Chewy.com (AKA the cheapest online pet food retailer).
3. You investigate a little further and decide you like the product and want to buy it.
4. Place your order and Chewy will take 30% off your first qualifying dog food purchase (you’ll need to activate Autoship, but don’t worry, if you won’t like it, you can edit or cancel it anytime).
5. You get your product(s) in the mail quickly and with great customer service (and shipping will be free for orders that are more than $49).

If you set up Auto-Ship you’ll also get an additional 5%-10% off repeat orders and be free of worrying about running out of dog food forever.

In case you missed it here’s the link to Chewy.com that will help us continue to bring you great dog content.

Also, check these links, where Chewy lists great deals:

• Shop Today’s Deals at Chewy!
• Shop the All-Stars of Summer at Chewy! Save up to 50% plus Free 1-2 Day Shipping on orders $49+!

NEED HELP with this? Feel free to email us at hello@animalso.com

Wellness is one of the most popular brands of dog food on the market today, known for its high-quality products that cater to dogs of all sizes and ages. They focus on all-natural, wholesome recipes that provide the best nutrition for your dog.

Let’s delve deeper into this brand - we’ll look at its philosophy, its background, and some of its top recipes.

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Blue Buffalo is a premium brand of dog food that was started by a family for their own beloved furry companion.

Blue Buffalo provides nutritious recipes that include natural ingredients, high-quality meat, fish, or poultry, and fruit and vegetables. They produce wholesome recipes for all life stages, sizes, and activity levels.

My List of the Best Blue Buffalo Dog Food Options in 2021:

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Merrick is a leading producer of natural and organic pet foods. They pride themselves on making hand-crafted, wholesome recipes for dogs of all life stages and sizes.

Read on to find out more about the Merrick brand and take a look at some of its top recipes.

My List of the Best Merrick Dog Food Options in 2021:

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Zignature prides itself on producing recipes that reflect the ancestral diet, meaning meat first and limited ingredients. While the meat supplies your dog with much-needed animal protein, the limited ingredients eliminate potential allergens for dogs such as chicken, dairy, and beef. Therefore, it is especially suited to dogs with food sensitivities or allergies.

Let’s take a look into this brand and some of their top recipes:

My List of the Best Zignature Dog Food Options in 2021:

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