As mentioned earlier, the exact nutrition your dog needs will ultimately depend on a couple of variables. We’ll briefly mention them below.

Life Stage

It’s no secret how our nutritional needs change depending on our stage in life - the same goes for your four-legged buddies. Below, are the different stages and the recommended foods:

• Pregnant Dogs: A reproducing dog will naturally need more food as the pregnancy progresses—particularly those rich in protein. Not only is it easier to digest but it’ll provide the right amounts of amino acids needed by the growing pups.
  
  
• Lactating Dogs: When the dog gives birth, the food intake will actually increase further. A diet rich in animal protein and fat is ideal as it stimulates & increases milk production.
  
  
• Older Dogs: Older dogs are more likely to get overweight. However, this may not necessarily be due to overeating but a slowing down in the metabolism process because of age. To aid in their digestive systems, it’s best to give them foods rich in fiber. Generally, dogs aged over five years will burn fewer calories per day. As a result, they’ll require a lower calorie intake.

Breed

Your dog’s breed will determine the food you select. Some breeds are generally more active than others meaning they’ll use more energy. The less active breeds such as the bulldog won’t need as many calories.

Also note that some breeds are unfortunately genetically predisposed to become overweight over time. As they don’t get balanced nutrition. A few examples include the following breeds:

• Terrier
• Spaniels
• Labradors
  
• Beagles

Food Sensitivities & Allergies

Unfortunately, some dogs may be affected negatively by the foods they eat, even natural dog food. Most pet owners might then conclude that their dogs are allergic to certain foods, which isn’t always the case. Sometimes, the dog has food sensitivities. Of course, there’s also a difference between food allergies and food sensitivity.

What you must be clear about is the difference between the two before you pick certain foods. We’ll differentiate the two below.

Food Allergy

What you must know is there are generally fewer cases of food allergies in dogs than food sensitivities. With allergies, your adult dogs will experience an immediate immunological response when they eat certain foods.

Anaphylactic shock is one such example of a rapid response after ingesting these allergens present in certain foods for instance peanuts. This reaction is normally as a result of shock or hypotension.

However, not all reactions are as severe. Mild reactions also occur if your dog eats certain foods for instance:

• Hives
• Facial swelling
• Itchiness
  
• Acute vomiting
  
• Diarrhea

Food Sensitivity

In the case of food sensitivity, also known as intolerance, the condition is more chronic, and the reactions don’t involve an immunological response. Though rarely life-threatening, eating certain foods will negatively impact your dog’s well-being and overall health. Examples of food sensitivities include the following signs:

• Diarrhea with or without vomiting
• Unhealthy looking coat which can be either itchy or dull
• Recurring ear and foot infections which can be either caused by yeast or bacteria

The American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) isn't a government regulatory agency; however, they are a voluntary quality standard group that sets nutritional standards for each stage in your pet's life.

Commercial dog food companies market their food for specific stages in your dog's life including puppy, adult, and senior life stages. To choose the best dog food, it is recommended that you base your choice on the standards of the AAFCO as well as the FDA's recommendations; it is a good sign of quality when the dog food you choose meets these AAFCO requirements and standards.

What About Canned Dog Food?

In some ways, you may find that canned dog food is just as good if not better than some kibble. Canned dog food often contains more meat protein than their dry dog food counterparts. They are also often made with far fewer carbohydrates as well and contain no synthetic preservatives due to their air-tight packaging.

Canned dog food is an often-overlooked food option, but it can also be used to supplement any of the dry dog food formulas we list below in the top best vet recommended dog foods. Canned food may be more appetizing, contain fewer chemical additives, it is easier to chew, more filling, has a longer shelf life, and is higher in meat protein and natural fats.

Hill's Science Diet Wet Dog Food

This is one of the most recommended brands of wet food for dogs because of the high-quality ingredients used and how it can provide complete nutrition for your dog. It is made with high-quality protein that helps your dog build and maintain lean muscles and its ingredients are easily digestible.

It is veterinarian recommended, provides nutrition that supports a healthy coat, skin, and stool, and has a taste and flavor that your dog will find irresistible.

Natural Balance Ultra-Premium Canned Dog Food

This canned dog food also only uses the best and most high-quality ingredients and provides balanced levels of protein, vegetables, and easily digestible carbohydrates. This particular formula allows for optimal absorption of all of its nutrients which help keep your dog healthy.

There is also a good amount of Omega-6 and Omega-3. These nutrients help promote a shiny coat and healthy skin. This canned dog food was also formulated for all dog breeds as well as all of their different life stages.

Pros

• Maintains muscle health
• Highly digestible carbohydrates
• Safety tested
• No artificial colors or flavors
  
  

Cons

• It is not grain-free
• Have to use a can opener

Medical History

Your dog’s medical history also plays a part in determining the foods you must buy for it. We’ll categorize the most important aspects that can affect your dog’s health to help you pick the right foods.

Surgery

Has your dog undergone any surgical procedures in the past? Some procedures will impact your dog’s eating habits for instance spaying. Since this procedure is designed to prevent your dog from getting pregnant it means removing the ovaries and uterus.

This ultimately results in a decrease in the production of sex hormones which leads to a reduction in energy expenditure. The end result: increased hunger. This means your dog will want to consume large amounts of food at any given time.

Medication

Some medications—whether short-term or chronic—may drastically affect your dog’s eating patterns. A good example is a medication which contains Phenobarbital which is an anticonvulsant. Ingesting this often leads to a decrease in satiety which results in overeating.

To avoid your dog ending up overweight, there are certain foods they must consume and avoid as they adhere to a strict diet plan.

Also, if your dog’s medication contains Glucocorticoids, you’re likely to have an obese dog on your hands—if you don’t manage his diet. This kind of medication normally leads to abnormal fat deposition which causes weight gain. For this reason, you need to steer clear of foods which contain too much fat. Foods with lean protein are your best bet—plus lots of water.

Diseases

Before changing your dog’s diet, you must consider if your dog suffers from diseases that might affect their eating habits. Unfortunately, some conditions will lead to excessive weight gain such as:

• Hypothyroidism
• Insulinoma
• Hyperadrenocorticism