Dog Nutrition 101 — What to Feed and What to Avoid

By Pawsitive Team

Dog Nutrition 101 — What to Feed and What to Avoid

What you feed your dog directly impacts their energy, coat quality, lifespan, and overall happiness. Yet dog nutrition remains one of the most confusing topics for Indian pet parents. Should you feed kibble or homemade? Is chicken better than fish? Can dogs eat rice? What about that viral "raw diet" trend?

This comprehensive guide covers everything about what dogs can eat, what's toxic food for dogs, and how to build a healthy dog diet that works for your budget and your pet's needs.

Understanding Your Dog's Nutritional Needs

Dogs are omnivores (unlike cats, who are obligate carnivores). They need a balanced mix of:

• Protein (25-30%): The building block of muscles, organs, and immune system. Sources: chicken, lamb, fish, eggs
• Fats (10-15%): Energy, coat health, brain function. Sources: fish oil, chicken fat, flaxseed
• Carbohydrates (30-40%): Energy and fiber. Sources: rice, sweet potato, oats
• Vitamins & Minerals: Calcium, phosphorus, zinc, vitamins A, D, E, B-complex
• Water: Always available, fresh, and clean

Commercial Dog Food — Choosing the Right One

Quality commercial food (kibble) is the easiest way to ensure balanced nutrition. Here's what to look for on Indian shelves:

Reading the Label

• First ingredient should be a named meat — "Chicken" or "Lamb," NOT "meat meal" or "animal by-products"
• Check protein percentage — minimum 22% for adults, 28% for puppies
• Avoid artificial colors — dogs don't care what color their food is
• Look for named fat sources — "chicken fat" is better than "animal fat"
• Check for AAFCO statement — ensures complete and balanced nutrition

Top Kibble Brands in India (Ranked by Quality)

• Premium: Orijen, Acana, Farmina N&D (₹600-1,200/kg)
• High-quality: Royal Canin, Hills Science Diet (₹400-700/kg)
• Good: Arden Grange, Canine Creek (₹300-500/kg)
• Budget: Drools, Pedigree, Purepet (₹150-300/kg)

Shop all these brands with genuine products at Pawsitive Pet Care with doorstep delivery across Delhi NCR.

Safe Human Foods Your Dog Can Eat

These make excellent treats and meal toppers:

• Chicken (boiled, boneless): Excellent protein source, easy to digest
• Eggs (boiled or scrambled, no oil): Complete protein with biotin for coat health
• Rice (white, cooked): Easy on the stomach, good for upset tummies
• Curd/Yogurt (unsweetened): Probiotics for gut health, cooling in summer
• Pumpkin (cooked): Fiber for digestion, helps with both diarrhea and constipation
• Carrots (raw or boiled): Low calorie, good for teeth, rich in vitamin A
• Watermelon (seedless): Hydrating summer treat
• Banana: Quick energy, potassium (in moderation due to sugar)
• Sweet potato (cooked): Fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants
• Fish (salmon, sardines — cooked, boneless): Omega-3 fatty acids for coat and joints
• Apples (seedless): Vitamin C and fiber
• Paneer (small amounts): Protein treat — but watch for lactose sensitivity

TOXIC Foods — Never Feed These to Your Dog

These can be fatal even in small quantities:

• Chocolate: Contains theobromine — darker chocolate is more toxic. Even a small amount can cause vomiting, seizures, and death
• Grapes and Raisins: Cause acute kidney failure. Even one grape can be dangerous for small dogs
• Onions and Garlic: Destroy red blood cells, causing anemia. This includes onion powder in snacks
• Xylitol (sugar-free gum/candy): Causes rapid insulin release and liver failure
• Macadamia Nuts: Cause weakness, vomiting, hyperthermia
• Alcohol: Even small amounts cause dangerous drops in blood sugar and blood pressure
• Caffeine: Tea, coffee, energy drinks — causes restlessness, rapid breathing, seizures
• Cooked Bones: Splinter and cause internal punctures. Raw bones are safer (but supervise)
• Avocado: Contains persin, which causes vomiting and diarrhea
• Raw yeast dough: Expands in stomach, produces alcohol

If your dog eats any toxic food, contact your vet immediately or call the nearest emergency vet clinic. In Delhi NCR: Cessna Lifeline (Gurgaon), Max Vets (Defence Colony), CGS Hospital (Gurgaon).

Common Indian Kitchen Items — Safe or Not?

Since many Indian pet parents supplement with home food, here's the verdict on common items:

• Roti/Chapati: Safe in small amounts, but offers little nutrition. Not ideal as a staple
• Dal (cooked lentils): Safe and protein-rich, but can cause gas. Feed in moderation
• Ghee: Small amounts are fine and good for coat. Too much = weight gain
• Turmeric (haldi): Actually beneficial — anti-inflammatory. Add a pinch to meals
• Spicy food: NEVER. Indian curries, masalas, and spicy leftovers cause severe stomach upset
• Milk: Most adult dogs are lactose intolerant. Curd is a better option
• Coconut: Flesh and oil are both safe and beneficial in small amounts
• Raw chicken/mutton: Risky due to bacteria. Cook thoroughly

Homemade vs. Commercial Food — The Great Debate

Both approaches have merits. Here's an honest comparison:

Commercial food (kibble):

• Nutritionally complete and balanced
• Convenient — scoop and serve
• Consistent quality
• Better for dental health (crunching reduces tartar)
• Properly preserved, long shelf life

Homemade food:

• You know exactly what goes in
• No preservatives or fillers
• Can be tailored to allergies/preferences
• BUT: Very difficult to balance properly without a veterinary nutritionist
• Time-consuming to prepare daily
• Common deficiencies: calcium, omega-3, certain vitamins

Our recommendation: Use high-quality kibble as the base (70-80% of diet) and supplement with safe whole foods like boiled chicken, eggs, curd, and vegetables (20-30%).

Feeding Schedule and Portions

• Puppies (2-6 months): 3-4 meals per day
• Adolescents (6-12 months): 2-3 meals per day
• Adults (1 year+): 2 meals per day (morning and evening)
• Senior dogs (7+ years): 2 meals, possibly with senior-specific food

Portion sizes depend on breed, weight, and activity level. Follow the feeding guide on your food packaging, and adjust based on your dog's body condition. You should be able to feel (but not see) their ribs.

Signs of Poor Nutrition

Watch for these indicators that your dog's diet needs improvement:

• Dull, dry, or flaky coat
• Low energy and lethargy
• Frequent digestive issues (gas, loose stools, vomiting)
• Excessive shedding beyond normal
• Slow wound healing
• Weight gain or inability to maintain healthy weight
• Bad breath beyond normal "dog breath"

Supplements Worth Considering

• Omega-3 fish oil: For coat, joints, and brain health (₹300-600/bottle)
• Probiotics: For gut health, especially after antibiotics
• Joint supplements (glucosamine + chondroitin): For large breeds and senior dogs
• Calcium: Only if vet-recommended — excess calcium is dangerous for puppies

Find quality nutrition supplements for your dog at Pawsitive Pet Care. We stock trusted brands and can help you choose the right supplements for your dog's needs.

The Bottom Line

Good nutrition doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. Choose a quality commercial food within your budget, supplement sensibly with safe whole foods, avoid toxic items strictly, and feed appropriate portions. Your dog will reward you with a shiny coat, bright eyes, boundless energy, and many healthy years together.

Questions about your dog's diet? Reach out to the Pawsitive Team at pawsitivepetcare.in — we're always happy to help!