How To Create A Balanced Diet For Your Dog

Last updated on February 24th, 2025 at 05:00 am

Are you sure you’re feeding your dog the right food? Figuring out how to create a balanced diet for your dog can be tricky, especially if you are bombarded with so many options when you visit the pet supplies store.  

Because every dog is different, this blog post will help you understand and figure out what a balanced diet looks like for your dog. 

And before you make any big changes, it’s always smart to check in with your vet.

Let’s get to it. 

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Why A Balanced Diet Matters For Dogs

Feeding your dog is more than just filling their bowl- it’s about keeping them healthy and happy. 

A balanced diet gives your dog the energy to run and play, keeps their coat shiny and soft, and helps their body stay strong. 

When dogs get the right nutrients, they’re more likely to stay active, alert, and avoid getting sick.

So, what happens when your dog is eating poorly? 

Think about how you feel when you eat junk food. At first, it tastes great and feels satisfying. But after a while, you feel bloated, tired, and sluggish. 

The same thing happens to dogs when they don’t get the right balance of nutrients. They might seem fine at first, but over time, poor nutrition can make them feel less energetic and more prone to health problems.

Furthermore, poor diet also leads to more serious health issues like weight gain, tummy troubles, and other long-term health issues. For example, not getting enough healthy fats can make their skin dry and itchy, while too much fat can cause weight gain and heart problems.

Therefore, feeding your dog a balanced diet not only extends their life but also improves their daily quality of life.

Key Nutrients Your Dog Needs 

Here’s the breakdown of the key nutrients your dog needs, based on guidelines from the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AFFCO). 

For Puppies (Growth and Reproduction)

• Protein: 22.5% – Protein helps build muscles, repair tissues, and support growth, especially in puppies. It’s also broken down into specific amino acids that are important for healthy development.
• Fat: 8.5% – Fat gives your dog energy and helps keep their coat shiny. It also helps their body absorb certain vitamins like A, D, E, and K.
• Minerals: Important minerals include calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, chloride, magnesium, iron, copper, manganese, zinc, iodine, and selenium. These minerals support everything from strong bones to healthy blood and nerve function.
• Vitamins: Puppies need vitamins like A, D, E, thiamine, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, niacin, pyridoxine, folic acid, vitamin B12, and choline. These vitamins help with things like vision, immune function, and metabolism.

For Adult Dogs (Maintenance)

• Protein: 18% – Adult dogs don’t need as much protein as puppies, but it’s still important for maintaining muscle and repairing tissues.
• Fat: 5.5% – Fat continues to be a key energy source for adult dogs, but in smaller amounts compared to puppies.
• Minerals: The same minerals are important for adult dogs, including calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, chloride, magnesium, iron, copper, manganese, zinc, iodine, and selenium. These minerals help maintain strong bones, healthy organs, and proper hydration.
• Vitamins: Adult dogs need the same essential vitamins: A, D, E, thiamine, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, niacin, pyridoxine, folic acid, vitamin B12, and choline. These keep their bodies functioning properly, from digestion to brain health.

Don’t forget water!

Water is just as important as food. Make sure your dog always has fresh, clean water available to keep them hydrated.

Choosing The Right Balanced Diet For Your Dog: Commercial vs Homemade

When it comes to choosing a balanced diet for your dog, you have two main options: commercial dog food or homemade (raw or cooked). Each choice has its pros and cons, and the best option depends on your dog’s needs, your lifestyle, and how much time you can dedicate to meal prep.

Commercial Dog Food

Most commercial dog foods are designed to meet the nutritional standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). To find out if the brand is AAFCO-approved, look for one of these statements on the label:

1. “[Product Name] is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for [life stage].”

This means the food meets AAFCO’s nutrient guidelines based on its ingredients and nutrient content.

2. “Animal feeding tests using AAFCO procedures substantiate that [Product Name] provides complete and balanced nutrition for [life stage].”

This indicates that the food has been tested on animals and proven to provide balanced nutrition.

3. “[Product Name] provides complete and balanced nutrition for [life stage] and is comparable to a product which has been substantiated using AAFCO feeding tests.”

This is less common and refers to products similar to ones that have passed feeding tests, sometimes called “family products.”

In Australia, commercial pet foods follow global standards like the AAFCO but also adhere to local labeling requirements set by the Pet Food Industry Association of Australia (PFIAA). When checking labels, make sure they include:

• Daily Feeding Guide: Instructions based on your dog’s size and age.

• Ingredients: A clear list showing what’s in the food, with ingredients listed from highest to lowest quantity.

• Nutritional Guarantee: A statement confirming the food meets nutrient requirements, often referencing AAFCO standards.

Pros: Convenient, consistent, and nutritionally balanced if you choose a reputable brand.

Cons: Some brands may contain artificial additives, fillers (like corn or soy), or low-quality ingredients. Always check the label for real meat as the first ingredient.

Homemade Diets

Preparing your dog’s meals at home gives you full control over what goes into their bowl. This can be great if your dog has allergies, food sensitivities, or specific health needs. 

If your dog is showing signs of food allergies such as itching, ear infections, or poor digestion, homemade dog food allows you to control ingredients and remove potential triggers. 

Meanwhile, dogs with more serious health problems like diabetes, kidney disease, or obesity can also benefit from homemade dog food. 

However, homemade diets can be tricky. Therefore, It’s recommended that you work with a veterinarian or pet nutritionist to avoid missing key nutrients. 

Even small mistakes can lead to long-term health issues like nutrient deficiencies or imbalances. Some resources to help with homemade diets include:

• RSPCA Australia (rspca.org.au) for general pet nutrition advice.

• Pet Food Australia (petfoodaustralia.com.au) for insights into Australian pet food standards.

• BalanceIT (balanceit.com) for vet-approved homemade diet formulations.

Other resources include this research about homemade diets and this article from the University Teaching Hospital Sydney on puppy diets. 

Pros: Customisable for dogs with allergies, sensitivities, or medical conditions.

Cons: Time-consuming and easy to accidentally miss important nutrients without expert guidance.

Portion Control and Feeding Schedule

Feeding your dog the right amount is just as important as choosing a balanced diet. Portion sizes depend on factors like your 

• age
• breed
• weight
• activity/energy level

Puppies and active breeds may require more frequent, smaller meals throughout the day, while adult dogs typically do well with two meals a day. Avoid free-feeding (leaving food out all day) as it can lead to overeating and weight gain.

Most commercial dog food packaging includes feeding guidelines, but it’s always best to consult your vet for personalised advice.

Final Thoughts 

There you have it, we hope you find this guide on how to create a balanced diet for your dog helpful. 

You are free to choose commercial dog food for its convenience or prefer homemade meals for more control over ingredients—either way, the key is to understand your dog’s nutritional needs and find the best fit.

When making changes to your dog’s diet, it’s important to take it slow. Start by mixing small amounts of new food with their current meals and gradually increase the new food for 7-10 days. 

This helps prevent digestive issues like upset stomach, vomiting, or diarrhea. If you notice any signs of discomfort, pause the transition and consult your vet.

No matter what path you choose, always check in with your veterinarian before making big changes to your dog’s diet. They can offer advise customised to your dog’s breed, age, and health.

Do you have questions or more tips on feeding your dog? Share them in the comments below.