Dog Nutrition: Its Importance for Feeding and Health

What does nutrition mean for dogs?

Canine nutrition refers to the provision of energy, protein, fat, carbohydrates, minerals, trace elements, vitamins, and water in amounts appropriate to a dog’s needs. A scientifically sound dog diet meets the nutrient requirements defined by the FEDIAF Nutritional Guidelines (2024) or the NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats (2006), takes into account the dog’s life stage, activity level, body condition, and health—and avoids both over- and undersupply.

Dogs are omnivores with a history of a meat-based diet. Genetically, they differ from wolves in several ways, including a pronounced ability to digest starch (Axelsson et al. 2013). This does not make dogs vegetarians—but it does make them flexible feeders who can adapt well to different types of food, provided the nutritional balance is right.

Background + Scientific Context

The FEDIAF Nutritional Guidelines (2024) are the European industry standard for pet food and define minimum and maximum levels for over 30 essential nutrients. They distinguish between puppies, adult dogs, and pregnant or lactating dogs. The NRC publication (2006) serves as the scientific foundation upon which FEDIAF builds—somewhat more conservative in its safety margins, but comparable in principle.

Studies show that homemade or BARF diets prepared without professional nutritional analysis are nutritionally unbalanced in the majority of cases. Stockman et al. (2013) analyzed 200 online recipes for dog food: 95 percent showed at least one nutrient deficiency, particularly in calcium, vitamin D, zinc, and copper. In BARF diets, additional risks from salmonella and antibiotic-resistant bacteria have also been documented (Davies et al. 2019).

The link between diet and disease is well established: being overweight shortens life expectancy—the Lifelong study by Kealy et al. (2002) showed that Labradors on a restricted diet lived, on average, nearly two years longer than their siblings fed ad libitum.

Vitomalia-Position

At Vitomalia, we recommend a needs-based diet for dogs in accordance with FEDIAF or NRC guidelines, tailored to each dog’s life stage, activity level, and health. We consider dry food, wet food, cooked meals, and raw meals to be fundamentally equivalent—provided the nutritional balance is correct. The format is secondary; the nutritional balance is primary.

We reject marketing-driven dietary trends that lack a scientific basis: grain-free diets as an end in themselves, single-protein sources without a medical indication, vegan dog food without veterinary supervision, and raw feeding without a balanced recipe. A diet isn’t automatically better just because it sounds natural.

When does nutrition become important for dogs?

It is always important—but particularly critical in the following situations: the puppy stage, when growth needs are high; pregnancy and lactation; senior dogs with digestive changes; sporting or working dogs with increased energy needs; and chronic conditions such as kidney failure, pancreatitis, allergies, or diabetes. The issue of obesity is also closely linked to feeding habits.

Practical application

Calculate requirements: Energy requirements based on the FEDIAF formula, which uses ideal body weight rather than current body weight.
When choosing a complete food: The packaging must say "complete food"—this indicates that it provides all necessary nutrients. Supplements alone do not meet your pet's nutritional needs.
Adjust the portion size: Take into account activity level, climate, reproductive status, and age. Active dogs need more energy, while couch potatoes need less.
Monitor body condition: Use the 9-point Body Condition Score (BCS) every 4–6 weeks. Ideal score: BCS 4–5.
Homemade or BARF: Have your recipes calculated exclusively by qualified veterinarians specializing in nutritional counseling—not from internet forums.

Common Mistakes & Myths

"Grain-free is healthier." This is not true in general. Between 2018 and 2022, the FDA investigated a link between grain-free diets and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). A causal relationship has not been conclusively established, but the suspicion remains.
"Dogs need raw meat; that's what's right for them." Dogs have been domesticated for thousands of years and are genetically adapted to a varied diet (Axelsson 2013). Raw food is an option, not a requirement.
"Bones are a natural product and harmless." Heated bones splinter, and raw long bones can break teeth. Cases of stomach perforations and intestinal blockages caused by feeding bones have been documented.
"A puppy needs puppy food, or else everything will go wrong." This is true for large breeds because it helps control their growth—but for small breeds, it's less critical as long as the complete food is balanced.
"My dog likes to eat it, so it must be good." Palatability does not correlate with nutritional quality. Dogs will also eat fat-and-sugar mixtures with enthusiasm.

State of the art in 2026

The body of research on canine nutrition is robust. Consensus: FEDIAF and NRC serve as the benchmarks; individual adaptation is necessary; obesity is the leading preventable cause of reduced lifespan (Kealy 2002, Salt et al. 2019). Open questions concern the exact role of the microbiome, optimal fatty acid profiles, and the safety of plant-based dog diets. Initial evidence suggests that moderate calorie restriction in adult dogs has a life-prolonging effect—the evidence is robust.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many times a day should a dog be fed?

Adult dogs: 1–2 meals. Puppies: 3–4. For large breeds at risk of gastric torsion: two meals, followed by a period of rest after eating.

Which is better, dry food or wet food?

Both can be high-quality. Dry food is more energy-dense and more affordable, while wet food provides more water and is often more palatable. The key factor is whether it is labeled as a complete and balanced diet.

Can my dog be fed a vegan diet?

In theory, yes; in practice, only with a professional diet plan and monitoring. Without veterinary supervision, there is a risk of deficiencies in taurine, vitamin B12, methionine, and carnitine.

How can I tell if I'm overweight?

The ribs should be palpable when felt from above, and the waist should be visible from the side. A Body Condition Score of 4–5 out of 9 indicates ideal weight.

Related terms

Sources & Further Reading

FEDIAF (2024). Nutritional Guidelines for Complete and Complementary Pet Food for Cats and Dogs. European Pet Food Industry Federation, Brussels.
National Research Council (2006). Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. The National Academies Press, Washington DC.
Kealy, R. D., Lawler, D. F., Ballam, J. M., et al. (2002). Effects of diet restriction on life span and age-related changes in dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 220(9), 1315-1320.
Stockman, J., Fascetti, A. J., Kass, P. H., & Larsen, J. A. (2013). Evaluation of recipes of home-prepared maintenance diets for dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 242(11), 1500-1505.
Axelsson, E., Ratnakumar, A., Arendt, M. L., et al. (2013). The genomic signature of dog domestication reveals adaptation to a starch-rich diet. Nature, 495(7441), 360-364.
Davies, R. H., Lawes, J. R., & Wales, A. D. (2019). Raw diets for dogs and cats: a review, with particular reference to microbiological hazards. Journal of Small Animal Practice, 60(6), 329-339.