Dog Nutrition Guide: What to Feed, What to Avoid & How Supplements Help

Dog nutrition is the foundation of your pet's health. What goes into your dog's bowl directly affects their energy, digestion, weight, coat quality, joint health and even behaviour. Yet it is a topic surrounded by myths, conflicting advice and aggressive marketing claims.

At My Home Treats, our founder Viviane Bélair, Ph.D., created our product line from a simple observation: most commercial dog products are over-processed and lack antioxidants. This guide gives you the fundamentals to understand canine nutrition, make better choices, and integrate natural supplements where it makes sense.

The Basics of Canine Nutrition
Safe vs Dangerous Foods for Dogs
Portions and Weight Management
How to Read a Dog Food Label
Food Allergies and Sensitivities
Nutrition by Life Stage
Natural Supplements: When and Why
Treats: Pleasure Meets Nutrition
Articles to Read
Frequently Asked Questions

The Basics of Canine Nutrition

Like humans, dogs need a balance of macronutrients and micronutrients to function optimally. Here are the essential components:

Protein: The most important macronutrient for dogs. It builds and maintains muscle, repairs tissue and supports immune function. The best sources are clearly identified meats (chicken, beef, lamb, fish) rather than vague "animal by-product meals." An adult dog needs at least 18% protein in their diet, but most experts recommend 25-30%.

Fats: The most concentrated energy source. Essential for skin and coat health, absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) and brain function. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are particularly important. An omega-3 supplement can be beneficial, especially for dogs with dry coats or skin issues.

Carbohydrates and fibre: Contrary to popular belief, dogs can digest carbohydrates effectively. They provide quick energy and fibre promotes healthy digestion. Oats, sweet potato, brown rice and barley are excellent sources. However, carbs should not be the primary ingredient in your dog's food.

Hydration: Water is often overlooked in nutrition discussions, but it is vital. A dog fed dry kibble needs to drink more than one fed raw or wet food. Ensure fresh, clean water is always accessible.

Safe vs Dangerous Foods for Dogs

One of the most searched topics in dog nutrition is which human foods are safe for dogs. Here is a clear summary:

Safe fruits and vegetables (in moderation):

Apples (without seeds or core) — Rich in fibre and vitamins. The star ingredient in our apple biscuits.
Bananas — Source of potassium and fibre. Our banana biscuits offer a controlled portion.
Carrots — Excellent raw or cooked. Good for teeth and low in calories.
Pumpkin — Excellent for digestion. Our pumpkin biscuits are a favourite.
Zucchini — Hydrating and light. Our zucchini biscuits are ideal for active dogs.
Sweet potato — Rich in fibre and beta-carotene. Our sweet potato biscuits make a great reward.
Blueberries, strawberries, watermelon (seedless) — Rich in antioxidants.

DANGEROUS or toxic foods:

Chocolate — Toxic. Theobromine can cause vomiting, tremors, seizures and even death depending on the amount.
Grapes and raisins — Highly toxic. Can cause acute kidney failure, even in small amounts.
Onions, garlic, leeks — Toxic to red blood cells.
Xylitol — Extremely dangerous artificial sweetener. Found in some peanut butters, gum and "sugar-free" products.
Avocado — Persin can cause digestive issues.
Macadamia nuts — Toxic. Cause weakness, vomiting and hyperthermia.
Cooked bones — Risk of splintering and intestinal perforation.

When in doubt, always consult your veterinarian. If your dog has ingested a toxic food, contact an emergency clinic immediately.

Portions and Weight Management

Obesity is the most common nutritional problem in Canadian dogs. Over 50% of dogs are estimated to be overweight, which shortens their lifespan by an average of 2 years and increases risks of diabetes, joint problems and heart disease.

How to assess your dog's weight:

You should be able to feel their ribs easily by running your hands along their sides, without the ribs being visible.
From above, your dog should have a visible waist (an indent between ribs and hips).
From the side, their belly should tuck up after the ribcage.

Factors affecting portions: age, activity level, spaying/neutering (a fixed dog needs roughly 20% fewer calories), breed and individual metabolism. Feeding guidelines on food bags are starting points, not absolute truths — adjust based on your dog's body condition.

Treats count too! If you frequently use training treats, reduce the meal portion slightly to compensate. Our biscuits are designed at only 2 to 8 calories each, precisely to minimize this impact.

How to Read a Dog Food Label

Decoding a dog food label can seem complicated, but a few simple rules help you make better choices:

Ingredients are listed by weight in descending order. The first ingredient should be a clearly identified protein source ("chicken," "salmon," "beef") — not a vague term like "animal by-products" or "meat meal."

Watch for "splitting": Some manufacturers divide a single ingredient under multiple names ("rice," "rice flour," "brown rice") to push it down the list and make protein appear as the first ingredient.

The guaranteed analysis gives you minimum percentages of crude protein and fat, and maximum percentages of fibre and moisture. To compare two foods on equal footing, convert to "dry matter basis" (especially important when comparing kibble vs wet food).

Additives to avoid: BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin (artificial preservatives), artificial colours, added sugar, propylene glycol.

Food Allergies and Sensitivities

Food allergies affect approximately 10% of dogs. Contrary to popular belief, the most common allergens are not grains, but animal proteins — beef, chicken, dairy and eggs top the list.

Signs of a food allergy or sensitivity:

Persistent itching (paws, ears, belly)
Recurring ear infections
Skin redness or irritation
Chronic soft stools, excessive gas
Occasional vomiting

The only reliable way to diagnose a food allergy is an elimination diet supervised by your veterinarian (8 to 12 weeks with a protein and carb source your dog has never eaten). Blood tests for food allergies are unfortunately not very reliable in dogs.

For sensitive dogs, hypoallergenic treats with a short ingredient list are essential. All our treats are formulated without animal proteins, wheat, soy or corn — the 4 most common allergens.

Nutrition by Life Stage

Puppies (0-12 months, up to 24 months for large breeds): Rapid growth means high protein and calcium needs. Puppy-specific food is essential. Feed 3-4 times daily until 4 months, then 2-3 times. For large breeds: growing too fast can damage joints.

Adults (1-7 years): Stability. Maintenance food with quality protein. Two meals per day is standard. Monitor weight, especially after spaying/neutering. Supplements are not always necessary with quality food, but some (omega-3, probiotics) offer complementary benefits.

Seniors (7+ years, 5+ for large breeds): Slower metabolism, adjusted calorie needs. Protein remains important (despite the old myth about reducing it). Joint support is often needed — glucosamine and a joint supplement can make a significant difference. A digestive supplement helps if digestion becomes more sensitive with age.

Natural Supplements: When and Why

A dog supplement is not a replacement for good base nutrition, but it can fill specific gaps or support particular needs. The most common ones and their uses:

Glucosamine and chondroitin — For joint health. Especially important for large breeds and senior dogs.
Omega-3 (fish oil) — For skin, coat, joints and cognitive health. Beneficial at nearly every life stage.
Probiotics — For digestive health. Useful after antibiotics, food changes or for chronic digestive sensitivity.
Calming supplements — For anxious or stressed dogs (storms, separation, travel).
Dental supplement — For oral hygiene and bad breath.

All our supplements are certified as Animal Health Products by Health Canada — a guarantee of quality and efficacy.

Treats: Pleasure Meets Nutrition

Treats are not just rewards — they are an integral part of the bond with your dog and can even complement their nutrition when chosen well. The key is selecting treats with simple, natural ingredients in controlled amounts.

At My Home Treats, each biscuit contains only 2 to 8 calories and is made with fruits and vegetables as the first ingredient, slow-dried at low temperature to preserve antioxidants. This is the opposite of mass-produced treats loaded with by-products and additives.

To choose the right training treat, look for small, low-calorie biscuits that are easy to break into pieces. Also see our guide to hypoallergenic treats if your dog has sensitivities.

Articles to Read

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Nutrition

How many times a day should I feed my dog?

For a healthy adult dog, 2 meals per day is the standard recommendation (morning and evening). Puppies under 4 months need 3 to 4 meals daily, then 2 to 3 until 6 months. Some senior dogs may benefit from smaller, more frequent meals if their digestion has become more sensitive.

Are grains bad for dogs?

No, not automatically. The majority of dogs digest quality grains like oats, barley and rice perfectly well. The "grain-free" movement was popularized by marketing, but the FDA has raised potential concerns linking some grain-free diets to dilated cardiomyopathy. What matters most is the overall recipe quality, not the presence or absence of grains.

How do I know if my dog has a food allergy?

The most common symptoms are persistent itching (especially on paws, ears and belly), recurring ear infections, skin redness and chronic digestive issues. A reliable diagnosis requires an elimination diet of 8 to 12 weeks supervised by a veterinarian.

Is raw food (BARF) better for dogs?

There is no scientific consensus showing raw diets are superior to high-quality cooked food. Risks include bacterial contamination (salmonella, E. coli) and nutritional imbalance if the diet is not formulated by a professional. If you choose raw, work with a veterinary nutritionist.

Can my dog be vegetarian?

Technically, a dog can survive on a properly formulated vegetarian diet (unlike cats, which are strict carnivores). However, it is complex to balance and absolutely requires supervision from a veterinary nutritionist. It is not recommended without professional guidance.